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Next Gen Passioneers: Time to Shake UP the Entrepreneur Game

October 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Big thanks to Nathalie Lussier for posting an awesome blog on Under30CEO.com:  “How Gen Y Will Leverage the New Economy and Come Our Ahead.”  She calls the next generation into creating its own rules, is hopeful about the future and about entrepreneurship as a solution to current challenges.  It’s so refreshing to hear a young adult touting possibilities and personal responsibility instead of complaining.   Says Nathalie,  “It’s time to change the game and create the new rules of success, and that involves entrepreneurship and personal responsibility.”

That said, as a half-century year old female here in America, I feel it’s my generation’s responsibility to hear, support, and mentor Generation Y and others to come.  After all, we are leaving a pretty messy legacy on this planet, yes?

Nathalie ends the post with a call-to-action for Next Gen entrepreneurs:

“So what are you waiting for? If you’ve been stagnating, it’s time to recognize the great opportunities that are in front of you right now. Right here.”

This is a fantastic call to budding entrepreneurs of ANY age who might be waiting for the “perfect time” to put their ideas into action. Guess what?  There is no perfect time, so NOW is as good a time as any other. Make sense?

Last week I met with a 20-something man (I almost said “boy,” can you believe it?) about his future.  When I asked him about what he wants to create in the world, he lit up and proceeded to tell me about his dream of a global nonprofit.  Then, after a few minutes, he somberly shared how he is struggling to pay off school and other debts, by holding down three jobs.   Of course he can’t think about launching a new business, right?  WRONG!  I challenged him and I challenge anybody to find at least three baby steps each week to move your idea forward.  It doesn’t matter if it’s 15 minutes of competitive analysis or an informational phone call.    Perhaps you could ask someone in your life to be your mentor.  Regardless, those small steps move you forward and fan the flames of entrepreneurship.

As the quote in Nathalie’s blog post states:

“Like every generation yields, the newborn hope unjaded by their years…” -Sarah McLachlan  

My generation’s version:  “A rolling stone gathers no moss.”  ~ Publius Syrus

Stay nimble, open, and willing to be willing.

Happy Passioneering!

 

 

 

Image: Carlos Porto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

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Passioneering Picks: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Scores Bigtime

September 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), an international non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young people from low-income communities to stay in school and to recognize business opportunities, today announced its World Series of Innovation, presented by Microsoft, was selected as a featured event for the 2011 Global Entrepreneurship Week from Nov. 14-20, 2011.

“The World Series of Innovation will bring NFTE’s pioneering experiential education program and vital message about the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in our society to thousands of new young people around the globe,” said Amy Rosen, President and CEO of NFTE. “With the economy still mired in problems, now more than ever NFTE feels an obligation to inspire as many young people as possible to think creatively about their world and seize opportunities to meet market demands and social needs. We are sowing the seeds of the next generation of entrepreneurs every day.”

If you haven’t yet checked out the Global Entrepreneurship Week, do so now!  It’s “the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.”

According to its website, “the initiative kicked off in 2008, launched by former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Carl Schramm, the president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Since then, it has grown to 115 countries—with nearly 24,000 partner organizations planning more than 37,000 activities that directly engage more than 7 million people.”

See the video below, and Happy Passioneering!

 

Click here for full post…

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

 

 

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Next Gen Passioneers: Adina Mangubat

September 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This week’s Next Gen Passioneer is Adina Mangubat, CEO of Spiral Genetics.  Her goal for Spiral Genetics is to transform the medical industry by making it possible to perform large scale DNA research and discovery.   By making medical care personalized, Adina believes that Spiral Genetics will improve quality of life and expand life expectancy.  She hopes that Spiral Genetics is the first in a series of her future endeavors that will make significant positive change.  You can reach her at www.spiralgenetics.com.

“I want to change the world…one company at a time.” ~Adina Mangubat

On Wednesday, September 7th, we’re interviewing Adina on The Passions and Possibilities Network®, at 9am PST.  Dial-in live at (347) 205-9038 or streaming via the website with your comments and questions.  We welcome ‘em!

