As many of you know and have heard, being an entrepreneur is exciting and terrifying at the same time.
It’s great to be able to do what you love and love what you do AND be good at it (we think) at the same time. It is a very liberating and satisfying experience.
But, having your own business certainly has its hiccups. Just because you have a good business plan today doesn’t mean it’s going to be great tomorrow. You need to communicate your ideas quickly and effectively.
One book that has helped along the way (thank you Court) is a book called “Made to Stick”. (Why Some Ideas Die and Others Survive) It’s a terrific entre into making you, your ideas, your company resonate with others.
Interviewing for a job? This book can help. Teaching a class or course? This book can help. Standing in front of 50 lawyers two hours from now (gulp, that’s me). It helps.
So, that’s worked for me so far- what’s worked for you?
Have you met the newest member of Dialogue’s Advisory Board yet? I’d like to introduce you to Janet Kraus. I am making a formal introduction to you, the reader of this post, because I honestly hope that you’ll meet her in person one day. She’s a dynamic, engaging, and effervescent package of brains and positive energy with a smile and laugh that will light up a room.
I first met Janet about five years ago in the lobby of the Westin Copley for my final round interview at Circles. What I thought would be the most nerve-wracking interview of my life turned out to be a fun conversation about life, my personal values, and at some point in the discussion, the job itself. I was hooked. I had to work for Janet and her company.
I worked for Janet (indirectly and directly) at both Circles and Spire, and when leaving Spire about 10 months ago, I said to myself, “How can I convince her to give me some of her great advice, for free (ok, sort of), on a regular basis?” Simple. I asked her to be on my board :-)
Janet has this way of connecting with people, teaching them and inspiring them. So I hope to pass on some of her insight to you, the reader, the client, the friend, the business colleague. So, without further ado…… welcome Janet!!
Janet Kraus, CEO and Co-Founder, Spire
As CEO, Janet drives Spire’s vision and culture. She came to Spire by way of Circles (the leading provider of concierge services), the company she co-founded with Kathy Sherbrooke and recently sold to Sodexho Alliance. With Circles, she was a finalist for the 2003 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and was recognized as one of Boston Business Journal’s Top 40 under 40. Janet oversaw Circle’s growth strategy, including the creation and ultimate spin-off of Spire as a stand-alone company. Prior to co-founding Circles, she served as the Director of Values and Vision for The Body Shop.
Janet is an adventure-seeking traveler and a family oriented home-girl. She loves exploring places and cultures from Turkey to Brazil to Bora Bora… but she is just as happy practicing yoga or hanging out at her summer home on Cape Cod with her twin baby girls, her husband, family and friends, and dog Mara. She is also committed to giving back to the community and serves on the board of Big Sister and The Capital Network.
Hometown: West Hartford, CT
Recommended Reading: Hot, Flat and Crowded
How I relax: Sit on the floor with my twins and just watch them grow .. . .
Words to Live By: Learning is the key to growing . . .and listening well is the key to learning . . .So, keep in mind, You have two ears and one mouth for a reason. You should listen twice as much as you talk
Did you know that an estimated 98,000 deaths a year can be attributed medical mistakes in the US Healthcare system? Today, I’m going to take a bit of a detour today from Social Media to talk about a different issue, and a different story…
This is a story about a loving mom, an accident at home, a subsequent trip to the hospital, and a happy ending turning into a tragic one- the death of one’s child. In Sorrel King’s own words, she was “planning a welcome home party for her 18-month old one moment, and not long after, planning the funeral.”
An excerpt of her story is below, and her is a link to the video on the Today Show on September 21, 2009. For you moms and dads out there, her book is an incredible story of tragedy, but also of hope, passion and what a determined woman can do to help create a “culture of patient safety, together”.
“….Josie spent ten days in the PICU. I was by her side every day and night. I paid attention to every minute detail of the doctors’ and nurses’ care, and I was quick to ask questions. I bonded with them and was in constant awe of the medical attention she received. Every time Josie moved or fussed someone would be quick to push her pain button. I tried rubbing her head and found that often this would settle her. Much to our relief, Josie was experiencing a quick recovery. Her burns were healing beautifully. She was sent down to the intermediate care floor with expectations of being sent home in a few days. Her three older siblings prepared for her welcome home celebration. We were told that no one had ever been sent back up to the PICU….read more
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and passing Sorrel’s message along in any way you can.
