Just The Write Words

We Take Care of ALL Your Wordly Desires!

Blog

Thanks for reading these posts!
For current blog posts, please visit our official blog at www.JustTheWriteWords.wordpress.com



A Biz of Your Own

or
Riding The Entrepreneurial Roller Coaster

Have you ever had your own business?  Have you ever considered it? 

I don’t mean something part-time, on the side, like a multi-level marketing thing that you hock to your friends and co-workers at your 9-5 job. I’m talking about a business you run yourself that makes you the money that pays for your food and puts gas in your car and a roof over your head, etc. I’m talking about a business that you start from scratch or maybe even some little business that you buy from someone else and have to bust your ass to make it profitable. That sort of owning your own business…

I understand why most people shy away from that sort of thing. You start out as everything—merchandiser, marketer, pr person, clerk, bookkeeper, customer service “specialist,” janitor, etc, etc. If/when you get the business to be a little bit profitable, you start hiring other people to do some of those jobs.  I know it’s all the rage to say “when…” but in this case, I want you to understand that IF is still the biggest little word in the English language when it comes to business.

Most independent business owners who rely on their business for their full income, work long hours and wear many hats. Michael Gerber, author of "The E Myth Revisited" and several other books, emphasizes the importance of creating duplicatable systems, documenting them and teaching them to others as quickly as possible.  The fewer hats you wear, the bigger your business can grow and the less stressed out you will be.  It really doesn’t matter what sort of business you have, those growth principles are the same.  By following this system, you can focus on what you do best, which is probably growing your business, and strategizing how you will grow your business.

There is nothing worse than someone who has never owned their own business full-time, telling you how to run your business. Or telling you that you spend too much time at it.  How would they know?  They’ve never done it!  That’s not to say that some people may have some great ideas for improving your business… especially customers, but anyone who is overly critical may have some other agenda (jealousy perhaps?) rather than offering constructive improvement ideas.

Speaking of improvements, I do recommend having a regular vehicle for customer feedback, whether it’s a suggestion box, email invitations, questionnaires, or just chatting with them periodically. They are the folks sustaining your livelihood, so listen to what they have to say and be open to making improvements.  In fact, if you are stumped about how to handle a particular problem that effects customers, ask them for a solution and offer a freebie or discount to anyone who offers an idea, Maybe even offer a bigger prize to the person whose suggestion you utilize.  These sorts of things go a long way to making customers know how much you appreciate them! There’s nothing like knowing you are valued to keep you going back to the same place to spend your hard earned dollars. And as a business owner, that’s gold!

If you spend your life thinking about owning a business and never take the plunge, you’ll never know, but always wonder what it might have been like and if you could have been successful. These days, with no shortage of layoffs, it could do you good to be thinking about the type of business you might like to have. There are businesses you can start on a shoestring and there are franchise businesses you buy into for thousands (or hundreds of thousands) of dollars. And there is everything in between. 

It is always best to follow your passion and not just choose something because someone else is making money at it.  Take some time to consider what you really LOVE to do. This is so important because being in business for yourself is very hard work. Sometimes you might even think, “Why did I do this?” When you are doing something you enjoy, for the most part, you can get through the tough times a whole lot easier. 

If you are not sure what you want to do, start talking with business owners of the types of companies that interest you most. Take them to coffee, lunch or meet them at a networking event. Ask lots of questions… What do they like and dislike about their business?  What is the toughest part of it? How did they get started? What did they need to know before they could get started?  Or, better still, what do they wish they knew before they got started! There’s nothing like the voice of experience to help you figure out what you want to do. Those people could become great resources for you down the road too, once you get your business off the ground.

Every business has its frustrations. The folks you meet as you do your research may end up being part of your mastermind support structure, offering pointers about solving some of the difficulties you face. This is also why Michael Gerber’s principles are so important. You want to create systems as best you can and then turn the jobs over to people who are good at those things. That way you can do what you do best, which is probably what you love most.

Don’t shy away from having your own business. Just remember that you have to stick with it through the tough times in order to get the rewards later.  And remember this too… Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity!


Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2008  11:45 pm


*******************************************************

Beware the Hairy Problem Monster!


Problem?  Don’t ignore it. It won’t go away on its own. You have to take action.


So often we want to just blow off a problem, not deal with it, take a mind numbing vacation like watch the tube, sleep, get stoned, get drunk, go fishing, go driving… whatever it is for you.

Some people have so many problems that they just want to get away from all of them, so they get drunk and stay drunk. We call those people alcoholics. If they go for drugs, we call them addicts.

The point is life is full of problems. Everyone has them, regardless of their age, financial or social status, religion, skin color, sex, etc. Everyone has problems. It’s part of life.

What are problems? Problems are really challenges… opportunities for growth and learning. Big problems suck. They are also Big opportunities resulting in major growth… that is, unless you blow them off.

Blown off problems get BIGGER––Just ask a recovering alcoholic!

So the question remains, what action do you take? Usually you know exactly what you need to do. It’s that thing that is difficult—that you don’t want to do. That’s what you need to do. It’s uncomfortable, it makes you want to wiggle around in your sneakers and put your hands in your pockets or through your hair or smoke another cigarette.

