Epic Living - Wellbeing Expert, Entrepreneur, Author, Man on A Mission

What I Love About Entrepreneurs

In a lunch this past week, I rediscovered what I love about entrepreneurs. I observed an entrepreneur (other than myself) in their zone. It was a cool moment for me. Listening to his ideas, listening to the what could be dreamed, listening to what problems could be solved. I felt at home.

More and more, I am embracing the meaning of entrepreneur. Being a risk taker is the difference maker.

We all are entrepreneurs, whether we know it or not.

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Going in With Eyes Wide Open

Every human has emotional, mental and spiritual needs.  And certainly those differ from person to person.  The trick is who or what you use/ask to meet the needs.

One area that I have observed that is way out of whack is our use of work in meeting needs.  Many folks have expectations of their employers that are totally unrealistic.  One of the best examples is unspoken (unwritten in most cases) agreement when a job is taken/filled..Often the employee sees it as a statement of worth that "xyz" employer would hire him or her.  Conversely, the employer assumes the employee knows that the relationship is conditional.  Conditional in that the job remains as long as the economic output justifies it. 

I belieive you're responsible for yourself and not your employer.  My point is the necessity of going in with eyes wide open.  Doing and creating great work doesn't hurt either.

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Are You An Entrepreneur Yet?

One of my coaching clients sent me this article on entrepreneurism. Specifically, the coming change in our workplace landscape. Many would say we're under way and I agree. The article includes a telling infographic as well.

So what are you doing about the shift? No drastic measures needed (maybe), just some hard looking and processing. One of the best ways to do this is written planning. Brainstorm the thing and ask lots of questions. By the way, throw the glamour, riches and elation around your employer out the window. This is about your work (the unique talents, gifts and passions forged into one), not your career, not your 401K.

I've written about this topic for some time. It was nice to have a client forward on an article of this magnitude. It encouraged me and it made me realize the work still to be done.

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Recognizing Talent.

The below video clip was shot a couple of years ago.  The relevance continues, especially in these upside-down times we find ourselves in.  We're in a place where recognizing talent is essential.  And by the way, it starts with your soul and the art of searching people. 

I could write further on this, but check-out the video clip for more.

 

What Entrepreneur Means

I have written many times that everyone is an entrepreneur (risk taker).  The size and scope varies from person to person.  The place where it happens can be different too.

I was in a conversation with a CEO yesterday about how we've moved to a place where if you don't see yourself as an entrepreneur, you'll be left behind.  This is tough work. Many, I know, haven't accepted that we no longer live in an industrial age.  Accept is the right word to look at here.

I've been an entrepreneur for 6 years.  And as I think about that conversation yesterday, I realize that entrepreneurism did something I didn't expect when I started the conscious journey.

Entrepreneurism reintroduced Eric Pennington to Eric Pennington. Regardless of how much money I make, how many people experience what I offer or whether applause comes in waves, the reintroduction is a difference-maker.

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What's Wrong with the Status Quo?

One of our greatest enemies, from a 2012 post.

So what's wrong with the status quo? A lot, when it comes to problems that continue to get worse.

For the purposes of getting to the heart of things, here's the definition of "status quo" from the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:

The existing state of affairs (seeks to preserve the status quo)

I'll use my own experience to set some context and you can apply my example to anything you like.

About 25 years ago I persecuted my dad in-person and alone. I was angry for what was done and for what was missing. I waged this case on what seemed like a daily basis. I protested, I lied, I ignored, and I was silently cruel.

At a point, a few years into my marriage, my wife asked me if I realized how distant and cruel I became when I was around my father. I denied it, I defended myself and I felt exposed. How could she know my secret, my wound, my war? I decided to prosecute on.

The existing state of affairs (seeks to preserve the status quo)

You might wonder why I wouldn't make the choice to change, to turn it around, to forgive. I'm sure there are multiple reasons why, but certainly I felt more comfortable in the prosecution's case. I fooled myself into believing that my existing state would deliver an outcome I thought was right. Little did I know how wrong I was.

Many years on, my case rested and the charges were dismissed. I forgave and got a few years of peace and freedom before he passed. I actually found a man I liked and certainly loved. I do, at times, wish I would have come to my senses or figured out that it Really is better to forgive.

Are you tracking with me? Can you see the danger in sticking with the status quo?