Adina’s Passioneer Interview

1.    What’s your definition of “passion”? Passion is fuel that powers my drive, ambition and dreams.

2.     Where/how does “paying it forward” fit in your mission? A company is not created by the actions of a handful of people.  What I am doing is made possible by drawing on a huge network of support.  I have been extremely fortunate that I have received amazing support from so many people who have gone before me.  The majority of those people have come from an entrepreneurship community that helps mentor young entrepreneurs, the youngest of which is 14 years old.  It’s an incredible group of people and I’m doing my part by helping mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs.

3.    Which success factors have been most critical to your success?   Perseverance, Community, Passion and Integrity.

4.    What have been your biggest challenges in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed them?  Especially as a young adult?  Someone once told me, “your assets are your liabilities and your liabilities are your assets.”  My age falls squarely in the category of asset and liability and reconciling that was challenging.  The bottom line is that I have not been on the earth as long as the vast majority of executives in the business world.

“Someone once told me, “your assets are your liabilities and your liabilities are your assets”

I have less experience and it’s a double-edged sword.  On the positive side, I don’t have clear borders on my world map which separates the ‘possible’ from the ‘impossible’ and so I can dream big without as many assumptions.  On the negative side, I have not traveled these roads before and so I don’t always know what potholes and bumps exist in the road ahead of me. My challenges were first recognizing and embracing both the pros and cons that came with youth and second, understanding how to effectively compensate for the fact that I haven’t done this before and don’t know what challenges may lie ahead.  I’ve overcome the first challenge by putting a lot of time and effort into understanding myself and what fears were rooted in my resistance to my age.  Ultimately, I was able to overcome that challenge when I realized that I didn’t have to know the answer to everything, I just had to know where to look for the answers.  That quickly allowed me to address the second challenge. I recruited a number of more experienced people and asked them to help me navigate the unknown.

5.    What tips do you have for an individual to discover what they really love/their passions? Take the time to know yourself.  Deep introspection is the only way to know and understand what really drives you at the core.  I found that my passion is not any one thing, but a series of experiences that motivate me and can be found in many different forms. I examined the activities that I most enjoyed and asked myself, what is it about this experience that is motivating for me?

6.    What tips do you have for an individual to integrate more of their passions into their life? Push the upper limits of your comfort zone.  It can be scary taking the leap and in many ways it does not require a huge leap to integrate more of your passions into your life.  Just be willing to push yourself and be a little more daring every day.

 ”Just be willing to push yourself and be a little more daring every day. “

 

Thanks Adina, and Happy Passioneering!

If you or someone you know would make a great Next Gen Passioneer interview, let us know!

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Filed Under: Blog, Featured Passioneers, Next Gen Passioneers, Passioneers Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Multi-Passioneering: When One Passion Just Won’t Do

May 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

While many social and spiritual entrepreneurs are focusing on one primary passion as they pay it forward in the world, there’s a growing trend of “multi-passionate professionals” as described by Sonja Haller during her recent interview with Gilat Ben-Dor in AZ Central.  Gilat is the author of three books, including The Confetti Path, that give people permission to pursue multiple passions, to “be who they are, and to quit being apologetic about having so many interests and passions.”  Right on Gilat!  For Sonja’s full blog post, click here.

Often we hear that it’s important to specialize and become an expert in one particular topic or career.  Career specialist, Paula Caliguiri, disagrees.  In her book Get a Life, Not A Job, Paula highlights the following benefits of having what she terms “multiple career acts,” including;

  • Greater ability to manage your career
  • A career built on what you love
  • More excitment
  • More freedom
  • Work-life balance
  • Financial freedom
  • More control

Paula’s book has been receiving fabulous reviews, and you can hear her radio interview on The Passions and Possibilities Network, where she discusses her own journey and passions: Paula’s Radio Inteview.

In the 350+ interviews with Passioneers®,  I found that about half of them are focusing on one career passion, while the other half are multi- or serial-Passioneers.   There were no significant differences between these types of Passioneers in terms of their success or happiness.  My take-away is that there is no wrong or right way to unleash your passions and possibilities in the world.  The only way is YOUR way!