Problems are the stuff of life. They come up every day. When you deal with them head on, it gets easier. You also get more practiced. Rather than escalating, they shrink when you face them and tackle them right away. Like a cartoon, where you are running from the big, hairy monster that keeps getting bigger. Then you stop, turn around and walk straight up to that monster and embrace it, as it shrinks away to nothingness. But they will not go away on their own.

Take financial problems for example… When you lack the funds to handle your obligations, the least you can do is call your creditors and let them know. Work out some arrangements or make a plan to speak with them again by a certain date and do it. If you are waiting for a call back and don’t get it within a reasonable period of time (a week), call them again. Go there, if you are in proximity to do so. Do whatever you have to do to handle the situation as immediately as possible. When it comes to money, people don’t want to be messed with. You’ve got to take care of your obligations.

When money matters escalate, it affects your credit, your peace of mind, and could land you in court, or worse. You could end up without heat (or air conditioning), hot water, gas for cooking, lights, your car, a roof over your head, etc. Whereas, if you had aggressively tackled the situation until you got it resolved, it may have been annoying, but would not end up with all of the resulting further problems. The important phrase here is “UNTIL YOU GOT IT RESOLVED.” It’s easy to make one phone call or even two, but to have to deal with an issue relentlessly over a period of time is a pain in the butt. So be it. The alternative is worse. (Ask me how I know.)

Ok, lets talk about relationship problems as another example… Yikes! I know I’m opening up a can of worms here; nice, fat, juicy worms. When things aren’t working in a relationship, most often there is a communication breakdown. But it’s not what you think of on the surface of communication. Communication is putting yourself into the other person’s head and getting what they are feeling down deep.

It is very common in relationships that one person doesn’t acknowledge the other person’s feelings. They think those feelings are silly or don’t matter, that they’re unimportant. Oftentimes, one person doesn’t even understand their own feelings. They may have fears that are the basis for whatever it is and they may not even be aware of them. They are a ball of emotion and don’t know why. (Like I said, a can of worms…)

Harville Hendrix, in his book “Getting the Love You Want” explains it best when he talks about how we choose relationships to fill a gap, deny ourselves something either positive or negative, or fulfill a prophecy of our childhood complications. (Lots more juicy worms.) The possibilities are endless here. But there is hope and can be true fulfillment when we go forward purposefully to find a solution.

The thing is, if we don’t do it with one partner, we will have the opportunity to do it with another, and another, and another, until death (or until we choose to live in a cave and not interact with the rest of the world). And then, if you believe in reincarnation, you will have the opportunity again, in the next life, until you get the issues resolved. Why wait? I mean, I know that sometimes you just have to move on ‘cuz the other person isn’t willing to work things out. Ok, so they will have the opportunity with someone else and so will you. Hopefully the next person is willing…

If you are having relationship problems, you need to address them sooner rather than later. Life is too short. And if you choose someone to be your partner in life, it makes sense to deal with the issues. Once you get beyond the “honeymoon” phase, you’re gonna have problems. That’s just a given. But, like I said above, problems are really challenges that increase our maturity.

Embrace the opportunities for growth in relationships!  You can get to amazing places that you never even imagined existed. No, that doesn’t mean no problems—but it does mean that you have the ability to deal with issues that come up, head-on and both feel good about the process and outcome.

If you can’t get it resolved on your own, get assistance!  Some people just want to do everything on their own. They pride themselves on “not needing anyone’s help” for anything. They dig their heels in and that’s that, as far as they’re concerned. Unfortunately, one day they may wakeup all alone, feeling like a failure. No! No! No!  There is no point to that whatsoever. What the heck do you have to prove?  Isn’t it better to have a great relationship sooner rather than later?

Let’s face it, we are often like a fish-to-water when it comes to looking at aspects of ourselves.

There are so many possible ways to get assistance that is satisfying and fulfilling, allowing you to expand beyond your difficulties. There is counseling with an Imago therapist (the therapy created by Harville Hendrix); you could just read Harville Hendrix’s book together and have related discussions; you could participate in the Landmark Forum together; or you could sit down with a mutual friend who knows you both, and just dig into your issues, with them as referee.

You could choose something else, too. But if your choice is to do nothing, that is exactly what you will get. Nothing. Same old, same old. No change. LIFE IS TOO SHORT!

If you are reading this, you are an intelligent person. You have already conquered many issues in your life—some on your own and some with assistance. We can’t all do everything perfectly. And not everything comes easily.

You are probably using all sorts of resources outside of yourself in many areas of your life. Perhaps you utilize an attorney or an accountant, a hairdresser or a dentist. I’ll bet you use the spell-check feature in your computer! So, why should assistance with your relationship be any different? If you were so good in that area, you wouldn’t be having difficulties! 

Point made. Got a problem? Take action! You can drive around, lost, wasting gas and time, missing out on the party you wanted to get to, or you can ask for directions! The choice is yours.

Posted on Sunday, June 15, 2008 3:27pm

**********************************************

The Choices We Make

Ah, yes.... the ups and downs of life and the choices we make!

