You point out some very real sticky-places for those of us who have...oh..say control issues. As a financial type who has only ever owned a solo-preneurial business before [marketing and graphic design] the part of the business that gets the least attention while you are on the roller-coaster learning curve, is the business. I might add that for some who are new at the managing part, it can be a good idea to hire a business manager, so you can go on doing what you are really good at: meeting people, listening to their stories, sharing yours, linking them to solutions that work for them and keeping in contact as life happens. -- Mitch

Wow, an incredibly timely article and wonderful discussion/feedback from others.

It almost makes me feel I'm in front of all of you, a somewhat comforting and disturbing thought at the same time.

Sometimes as a solopreneur, the journey is rather lonely, and I've found I've depended on external validation/confirmation/stimulus more than I trust being accountable to myself. Being somewhat of a "teacher's pet" people pleaser all my life, the external deadlines imposed upon me have up till now carried more weight.

So with the "letting go" and "celebrating", I'm consciously building in a self reward system, because learning to reward myself rather than waiting for that external "attaboy!" which may never arrive, is part of the retraining program I'm developing.

I will also mention that I've been really stuck lately and this fantastic reminder that showing up and getting the job done is better than losing out to someone who wasn't saddled with planning it perfectly or executing the plan perfectly. Afterall, we'd all like life to happen the way it should instead of the way it shouldn't, but the only sure thing is that life happens the way it does. So I'm joining the ranks of those who "just hit SEND".

Mitch ... just because Life Happens.

Just wanted to let you all know not to wait on me in the morning. I managed to come down with something today, Monday, that has me up coughing this morning--early. I won't be at the walk tomorrow. I'm not into spreading around whatever is plaguing me. Enjoy, I know Karen will lead you all in a great prep session and there is always good karma around these walk and talks, I've found. --'course that is what I'm looking for and declaring for all of you. Look forward to the next chance to see those I've met and meet those I've not yet had the pleasure of meeting.

Mitch

I'm sorry I won't be able to attend this discussion due to a staff meeting. I too read, "Never Eat Alone". In fact it was my first book to read on my PDA. My boss had recommended it just before I purchased my Palm. The suggestions are very down-to-earth and accomplishable even though his fearlessness sometimes leaves me in awe. --mch

Terry, here's to hoping you can repeat the workshop sometime soon. I do have a schedule conflict. Even some of us who KNOW we are in sales, still consider ourselves: non-salesfolk.

This topic sounds fascinating and timely.

Mitch

I am incredibly awed by the number and extremely high caliber comments you've received on this article.

It certainly made me think. Being in an industry where one is often perceived as a quintessential sales person, it is good to be reminded that despite all of our well-worded, practiced scripts, it is often who we are that actually makes the "sale".

The more often I share of myself and offer more than a glimpse into who I am, the more often I find myself present, open and listening to the other with whom I'm connecting.

The article reminded me of one of my very favorite quotes from the famous dancer/teacher, Martha Graham: There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.

--thanks for the article, the reminder, and all the thoughtful comments made on this topic,

mitch

Hah!!! Just saw the comment on the last page, contest over in May 08. What a clever way of driving traffic to a site with ongoing game.

I'm going to take: 73

I'm familiar with the idea of the MasterMind. I'm looking forward to meeting some new folks who are forward thinking, like-minded folks dedicated to living in the realm of abundance.--mch

Looking forward to another stellar offering of keen business insight and the wisdom borne of experience.