The Spice of Life

Remember the beautiful days we had last Sunday, and yesterday. Clear, sunny, so very pleasant.

Today we are reminded we live in Colorado, at 5430 feet of elevation, and it is winter. Temperature now 22, still a little snow falling, with wind and cold forecast for later and tomorrow. As I said in an earlier post, it's part of the Spice of Life.

Which brings me to my real subject.

Having been in the business world since 1958 (no, not 1908 as my children seem to believe.) In that time I have learned that there are three basic business person types: those that love to start a project/business and grow it; those that like to take over the business as it matures and “run” it ; and those that enjoy the process of winding down, finishing, closing up a project/business.

We need all three types.

For me, I am a “starter.” My brother, slightly older than me, is a “runner.” I have worked with others who are “finishers,” who excel at dismantling or closing up projects/businesses.

In my case, as a starter, I love learning about, planning and organizing a project or business.

Then I love to turn it over to others who are “doers.” They get the project done, or the business going. As a “doer” I am dismal.

Sometimes it is hard being a starter. For example, within my 31-year-old consulting firm, SixPillars Research Group, we have been merger and acquisition intermediaries (7 years); business researchers (on and off for 20 years); strategic planning experts (on and off for 30 years); business valuation experts (7 years) leading consultants in the medical imaging business (4 years); and business mentors and small business advisers (5 years). Obviously, some activities overlapped others. In addition, off and on for about ten years I was a speaker at meetings and conventions, and for four years wrote a column in a statewide business newspaper.

In other words, I know a little about a whole lot of subjects. Master of none?

Unfortunately, that is not a good way to earn money. Perhaps that is why I have very little of the aforementioned. Had I stayed in any one of the many fields, I would now be a recognized expert, probably busy, and with a fair income. Perhaps even retired.

For me, the spice of life, the constant change, is a lifestyle. I am happy with it. I accept the consequence, always looking for more.

What kind of person are you? Are you happy with it?

If not, consider spicing up you life with change.