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Share Kate, thanks so much for this. I can relate to everything that you wrote about here. I too found the isolation very difficult to deal with. And I also made the same type of changes, including hiring a business coach and spending more time reaching out to other women like me. It has made all the difference in the world. In a corporate environment, your business colleagues provide a built in support and social system. When you work on your own, it is key to recreate that as best you can. That is a huge lesson and something that I am passing along to others who are thinking of venturing out on their own. Good luck in 2009!
Life, Prosperity, and Small Business Coach. Author. Speaker. Trainer. Singer/Songwriter.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Very helpful
out of 10
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Eight Lessons My Business Taught Me in 2008
Learning from mistakes: eight things I thought I knew. Journey with me to overcome isolation, get perspective, take care of "the boss", build a support system, shift identity, express yourself, plant seeds, and prune what grows.
Written Dec 31, 2008, read 2575 times since then.
T. Harv Eker says the three most dangerous words in the English language are "I know that."
I'm looking at these 8 lessons, the initial result of my reflection over the past year, and I'm thinking, "But I already knew this!" Then I remember something else Harv said:
"If you're not doing something... You must not know it!"
Sometimes we have to experience something to really "know" it. While book learning is great, the lessons from our own lives are the ones we remember.
These are eight I shall not forget:
1. Isolation is Not Fertile Ground.
I had heard about "the isolation of the entrepreneur," but I did not fully experience it until this year. I've been self-employed for 14 years, formerly in the restaurant and real estate businesses, but was oftentimes surrounded by employees, colleagues and customers.
In 2007, I weaned myself off of my habit of selling houses and began my "realtor recovery." At the same time, I moved from Seattle to a little town of 2,000 people 30-some miles east of Seattle. While I was more than ready to leave real estate, and excited to pursue coaching and music more full-time, I didn't fully anticipate the impact of transitioning from a social, collaborative city office to working in the country. At home. Alone.
The rolling hills, walks in the woods, and whinnying horses were soul-soothing at first, and a welcome change of pace. But by the time 2008 hit, the isolation grew difficult to deal with. I found myself spending too much time in the recesses of my mind, and not enough in the company of friends and colleagues. I lost focus and momentum.
Although I progressed on my music cd, my coaching and workshop business stalled. Ironically, I had left real estate so that I could expand this business, but it was not expanding.
By springtime, tasks such as "getting my website done" had become excuses to beat myself up rather than reasons to get up in the morning. I seemed busy all the time, but I was very inefficient, often distracting myself with things other than work. I started to wonder if I had made a mistake.
2. Get Away, Get Perspective
About that time an opportunity came up for me to staff a women's retreat in Sedona, AZ with some dear friends. Hiking, soul-searching, artwork, singing, dancing, girlfriends, vegetarian food... ahh! The time away hit the spot, and I found myself nurtured by the other women and the natural beauty of the retreat center.
There's nothing like a change in routine to interrupt a pattern that's not working and gain some perspective.
I take a reflection and goal setting retreat at the end of each year - typically the best three days of my year - but this year, I found I needed several retreats!
While in AZ, I looked at what normally sustained me and moved me forward: a balance of support, learning, time to creatively work "on" my business as well as "in" my business, and time to nurture myself. But my balance had tipped. My self-care routines had broken down. I had become isolated, and worse, discouraged.
It was time for some changes.
3. Take Care of the Boss
When I worked for too many days in a row as a realtor, I used to joke about my "mean boss." (Of course, I was my own boss.) But burn-out is no laughing matter.
There is no substitution for self care.
I started separating work from non-work times, which always makes both more effective for me. I made sure I got out and did something "fun" at least once a week. (Otherwise, the days just become one big blur.)
I started hiking again. I learned to sail. I read for fun. I went to bed earlier.
I watched my energy and chose not to spend time with people who left me drained. I spent more time with people who left me inspired and powerful.
4. Build a Support System.
I joined friends who were also coaches and workshop leaders in a coaching and masterminding group by phone. This was a tremendous support to my business and kept me on-task with goals.