 

Happy Passioneering,

Sue Zeal Oliver, Chief Passioneer

 

 

 

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Passioneer® Podblast (11 minutes), Deborah’s Tips on Authentically Writing YOU

February 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Honored and thrilled to interview Deborah Drake, a writing coach, business and marketing consultant who champions authentic writing for business development. She enjoys helping those who desire to write, publish, and market themselves authentically, boldly, and consistently. Her mantra: “Authentic writing provokes.”  You can reach her at www.deborahdrake.wordpress.com and deb@deborahdrake.com.

Each week we offer a brief Passioneer® Podblast on an aspect of thriving and giving back.  If you would like to share one or other wisdom, ideas, or comments, please let us know below.  Thanks and Happy Passioneering!

Deborah’s PodBlast (downloadable version at bottom) and below is a summary of the podcast:

SZO:  What’s Your Focus as a Passioneer, Deborah?

Authentic Self-Expression is what I call it. Writing is but one form. I am a champion for being authentic in one’s life and relating and where business is concerned, one’s marketing in every way. I also know that if we share who we are with our clients and prospective clients, share those things that are important to us, those things that made us what we are, we get to really connect with our clients. Writing via a blog or an article or how we represent ourselves on a website or any material we generate is HUGE. It works for us 24/7. Why not take advantage of technology to help us connect with those all around us that can benefit from our talents and offerings?

SZO:  What Tips Do You Have for Budding Passioneers to Cultivate Authentic Self-Expression through Writing?

  • Practice. Practice. Practice.
  • Find a trusted friend to critique, work with, edit and give honest feedback as you develop your voice and transparency.
  • Read other good writer’s stuff and try what appeals to you if only once.
  • Carry a blank book with you at all times to capture moments that deserve to be remembered and shared.

SZO:  What Resources Do You Recommend for Budding Passioneers in this Area?

Any and all Natalie Goldberg Books: Writing Down the Bones and Wild Mind offer great exercises to cultivate your writing muscle.

I can’t say enough about what a friend writing has been to me in my darkest hours and my finest moments.

Thanks Deborah and Happy Passioneering!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Just Be It: Tips for Leaping Vibrantly into What You Really Love

January 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Two years ago, I wrote the blog post below, which summarizes the biggest tips for leaping vibrantly and prosperously into what you love.  Things haven’t changed one bit since then!  In fact, with the continuing challenges of the U.S. economy, these tips are even more important.  If I could distill the biggest key from the 300+ Passioneer interviews, it would be this:  JUST BE IT.  WHY WAIT?

Top Tips to Express What You Love

Often I ask individuals who have successfully leaped into their dreams if they have any regrets. Without exception, they have responded with a resounding “No”! Their most common tip for individuals who are considering the leap is to stop procrastinating and to just do it. Below are some easy, powerful steps to move forward today.

