When I was 13, my best friend and I were nuts about Star Wars. We were determined to be at the very first screening of the sequel Empire Strikes Back at the big 70mm Dolby Equipped theater in nearby Cupertino. We arrived at the theater 4 hours before the first show to get in line…
In our last two conversations, we talked about how easy it is to get captivated by our business. So much so that it can be hard to stop working. But even when we do get the chance to take a break, it can be hard to rest. If you’re like me, the challenge of quieting…
In my last email, I talked about how intoxicating it can be to work hard at something you are fully engaged in. Especially when you can see how your extra effort results in quick wins for your business. It feels great. It is so great that I will give up rest, time with my family,…
“No valid plans for the future can be made by those who have no capacity for living now.” ~ Alan Watts There’s something special about owning your own business. Every additional ounce of effort you put into it directly drives your success. You can see it right at the moment. It’s so intoxicating and invigorating…
When listening to business owners, I often hear them talking about feeling overwhelmed. It can feel like you are juggling a million balls a once, client calls, employee needs, cash flow, business development… But it’s not just business stuff; your son’s birthday is coming up, your car needs an oil change, you haven’t been on…
How many times a day is your work interrupted by questions or problems brought to you by your employees or clients? Take a minute to think about it, how many people walk into your office, or call you, or send you a text, email, or Slack message that interrupts your flow, that you take time to…
Here’s a list of things that I’m moving off my plate focus on making progress on my biggest goals: I’m checking the news only once a day, for 30 minutes. I’m saying no to networking requests. I love meeting people, but I need the calendar space. I’m saying no to “coffee,” even with “business friends.”…
I’ve failed over, and over, and over again in my life — and that is why I succeed. ~ Michael Jordan Anchor Advisors turns 20 next month. We started on April 30, 2001 When I look around at the folks who were getting started with their businesses about the time that I was, they all…
“In any team, particularly creative teams, the productive output of the team is inversely proportional to the drama between the team members.” ~ Julie Colbrese Have you ever been part of a team that had lots of politics, in-fighting, and drama? How do you remember that time in your life? Was it satisfying, engaging, and…
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. (Hopefully, you’ve planned something for your significant other. If not, you’re welcome!) In honor of tomorrow’s holiday, my message to you today is a short one…in the ageless words of Dolly Parton, “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life!” Those words come from a…