The Lone Ranger Ain't Got Nothin' on Me

Being a sole proprietor sometimes feels very solo. I was in one of those, you know..."what am I doing this for" kind of moods. The kind that on occasion can send you to that lowest of low down places, the kind that makes you doubt your talent, your drive, your ability to get out of your pajamas and your ability to move ahead.

Now don't think I am writing to you about my bad day, to the contrary. I am here to tell you about some super heros I grew up with. Role models if you will. 

Let's explore a few of these "super heros". We will work with the Lone Ranger, Super Man, Batman and my dad. Now you are most likely wondering what these heros have in common. They were all entrepreneurs of a sort, sole proprietors or were they. Did they do everything alone? No!

The Lone Ranger had his back-up, and Tonto was no slouch. He made sure he was there to help. Super Man, while out in front flying around saving the world he had two people to back him up, Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane. Super Man was very smart, he had a women to keep him flying straight. Then we have Batman who could forget Robin.

This leaves my dad. He ran a business in a small town in middle America. He was successful. Everyone in town knew him by name. I would go to his office after school, he worked just up the hill, and we lived just blocks away. I thought he was this super hero, because he had his own business. He had nothing to worry about. He was doing it on his own. Right?! What you perceive at the age of 8 is not reality. Who was his Tonto, his Lois Lane? That would be a very smart women, my Mom. When we were off at school or off to bed she helped behind the scenes. She kept him going and grounded.

By now you have come to realize I am writing to say we are not alone. The world and our business doesn't run in a vacuum. On the days we all find on occasion that is hard to face the world or even get out of our pajamas we need to have a Tonto.

Being part of a great networking organization we have people we can connect with. Connecting is key. We have friends to use as sounding boards, we have family who count on us and we can count on as well. Mentors are the ultimate in helping us talk out ideas, give us ideas and they can help with advise filled with experience.

I am fortunate that my Mom is here for me, as she was for my dad. My business is nothing like his, but the creativity that lacked in his business is what mine is all about. I have a spouse, mentors, friends and family. 

Who are your role models?  Those people in your life that will help you in ways you may not be able to imagine. No one can truly go it alone. We all need a little help now and then. Find that group of people who believe in you, who can help you and who can get you going in the right direction. Who is your Lois Lane, your Robin, your Tonto? Stay connected and create your own "Super Hero" yourself. High oh Silver!