So, it has been over a year since I updated my blog or for that matter, developed my business on the web – it’s been a very tough year. Last summer, my dad was diagnosed with throat cancer, starting me on a journey which took me away from actively developing my online business. I continued with coaching clients and added short consulting engagements but, my focus has been on keeping the wheels turning in my life and in business, not on growth.
Then I lost several people dear to me, so along with dealing with my dad’s continuing struggle, I have been searching for purpose and meaning in my daily activities and it’s been a challenge to approach my work in a strategic way. I debated many times whether or how to restart my online business, my website, my blog, and my creative projects (including several books I have been writing)…to be honest, every attempt I made felt shaky and uncertain.
Inspiration Hits
Yesterday, I went on LinkedIn for the first time in many months. In addition to a few invitations to connect with old colleagues, I received an unexpected endorsement from a client. Truly, it made my day! I started thinking about all the small ways we as business owners can “give” to one another. I felt inspired to help elevate the hope of our collective entrepreneurial journey because in these challenging economic times, I hear daily stories of sadness and uncertainty from many small business owners. The economic picture has been bleak and the daily news (along with political grandstanding which exaggerates even the smallest of issues) was trapping me to fall into pessimism. It’s not good for any entrepreneur to fall into a pessimistic pit but for a small business consultant to start losing hope – it is tragic? I am supposed to inspire others which is hard to do when I feel like I’ve lost my own mojo . A small act of kindness gave me hope and set me straight. Instead of developing strategies and projections and goals with objectives and tasks all with the goal of business growth, how about spreading some love and kindness this summer? Wouldn’t it be great to make other people feel the way I feel? How good will it feel to do something unexpected, unrequested…just because? And so I begin…only a general direction and no set plan.
What Can I Give?
I started with a gratitude list which includes all my skills, abilities, and business assets. From there, I brainstormed ideas of how I can give using only my assets and skills. By this point, I am jazzed! I will start next week and report at least weekly on what and how I am giving. I don’t have a “giving plan” per se but I have some general ideas on how I want to go about the project and I have decided to dedicate at least one hour per day to the effort. Perhaps my ideas will inspire you with different low or no-cast ways to “give” through your business. Or maybe you will share your own thoughts and experiences. In any event, cheers to summer and to giving!
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