What Four More Years Means

I can't stop thinking about the next four years. Mostly because election talk is unavoidable, but also because four years ago this month I did the unthinkable. The country was still reeling from the market crash. Americans were wondering how they were going to recover their retirement plans, find work or hang on to their homes. With blinders on, I went down to the courthouse, filed my business name, and turned in my notice to my boss. The security that everyone was grasping to hold on to, I let go.

I had a great job as the director of public relations for a large hospital system. I enjoyed my work and felt like I was making a difference. Better yet, I had a pension. However, my infant son was spending 50 hours a week in daycare, and I was driving into work white-knuckled and weeping.

The last four years have been better than I could have imagined. I have had more time with my family, while simultaneously learning more about myself, others, and business ownership than I thought possible.

The most salient points are these:

-I love a challenge.

-I'm not afraid of failing.

-You'll succeed faster by helping others first.

-Don't do business in a vacuum. The accountability brought on by career coaches and peer groups has kept me going.

-Successful people tune out negativity.

-I wouldn't have made it this far without the support of family, friends and others.

If I am fortunate enough to have four more years as a business owner, it will likely mean continued growth both personally and professionally. Starting my business is the hardest thing I've ever done, but it was the best decision for me, my family and my career.

What's the biggest risk you've ever taken?

Why These Three Words Are Bad for Business

You've probably heard the opposite of love is not hate, its indifference. I'm certain most of us aren't intending to communicate that level of emotion when we let the words, "I don't care," dribble out of our mouths. However, there is an unintended consequence to this three word phrase, and it is doing more harm to your business than you think.

Telling your co-workers you don't care where you go for lunch is a minor offense, but you might end up eating the same sandwhich you had the day before. (Yes, that actually happened to me. What's worse is the waitress actually outed me in front of everyone.)

However, when a team member asks you which design you like for your company's new brochure and your response is, "I don't care. They're both good." You might think you're being positive, but what you're really telling them is the subject isn't important enough to formulate an opinion. Even though both designs might be solid, you missed an opportunity to help that person and demonstrate your value. Chances are you won't get this person's best work on your next project.

Sometimes its just easier to say, "I don't care". We don't have to make a decision or think about what's being asked. Additionally, we don't have to worry about what others think about our opinions if we don't share them. I was especially guilty of this when I was younger.

Don't harbor concerns about what everyone thinks about your opinions. If they don't appreciate your candor, they'll stop asking for your thoughts.

My plan to conquering my occasional colloquial crutch involves asking questions. Here's what I've come up with so far:

-What's your preference?

-What is the goal?

-Are there any specific pros or cons you can share with me?

-Why is this important to you?

-Can you tell me why this decision poses a challenge?

Don't miss the opportunity to take your first step in overcoming indifference. Share your thoughts in the comments section below on how we can all do a better job of editing out those three trouble making words.