Intentional Changes

Recently, I glimpsed images of the skyline from my birthplace in Minnesota. The scenery from my former home town in Minneapolis was interesting to see again for it is a pretty town … during summer months. While I watched the images, I reflected on time spent there. So much has changed since moving to California last year!

Probably the most challenging thing to overcome is the advice of people who believe they have found the “right” answers. They have … for themselves. Putting distance between myself and my well-intentioned friends and colleagues who had known me in the past has proven to be a good decision. The past is a good guide and certainly something one can use to learn from but no place to dwell when endeavoring to innovate and create something new.

Along with realism, unwavering self-belief is an important aspect of being an entrepreneur. For instance, degree work in business coupled with trench-time experience qualifies me to assist my clients with their branding and marketing campaigns. In my former role as an IT executive, insights offered in those areas were rarely valued. Breaking free of those previously imagined constraints has opened the doors of possibilities for many people who have chosen to work with me.

As an entrepreneur, desire for income can never eclipse good business ethics and brutal honesty about whether or not your contributions will be an asset to any client request. In other words, know your limitations. Granted, anyone can do anything with enough time or money but it is not fair to charge someone for your training. Don’t hesitate to ask for the business if it will add skills to your repertoire but be emotionally prepared to work at a loss with regard to your traditional hourly or project rates. Remember also, when you complete the project and it delivers the expected results or better, don’t hesitate to ask for referrals and testimonials!

While perseverance is the key to success, remember that patience is a virtue and no great thing can be created instantly. You may even experience setbacks and disappointments along your way but they are easily overcome if your focus is trained on what you have rather than what you are lacking. The law of attraction works both ways.

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