Now What?® Coaching

from Laura Berman Fortgang

Inspiration to Follow Your Blueprint

Values Behind the Business Model

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An interesting article about Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist.org, and the values that motivate him.  Working 4 hours per day on customer service and 4-6 hours per day on his volunteer or public service work, Craig says of founding the company that it “eroded my cynicism.  I see that people are overwhelmingly good. Our culture is self-policing…  We do a great job of classified ads in a culture of trust.”  What are the values behind your ideal business model?

“Doing Well by Doing Good. How Craigslist Continues to Thrive.”

Craving a Creative Outlet

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“This wasn’t a well-thought out plan… I was just pursuing a dream.” That’s how Priscilla Lopez describes her transition from IT consultant to tennis wear designer. While essentially a summary of her story, this article does include some interesting points, including how she got her start by wearing one of her own creations at her tennis club.

“Trading in a six-figure income for fashion.”

Unlikely Business Owner Creates Success by Following His Passion

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Not everyone who starts a business fits the classic mold of entrepreneur.  In this story about Jim Carpenter, founder of the Wild Birds Unlimited stores, we observe how revelations gradually emerge in one’s career and life and how acting on those revelations by taking that one next step leads you to the next.

“SUCCESS Stories: Jim Carpenter-His wildly successful Wild Birds Unlimited stores prove it’s all about passion.”

Do You Know the Value of Your Own Stock?

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by Ginny Kravitz, Deputy Editor

Bird in the Hand

After a 22-year career with the company, Rose became part of a downsizing. Though her severance package was fairly generous, she was very anxious about finding a job, as she was a single mother with the pressures of a high mortgage in California. After two months, Rose was offered a position with the same company in a different department. Though she was overqualified and the salary was less than what she had been earning previously, she accepted the offer. Her family’s and friends’ nervousness about her situation reverberated through the phone lines with a loud and clear message: YOU BETTER TAKE IT. Rose took their advice but inside her spirits sunk with the unmistakable feeling of taking “multiple steps backwards”.

The day after Rose accepted the offer, she was contacted to interview for a dream job to which she had applied, also with the same company. In this role Rose would be able to make a bigger impact, there was room for advancement, and the money was better, too.

The Twist: Rose would have to decline the first offer in order to interview for her dream job.
The Dilemma: Accept the bird in the hand or take a risk and go for the dream job.

Chips on the Table

Once again Rose was under significant pressure from her family and friends to take the first job. I told her that no one would fault her for going with the bird in the hand. It was a valid choice. Only you know what is right for you. What’s important is that you understand the reasons for choosing A or B and are at peace with your decision.

Neither Rose’s family nor I as her coach knew the right answer for Rose. Only she could know that. What I did know is that it was essential for Rose to define the why behind her choices and to come to terms with her own risk tolerance. What was she willing to risk and what was she not willing to risk?“

Do whatever you have to do to hear your deep truth.” That was my coaching request of Rose. This is what she did in response: wrote down the pros and cons, limited exposure to people who were worried about her, noticed fears for what they were, gave herself some time to be quiet and pray, went for walks to move her body, and slept on it one more night.

Clarity came in the morning. Rose woke up feeling calm and ready to take the risk. She would decline the first offer and go for the second. The change in Rose’s voice was palpable. She was emboldened and enlivened to decline the offer and demonstrate confidence in herself by going for it. It was as if she were saying, “I know you can’t guarantee me the job but I’m confident in my abilities and I know what I’m worth.” This action made quite a statement that was not lost on the hiring manager. Rose’s chips were on the table. She had stated her worth. Now the real test would come.

Continue reading here.

Becoming a Franchisee

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Here are three people who opted to buy franchises in order to do something entrepreneurial but with the support of a proven model. Also of note is that there are services that match clients with franchises. While it’s not for everyone, it could be an interesting formula to consider.

“Having your own biz, but not being on your own has appeal.”

Leap of Faith

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Jeanne Cole’s visit to a monastery was to help her rest and recover from the profound grief of losing her young son.  What she found there was not only the grace to heal but also the inspiration for a new business.  Here she describes her huge leap of faith out of a dream job in the entertainment industry to a simpler life and what she now calls “The Monastic Business Model”.

“From Movie Studio to Monastery.”