I stopped whining about my unfinished website and produced not one but two websites using simple templates. I got the music equipment I needed to be able to "take my show on the road" and scheduled three cd release concerts by summer.
Still, I was missing regular face-to-face contact, which was impractical in our long-distance coaches group. And I knew less than half a dozen people within 10 miles of my new home!
So... I joined a weekly business networking group I had heard about from friends.
Meeting weekly with other business owners was a synergistic kick in the pants. I started scheduling workshops, printed new cards, and once again gained momentum in my workshop and coaching business.
5. Shift from "Hobbyist" to Business Owner
Yes, I found support, connections, and referrals in my weekly networking group, but that wasn't the only value I discovered in it. It may sound silly, but the simple exercise of introducing myself each week as "Kate Phillips with Total Wealth Coaching" was exactly what I needed.
I needed an "identity shift."
I had noticed that when people asked me what I did, I paused. Then I might find myself saying, "Well, I was a realtor for 8 years, but now I'm doing..."
The truth was, I had been a realtor for so long, I hadn't fully absorbed my new "identities" as a coach and musician. I wasn't congruent within myself. Sure, I had written music and led workshops for years, but they hadn't been my "business." And I was still thinking of them - and treating them - like hobbies.
6. Plant More Seeds.
Once I understood the value in networking, I started networking like a maniac. I started using social media. I found friends on Facebook. I found fans on MySpace. I found Linked In connections with old colleagues.
Then I joined Biznik and a women's business network the same week. What tremendous communities these were - with infinite opportunities for face-to-face contact as well as online networking! I started my "dream support group" of local coaches. (The Coach's Cooperative, we meet monthly through Biznik).
Soon I had 100 new friends and acquaintances, and seemingly endless opportunities for mutual support, brainstorming, masterminding, and collaboration. I was in solopreneur heaven!
7. Use the Power of the Pen (or keyboard!)
By the end of August, I was blogging and writing articles for Biznik. I met more new people, expanding my network further. One blogger invited me to write a guest post; another featured me in their blog.
Even more importantly, I started to find my voice. (Or voices... perhaps I have multiple personalities!) It had been hard to express myself in a vacuum, and difficult to grow my businesses without feedback and interaction.
Writing also helped me be a better speaker! When I've taken the time to articulate ideas in writing, I find it easier to express myself verbally. Writing blogs, articles, and e-Newsletters continues to develop me in every way.
8. Pruning my Network, Focusing my Energy
By early November, the pendulum had swung to the other side. I was the opposite of isolated - I was overwhelmed! I was meeting for classes, events and networking coffee dates sometimes two or three times a day. I went to every Biznik event that looked interesting or fun. Whee!
If connections, networking, and relationships are good, then more must be better, right?
Wrong. While my extrovert side was now well-fed, my inner introvert was exhausted. I was meeting people faster than I could follow up with them, making my networking ineffective. I could hardly squeeze in coaching clients, much less find the time and inspiration to write songs and articles and take daily walks. I was losing focus again, and spreading myself too thin. I looked at all my social media contacts and "friends" and had no idea who some of them even were.
Again, time for some perspective. WHY was I doing each activity? Which networks were creating prospects, customers, clients, or quality connections with other business owners? Which were simply time-consuming entertainment?
Which activities and networks moved my business forward, and which should be personal activities? Which were a good value? Which drained my cashflow?
What did my business need next, and what was the best way to accomplish it?
I've made changes, and will continue to make them. I'm being more intentional with my time. I'm reading several key books to give me perspective and new ideas. (I can't wait for 2009!) Self-care went back on my priority list. (It should never fall off that list, but occasionally it does.)
And yes, it's time for another "perspective retreat." I'll get away for it soon, but reflecting on the year while snowed in is a nice start!
What are your reflections, gifts, challenges and lessons of 2008?
Founder of Total Wealth Coaching, Kate Phillips is a Speaker, Trainer, Coach and "Financial Healer," assisting solopreneurs in creating wealth from the inside out. She is also a professional singer-songwriter.
