Do Something Great!

Breathe life into someone else's idea, that's about the best thing you can do in my opinion.

I have been doing this for the better part of my career.  In looking back, I did this as a young man, but I didn't know it. 

As I aged and found my career stride, I began to seek out opportunities where my "follow on" ideas became the lifting agent for another's "initial ideas". The "first follower" of ideas, if you will. 

These days I can take an objective look at myself and understand what I am and what I am not.

I know I am not an entrepreneur.  I am, however, entrepreneurial.

I know am not analytical. I do, however, appreciate analysis.

I make hard decisions. I can, feel the pain of the decisions I make.

For me all I have ever wanted was to be alongside the guys and gals with the big ideas. Riding in the sidecar with the dreamers who want to change the world or a piece of it. I have a healthy dose of respect for those who spend all their time and money trying to get something off the ground. Visionaries who can see places most of us can't. I like to be right there with them. While I can't see what they see, I appreciate their vision enough to help them keep pushing. 

I will turn 55 next month. I am finally comfortable in my own skin. I have said I always was, but that is likely my personal anarchy. I grew up in the 60's and 70's where anarchy in this country combined with alchemy to produce the 80's and 90's. Some good things happened then. I remember the first word processors, fax machines and PC's in the companies I worked for. I also remember the pain around Vietnam and know we are better off from the experience only through the awesome music and art that put it down with such great effect. 

I read recently where excellent writer @John White wrote "I have all these ideas in my head". 

I get it. 

I do too.

I have used most all of them to help the companies I have been a part of and the entrepreneurs who started them with an idea and a credit card. Some ended up with success and happiness; others with failure, broken marriages, vices and addictions beyond belief.  

I wonder?

I think about my next gig, I want to teach in a more formal and informal way at the same time. 

Big challenge!  

I just hope I am surrounded by people whose ideas can help me make it real and avoid the trouble. I hope a student someday can look back and say:

"I was taught by an entrepreneurial guy when I was young, he used data to back his thoughts and felt bad, and helped me, when I didn't get it in class." 

Helping others in business and in life is the greatest thing you can do.

My Best,