Advice from a Soul Proprietor

In last week's Working Solo Minute, we chatted with entrepreneurial expert Jane Pollak, author of Soul Proprietor: 101 Lessons from a Lifestyle Entrepreneur. This week's follow-up issue continues the discussion and presents some of Jane's favorite lessons from her book.

Terri: In your book, you admit that you have a plan for most things you do in your life -- and that you've learned to stop apologizing for it. (Soul Proprietor, Lesson 21)

Jane: Yes, that grew out of an experience I had with a group of women friends. We were on a trip, and I woke up one morning and announced what I'd like to do that day. Some of them were annoyed. I later discovered that their discomfort was due to to their realization that they had no plans. I learned that in both business and life, it is important to be true to yourself. I stopped apologizing long ago for the plans, processes, or strategies that I know work for me, and make me most effective.

Terri: We've both written about how solo entrepreneurs often undermine their credibility through their self-introductions and conversational comments. What advice do you give your clients about this trap?

Jane: It's so true! All too often, my very successful clients will share with me an experience, and their comments will be filled with words such as "just," "little" or "try." I encourage them to delete these minimizing words. Once they're aware of this tendency, many of them are aghast at how often they relied on these expressions. It takes practice to create new phrases that better represent their experience and competencies -- but the results are very impactful. Clients are attracted to this self-confidence, and the soloists gain a deeper appreciation of their own talents.

Terri: You have a great lesson on things being a "no-brainer" (Lesson 37). What did you learn?

Jane: Oh, yes, you mean how it takes brains and time to execute even the easiest ideas? As soloists, we often underestimate the resources of time, energy, or money that it takes to bring something to fruition. As I explain to my clients, no-brainer ideas are a dime a dozen. It's the nitty-gritty hard work of implementation that takes time. In reality, the no-brainers require no thought because they aren't worth much -- or don't exist at all.

Thanks, Jane, for sharing your ideas, and for being such an inspirational guide to soloists everywhere!

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com

P.S.: A reminder that Jane is making a special offer to Working Solo Minute readers: Order by May 31, and receive an autographed copy of Soul Proprietor for $20 (which includes shipping). Details at her site, janepollak.com. Then you can also learn why "unstoppable" is Jane's middle name (Lesson 52) and why it pays to develop the focus and determination to keep calling a prospect until they say, "Never call us again!" (Lesson 44).