Last night, a good buddy of mine asked me a question that got me thinking. I suggest you ask yourself the same thing. (You might as well buy stock in paper and pen companies for all the writing I'm asking you to do).
In so many words he asked, "What's your reasoning behind where you are today?"
That's a great question. It begs several others questions like, "why am I here?", "is this where I want to be?", and "what choices am I making today that will impact my future?"
I have had a reason for every one of my decisions, good or bad. The choices I've made in these decisions make me who I am today. The decisions and experiences I've encountered along the way have led me to my not-fully-developed-passion for entrepreneurship, my love for business, and helping others. I can't change my past. In many cases, I wouldn't. However, I can care enough today to make decisions that are better for the future.
So often we get caught up in one of the three tenses: past, present, or future. We dwell on the days of yesteryear, we freak out about today, or we dread or yearn for the future. This is a horrendous way to plow through life. I'm convinced that a healthy balance of these three is key to reaching your full potential in business, as well as other walks of life. Remembering the past (sometimes referred to as history), is a good thing; history repeats itself. What worked once may work again, and already-made mistakes don't need to be made twice. Knowing where we are today is also important, because it allows us to enjoy today, as well as plan for the future.
I'm a Christian, and I can't get away from what the Bible says about the subject: "Take no thought for the morrow," and "sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." I don't believe this is implying that we shouldn't plan. Rather, don't worry about tomorrow. Trust the One who is in control.
Man plans but God decides.
That being said, plan ahead.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
What About Passion?
I've been reminded several times over the last few days of the importance of passion (and I'm not referring to the fruit.)
In a previous post, I touched briefly on passion; my passion for business and entrepreneurship. I'll go a bit more in depth on the subject, because it's vital to being a successful entrepreneur, business owner, or employee.
Passion is defined as "any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate." From another source, passion is a "strong and barely controllable emotion" In so many words, your life's passion is that which you love. Or hate, for that matter. "Hate?" you say? Yes, hate. For example, I have an unbearable disdain for poor customer service; especially endless phone transfers from one department to the next (Ahem, Home Depot, are you paying attention?). My hatred for such lame service may fuel my desire to provide top-of-the-line customer service to all those I come in contact with. Maybe I answer my phone on the second ring every time; perhaps I send a small gift with every product I sell. All of this because poor customer service is the bane of my existence.
So, what about your passion? How do you go about finding it? How do you know for sure? What do you do then? These are questions that need to be answered for each individual.
The best way to find your passion is summed up in two words: Do something. It doesn't matter what you do; just do something. Take action. Make something happen. When you do, you're bound to find out what you like and what you don't like about the project. The "project" may be something as simple as making dinner for some elders, or painting a room in your house. You may find out that you love cooking, or serving, or painting.
Pull out a sheet of paper and a cool pen, and answer a few questions about yourself:
Translating your passion into cash flow is a different story, but certainly achievable in many instances. (It's difficult to do if your passion is studying the migratory habits of the bombardier beetle, but it's not entirely impossible.)
Finding your passion may not come overnight; it may take weeks or months. The important thing is to not give up.
Now do something.
In a previous post, I touched briefly on passion; my passion for business and entrepreneurship. I'll go a bit more in depth on the subject, because it's vital to being a successful entrepreneur, business owner, or employee.
Passion is defined as "any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate." From another source, passion is a "strong and barely controllable emotion" In so many words, your life's passion is that which you love. Or hate, for that matter. "Hate?" you say? Yes, hate. For example, I have an unbearable disdain for poor customer service; especially endless phone transfers from one department to the next (Ahem, Home Depot, are you paying attention?). My hatred for such lame service may fuel my desire to provide top-of-the-line customer service to all those I come in contact with. Maybe I answer my phone on the second ring every time; perhaps I send a small gift with every product I sell. All of this because poor customer service is the bane of my existence.
So, what about your passion? How do you go about finding it? How do you know for sure? What do you do then? These are questions that need to be answered for each individual.
The best way to find your passion is summed up in two words: Do something. It doesn't matter what you do; just do something. Take action. Make something happen. When you do, you're bound to find out what you like and what you don't like about the project. The "project" may be something as simple as making dinner for some elders, or painting a room in your house. You may find out that you love cooking, or serving, or painting.
Pull out a sheet of paper and a cool pen, and answer a few questions about yourself:
- What do I think, talk, or read about often?
- What gets me excited?
- When am I most unafraid of failure?
- What would I do for free?
Translating your passion into cash flow is a different story, but certainly achievable in many instances. (It's difficult to do if your passion is studying the migratory habits of the bombardier beetle, but it's not entirely impossible.)
Finding your passion may not come overnight; it may take weeks or months. The important thing is to not give up.
Now do something.
Friday, January 20, 2012
The First of my Goals
My main objective for Flick is for it to be a conveyor. A place where you can come to get pertinent information. I set up a contact page so you can email in with questions you have. You'll find the link on the sidebar.
This may come as a surprise to you, but it turns out, I don't know it all. However, I am willing and able to learn, as well as teach. When you as young entrepreneurs, seasoned business people, and curious minds need a solid answer, don't hesitate to ask. That's what I want to be here for.
Replies to your questions will be via email, phone calls, lunch, formal meetings, or presentations. Pick your favorite.
