I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
Just Because You Can
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A few years ago, I had this startling realization. I was frustrated with my business and a business partner who didn't understand how to run a business. I was tapped out and running on fumes most of the time, and I needed to figure out how to turn things around and bring some joy back into my life. I listed all my skills, responsibilities, and services and then circled everything that sparked even the tiniest bit of excitement in me. Here's what I realized: Nearly everything I was good at that somebody was willing to pay me for I no longer wanted to do. [insert image of brain exploding here.] Yeah, I didn't want to do 99% of the work I was doing anymore. Yikes! I'd love to tell you that my life changed on that day and from that moment on, I only did things that made me happy. But, life doesn't usually work that way. I had commitments and bills and contracts...and a partner. It took some time to unravel everything and devise a plan—one I'm still honing to this day. What I can tell you is that I wouldn't be here doing what I do if it weren't for that day and that realization. Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you have to do it. Today, I also realize that just because you're good at something doesn't mean you're not also good at many other things. I make it a regular habit to do a self-inventory at least once a year to make sure I'm still on a path I actually want to travel. One where at least 80% of the time I'm investing in things that bring me some level of joy. The other 20% is the work part—it may not be fun, but it is necessary. How about you? What's your joy-to-work ratio? If you need some help figuring out how to up the joy in the work you do, reach out to me. I'm happy to help you get on the right path. If you missed it, check out last week's message on co-creation. Your success is our strategy! |
Easily Said & Done
I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
Hi Reader, Something I've been enjoying of late are multiple influencers showcasing the limits of ChatGPT and the like. One guy asks it some pretty basic questions, such as to name a number between one and one hundred that includes the letter 'a.' (Spoiler alert: there aren't any). ChatGPT lies to his face over and over again. Another one provides examples of business fails due to AI. Some are pretty extraordinary. But here's the thing, this isn't just a harmless gimmick, it's a warning cry,...
Have you seen the video of McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski trying to promote the new Big Arch burger ahead of its March 3rd launch? How about any of the many, many videos or memes negging on it for a host of reasons, including how Kempczinski refers to the burger as "a delicious product" or his failure to take a real bite of it, seeming almost disgusted by it. To me, there are three great marketing stories going on here. 1. Going Viral Isn't the Goal Yes, there is such a thing as bad PR and...
This fall my mom was diagnosed with mild-to-moderate dementia. While sad, it did not come as a surprise. It's one reason I sold her house and we moved in together late last summer. At first, I planned outings to the Y and other senior programs, scheduled visits from family and friends, coordinated physical therapy appointments, and designed little daily activities to keep her engaged and stimulated. This winter it's gotten harder and harder to get mom out of bed let alone dressed and out the...