Learn more about the author, Kate Phillips.
Comment on this article
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Posted by Veronica Mayo, Bellevue, Washington |Dec 31, 2008 -
Posted by Corbet Curfman, Bainbridge Island, Washington |Dec 31, 2008 Great article Kate. I can relate and learn from many of these lessons. I think what sticks out the most to me is finding the activities that support your business goals. It is easy to get swept into one activity and ignore others. How to find a balance between business and personal initiatives is key. I'm still searching for that right combination.
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Posted by Jack Fecker, Seattle, Washington |Dec 31, 2008 Way to go Kate. This sounds exactly like my 2008. I joined Biznik in Feb. and now have new friends and a huge support group. Jane and I too moved out in the country and felt a little isolated. This year has been my make new connections year and it has worked even better than expected. Years ago I used the term "If there is one thing I have learned". I have since changed that word to 'learning". Our language and phrases trip us up a lot and if there is one thing I'm learning is the learning never ends. Thank you for a excellent personal article. It's really refreshing when authors put themselves in there stories as you have.
Jack
100 Ideas an Hour -
Posted by Jane Bakken, Seattle, Washington |Dec 31, 2008 Great article! Brilliant mix of pragmatism, humor, storytelling and wisdom.
You are an awesome writer, Kate, and I know your contributions to Biznik and the world will continue to evolve and that you will touch many!
Kind Regards, Jane Bakken
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Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington |Dec 31, 2008 Veronica, Corbet, and Jane, Thank-you for your comments and contributions!
And Jack, your last article inspired me to "put myself out there" and reveal more of myself in my article, so thank-you for being a mentor and an example. (And I know that you and Jane know all about the gifts and challenges of living in Carnation!)
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Posted by Sue Oliver, Tacoma, Washington |Jan 02, 2009 Right on Kate! I loved this article -- practical and powerful tips as I move foward. Heck, these are great ideas for some of my small business clients too!
Keep it up. Bravo.
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Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington |
Jan 02, 2009 Thanks Sue! I'm sure that coaches can releate to several of these challenges (and, as you say, other small business owners too.)
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Posted by Piper Lauri Salogga, Seattle, Washington |Jan 02, 2009 An awesome powerful voice. Thanks for exposing to help all of us learn. I'm taking away many thoughts but especially the pruning and more thoughtful commitments!
Look forward to meeting you sometime Kate.
Piper
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Posted by Karen Floyd, Seattle, Washington |Jan 02, 2009 Kate,
I appreciate your taking the time to review and articulate your experiences. 'Balancing Acts' are often feats! I find myself moving through cycles of not enough and too much at times.
Very recently I took 2 months off to see what I would do with my time hoping to discover what I really wanted to create. It has been a very interesting experiment!
I did not have any rules for myself except that I stay present to my feelings and follow my intuition. I discovered that when I meet my own needs and desires I am more willing to do those things that need to be done. I found myself being more flexible than ever about commitments I made to myself and others when they were no longer comfortable and stopped serving. I let go of judging my value by how much or what I produced and more by how relaxed and happy I felt. That was a BIG one! Finding my balance is a moment by moment thing for me now and less of a goal. Learning to trust myself enough to listen to my feelings and acknowledge my needs without judgement has been life-changing.
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Posted by Anil Behal, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania |Jan 02, 2009 You got my attention Kate! What a well written piece.
As someone who considers himself to be a pretty tireless social networker and crusader for affordable online training and education worldwide, I too realize that I have ways to go; so many thanks for some eye-opening tips!
I recently founded an international alliance of coaches entitled "Coach Consultants Consortium" (see http://www.orgdyne.com/coach.html). The concept is based on the premise that external consultants, too often work as "lone wolves" and often lose sight of the very thing that keeps us in business..."marketing!" I conceptualized a model where international coaches/concultants could come together in a loose-leaf fashion to begin with, have their information and bios showcased on our web site (incidentally, our site currently receives 1000 hits a day), and have on-demand access to a suite of technology services such as web conferencing, teleconferencing, aysnchronous fora etc; all for a one-time membership fee. Please approach me if you are interested in joining the consortium!