  • Clarify Your Dream. By tomorrow, spend at least 30 minutes exploring the life of your dreams. Write it. Paint it. Sing it. Create a vision board. Let it out!
  • Hang Out with Passionate People. When two or more individuals discuss together their passions, magic unfolds. So over the next week, find at least one social or professional group that shares your passion. Attend one of their events.
  • Explore a Career Change. Your dream life may require a career change. Write down at least five alternative ventures that would allow you to more fully express your passions. Consider hiring a career specialist.
  • Face Your Fears. Write down your ten biggest fears about fully leaping into your dreams. Then examine which of the fears are facts and which are really your interpretations.
  • Stake Your Claim. This week, when others ask you what you do, create a new sound track. Instead of describing an old role or job, declare your passion as your new occupation. “I now am a ___________________” (fill in the blank).
  • Create a 30-Second Elevator Speech. Know what target market you want to serve with your passions. Then use a simple, conversational approach to describe who you are. Here’s my blurb: “As a passions and possibilities coach, I support talented, driven, and successful individuals in taking the next big leap into their dreams”.
  • Order New Business Cards. You could have polished calling cards for your new venture by the end of the week. Several online vendors offer very low-cost choices, so order them today. There’s no excuse not to!
  • Spread the News. Tell at least ten people that you are pursuing the life of your dreams now. Ask them to tell at least ten people. Leverage new and existing venues, especially social networks on the internet.
  • Build a Cheerleading Team. Make a list of ten individuals who could be strong supporters of your dream. Meet with all of them over the next month, and make a specific request for their support.
  • Find a Mentor. Learn from the mistakes of others, to avoid unnecessary pitfalls along your journey. Use your connections to find five successful individuals who are already expressing a similar passion.
  • Hire a Professional Life Coach. A great coach will help you organize countless baby steps into a powerful game plan for your dream. Seek out someone who has solid experience, a successful track record, and with whom you have a strong connection.
  • Assess Your Finances. As you leap into your passions, take your financial pulse. Have you already saved at least one year’s worth of your expected expenses? If not, you will need additional income until your new venture is profitable. So don’t quit your day job right away!
  • Hire a Financial Expert. If you are facing major debt challenges or complicated finances, spend the time and money to hire an expert. You will avoid many headaches and be much more likely to prosper.
  • Take It Slow and Steady. Your progress towards your dreams, after taking many baby steps like these, will simply astound you. Consider Dick Miller, the man who ate a 2,800 pound car. How did he do it? One mouthful at a time.
  • Start Today. Take at least one step into your passions today, even if it’s a small one. Words without action are meaningless, so what do YOU commit to?

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Catching and Holding Bigget Vision for Your Life

January 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Vision = Clarity and Focus!

When you make the time to tune into the bigger vision for your life – to steep yourself in it with all of your senses, you can literally call it forth into your life.   Napoleon Hill said “What You can conceive and believe, you can achieve.”   Most folks don’t spend enough time in the conceiving part, so there’s no way they ever get to believing.   That’s where visioning comes in. The visioning exercise posted below was recorded during our first 2011 VisionCasting call, a monthly, free opportunity for you to tune into the vision for your life from the perspective of your Higher Power.

For more information on visioning, click here for the Visioning FAQ. To share your experience or wisdom with our Network or to sign-up for bi-monthly inspiration and tips, please contact us.

30-Minute Visioning Podcast (Facilitator, Sue Zeal Oliver)

(down-loadable version at the bottom of the page).

Transcript from the 1.6.2011 Visioning Exercise:

  • We’ll create a reflective, contemplative place for about 15 minutes and then will ask our Higher Power to share this vision with us. We’ll open up the phone lines at the end, for anyone who wants to share.
  • Please get at least 2 pieces of paper and pen, pencil, markers, or even crayons. Write the words “Vision” on one page, in small letters in the top part; then, “Be” on the back of that page (or use a new sheet); write “Release” on another side or sheet, and then “Anything Else” on the fourth side or sheet.
  • You can use these sheets to write down any images, sensations, words, etc., that come to you during the process, either as they come forth or at the end. I highly recommend doing so throughout.

Background of Visioning

  • Visioning is a tool for connecting with the realm infinite possibilities – your true nature. That which you do not know with your five senses.
  • It goes beyond visualization which is limited to what you have actually seen with your eyes (for example, imagining yourself successfully dunking a basketball through a hoop).
  • In visioning, you ask your Higher Power to share the biggest possible vision for your life. Or for a project, situation, venture – it can be used for any area of your life.
  • You can create time for visioning monthly, weekly, even daily…from a few minutes to several hours. I include it for about 10 minutes in my daily spiritual practice and for a few hours each month.
  • The technique here includes Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith’s line of simple questioning. You can find out more about his programs by Googling Life Visioning or going to his website.
  • I’ll be sharing four simple questions that you can record on your IPOD, phone or other device and use during your own meditation and journaling practices.
  • Ground rules:
  • Ask your censor, left brain, and inner critics to take a break. There’s no right or wrong way to do visioning. It’s highly likely that some of what comes forth will not make sense. That’s OK!
  • Sometimes the answer will come later down the line, and other times, it may not.
  • Please honor the reflective space and the variety of spiritual traditions.
  • Allow each person to share AND be laser like, focused in your sharing.

