Stepping Up – and Stepping Out

I started my own business a little over four years ago and have had my fair share of success.  But a really really SAFE success.  I took on work that I knew that I could handle.  The only challenges came when a client asked me to use a technical tool that was new to me, but I learned it and moved on.  If I’m being honest, it wasn’t really that big of a stretch.  Every time something came up that was a real opportunity to move to a new level, I pulled my head back into my shell — faster than lightning.  On the other hand, I grumbled that I could be doing more.  In fact, I watched clients follow the wrong path time after time, and I thought “If I could only get them to listen, I’d show them a better way — and I’d do it for free.”  Unfortunately, “free” doesn’t pay the mortgage.

Then a couple of months ago I got Seth Godin’s invitation to buy an advance copy of his new book Linchpin. And right there, on page 150 was what I suspected all along, but hadn’t taken the time (or had the courage) to try:  The Powerful Culture of Gifts.  All this time I’ve been ranting to anyone who would listen,  “If I have to pick up the pieces of one more business owner who has spent their last dime on a lame [fill in the blank], I’m going to scream!”  Well, OK, I already was screaming.

So Seth, thanks for the kick in the pants.  I’m going to do it — for free — here on this blog.  It’s what I’ve always wanted to do.  So if you, or someone you know, needs practical, detailed advice and tools for building an online business, subscribe to my blog by simply putting your email address in that box over there on the right.  I’ll give you the inside skinny.  You’ll be able to read the blog in your email program, and I won’t be sending you any sales letters.  I’m not working on “building my list.”  I’m working on building my tribe — and that means I’ll be here when you need me, but I won’t come knocking on your door.  And someday if you need the information faster, or more customized for your needs, you’ll know where to find me, and I’ll be available for paid consultations.  That’s how I’ll make my money, but if you just need a hand and you want to do-it-yourself, this blog will provide as much information as I can find time to share.  Sometimes I’ll refer you to an article or video by someone I trust, and sometimes I’ll write up my own “how to” guides.  The idea is that you understand how to navigate these waters without being eaten by the sharks.  Oh, wait, somebody already used that line.  But you get the picture.