Think about this:

1. The status quo fools you into believing that all is well, regardless of the problems looking right at you.
2. The status quo demands you lie and defend.
3. The status quo assures you saftey and a future you won't have to deal with.
4. The status quo accuses (loudly) reformers of betrayal and madness.
5. The status quo uses fear to keep you in place.

We Don't Need Anymore Actors

I'm doing more and more everyday to keep things real with everyone I encounter. This is significant because I'm a recovering actor. 

We don't need anymore actors.

Keeping things real now is not such a chore for me now. Occasionally, I'll have an adviser alert me if my writing or speaking is sounding too "corportese" or "suit-like." Nothing against the corporate soldiers, it's just people have enough of that coming at them already.

Maybe it's just too terrifying for some to be who they are. Like the child at recess who feels awkward about asking to join in the game, due to the rejection of the herd previously. Or the adult sitting in the team meeting feeling embarrassed because their boss personally made them an example of what is frowned upon. If I had the ability, I would be right by their sides telling them:

"It's not you! There's nothing wrong with you."

The difficulty in keeping things real is becoming almost epidemic in my country. I mean, let's face it, many worship actors, entertainers, showmen, and celebrities. The lines of what is real and what is not have been blurred. I can understand why you might find it difficult to be who you really are.

The following is a question that came to me about 10 years ago. It stopped me cold when it landed in my ears, went to my mind and settled in my heart:

"Eric, are you really Eric or are you a representative of him?"

We don't need anymore actors. The problems we face, and will face, tell me we're going to need those who are real. People who are humble, wise and unafraid. The actors are only thinking of themselves. Believe me I know from personal experience. They really are not interested in you, just what is yours.

If you find yourself in the actor's camp today, you can look at me as an example of how one person can change. It's worth it. 

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An Update

I thought I would take some time to update you on my goings on. Specifically, from my post The Week That Was. My story is a mixed bag.

Fortunately, my wife landed with a new company on March 25. We were also able to get health insurance much sooner than we initially thought, April 1 to be exact.

This is all great news.

The other side of the coin is helping my wife navigate the change. I was truly struck by the "family spirit" that was her working group. They were and are very close. They encouraged one another, consoled one another, they behaved in a way that close families do. The sad reality is they're not a family. At least not in the eyes of corporate America. It reminded me how easy it is for organizations and their people to live in two different realities. One reality based on caring and performance, the other on results and a thing called money. Obviously, great danger follows these opposites.

Another striking result of this process is how little senior leaders know about communication. Specifically, how to say what needs to be said. If I didn't know any better, I would say a bunch of 3rd graders were running the show for my wife's former company and the new one too. If you're a professional, you're supposed act like one. 

In the end, I'm looking out for my family and trusting in the One who knows and sees way more than I. 

Many thanks for the concern and sentiments you've sent my way.

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5 Easy Ways for Small Businesses to Cut Costs

Every penny counts, so get lean and mean. 

Every small business owner knows that costs are easier to control than revenue—and that’s especially important for startups, who can run up quite a bill while they’re waiting for things to take off. Here are a few ways you can boost profits and power through lean times, no matter what niche you serve.

1. Think used

Depending on the type of business you operate, you might be able to incorporate used items into your office or store to save money. Light fixtures, furniture, art, desks, computers and more can all be had for significantly less than retail if you do some Craigslist hunting. Don’t be afraid to repurpose industrial equipment that local companies might want to throw away, as it comes cheap and you get that cool ‘industrial’ design to your business. Be sure to test used electronics before purchasing—but a little extra time can save you a lot of money, particularly in the beginning when it matters most.

2. Move to the cloud

How much are you spending on printing out and distributing office memos? How often do you upgrade your version of Office or the Adobe Master Collection? Google offers great ways for companies to share ideas and create documents for free with their Google Docs collection. Adobe and many of software distributors offer low cost cloud-based services that require a very low monthly fee which can save you from having to spend hundreds on upgrades every year. Cloud storage solutions are also becoming more affordable and reliable; Google Drive, Drop Box and Microsoft all have great solutions which are all cheaper than buying multiple hard drives.

3. Be energy efficient

You don’t need to be moving into a new space to enjoy the savings from implementing energy efficient devices into your office. Start by considering new lighting solutions like CFL’s LED’s or even energy efficient tungsten bulbs. Unblock windows and utilize skylights if available. Not only do windows help save on lighting costs all that natural light can help make your employees happier. Instead of turning on the heater for the whole office, invest in some energy efficient electric heaters for the areas where it gets coldest. Hook up all electronics to smart power strips that automatically shut off all power once the day is over and everyone is gone.

