A beautiful surprise - our program and instructor was just spotlighted as a national leader in business training at America's SBDC National Convention...

"What keeps your eyes on the road?" My answer: There are just so many opportunities to help others. Your answer???

The Oregon SBDC helps Oregonians start, build, and grow their businesses through advising, training, online courses, and a variety of other resources for entrepreneurs throughout the state. For more information about our services, visit buff.ly/3BvIFVF.

This is the year I achieved Thanksgiving perfection...

It is statements like this that cause people to doubt traditional support services. And I work for one! Truth is MOST successful businesses start with a dream and a hammer. Plans come later. Our all-or-nothing proclamations alienate more than they enlighten.

#FridayFact: Small businesses comprise 62% of net new jobs in the entire private sector! #ShopSmall at small, independent businesses near you to support the job creators in your community. #25daysofsmallbiz

Random thought: Business Planning is not about being right. It's about laying out your expectations so that you can adapt when you're not.

The Historic Springfield Chamber Depot made the top 32 from more than 60 nominations worldwide in the ELGL 2022 Best Local Government Historic & Cultural Places Award - vote for your local Historic Depot to win this award! Go Chamber! More info/ vote here: elgl.org/knope

Inspired!

Saw a bighorn sheep east of The Dalles today along 84. Probably commonplace for locals, but I've never seen one that close. It was really cool! Wish I could have stopped for a pic.

Being a founder is difficult, lonely, and draining even in the best of times. These are not the best of times. And they're probably not going to be getting better any time soon. If you're feeling overwhelmed, burned out, and/or lost, please talk to someone. We're here for you 🧡

As an optimist, I encourage anyone with an entrepreneurial vision to pursue it. As a pragmatist I have to acknowledge that some are more likely to succeed than others.

No matter how passionately you desire a thing to be true, your desire does not make it so.

Reflecting on comfort clients often have fighting fires in their businesses. They may be exhausted. But firefighting gives them constant activity that feels productive. And an external factor to blame if things go wrong - "fires just got out of hand." Otoh, strategy has risk.

I've decided it's time to publish my book on professional identity! It's been 20 years in the making. The book is for owners struggling with brand apathy or professionals struggling with imposter syndrome. I've created groups on FB and LI. Let me know if you'd like to join!

The brain doesn't distinguish fact from fiction. It only cares about safeguarding belief. And it's masterful at creating rational-sounding justifications for those beliefs, no matter how fictional they are. When seeking truth, know that your brain is probably working against you.

When your story no longer serves you it's time to write a new one.

"That’s been one of my mantras: 'focus and simplicity.' Simple can be harder than complex; you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple." -Steve Jobs #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #GoalSetting #Progress

Just noting that my physiological response to Duolingo's new promotion/demotion strategy is a combination of anxiety and frustration. To be able to choose if and when I wanted to move up or slide down made the experience enjoyable. Now the app puts me on edge.😧