Is Writing Your Business Plan Distracting You?

I like this Fast Company article that pops up 9 questions that nag at those who are in the midst of a start up venture. It's sort of refreshing to know that I'm not the only one out there thinking some of these things for myself, let alone having others share such thoughts with me, too.

I must be clear, though. I've had very little resistence from anyone close to me about launching in a new direction. Mostly, folks are just plain supportive and their encouragement fuels me along. But I do find that I ask myself these questions and wonder, "what do other think about this?" So, I'm sharing this article to ask y'all.

The question of most interest to me is the one about writing a business plan. I know there are some reasons why a start up just absolutely has to have some sort planning document - especially if they are out there seeking financing. I'm lucky. My solo professional endeavor only requires the financing of me and my husband. I'm extremely fortunate that he is my number one advocate, so I score 10 out or 10 on that one.

What I really like about the article's comments on this issue of whether or not to write a business plan is how the writing of it can become a distraction from actually doing much to get the business off the ground. We could spend oodles of time drafting the plan when, in the end, our venture veers off in another direction entirely. What good have we accomplished then?

It is scary to jump into something new and starting up a new business venture is right up there with "holy crap, what am I doing?" Are you letting the business plan distract you? I'm not, but I'm reminded that there are plenty of other distractions so I best take heed to stay my own course!

http://www.fastcompany.com/9-nagging-questions-to-tune-out-when-launching-a-startup

Solo Professional Doesn't Mean Single

I have recently been trying out a new introductory statement for myself. "Hi, I'm Barb a solo professional ..." I sort of like the idea of having "credit," if you will, as a professional even though I'm not part of a formal organization or large group. But, wait a minute. Actually, I am part of a large group. And that includes all of you!

One of the best things about launching in a new direction, (for me that equates to growing a reputation as a public speaker), is we get to create new connections and build broader communities. Given the technology tools at our disposable, that is so much easier today than it used to be. The resources are plentiful, but we do have to reach out to grab them and then make good use of them. And in this blog, I want to encourage you to stretch your arm in this direction.

This past week I've been geared toward understanding the next step of using social media technology to create new networks and to combine old networks into the new. This feels sort of like going to a junior highschool dance. You know the scene. Where the boys are all on one side, the girls on the other side. As the night progresses, somebody finally gets brave enough to ask someone of the opposite gender to dance. And, bingo! The spell is broken and pretty soon a few more people are connecting.

That's what my last few weeks have felt like. Watching the "other side," and trying to figure out when its safe to jump in. Here's the deal - it's already safe, just summon up the courage and jump! There are many others in this pool swimming around and they are so great about  helping us out. Skype is now my ally, no longer foreign. Connecting Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn is totally doable. Using Evernote to capture notes and ideas is readily accessible on my IPhone, IPad, or laptop - one tool, three devices! Gotta love it.

For sure, there are those of you out there reading this with a smile on your face probably thinking, "yeah, it's about time, Barb." But you are also gracious enough to encourage me along the way. Bringing me back to my original musing - I am a solo professional but not flying solo at all. Thanks, all!

Resolution - for the New Year or for Life?

I heard a good definition of resolution today, "firmness of purpose." I like that because it reminded me that our intention in setting a goal or a target is so critical to the progress we make toward the goal. I decided to make a life resolution, rather than a resolution for just this year of 2012. Actually, I decided to make two life resolutions. The first, eat less suger. My intention? Just to feel better. Since I'd like to feel better for more than just this year alone, seems like a good idea for me to extend this for say, my whole life? Yes, I think so. I have a wonderful second cousin, Sally, who decided to give up chocolate for lent one year. Once the season passed, she thought to herself, "I wonder if I could stretch this out for a year?" And, she did. For that entire year and for the next 10 years! Yes, it's been 10 years since she has indulged in chocolate. Now that is what I call leading by example and she inspired me in the process. My second life resolution, be more grateful. In general, most folks would say that I am grateful. But there are so many ways in which I could extend gratefulness. So, I'm going to be intentional to be more like Sally in life resolution. I'm going to be grateful for lots of things large and small. This is well within my grasp, I just need stay aware and be keenly observant of what's happening around me. How about you - will it be a goal for the new year? Or a goal for life?

