As we begin a new year, it is time to reflect. Here are some thoughts on choices. We all make choices in life. Among other things, I chose consulting — it did not happen by chance. I’ve long been inspired by this popular quote: Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took […]
This post was inspired by “A Letter to Young Women, in the Age of Trump”. Very well said, but sadly, too many comments by trolls reflected the bullying Trump mentality. One piece of advice she offered: Think about starting your own thing. This is what’s exciting; we have the ability to start our own businesses […]
Bigger than you think. According to a recent study by McKinsey & Company, between 20-30% of the working population in the US and Europe are free lancers (doing gigs.) That translates to over 160 million people. Not too shabby, I’d say. Rather than wade through the 148 page study, check out this latest post at […]
Even at a young age, it was becoming apparent that I was not destined to be a good corporate rat. I just didn’t realize it at the time… As a junior in Electrical Engineering, it was time to interview for a summer job. Rather important, for if successful, you would likely receive a full time […]
This post was inspired by “Fear and Loathing in Sales” at Trusted Advisor. The author addresses the irrational fear that professionals often have about selling. I once shared that fear. But realizing that if I wanted to be in business for myself, I needed to overcome that fear – or at least get some experience. […]
This post was inspired by a 2011 post by Pam Slim (Avatars, Ecosystems, and Watering Holes), where she discusses creating you own healthy business ecosystem. But what happens when an ecosystem collapses? Most people panic, but a few recognize the opportunities — often excellent for starting a consulting practice. Scientists tell us every major extinction […]
Scored the hat-trick*… meeting THREE of my favorite bloggers/authors/philosophers all in one week. How great is that? Chris Gullibeau – Art of Non Conformity – Chris was in town promoting his latest book, Born For This, already #5 on the NY Times nonfiction list.(To be reviewed in a future post.) Like his earlier two books, […]
It was a year ago this month that my business partner passed away from cancer. To say the past year was stressful would be an understatement. Bill and I were good friends and business partners for almost 40 years. I miss him every day. But life goes on. The fog is lifting, and the paths ahead […]
‘Tis the political season, and all the mudslinging, lies, outrageous proposals. Not sure about you, but it makes me weary, and even a bit concerned. What really scares me is that so many blindly buy into all the political BS. Maybe it is time to put this in perspective with a little rant. Allow me […]
Too many “entrepreneurial” bloggers suggest you simply “follow your passion.” Unfortunately, that alone is not enough. You better be able to make money at it! Here are two stories that illustrate the point: The Ice Cream Store… At a professional meeting some years ago, one of my colleagues said to ask Dick about his ice […]
Here is a reply I left on a LinkedIn discussion, titled “Are you an Ambivert?” The post was by Dr. Travis Bradberry, the co-author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0. In his article, Dr. Bradberry challenges the conventional pigeon-holing of personalities as either introvert or extrovert. Rather, he points out that most of us are a combination […]
You’re intrigued by consulting, but you’re bored with your job. The idea of the same old grind has little appeal. So what else might you try? Ask yourself, “What excited me at ten years old?” Many of you pursued a career that really didn’t interest you, but did it because it was the “right” thing […]
Welcome to a brand new year! Most years I am a bit sad to see the old year end, but this year I am happy to see 2015 out and excited to see 2016 in. The past year has been rough — but life goes on. Even in sad times, life is a grand adventure. […]
On the fence about whether to stay or leave your present job? Here is some advice I was given many years ago as a young engineer. In any situation, you have three choices … accept things as they are … change them … or leave… Really quite simple. I applied this test several times, and […]
Here is a reply left at one of my favorite blogs, A Satisfying Journey, where fellow Arizona blogger Bob Lowry muses about trust. He cites a Pew Research survey that shows trust in government is at an all time low. He also cites examples of the lack of trust in institutions, and even marriages. But […]
Time for a mini-rant. With the political season in full swing, the snarky comments flow on the Internet. But as a consultant, not a good idea to publicize your views, no matter how tempting. This post was inspired by a recent comment on a popular business blog. One guy took a cheap political shot totally […]
Here is a salute to my late brother-in-law. It really has nothing to do with consulting, but everything to do with being a gracious human being. It is also a salute to all who have served. Thank you! P.S. – Fifty years ago this week I was a young engineering student on my way to […]
This post was inspired by a popular RV blog I’ve followed and enjoyed for several years. The author added this to a recent blog post: PRIVACY POLICY AT OUR CAMPS: NO VISITORS, NO DROP-INS, NO PHOTOS, NO EXCEPTIONS. THANK YOU. This accompanied a terse reply to an RV newbie who expressed hope in meeting her, […]
Here are five questions to ask yourself when starting a consulting practice — or any small business. This post was inspired by an answer to a business post on franchising vs independence. Good advice for new consultants too. (1) Is it interesting and motivating? There are consulting opportunities everywhere, but you will do much better […]
How much IS enough? The question still haunts me… Here are three stories. All three affected my thinking. Perhaps they will affect yours. Story 1… The question of enough was posed by a fellow consultant several years ago. His wife had just been diagnosed with cancer, and we were talking after a professional society meeting. […]