4. Shop around

Let your office supply vendors know that you will be shopping around to find the best deals and prices on the products you use the most. Then do it. Online retailers like Amazon and Wal-Mart offer great prices on bulk items and often will ship free to your store or office. If you really like your vendors, offer them the option to price match or to offer you other services to make up the difference in cost. Do this with your internet, cable/satellite, and phone services yearly to ensure you’re receiving the best rates available in your area.

5. Rethink your location

Are you absolutely sure your location is best suited to your needs? Restaurants and some stores might be hard-pressed to move elsewhere, but you should still consider the cost benefits especially if you have a loyal clientele willing to go to another location. While you’re at it, you should consider allowing as many of your employees as possible to telecommute. By doing this and utilizing free Google services like Google Voice/Talk, Docs and Drive you can reduce the amount of space you need in an office, how much energy you have to pay for, and how much you have to spend on electronics.

Aimee Watts is a staff writer for Mobile Moo. She has spent ten years telecommuting full-time, and loves spreading tips and advice for fellow work-at-home parents. She loves gadgets, new ideas, and skiing with her two favorite people: her husband and teenage son. They live in Evergreen, Colorado. 

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5 Questions with Dr. Mark Goulston and Dr. John Ullmen, Authors of Real Influence

    
Had the pleasure of connecting with Dr. Mark Goulston and Dr. John Ullmen, authors of Real Influence: Persuade Without Pushing and Gain Without Giving In about their new book and more. Some really great insights from two great thought leaders. Enjoy!

The book is ripe with practical ideas, could you unwrap the concept of "their there" and why it's important in the arena of influence?
MG: "Your here" is your agenda and in this distrustful world everyone expects people to have one and so everyone either has their guard up or is primed to put their guard up at the first sign of you trying to foist your agenda on them. 

JU: Focusing and remaining focused on "their there" or where the other person is coming from and helping them to see and get to where they want to go and way beyond that, where they could go is one of the keys to real influence. In fact, the most influential people from our lives were influential because they saw a potential in us that we couldn't see.

We here in the U.S. live in a very self-focused culture. What are some ways to transcend this state?
MG: Think of someone and what they did who stood up for you when you couldn't and/or stood by you in a crisis and refused to let you fail and/or stood up to you in private and pushed you to do something you didn't think you could or stopped you from doing something foolish that would have hurt you or your reputation. 

JU: Good point Mark.  What was that person's effect on you? Probably amazing.  What would be the best way to honor them? Probably by doing onto others what they did onto you.  What would be the effect on people around you? Probably the same as that special person's effect was on you... huge. Plus you might even like yourself or be proud of yourself more.

What will the solo/individual contributor find most practical in the book?
JU: The solo/individual will find a 4 step way to truly win friends and influence everyone, that works 100 % of the time if you apply it.

How does listening help our efforts to influence?
JU: Ask yourself, "When was the last time I felt someone: got my situation (I mean really got my situation); got me in my situation (my fears, dread, dreams and possibilities) and got not just where I wanted to be, but where I could be that would be profitable, successful, meaningful and fulfilling. " We're guessing, "Doesn't happen to often."  That is the power of listening to influence someone.

Could someone apply the concepts found in the book to their personal lives?
MG: In a word... absolutely.  Just think of the people who helped you become the best you could be and who will be among the top handful of people you are most grateful to at the end of your life.  What if you became that to the people in your personal life? Imagine the possibilities.

 

About The Authors MARK GOULSTON, M.D., is a business psychiatrist, consultant, Chairman and Cofounder of Heartfelt Leadership, and the  author of the bestselling Just Listen and Get Out Of Your Own Way.  He also writes a Tribune syndicated career column; blogs for Fast Company, Business Insider, Huffington Post, and Psychology Today; and is featured frequently in major media, including the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Newsweek, CNN, NPR, and Fox News. He lives in Los Angeles.  JOHN ULLMEN, Ph.D., is an acclaimed executive coach whose clients include dozens of leading international firms.  He oversees MotivationRules.com, conducts popular feedback-based seminars on influence in organizations, and teaches at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.  He lives in Los Angeles.

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