Kate, I am just going ahead and sending you an invite on LInkedIn. I'd love to connect with yourself and others on this board who might be reading this post. Please feel free to send me a LinkedIn invite at orgdyne@gmail.com and I will happily accept!
Warmest regards and best wishes for a Happy New Year!
Anil Behal ORGDYNE Training & Consulting, LLC http://www.orgdyne.com
~Connecting People & Ideas Worldwide
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Posted by Jan Blencowe, Clinton, Connecticut |Jan 02, 2009 Thanks Kate! As an artist running a business is a bit foreign to me and it was good to hear that all solopreneur's experience these types of situations. I've been working hard at the business end and I think 2009 is going to be a great year for me, as long as I keep a balance as you point out. I find painting and marketing/business often fight for my attention. Guess which one I like to do more? LOL However, I realize the importance of "putting myself out there" and building networks for both support and connecting with clients. Thanks again for the clarity, humor and wisdom you've shared in your article.
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Posted by Rick Itzkowich, La Jolla, California |Jan 02, 2009 Kate,
I really enjoyed your article - especially the last point. It is very easy to get all caught up in the numbers and forget the reason for why we are networking. I have enjoyed developing our relationship online and I hope I'm not one of those you are "pruning."
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Posted by Bill Frieday, Wasaga Beach, Ontario Canada |Jan 02, 2009 Dear Kate, Your article really hits home and it is really difficult to find the right balance when you are all "alone." When we moved to small town Wasaga Beach (about 1 hour north of Toronto) I got involved in too many things to the detriment of earning a living and got "burned out." But even though I have cut back on certain activities the time spent getting known in a new community was worth it and is now paying dividends. Thanks for your thought provoking message. We'll look for more.
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Posted by Heather Mundell, Seattle, Washington |Jan 02, 2009 Kate, thanks for sharing your personal story and the lessons you've learned. It takes courage to write about what isn't/wasn't working, and I appreciate your candor.
Your points, especially about taking care of the boss and planting seeds, especially hit home.
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Posted by Paula Russell, Issaquah, Washington |Jan 02, 2009 Hi Kate, What a powerful, authentic voice you have! I really enjoyed reading your story--it contains a lot of food for thought and down to earth advice. I look forward to getting to know you better at E-Women Network.
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Posted by Eric Svaren, Seattle, Washington |Jan 02, 2009 Kate, thanks for laying out your hard-won lessons, the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them. I appreciate your candid and unvarnished style, and the content gives me much to think about. --Eric
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Posted by Piere Haghighi, San Francisco, California |
Jan 02, 2009 Kate, Great article, I am Posting it in my 16 year old Daughter's room and a copy for me. I am starting a new Business this year. Best Regards, Piere
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Posted by Lee Kaplanian, Seattle, Washington |Jan 02, 2009 WOW! Kate, you have hit the nail on the head! I could see myself as I read your article, sometimes I have felt unconcious as I find myself busy but not always sure at what. I have been so concerned about business connections and forgot about social support networks where I can just be myself and be energized as I help energize others. Sometimes I am so busy Doing that I forget Being - I have been slowly acknowledging things and habits in myself - the difference is in not blaming but just seeing what is and how to nurture and support myself while changing old habits. Good on you for putting into words what I have been thinking and feeling during 2008. I see 2009 as an opportunity to continue the changes I have begun and truly see myself as the amazing woman I am. There is still a part of me from early childhood training that still believes it is boasting to think well of myself - that voice is slowly growing quieter and fainter.
