A Fool for a Client


I hate that as a coach, consultant, and expert in a few different things, I'm lousy at diagnosing and treating my own problems.

It's like some cosmic catch-22.

Do you hear that? It's the universe laughing.

What seems easy when it comes to clients, students, and friends suddenly becomes convoluted and just plain hard when I turn the lens on myself and my business.

I know it's a blind spot most people have, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

When I used to do career coaching and resume development, I had such a difficult time updating my resume. I had to turn to another professional to help me work through it and craft the best language and approach.

It's like 90% of what I know suddenly gets overshadowed (and even erased) by the mental gymnastics of rationalization, justification, and fear.

And, I'm left wondering: Do I really know anything about anything?

I recently had a catch-up call with another business coach. We were checking in on how things had gone over the first half of 2022 and sharing plans for the second half.

It was a perfect opportunity to review the various changes I've made to my business since the new year and also codify what I've been thinking of late regarding new offers and business models.

Like any good coach or consultant, my friend immediately started asking me questions, making suggestions, and cheering me on.

It took me a minute to realize that she was doing for me what I do for my prospects, clients, and friends.

She helped to clarify my thinking as well as explore possibilities and options, in addition to encouraging me to take action so I could move forward and get from thinking to doing more quickly and confidently.

It was such a great reminder that it makes a real difference to have an outside perspective and someone who serves as a partner to you when you're trying to do better and get better.

Of course, the other takeaway was that while I know I do these things for my clients, students, and friends, I often forget just how crucial that work is.

Being on the receiving end was a great reminder of all that.

So, here are my questions for you:

  1. When was the last time you gave a piece of advice and thought, "Wow, I should do that myself?"
  2. Did you end up taking your own advice?

In all honesty, my answer to number one on any given day is likely, "Today." My answer to number two is almost always, "Nope."

How about you? Are you good at taking your own advice? Are you able to reach out for help, clarity, and/or support?

Do you sit with things and then get busy working on other people's issues and needs at the expense of working on your own?

In short, are you a great or "foolish" client for yourself?

Need an objective perspective to move you and your business forward? Book a session with me today.


Until next week, remember—admitting you have blind spots isn't the same as being blind.


PS - Last week's Collect the Dots was about two critical aspects of effective sales strategy. Check it out if you missed it.

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Easily Said & Done

I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?

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