Visioning Questions:

  • What is the Greatest Good for my life in 2011? What does it look like? Sound like? Feel like? Smell like? Taste Like?
  • What am I to be in order for this Greatest Good to unfold?
  • What am I to release in order for this Greatest Good to unfold?
  • Anything else for me to know about this Greatest Good for my life?

Giving great thanks for what has unfolded and for the truth that as we believe it, it is so. That we are indeed here for a Higher Purpose – spiritual beings having a human experience.

************************************

Happy Passioneering!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Passioneering Moment #2: An E-Ticket to the Life You Love

January 10, 2011 By 2 Comments

Each week, you’ll receive a brief, 3-minute Passioneering Video Moment on the month’s theme. January’s theme is Vision, and this week’s moment is on immersing yourself fully in the greatest vision for your life.

When I was growing up, Disneyland issued hard-copy coupon books full of E-tickets that allowed you go go on any of the rides in the theme park. Woohoo!!  They were nirvana for me because I got to choose whatever ride I wanted.  In truth, life works this way.  When you are born, you receive a virtual E-ticket – the infinite possibilities to create the life that you truly want.  Not simply as a particular occupation – doctor, lawyer, entrepreneur.  Or as a particular role -  mother, boss, employee.  You get to catch the biggest possible vision and purpose for your life:  a ride that’s exciting, scary, and invigorating, with its ups, downs, and bumps.

Yet most of you squander our E-ticket on average, mediocre rides.  Why?  Because you sell out!!   You simply don’t make the commitment or take the time to clarify what you truly desire.  It’s as if you show up to the universal ticket window of life, and, when asked where you want to go, you say “I don’t know” or, worse yet, “I’ll get back to you.”  Then you wonder why your life looks murky and chaotic.

What’s the solution?  Consider what you want your life to look like, all barriers aside.  That is, if you knew that you couldn’t fail.   This week, I invite you to catch the biggest possible picture for your life and to spend at least one hour writing, drawing, painting, or somehow creatively expressing your biggest, passionate and possible life – where YOU want to spend your lifetime of E-ticket rides.  You’ve got a full coupon book.

Now use them!!

Happy Passioneering!

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Passioneer® Andrew Harrison, Author, Inspirational Speaker, Researcher

December 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Andrew Harrison is the author of Love Your 84,000 Hours at Work: Stories on the Road from People with Purpose and Passion, which chronicles people from around the United States who love their careers and how they came to find them.

His travels (www.iamontheroad.com) have taken him over three years, 75,000 miles and 145 one-on-one interviews. “The journey has been the most incredible thing I’ve ever been a part of,” he says. “It has changed my life.”  His first book, “Love Your 84,000 Hours at Work: Stories On the Road From People With Purpose and Passion,” explains what he’s learned from his travel experiences interviewing passionate people about their life, job and career path.

Andrew Harriso

Harrison  is called “The Seeker” because he left a six figure job to travel the country interviewing people passionate about their work and life. After 95,000 miles and 145 interviews, his journey and the stories of those he met on the road inspire people to live their life to the fullest. He can be reached at www.84000hours.com

We’re interviewing Andrew on the radio show, The Passions and Possibilities Network, broadcasting this Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 at 9am PST.  Tune in live via (347) 205-9038 or streaming audio:  The Passions and Possibilities Radio Show

Andrew’s Passiongraphy Q&A:

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

Loving your life.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

Once I truly believed that there were passionate people in the world, I dedicated my life to becoming one of them. The road has not been an easy one, but because I had a vision for where I wanted to go, I was able to sacrifice and overcome obstacles. By meeting and interviewing passionate people, I have been able to integrate their experiences and views into my own life – and then share them with others.  I think the word that best describes my journey is Perseverance.

SO: What has been your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed them?

In the book, one of my interviewees talks about listening to your gut, rather than your ego. That is easier said than done. In the United States, material things (ego) can cause us to work at jobs we don’t love. The societal pull of “doing what you are supposed to do” has been a big challenge. I was supposed to be happy with the money and the lifestyle I had. Instead, I addressed the challenge by not listening to society and going with my gut. Now society is opening its ears to me, my passionate interviewees, and the message of loving your 84,000 hours at work.