You need to know where I'm learning my stuff. I've learned a ton by plunging into my own business, Eclipse Mobile Detail. (Check it out: http://www.facebook.com/EclipseMobileDetail) I've learned about the first stages of business: sketching a business plan, marketing, sales (yes, even cold calling), partnerships, funding, customer relations, and a host of other things. I have a large networking team: A bundle of small business owners, recent entrepreneurs, previous college instructors, and business veterans from a myriad of industries fill my contact list as credible sources of reliable info. (I'll cover networking in depth in the future; it's an excellent thing.)
That's the first of my goals (more on goals later). For now, as so many of the successes I know have told me: "Plan your work and work your plan."
This may come as a surprise to you, but it turns out, I don't know it all. However, I am willing and able to learn, as well as teach. When you as young entrepreneurs, seasoned business people, and curious minds need a solid answer, don't hesitate to ask. That's what I want to be here for.
Replies to your questions will be via email, phone calls, lunch, formal meetings, or presentations. Pick your favorite.
You need to know where I'm learning my stuff. I've learned a ton by plunging into my own business, Eclipse Mobile Detail. (Check it out: http://www.facebook.com/EclipseMobileDetail) I've learned about the first stages of business: sketching a business plan, marketing, sales (yes, even cold calling), partnerships, funding, customer relations, and a host of other things. I have a large networking team: A bundle of small business owners, recent entrepreneurs, previous college instructors, and business veterans from a myriad of industries fill my contact list as credible sources of reliable info. (I'll cover networking in depth in the future; it's an excellent thing.)
That's the first of my goals (more on goals later). For now, as so many of the successes I know have told me: "Plan your work and work your plan."
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Name
So, because you're curious about the name I chose, I'm writing a quick note to explain it.
Here's a picture: In a far away land, not at all like your own, is some tall, red cliffs. I like the looks of these cliffs. They are majestic, mystical, and a wonder to behold. In my minds eye, there are hundreds of young potential entrepreneurs perched on the edge, their legs dangling precariously, their hang-gliders strapped to their backs. They are so close to jumping. So close to letting go of the security of the solid ground. Yet, without a bit of coaxing, they're afraid to move a muscle. Someone needs to show them it can be done. Someone needs to be there to encourage them, help them, and show them how it works. Someone needs to give them a hard flick on the back of the neck.
I'm the Flick.
It's a weird analogy, but I think it works.
The security of the solid ground for today's young people is often school, a current job, or a lack of motivation. I believe there are many people today who are yearning for a flick in the neck. They're wishing someone would give them a just a little more confidence so they can work toward their goal of being an entrepreneur. Many haven't yet found the passion of being in business. Still more are afraid to take the first step. Some need a sounding board to bounce ideas off of.
I strive to be that guy. The guy that helps, educates (and learns), and motivates. It's my passion.
I love it.
Here's a picture: In a far away land, not at all like your own, is some tall, red cliffs. I like the looks of these cliffs. They are majestic, mystical, and a wonder to behold. In my minds eye, there are hundreds of young potential entrepreneurs perched on the edge, their legs dangling precariously, their hang-gliders strapped to their backs. They are so close to jumping. So close to letting go of the security of the solid ground. Yet, without a bit of coaxing, they're afraid to move a muscle. Someone needs to show them it can be done. Someone needs to be there to encourage them, help them, and show them how it works. Someone needs to give them a hard flick on the back of the neck.
I'm the Flick.
It's a weird analogy, but I think it works.
The security of the solid ground for today's young people is often school, a current job, or a lack of motivation. I believe there are many people today who are yearning for a flick in the neck. They're wishing someone would give them a just a little more confidence so they can work toward their goal of being an entrepreneur. Many haven't yet found the passion of being in business. Still more are afraid to take the first step. Some need a sounding board to bounce ideas off of.
I strive to be that guy. The guy that helps, educates (and learns), and motivates. It's my passion.
I love it.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Flick, The Blog
My heartiest congratulations for successfully navigating your way to my blog!
In these first few days, you can expect the blog setup to change (perhaps quite dramatically). Do not be alarmed, harmed, or disarmed. Instead, enjoy the new look.
I plan to post twice a week. If it's more than that, consider yourself lucky. Any less, and you can assume I'm dead.
This blog is interesting. It's not the status quo. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Some of the subjects to be covered will be:
I'm going to be posting pictures, videos, other articles, and links to good material. I won't clutter your life with useless paraphernalia. That's what facebook is for.
Flick is free. For now. Don't count on it being that way forever.
This week I will be posting several times to get the ball rolling. You need to know what the goals are for Flick, where I plan to take it, and what the world is with the name.
Thanks for checking in!
In these first few days, you can expect the blog setup to change (perhaps quite dramatically). Do not be alarmed, harmed, or disarmed. Instead, enjoy the new look.
I plan to post twice a week. If it's more than that, consider yourself lucky. Any less, and you can assume I'm dead.
This blog is interesting. It's not the status quo. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Some of the subjects to be covered will be:
- All things business
- Young entrepreneurship
- Being different
- Speaking, motivating, and taking action
I'm going to be posting pictures, videos, other articles, and links to good material. I won't clutter your life with useless paraphernalia. That's what facebook is for.
Flick is free. For now. Don't count on it being that way forever.
This week I will be posting several times to get the ball rolling. You need to know what the goals are for Flick, where I plan to take it, and what the world is with the name.
Thanks for checking in!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)