Rush Hour Leadership: Rest

Without fail, nearly every time I listen to a Sunday sermon, I feel like I want to hit the "pause" button on the pastor's comments. Reason being? My brain connects a bullet point in the message to effective leadership. Sometimes it is not even a key point, but either way, the comment offered is impactful when considered from the lens of effective leadership. Today's message centered on the need for rest. That due to our "rush hour" life we disallow rest as an important factor in our personal productivity. Without citing research, we instinctively know that we are better at our jobs when sufficient rest takes place. This is apparent in those times where organizations mandate overtime to meet increasing demand. We want to think that 10 hour days will, in the end, actually equal 2 additional hours of production. When, in fact, a decline in production ends up being the case after a period of overtime. When we get tired, we just can't move at the same pace. Here is the leadership part I want you hear ... as "leader," you set the example! This is hardly anything new to you. And yet, we don't see leaders modeling the behavior they intellectually know will result in greater contributions to the company. Let me share some tips based on the sermon today. Take stock in them and try them out. And then let me know how you're doing when you are more fully rested. 1. Divert daily, withdraw weekly. When you divert daily to feed yourself, divert your thoughts and give yourself a brain break as well as a physical break. Withdraw for a designated period of time (at least 2 hours)once each week. During your short, weekly sabbatical: * Do nothing practical. Yes, you read this correctly - do NOTHING practical. Let the tasks sit. This is your time to mentally rest. Take the brain break seriously by shutting off your technology. * Reflect on what needs to be put in the "not now I'm resting" box. For instance, you appreciate hearing from your people, just not during this window of time. * Grab a piece of paper and pen. Jot down a list of what you are doing to nurture your connection to those who matter most to you, especially your God. * Kick evil thoughts to the gutter. If you find yourself floating in the sea of negativity, swim over to a trusted colleague for a splash of optimism. Prayer can work wonders in this spot. Decide to find, for yourself, a rhythm of rest. When you do, you may also find that beating the drum of life becomes easier, smoother, and more enjoyable.

60 Leadership Seconds

Have you ever thought of your leadership journey in terms of seconds? I admit, I have done a bundle of reflection, over the years, about my own leadership journey, but never quite at this level of "seconds."

Here's where the thought got started for me. I saw a blogpost, today, from an interesting guy named Erik Qualman. He is the founder of Socialnomics. (check out the website, very interesting stuff). http://www.socialnomics.net/

One of Erik's quick posts revealed that every 60 seconds, 370,000 people Skype. Isn't that incredible?! 370,000 people in just 60 seconds reaching out to "touch" each other through this medium. There is absolutely no way I can lead myself without considering this fact. Communicating with each other has been changed forever, due to the technology we have widely available. To ignore such a powerful communication vehicle would be darn right stupid.

I'm jumping on the wagon, I do not want to be left out of the loop. Want to ride with me?

The Leadership Strength of Both Hands

My husband and I ended our weekend seeing the latest Sherlock Holmes movie. I like Sherlock. He is unpredictable, given to many quirks, always observing the landscape around him, and smart as a whip. Albeit, he uses his smarts in ways many might not consider necessary for good leadership.

I also like Dr. Watson. He's reliable, well spoken, seeks to engage in satisfying relationships, caring of others, and, like Sherlock, also smart.

What I like best, though, is the combination of Sherlock and the good doctor. They are, together, stronger than they would be if separate from one another. And, while they can be irritable toward each other, they are tremendously loyal. Loyal nearly to a fault. Like when Watson decided to accompany Holmes even after Sherlock took ... shall we say "liberty" with Watson's new wife. You'll have to see the movie to understand that reference :-).

In the end, what makes this pair enjoyable to watch is the way they play to each other's strengths. One is the left hand, one is the right hand. And both hands are needed for success.

Playing to our strengths is, in my opinion, an exceptionally bright way to excel at leading. Making the "most" of your "most" pushes you and moves you into places you might not otherwise consider going.

What are you good at? How often do you push that out in front of others? Does your right hand need a left hand in order to get your strengths out in the open and used more fully?

Decide to be planful in the coming new year and extend yourself toward another. Ask them to be your right hand, perhaps offer to be their left hand. Whichever hand is needed - shake it! And enjoy the benefits of partnering your strengths.

Who Is Your Longstreet?

I enjoyed a good presentation on leadership lessons from the view of historical figures yesterday. Jeff Appelquist, author of Sacred Ground, Leadership Lessons from Gettysburg and The Little Bighorn, offered us perspective on leadership effectiveness through the six dimensions he has identified and written on.

Of particular interest for me was the dimension that spoke to relationships and trust. The primary component Jeff relayed for this dimension was the importance of asking for and accepting honest feedback. The example he used was the relationship between Confederate Army commander Robert E. Lee and his First Corps commander, James Longstreet. Lee and Longstreet were fortunate to have served together for many years and knew each other extremely well. They were commrades and also good friends.

Longstreet is quoted in Jeff's book as saying, "I consider it a part of my duty to express my views to the commanding general." So, where the battle of Gettysburg was concerned, Longstreet did just that. He expressed a clear difference of opinion from Lee's. It's noted that Lee appreciated and had accepted Longstreet's advice in times past. But that was not to be the case for the Gettysburg battle. Lee stuck to his plan and, in the end, lost the battle.

My point in briefly sharing this bit of history is that even though Lee did not follow Longstreet's advice in this case, he knew he needed opposing views to be voiced. While the fate of this battle was not destined to be won by Lee and his troops, in many other cases Lee hearing Longstreet was equally crucical in a positive direction.

So, here's the question - who's your Longstreet? Who can you count on to offer you honest feedback? Feedback that both cheers you on and challenges you, at the same time. Each one of us has the potential and opportunity to lead ourself well. But we make progress more consistently, and with greater efficiency, if we invite in a Longstreet.

Don't lead yourself, your team, your family, or your organization in a vacuum. If you have a Longstreet in your midst, seek their advice. Heed it or not, but always seek it. If you don't have a Longstreet, start searching. They will be complimented and you'll be better for it.