Work-Life / Balance

We interrupt the pandemic transition to bring you a Memorial Day message

May 30, 2022 by Jim Blasingame

This is my traditional Memorial Day column with a post-pandemic component, which we’ll get to in a minute. But first …

Reasonable people disagree on the exact origins of what is now called Memorial Day. But most accept that the practice of decorating the graves of Americans who died defending their country began in earnest by women of the South during and following the Civil War.

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, National Commander of the Army of the Republic, was the first to make Memorial Day official. With General Order No. 11, he stated in part that “the 30th day of May, 1868 is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country.”

Since then, [Continue Reading]

Do you – and your company – need a vacation this year?

May 24, 2022 by Jim Blasingame

Could you use a vacation this summer? You know – like for an entire week.

Well, according to our most recent online poll, over two-thirds of respondents allowed that they’re going to take a vacation for at least a week. Pretty sure this is close to a record on this topic, and it’s probably some kind of a pandemic-in-the-rearview-mirror reaction.

It must be said that, for small business owners, a vacation isn’t just for the rest and relaxation. Most of us realize time away gives any leader a better perspective upon returning. This brings us to what for entrepreneurs may be a better question: Could your business use a vacation from you? Of course, it could. Your absence will reveal organizational weaknesses that need attention, as well as strengths you may have overlooked.

Regardless of your motivations, here are four ideas to help you consider taking more time off. [Continue Reading]

Should Mamas Let Their Babies Grow Up To Be Entrepreneurs?

March 28, 2022 by Jim Blasingame

“Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys.”

Country music fans recognize this title and opening passage from the Ed and Patsy Bruce song made famous by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. If there ever was a honky-tonk anthem, this is it.

Every good anthem has a hook lyric and in this song, it goes like this: “He ain’t wrong, he’s just different, and his pride won’t make him do things to make you think that he’s right.”

Wish I had a nickel for every time someone watched an entrepreneur doing what entrepreneurs do, and asked, “What’s wrong with him?” Well, entrepreneurs are a lot like cowboys — they’re not wrong they’re just different. For example: [Continue Reading]

Two Worthy Heroes To Admire

February 15, 2022 by Jim Blasingame

Olympians and small business owners are kindred spirits.

Watching the Winter Olympic athletes compete, we’re taken to a place where special humans participate in a noble cause. These heroes commit countless hours over many years, pushing their minds and bodies to achieve a level of excellence that might qualify them to … merely be on an Olympic team and represent their country.

Notice neither winning medals nor glory was mentioned. Most Olympians find neither, and yet they try.

Watching an event, we’re at once self-conscious and grateful when the long lens of the camera invades that private moment just prior to the competition. Self-conscious because of the intrusion but grateful to share this moment and benefit vicariously from the Herculean effort about to be delivered.

The camera moves in closer. We can see the Olympian’s eyes and imagine their thoughts. The skier is thinking, “Twelve years and it all comes down to the next few seconds. Must remember the fundamentals.” The skater is having a word with herself, “Today, nothing less than my personal best.”

Then the long lens captures the mouth. There’s a lick to fight the cotton mouth that only those who risk failure have tasted. The lips move slightly to offer a prayer or claim an affirmation, and then, “This is it.”

Small business owners are a lot like Olympic athletes: [Continue Reading]

Think You Have It Tough? Meet Abraham Lincoln

February 8, 2022 by Jim Blasingame

It’s that time of year when we’re reminded of the life of one of the most famous people in the history of modern civilization. What follows is a little history and a lot of inspiration.

Earthlings in every country on the planet have heard of the American who was born dirt-poor in a log cabin on the frontier, 2013 years ago this week. Even if they don’t know why, people know the name Abraham Lincoln. And for good reason. Besides almost three dozen Lincoln monuments (including internationally), there are over 600 schools, dozens of cities and counties, and no less than a gazillion streets, parks, buildings, and sculptures celebrating this great man’s iconic name and countenance.

As the 16th president of the United States of America, it’s generally accepted that Lincoln’s leadership during one of the greatest conflicts in human history was a profile in courageous genius. Even though the American Civil War was horrendous and the post-war era harsh, prolonged and contentious, both resulted in the successful reassembly of the United States – sans slavery. When you consider the blessing that the re-United States became to the world for the past century and a half, it’s no leap of logic that Lincoln is recognized as one of the most important individuals in the history of Western Civilization.

As an unlikely leader, Lincoln was a risk-taker, which makes his story especially poignant for a special group of contemporary risk-takers – small business owners. At every waypoint along the ownership continuum, from startup to locking up for the last time, Main Street business owners can draw strength and inspiration from the uncomplicated witness of Lincoln’s inscrutable character and fierce leadership. [Continue Reading]

When Cause And Effect Converged With Humanity

November 22, 2021 by Jim Blasingame

This is a story about how cause and effect merged parallel universes and one person made a difference that changed the course of human history.

As the 17th Century dawned on the New World, a manchild was born to the Patuxet tribe. His father named him Tisquantum. They were part of a confederation of tribes known as the Wampanoag (“eastern people”) inhabiting much of what became known as New England.

In time, Tisquantum would become a very important individual to the future of America, but not before his life would change in ways not to be imagined by any 17th-century Earthling. [Continue Reading]