I became a guide long before I became an entrepreneur. That's important because it reveals motivation. Don't get me wrong, I don't deserve an award or a round of applause. But for context purposes I believe it to be important.
When I first began this journey almost 7 years ago, we were living in a different time. People (specifically in the corporate world) were running at a fast clip and hiding. Fast clip in regards to chasing down success, and hiding in regards to thinking success (rewards/outward manifestations) could shield us from having to deal with who we really are.
Then came along the meltdown. The economic stuff caught many off guard and left many facing detours or "road closed ahead" moments. Maybe God was doing us a favor. The quintessential "hey, you need to take off the mask and be who you are" moment. There really is no substitute for authenticity.
But here's the deal; not many coaches, leaders, gurus, consultants, et al. are advising you to pause and look around. Seems like there's just a lot of selling going on. 7 years ago it was how to turn all that fast-track good will into the next big thing, or a seminar on how to retire at 50. Now we've moved to programs on starting your own business now that Fannie Mae has sold us down the river, or how to turn government stimulus funds into a cash-cow.
Maybe you were meant to follow the path described above. But don't go there unless your wiring (your personality, your vision, your talents) is a fit. Don't follow that road because of someone's or something's dogma persuades you to. Life is so brief.
I have a vested (read my book, read my bio, see what others are saying) interest in you following the path that your destiny is screaming for you to follow.
Here are some things to weigh as you decide who you should trust:
- You've got to follow your gut. It is a trustworthy barometer.
- You've got to look for sincerity. This is done by asking tough questions that are important to you.
- Sometimes the most trustworthy people are those that tell you "no, I can't help you."
- To trust is to know beyond the business plan.
- Trust is found in those who stand on their motivations and not their outcomes.
This post and mission are all about a matter of trust.