Some of us are the risk takers and we put ourselves in places that few would understand. They think we're crazy and wonder why we don't just "settle down" and get a "real job."

We live on the edge, reaching for the best fruit, making the biggest mistakes and falling the hardest. We also have the greatest rewards when we keep on pushing through the difficult times, focused on our lofty goals (that others would call impossible). We know nothing is impossible -- unless you quit -- and we are not quitters.

Sometimes, we get so used to having it tough that we forget that we can also have it good and great and that we actually deserve to have it great! The tough times are just a blip on the radar, not a permanent condition.

There are so many people that thrive on being victims that the rest of us get the impression that it is somehow right and correct. It is NOT! They are the anomaly pushing their way on the rest of us so they can feel that it is somehow the way life is supposed to be. They are wrong. They want to drag everyone down to their level so they can justify their crappy lives. It is our own fault if we allow ourselves to be sucked in. We must respond with a hearty NO!

We must hold fast to our knowledge that life is meant to be lived fully and our galactic goals are meant to be reached. THAT is why we are here. We are the ones who lift the ones who want to be lifted and leave behind the victims to their own demise. It is not to be cruel. It is just the choice that everyone has -- people choose to be victims or not.

For those of us who choose LIFE, we cannot waste our energy with those who choose anything else. We must remain focused on our path and not deviate from it or we become like those who have chosen a different path.

We know there is more, so much more and really, we have no time to get caught up in other people's drama. We must use every second and every bit of energy to work our plan because it is THAT BIG. Anything else is a distraction, a test, or a curve ball. We become adept at dodging them, to the point where we see them coming and we simply step aside without any energy to do so -- like Neo when he finally sees the Matrix.

So we gravitate to those who are aligned with our goals and who can support us in reaching our goals, and let all others drop away. It is necessary, so that our energy is used for our own purposes. We cannot afford to spend it on those who would want less of us, so they can have our energy for themselves.

That's all for now.  Have a great, fantastic day!!


Posted on Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008, 11:15 AM


*************************************

Musings... Work it, Baby!


    Musings.... You are not alone....

Too often people sacrifice what they love, who they are, what they're about, what they want, for something else or someone else.

They put their lives on hold, figuring that they will have more time, more money or whatever, to pursue their dreams later.

I don't know where that idea began, but it is false and stupid.  Certainly there are some divergences that are worthwhile and directed, giving the person more information, experience or even credibility to pursue what they want.  But, unfortunately, more often than not, they set aside their true love for some other ideal.

Let's say that it's money.  "If I just do THIS for a while, I will have money to pursue THAT all I want, later."  The thing is, that by the time you realize that you're not making the money you expected or you just can't stand doing whatever "THIS" is, and you're depressed about not living a satisfying life -- so much time has gone by.

And truly, if you had just stayed on your track of doing what you love, pursuing your dreams, you would be so much closer to your achievement and probably much happier too!

Some people sacrifice their lives for parenthood.  I have always believed in portable children -- and mine were!  I also continued to work and pursue my dreams while being a mother.  There were times that I did sacrifice my dreams and pursue someone else's, but that had less to do with children than it did with spousing.

The point is, sacrificing any part of yourself is usually unnecessary.  You have to view yourself as worthy to have what you want... that no else's life gets to trump yours.  This is particularly difficult for women because we are taught to sacrifice what we want for the sake of children and husbands and even strangers.  Our job is to make sure others are happy, fed, satisfied, etc.  This has been bred into us like race horses.  But when you find yourself, and stand sure in your self-esteem,  you can find your own happiness and satisfaction.

I know there is the time of motherhood when you give so much more of yourself to an infant.  So, in that sense, perhaps there is a time when you become unavailable or a lot less available to yourself.  BUT, it still depends on how you approach it.  You can give over a little more and still be solid in who you are.  You share that with your child and maintain a certain amount of autonomy, which is good for both of you.

I know there is the time of the entrepreneur when one just begs for money coming in, in order to pursue that dream... And too many times, the entrepreneur grabs hold of something, just because it has worked for someone else... perhaps someone whose dream it really was... and they think that it will work for them.  They may even jump from thing to thing because nothing is working and nothing is satisfying.  The key is to focus on the true intention, the true artistry and passion and follow that -- because all the years of wasted time on things that really didn't hold the passion could have been spent expanding and pursuing one's true goal and passion.  It would have been much more satisfying and much more worthwhile financially.

Focusing on the true intention, true artistry and passion means delving deeper and deeper into that, whatever it is.  There are so many avenues to explore for creating revenue with one's passion.  There is no shortage.  It has been said, "Where there's a will, there's a way!"  That is a deep truth.  The will is behind the greatest success because when your will is strong, you will never give up.  You keep your dream in the forefront, always, and then you work it, baby!  You work it like crazy!  You work the hell out of that passion, that will.  You work it as if it's the "other thing" that will get you the money so you can go back to what you love.  Only it's so much better, so much more satisfying because it IS the THING YOU LOVE.

Then you will see what happens....


Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007, 10:45 PM