SO: Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

I was living the supposed “good life” of a lot of money and time, but it was also an unfulfilled life. After struggling with feeling like something was missing, I decided to look for my answers. Some say I took a big risk; I say it was a risk that had to be taken. What inspired me to go for it? Other passionate people. Once I knew they were out there, I knew I had to become one of them. It turns out meeting passionate people and sharing their stories is my purpose and passion.

SO: Do you have a quote that you would like to share that speaks of you and your passion?

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Thoreau

SO: What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

He lived his life to the fullest and he helped other people live their lives to the fullest.

SO: What three brief tips can you give to somebody making the leap into their passion?

Step 1: Know that without a doubt, there are people who love their work.

Step 2: Know that without a doubt, you can become one of them.

Step 3: To get to where you want to go; figure out who you are, what motivates you, what doesn’t, what you value and what your vision for your life is. Once you have a vision, you can create a plan and start working the plan.

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Collecting YOUR tips on Finding Passions and Purpose

December 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

We’re creating a wisdom-packed January on the theme of vision and purpose. That is, how to tap into the biggest picture of your Passioneering journey, instead of getting bogged down in the day-to-day “stuff”.  If you are a vibrant, conscious entrepreneur or leader with some insights on this topic, please share a tip below.  You’ll receive full attribution, including your picture and a link-back to your website, if we choose your tip.

Passioneer® Tip Guidelines:

  • Feel free to be passionate and fun in your responses!
  • Submit a tip of 125 words or less.  Longer submissions will be returned for editing.
  • Please focus on content and inspiration; no marketing plugs or hyperlinks.
  • Include your name, title, website link, and a quality picture.

To join our growing list of Passioneer Tip Contributors and receive our twice-monthly tip queries and updates, click here.   You can unsubscribe at any time.

Happy Passioneering!

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13-Minute Passioneer® PodBlast: Beth Buelow, Introvert Entrepreneur Coach, Speaker, Blogger

December 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

We recently interviewed Beth Buelow, CEO and founder of The Introvert Entrepreneur.  She is a professional speaker and leadership coach who helps introverts understand, own and leverage their strengths. She challenges the introvert stereotypes and is on a mission to bridge the communication gap between the “strong, silent” types and the “loud and proud.” Her business, The Introvert Entrepreneur, provides products and services that are designed for introverts who want to be wildly successful while still being authentic.  Listen to her PodBlast at the bottom of this post.

Summary of Beth’s PodBlast:

Sue. What are the biggest challenges that budding Passioneers who are introverts face?

Beth:

  • Self-promotion. Introverts are usually more comfortable putting the spotlight on others, rather than themselves. This can be a huge asset; our self-effacing nature means we’re good at lifting up others. This tendency needs to be balanced with showing up confidently and being able to speak clearly about our own value.
  • Head games. Introverts are internal processors; the wheels are always quietly turning inside our heads, and this can lead to paralysis by analysis, as well as believing we have to think something through 110% before we can speak about it or act on it.
  • Being authentic. There is a lot of pressure to be out, social, on stage, “selling” yourself. Introverts are capable of doing all of these things, and finding a way to do it that honors our introverted personality and needs can be challenging.
  • Managing energy. This is related to authenticity; if we feel pressure to show up as extroverts (lots of events, being really “on,” constantly putting ourselves out there), our energy reserves can drain out rather quickly. It requires really owning our energy and needs and being able to set boundaries for ourselves (rather than “I should do this”). Staying in a place of choice is critical.

Sue:  What are your top three tips for these Passioneers to outrageously thrive as they give back?

Beth: All three of these are ways to protect your energy as your success becomes more present and pronounced.