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Posted by Elizabeth Rightor MA MEd, Seattle, Washington |Jan 02, 2009 Kate, Thank you so much. Your journey through 2008 has mirrored some of my own. I, too, found myself thrown into networking and community, and had to take a step back to focus on self care. I've added my daily walks back into my schedule and made time for play a priority. As a result, I'm feeling more energized and more productive. I also like how you articulated how writing and getting feedback here on BizNik and other places spurs creativity. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings, Elizabeth
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Posted by Stephen Martin, Moss Beach, California |Jan 02, 2009 Kate. You hit the nail on the head when you talked about the isolation of the entrepreneur. Having worked for myself for 25 years I do understand the dangers of too much isolation. I also understand the dangers of too much companionship where nothing gets done except you hide out inside "togetherness". We need both and managing both is the trick. It gets easier with time. You learn when to seek companionship, and when to let it be. Seeking companionship and support requires vulnerability, which we as entrepreneurs don't let show very often, after all "we" are supposed to be the experts. So you have to balance companionship and vulnerability with individualism and personal strength. Great article. stephen
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Posted by Leslie Sierra, Seattle, Washington |Jan 02, 2009 Good article Kate! You put into words what I'd been struggling with: "spending too much time in the recesses of my mind, and not enough in the company of friends and colleagues. I lost focus and momentum." You've also listed good reminders - many it's good to be reminded of :-) Thanks for taking the time to share - and remind - us all!
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Posted by sabrina mantle, cincinnati, Ohio |Jan 02, 2009 Really good article, I am feeling the isolation part right now waiting for the social network to start expanding. I don't seem to have enough time to spend online to get the ball really rolling, so I'll just have to make little steps like this. But its good to hear what can happen when you work at it, thanks!
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Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington |
Jan 02, 2009 Thanks to all of you for taking the time to read and comment! I am honored.
Piper, I look forward to meeting you too, and have noticed your "presence" here online,
Karen, glad to hear you took that time out and are using what you learned in that time of reflection.
Anil, I will check into your resources, it sounds like you are creating a nice support system.
Jan, you are not alone in your challenges! And if you love painting so much more than marketing... is there a way you can partner with someone who loves marketing?
Rick, you would NEVER be pruned! You're one of the good apples! Actually, I find my Biznik network in general the most valuable of them all. Rarely do I get friend/network requests from strangers with no explanation or prior contact, like I do with Facebook!
Bill, glad your "seed-planting" is paying off!
You're welcome, Heather, thank for sharing.
Thanks, Paula, I look forward to getting to know you too!
Thank-you Eric,and Piere, to be posted in your room and your daughter's room is a high compliment!
Lee, I love your observations about "being" vs "doing" and your early training that thinking well of yourself is boasting. Great lessons.
Elizabeth, I'm signing off to go get ready for my walk! Wow, those daily walks are so valuable.
Stephan, Your point is well taken about the need to balance companionship with individualism and personal strength. If you haven't yet read Rachel Whalley's excellent Biznik article on "Introverts and Extroverts in Business: How to Avoid Energy Drain", you will really enjoy the article as well as the rich discussion that followed.
You're welcome, Leslie and Sabrina, thanks for your comments.
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Posted by Teresa Schmidt, Bellingham, Washington |Jan 03, 2009 Terrific! Well-written, honest, insightful and powerful stuff.
Thank you for sharing, Kate. All the best in 2009 for you!
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Posted by Patricia Kelley, Anacortes, Washington |Jan 03, 2009 Hi Kate,
Great article. I'm new to Biznik--but not new to much of what you have covered. As a serial entrepreneur/writer/marketing consultant/ change coach---I have to consciously work and create--and when I don't, the symptoms of isolation and rote thinking creep in.
The same goes with taking a break---it's an effort for me, but I'm getting better at it.
Wishing you much success in 2009!
Patty
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Posted by Laurie Berg, Seabeck, Washington |Jan 03, 2009 Thank you - My pendulum is swinging to the "overwhelmed with networking opportunities and can't follow up" side. What were the books that you read that put some of this in perspective that were mentioned at the end of your article?
