This quote struck me as particularly appropriate for these times. Best to cultivate at “attitude of gratidude.” Weary of all the whiners and complainers. Be happy instead. “Be thankful for what you have; You’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever, have enough.” Oprah Winfrey Best wishes […]
As you know, this blog is more than just about consulting — it is about Independence — Ocupational, Financial, and Locational. Here is a clip from the 2014 movie, the Gambler, where John Goodman expounds on being in the position of “F*** You.” I could not say it better myself. –WARNING — If crude language offends […]
This post was sparked by two recent events — both resulting in happy endings… Event # 1… A firm I greatly respect recently announced they were seeking a part time coach for consultants. Eight to twelve hours a week, as part of a paid program to help struggling consultants take their business to the next […]
Here is an answer posted to the question “Any Regrets About Retiring Sooner?” at a private financial forum to which I belong. I thought the question applicable here regarding making a JumpToConsulting. When my business partner was dying from cancer, I asked him if he had any regrets about our business. He replied with an ironic […]
This personal story that dates back to 1977, when it hit me it was time to make a career change. That would ultimately lead to my JumpToConsulting ten years later. Wistfully gazing out the airplane window as Waikiki receded below — where Mary and I had just spent the week basking in the tropical December sun and playing […]
For over 25 years, training was an important part of our consulting business. Financially rewarding, too. But I must confess we didn’t plan it that way… Here is the story, as shared with colleagues in a program in which I participate. (Teach Your Gift Pro by Mirasee.) My first encounter with Mirasee was in 2018, […]
Here is a “Pearl of Wisdom” from fellow engineer and blogger at RJ’s Corner. In these politically tumultuous times, this really resonated with me. Is it about me, or is it about you? “The single biggest thing I learned was from an indigenous elder of Cherokee descent, Stan Rushworth, who reminded me of the difference […]
Time for a Mini-Rant… In 1968, my wife and I were denied our right to vote. I am still annoyed. We were married in June that year, and moved to a new state for both of us. Thanks to a Catch-22 were were not allowed to vote in November, as we had not met an arbitrary six-month […]
Here is a reply I left on a private forum on personal finance that I thought might be of interest. The questions was “What do you say when people ask if you are retired?” In my 70s I probably look the part. I collect SS and my RMD. But I still dabble with my consulting […]
This blog in not focused solely on Consulting, but also in achieving Independence (Occupational, Financial, and/or Locational). Consulting is but one way to achieve any or all. It has worked well for me, and why I share my personal experiences in hopes it may help others. Here are two books I recently read — memoirs […]
Here is a reply I left at “Husker Connect,” an alumni forum at the University of Nebraska. As an aside, I was by far the oldest alum to reply to this question. Can not believe it has been over 50 years 🙂 Some Huskers are considering a career change. Why (and how) did you take […]
Time for a harsh reality check from Uncle Daryl. No, it is not all peaches & cream starting and running a consulting practice… or any business. But for me, it still beats working for somebody else. This post was inspired by an almost constant barrage of human interest stories on the news about people losing […]
Good advice from a recent newsletter by Bob Bly, fellow engineer turned successful copywriter and consultant. I could not say it better myself. Dear Direct Response Letter Subscriber: Subscriber GR writes: “I’m mostly interested in starting and running a successful freelance copywriting business. I’m not a fast writer, but I write good copy. In my last job, […]
Here is a recent letter from a young civil engineer, and my reply. It has been sanitized to protect his identity. I am a civil engineer with 5 years of experience, with a have a Master’s in Project management. Currently at my first workplace, I feel misplaced and the thought of taking a leap into […]
One year ago today we were celebrating July 4 with grandchildren in Wisconsin Dells. Floating down the Lazy River at a water park, eating hot dogs, and later watching fireworks from our hotel balcony. It was a grand way to celebrate our nation’s independence! This year we are hunkered down in Arizona with families thousands […]
With the COVID pandemic, many businesses have seen drastic reductions in revenues. This includes consulting firms. So what do you do? Don’t panic. OK, maybe for a moment or so, but then put on your consulting thinking cap, and start figuring out some alternate plans. After all, that is what we do as consultants — solve problems […]
Ran across this advice years ago, and it has guided me through several job changes, including becoming an independent consultant back in 1987. The advice consists of three questions: COULD I do it? SHOULD I do it? And if so, HOW how do I do it? COULD I DO IT? This is the most important, […]
As a board member at an HOA (homeowners association) one of the residents kept asking me, “Why can’t you do this? Why don’t you do that?” Finally, in polite desperation, I said, “Why don’t YOU do it?” If you feel strongly about it, take the ball and run. If you wait for others, it may never […]
Do you want to make your JumpToConsulting, but the voices in your head hold you back? Yes, I often felt the way 32 year ago. But I jumped anyway, and am I glad I did! So lets talk about overcoming those fears. The catalyst for this post was the book Mastering Fear. Written by former Navy SEAL […]
Heard this story years ago, and decided to share it here. It goes like this: Two neighbors lived across a creek from each other. There was a small bridge connecting their two properties, and they became friends and enjoyed each other’s company. But then there was a falling out, and neither spoke to each other. […]
