Now What?® Coaching

from Laura Berman Fortgang

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Vern and his Molecat

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by Kirsten Meneghello, Now What® Facilitator

Our family went to the state fair this weekend and had a great time. I love to see the cows, pigs, llamas, and the proud 4-H kids showing off the animals they have raised. It’s a big deal.

While we were visiting the commercial exhibitors/vendors, we passed the requisite guy selling knives while slicing and dicing veggies and telling corny jokes. But I also met a really interesting guy who was selling an invention called the “Molecat.” It’s a device that kills moles instantly with percussion. It’s a pretty clever device and as I was talking with the salesman, I could tell he was really jazzed about it. I asked him, “Are you the inventor?” and he said proudly, “Yes.”

Since I’m a curious person, I asked him his name and how he came up with the idea. Vern said he used to work for Intel as a “troubleshooter” but was laid off a few years ago. He was helping his wife in the garden and they encountered a big mole problem. He put his troubleshooting and engineering skills to work and created a solution — the Molecat. Now Vern has a patent pending on the device and he and his wife run a business selling Molecats.

I was so touched by his story because when he got laid off from his job, he didn’t see it as the end of the world. He put his same skills to work — troubleshooting and engineering — and looked at opportunities to use them in his daily life. When Vern saw this opportunity, he took action and did something about it.

Since the economy has taken a downturn, there are a lot of people who have been laid off and have not taken it as well as Vern. But even if you have lost your job, you have to remember you have not lost your skills, creativity, work ethic, and knowledge that you have gained along the way. It’s important to step back, realize all you are and all you have accomplished and then apply it in a different way. I know all of us aren’t cut out to be entrepreneurs or inventors. But we can “re-invent” ourselves, if we are OPEN to opportunity and take ACTION when we are presented with options.

P.S. I’m not affiliated with Vern’s product in any way, but if you are curious (like me!) about Vern and his Molecat, his website is www.molecat.com.

College Student with an Idea turns Business Owner

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While an online business isn’t for everyone, these tips from Genevieve Thiers, founder of Sittercity.com, stem from her experience following through with an idea.  She was bold enough to start her business while still a college student and during a recession.  

Have you ever heard yourself say, “That would be a great idea for a business”?    Maybe it’s time to give one of those ideas a serious look.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

“Turn Your Dream Business into a Reality.”

Internships as a Way to Career Transition

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According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, there has been an increase in experienced candidates applying for internships. Along with volunteering, internships and other apprenticeship opportunities can be a viable way to gain experience during your career transition. Equally important, they will expand your network at the same time. Check out this article for some good examples and resources. 

“Lessons From A 60-Year-Old Intern.”

Now What? Q &A: Franchise with a family member?

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A caller from Spokane, Washington presented this question on a recent Community Call; answered by: Laura Berman Fortgang.  

Question:

I am a registered nurse and fitness trainer and recovering from knee surgery.  I don’t want to leave the industry but I know it’s taken a toll on my body, so I’m trying to figure out what’s next.  There is the possibility of opening a franchise with my brother.  Even though he’s been successful with other franchises, I’m feeling a bit fearful.  Do you have any thoughts that might help me assess this opportunity?                                                                                              

Answer:

As a post-op patient, you now have something in common with  your clients and patients.  It’s clear from what you’ve described that you don’t want to leave the industry.  While I’m not an expert in franchises, there are some issues to consider regarding money and risk and going into business with a family member.  You’ll want to talk about things such as: your expectations, roles, escape clauses if it doesn’t work out, and how this with affect your relationship with each other.  It’s essential to have that conversation first, yet many don’t.  Research is also important.  It’s great that he has a track record, however you want to weigh the risks and not necessarily mortgage your whole future.  In other words, think about how much you want to invest.  Is it all your dime or could you have a small ownership piece and be one of his managers?  Perhaps you could pay as you go and buy him out over time, so that your initial risk is lower.

Also, I find that a lot of people will have a theme throughout their lives.  I encourage you to do some of the exercises from Now What? (especially chapters 4 and 5) and see what your purpose is and what these themes are.  Your purpose may have transmuted over time and changed vehicles, i.e., nursing was first and now there is another vehicle emerging.  You want your discoveries in this exercise to be your guide for this franchise opportunity.  Does it really match who you are or is it an ungrounded move?  The bottom line is look before you leap both financially and emotionally.