  • Choose your commitments strategically and intentionally. As you become more successful, more people will want a piece of you. It can be tempting to say “yes” too often. Decide what types of opportunities best align with your vision, BEFORE you’re faced with saying yes or no.
  • Leverage your strengths. Seek challenges and situations that allow you to tap into your innate strengths: thoughtfulness; preference for depth over breadth; being calm, cool, collected; good listener.
  • Reach out. Whoever coined the phrase, “if you want it done right, do it yourself,” was probably an introvert! We tend to think we can handle everything on our own, because it might feel like it would be more work (and therefore, an energy drain) to bring other people into our processes. However, done strategically and intentionally (again, choosing partners or vendors in accordance to what aligns with your vision, rather than saying “yes!” to anyone who asks you), it can increase your capacity to accomplish your goals and provide you with some relief. Recognize when it’s time to ask for support or partnership.

Sue:  What three resources do you recommend for these Passioneers to check out?

Beth:

  • The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney: a great primer for anyone who wants to learn more about what it means to be an introvert.
  • Good to Great by Jim Collins: His chapter on Level 5 Leadership answers the question of whether or not introverts can make great leaders (the answer is yes!). I also appreciate the lessons that Passioneers can learn from applying the Hedgehog Concept and Flywheel analogy to their businesses.
  • Works by Carl Jung and in particular, about the shadow: for deeper understanding of being an introvert and why we sometimes disown that part of ourselves. A good starting point is Debbie Ford’s The Dark Side of the Light Chasers.

Sue:  Anything else?

Beth: I have a few resources designed specifically to support introverts and introvert entrepreneurs:

Blog, Podcast, Coaching, Workshops, Etc: www.TheIntrovertEntrepreneur.com

Facebook Community: www.Facebook.com/TheIntrovertEntrepreneur

Twitter: @coachbethb

Final Words (Beth):

Practice using a “beginner’s mind” approach to your work. Introverts are generally good at research and have a “need to know.” Practice spending some time in the “not knowing.” Experience things with a beginner’s mind and eye, allowing yourself to notice what’s happening not just with your mind, but with your body. Be open to the opportunities that arise when you remove the pressure to be perfect or to be an expert.

Thanks Beth and Happy Passioneering!

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PassionBlast #12: Tips from Successful Passioneers®

December 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Twice a month, we share tips, stories, and quotes to inspire social and spiritual leaders and entrepreneurs who want to thrive as they share their talents and gifts.  If you would like to contribute your story or wisdom, please contact us here.  Our contributors receive a heads-up on our themes, articles, and story requests and full attribution and link-backs for their submissions.

“You can start with nothing. And out of nothing, and out of no way, a way will be made” ~ Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith

Tips for Thriving as You Give Back in the World

Passioneer® Melissa Plaskoff, Founder and CEO of Lemons to Aid

  • Figure out what speaks to you.
  • Decide how much of a commitment you want to give to your passion.
  • Find a way to make it happen (it may be a fun way, volunteering, starting a business) and it will all work itself out. When you find your passion, it really is simple. I’m doing it now!
  • Melissa’s full passion0graphy: click here.

Passioneer Paula Caligiuri, Author and Career Coach

  • You cannot own your job but you can own your career.  Stay in control of your own development.
  • Have a well-formulated plan on achieving your career goal.  Sometimes one aspect of your career may need to fund another.
  • Manage all of your resources well:  time, money, energy.  Use your discretionary resources to move you closer to your career goal.
  • Paula’s full passionography: click here.

Passioneer Stephanie A. Jones, Political/Social Scientist, Founder of Geek Nerd Wonk

  • You must be prepared to work harder than you can conceivably imagine.  That means a 9-5 job to keep a roof over your head, and another 6 hours per day devoted to your true passion and/or volunteering, to whatever feels most authentic to you.  If you do not work 14-16 hours a day you will never escape your 9-5 job, when the goal is to be so successful at your authentic job you can do IT alone for 14-16 hours a day.
  • There is no vacancy waiting for you.  You have to claim your space. There is no room at the top just waiting for your particular brilliance, ready and willing to step to the side to enable your joining the hallowed ranks.  Educate yourself, give of yourself, establish your credibility, and then march in and claim your space.  Then work twice as hard to maintain your right to be there.
  • If you tell the truth. 100% of the time, you never have to remember anything you have ever said.
  • Stephanie’s full passionography: click here.


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