With a Little Help from my Friends

As we consider the relationships around us, key relationships and those who are dear to us, we rightly value our impact on them. Do we also value their impact on us?

Just this week, several individuals have shared both concerns and successes regarding friends and doing business.

One had taken the difficult step (in his mind) of reaching out to individuals of long-standing relationship to seek advice/assistance while prospecting. On telling his success he shared the observation that the situation wasn't nearly as difficult or cumbersome as he expected.

"But of course," were the responses of several of his friends. "I would be glad to help." What a relief after he had anticipated hesitation and possible loss of friendship.

Another individual shared a need to take care in handling a possible opportunity for purchasing a friend's business. "This is new to me," he offered. "Not only have I never bought a business before. I want to do right by my friend. This is one of my biggest challenges right now."

How do you feel when asking friends to help with business or business connections?

I was at a women's leadership luncheon yesterday which focused on the theme of Asking. One of the presenters suggested, "When we ask, we allow giving to happen". The same is when we ask friends for advice, support, assistance whether in business or personal matters.

Take care with these relationships, yet while taking care, trust that you have the relationship to ask for help. The Beatles, your mother, your boss and your friends will appreciate it.

Keep 2 Hands on the Wheel

I have to admit - I find it easier to drive on the highway when I keep 2 hands on the wheel.

One hand off while handling my cell phone or something else creates a noticeable difference.

• Either my anxiety level goes up
• my neck stiffens
• my foot shifts off the accelerator or
• mycar's path shifts

And that's only the beginning.

When both my hands are on the steering wheel my anxiety drops and my focus improves. Yet why do I still pick up my coffee or check my messages or pull out a cd or even try to eat, while I am driving?

I get distracted. And when this happens, not only does my mind wander. My physical behaviors
follow suit.

Can you relate to driving this way? I hope not. If you can, hopefully you get back on track easier than I do.

The same is the case when I "get behind the wheel" in business. As an entrepreneur, I take the wheel of my business every day.

Some days I take short trips, other days I am in it for a duration. When both hands are on the wheel, I arrive at the end of a business day enthused, proud of my activity.

To keep 2 hands on the business wheel, I must keep two things in mind:

1. Motive - On the one hand, why am I doing this work?

2. Sacrifice - On the other hand, what will it take?

Without motive, I lag behind, allowing distraction to chart my course. Without sacrifice, I either cry victim or give up too easily.

Hopefully at least one hand is on the wheel of my business, yet with only one hand on, I get off course.

When two hands are on, when I am remembering the motivation and what it takes to follow through with it, my business moves forward purposefully. My energy is focused on what is important instead of what distracts me. My behavior follows suit.

I discover it's easier to make progress when I deliberatly consider the motivation and sacrifice. And folks around me welcome this.

Can you relate?

It's safe to keep two hands on the wheel while on the road. And it's healthy for your business to keep two hands on the road through your daily activities.

Here's to safe driving!

It's Your Business to Speak

Think of public speakers and immediately extroverted communicators come to mind. They are eager to say what's on their mind, animated, expressive and energetic - all things that can lend to entertaining speakers. I enjoy the extroverted speakers.

I also want to learn and be enlightened by presenters. Here is where the introvert comes in. Put them on the platform and the audience benefits from their knowledge.

Are you in business? If so, it's your business to speak. Speaking is the fastest way to create relationship with a large body of people who otherwise would not know you. This is the key to the first step in business - visibility. Today's business dealings are less about direct mail and written communication and more based on relationship - putting a face to a name.