Succeed in the World But Don’t Throw Out the Baby
Success Is Not Just About Business
After many countless hours on the Internet, I realized there are literally tens of thousands of “how to” articles on business. It seems everything there ever was to be said about the subject, has surly been said. I honestly can’t say, even given my extensive experience, that I could contribute anything more. Quite frankly, I have seen so many articles on business I am becoming nauseous.
How to, how to, how to.
There are articles on how to get funding, how to plan, how to start and how to finish along with hundreds of other subjects. Starting a business is no picnic or walk in the park, it can suck everything good from your life and leave you an empty shell. Most articles focus on the person starting or running the business but isn’t there another side to the story?
No consolation for the spouse and children.
How about the spouse, and children? I never see anything mentioned about the people who are directly effected by someone going into business. They’re like background noise, it’s there but you don’t pay any attention to it.
Reviewing Your Networking Schedule
I think most of us are pretty sold on the idea of extending our networks. Knowing more people gives you a greater opportunity to be of service. Like many other marketing activities, networking requires an investment – of your money, your time and your commitment. So before paying again for another year’s membership, take a moment to analyse whether this investment has given you the return you expected.
Firstly, did you commit fully to the network over the last year. Did you go to meetings regularly, make an effort to meet new people, and then keep in touch with them afterwards? Did you join a committee or become involved in the management of the group?
If you haven’t made the grade by participating fully in a network, then you shouldn’t expect a big return. Your decision on whether to stay with this particular network should revolve around whether you plan to put in 100% effort for the next 12 months.