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Posted by Sherry Parker, Seattle, Washington |Jan 03, 2009 Bravo, Kate! Thank you for writing an enjoyable article that provides valuable perspective for growth as a business owner. As a real estate agent "my boss" tends to overwork me, too, quite often...funny thing??
I have recently joined Biznik and your article brought to light the importance of keeping my primary reason for joining a networking organization in front of me at all times. I tend to enjoy the social and relationship aspects of connecting so much that the original intent of developing business can get easily blurred. Your article was a great reminder to maintain that balance.
Happy New Year and thanks again for sharing!
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Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington |
Jan 03, 2009 Thank Teresa and Patty, best to both of you in 2009 (and good luck with the pendulum)!
Laurie, I'm reading Michael Port's "Book Yourself Solid" and Andrea Lee's " Multiple Streams of Coaching Income, as soon as I finish the first, I'll be starting Ferris' "The Four Hour Workweek." The books have different focuses, but one common thread is generating residual income through the use of technology, leveraging your time, and automating certain functions of your business.
THanks Sherry,
There are many reasons to join Biznik, networking being just one (and friends being another!) But you're right, any activity benefits from intentionality.
One thing I found very helpful was how I set the expectations with my clients up front. If I told them I was available 24/7, then they expected me to be. If I told them Friday night was "mother daughter date night" or that I took a certain day off, they respected those boundaries unless it was a true emergency. As you know, we can't control when a listing agent wants to look at multiple offers!
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Posted by Steve Pomper, Brier, Washington |Jan 04, 2009 Excellent! I got a lot out of this article. Balance is the name of the game; achieving it is the objective.
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Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington |
Jan 05, 2009 Thanks Steve, glad you got a lot of it. (Happy you can learn from my mistakes!)
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Posted by Christine Addison, Bellevue, Washington |
Jan 05, 2009 Thanks Kate. You're a wonderful writer with valuable insights! I look forward to meeting you in person one of these Thursdays at Maggiano's.
In my New Year's evaluating/planning time, I also recognized the necessity of evaluating the effectiveness of networking activities and my other business prospecting activities.
I've decided to keep a record for the next six months: How many referrals, appointments, quotes, new clients and $ sales volume did this activity generate? How much time did I invest? How much $ did I invest?
Rotary (which I really joined for social reasons, needing an outlet to give back to the community), Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, and field cold calling (old-fashioned, but I do it) are winning the effectiveness contest so far. It will be interesting to see what's effective over six months.
I also appreciate your sharing about caring for self. This is something I need to think about too.
Best regards, Christine
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Posted by Dawn Lawson, Romeoville, Illinois |Jan 05, 2009 Thanks for sharing your personal experiences Kate. I agree with Steve that balance is the goal, although achieving it is definitely a challenge! But regularly taking the time for reflection is key to getting to where you need and want to be.
Kudos to you!
Dawn
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Posted by Pat Valentine Ziv, Mountainside, New Jersey |Jan 05, 2009 Hi Kate, Seeing just some of the responses, it is clear that you hit a very relevant note! Great article - I definitely relate as well! Going through many of the same experiences - I wholeheartedly agree with the networks we need to build and maintain - and sometimes edit. Oh - and please let me know about the Sedona retreat - I'd love to participate....especially when I am back on the east coast.
Always nice hearing from you! Pat -
Posted by Monica Y. Dennis, Stratford, Connecticut |Jan 06, 2009 I like this, Kate. See how long it took me to read this? It's because I've got a lot on my plate! But it's OK. I'm always looking to prune and now is no exception. (At the moment I'm pruning email and catching up on things I saved, like the email announcing this article.) I like your perspective. I will have to re-read this.
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Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington |
Jan 09, 2009 Christine, it will be interesting to hear what you discover after looking at your analysis. And yes, I'm sure I'll be back one of these Thursdays to Maggiano's, but it's a tough day for my schedule with competing events (and I'm doing my own analysis!)
Dawn, reflection IS key. (I'm going a little bonkers right now because I've had to move my retreat back, and I can't wait for that perspective and new focus!)
