entrepreneurs

Are you like me in that most of your friends are in a similar kind of work? Most of our family friends are independent business owners, consultants/coaches or professionals working in their own practice – all this laced with a smattering of entrepreneur. One implication of this is that a dinner party with friends, some of whom are of high school vintage, will include our accountant, bookkeeper, lawyer, security system provider, graphic designer, software wizard etc. etc. It works both ways as some friends who are coaches/consultants engage me to facilitate planning sessions personally or as a collaborative venture with their clients and some friends have my art on their walls.

Understanding the MBTI type of your friends may provide insight if there is the odd bump in the road in your everyday interactions. However when you do business together the value of understanding differences and appreciating where the person is coming from and how to communicate with them more effectively can be a critical factor in maintaining a strong relationship on a professional level. Of course keeping things going smoothly has huge implications on a personal level.

Some people may caution against working with friends. My approach is to take it on a case by case basis. Some people you can work with and with others you need to trust your gut. If working together would place too much strain on your friendship, it is not worth the temptation of working with someone who knows you well.

On the other hand one side implication is that you get to see your friend in a different context. If this context is stressful, it may have some negative side effects. However, the other day I was amazed and delighted to have the pleasure of seeing someone I have known for years in the midst of using their expertise. They were masterful beyond anything I had expected and it was a joy to behold. I have learned so much from my friends and appreciate the gifts that they share in my life

What is your policy about working with friends?

Sensing and Intuitive Entrepreneurs in Action

This “Doodle” came out of a chicken and egg conversation I had this week. The natural starting point for those who prefer Intuition is with the big picture. Those with a Sensing preference may start with something more concrete and visible and build the big picture as the pieces add up.

Even though I know better – this still blows my mind.

Where do you start? AND how does it work for you?

“Notes from the Universe” arrives like clockwork in my email bringing me upliftng reminders and dollops of wisdom. This missive is sent from the witty and wise Michael Dooley -entrepreneur, author and current day thought provoker. Michael Bungay Stanier talks with Michael in the most recent of his “Great Work Interviews.”

Michael Bungay Stanier challenges us to shift from doing “lots of work” and thinking that that is what counts to doing “great” work. Great work is soul stuff…what we are meant to be doing. I think you will enjoy this “Great Work Interviews.”>audio. It is a confirmation that working to get the best pay cheque can’t hold a candle to doing work you LOVE that fits you to a “T”

A BIG fallacy in the name “solopreneur” is that you can do everything you need to run your business by your self aka “solo”. You need to know when you need additional expertise. There are also times when you may have the knowledge BUT if the task is having you work against type the question to ask is “Is this worth the energy drain when I could be spending my time differently in an area where I am in alignment with my MBTI type preferences.”

This painting is called “Gesture” and it is a mark of exuberance. This is in recognition that I was unable to use images in this blog for several months. I could not FIX it but Boris could. I chose this image because of the release of energy and enthusiasm I am feeling now that this problem has been resolved.