Hi Pat! Go to powerofthegoddess.com for info and pics on past and future retreats. (None scheduled right now, but more to come.) I've been to two and they were wonderful!
Thanks Monica, glad you found this helpful.
Kate
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Posted by Judy Dunn, Seattle, Washington |Jan 09, 2009 Sorry for chiming in so late here, Kate. Been buried with work. Now that's part of what this article is all about, isn't it.
I could so relate to your story because I have one or those all-or-nothing personalities and it's hard to find the balance sometimes. The introvert in me (which is the largest part of me, by far) makes me spend long days in the office, alone, writing. Then I think, "Well, maybe I should get out more, see more people." So then the pendulum swings all the way to the other side and I'm the queen of networking. For a while.
It's that balance part I'm still not perfect at.
But, boy, do those retreats sound cool.
You have given us so much to think about, Kate. Thanks.
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Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington |
Jan 10, 2009 Thanks Judy! Yes, it seems that balance is so much more challenging than those pendulum swings.
I think/hope I am finally getting out of town for my personal retreat... snow and floods kept changing plans. I hardly feel I can start the new year without it (like thanksgiving w/out turkey...), so I am all out of sorts! And learning much about the illusion of control...
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Posted by Diana Bourgeois, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina |Jan 13, 2009 Kate,
These words are so true. The investment of actually becoming a business owner is vital to do more than survive. It grows into a need to achieve and grow.
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Posted by John Voris, Carmel, California |Mar 06, 2009 Kate,
Thank you for sharing your life. I feel it a privilege to be permitted into your inner struggles.
Finding your identity and sustaining that security is a life-long enterprise. You perfectly demonstrated how the unconscious mind triggers the need for change when imbalance is present. It required extensive insight to unveil your inner needs and courage to meet that challenge. Good work.
Real life stories are far more effective than any book on theory.
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Posted by Stephen Martin, Moss Beach, California |
Mar 06, 2009 Kate: you can see from the response to this article how "real" you present yourself. Whatever you think is your gift, I know what your gift is. You are self reflective and use that openness to inspire others to be better than they are. It is a simple story, simply told, and obviously by all the response, very effective. Congratulations my dear. You are a master story teller. You use your self relection and your honesty to move us.
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Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington |
Mar 06, 2009 Diana, thank-you for your kind words, and by the way, I LOVE the "Marketing Goddess" title!
John, yes, we can be pendulums, can't we? I guess, like a teeter-totter, we aren't as likely to hang perfectly balanced as we are to thump one end on the ground.
Stephan, thank-you for your acknowledgement. Yes, self-reflection has made me a better coach, writer, and storyteller. I hear that about my songs, people say I've put into words something that they felt but didn't know how to express.
Kate
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Posted by Shannon Kringen, Seattle, Washington |Mar 21, 2009 great article kate. i relate to needing to care for the introvert and extrovert both. i am mostly introverted but sometimes crave connections and then spread myself too thin and then have to get back to alone time and self care in a more inner way...thanks for your passion here! -shannon
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Posted by Shannon Kringen, Seattle, Washington |
Mar 21, 2009 great article kate. i relate to needing to care for the introvert and extrovert both. i am mostly introverted but sometimes crave connections and then spread myself too thin and then have to get back to alone time and self care in a more inner way...thanks for your passion here! -shannon
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Posted by Rebecca Winnier, Seattle, Washington |Mar 23, 2009 Kate: I first read this article back I February and I told you then how inspiring I found it, but I just wanted you to know that I read it often and each time I see something/understand something that I didn’t get before. While last month it was the words “inefficient, distracted, isolated and discouraged” that stood out for me, this last time it was: “I needed an identity shift." This is exactly what I need to work on. THANKS again - you are so inspiring!
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Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington |
Apr 18, 2009 Thanks Becky! Er... Rebecca! (I just found your new comment today.)
I also just got invited to be a featured guest writer on a Consultant's site based on this article, so I guess it still has a life of its own. We face common challenges as entrpreneurs.
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