Company Of One With Dale Callahan

Everyone is an entrepreneur - technically speaking. The question is, what kind of entrepreneur are you? And perhaps more important, what kind do you want to be. You make money to live, and depending on who you are and what you want, how you make money and who you serve is the key question. This is a quick look at some pros and cons of where you are that I hope will help you think a bit about where you would like to be. Click to ListenThree Entrepreneurship Models - What Kind of Entrepreneur are You?The Employee ModelMost people do not think about this model as being an entrepreneur. This might explain why so many corporate workers are miserable and lacking in growth. But the reality is, if you are serving others and getting paid for it, you are in business. (The definition of business is the exchange of money for goods and/or services.)Here are some characteristics of the employee model of entrepreneurship.Stability - Perceived to be stable. The reality is that working for a corporate job, especially in a la

A few years ago I took a leadership position at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Not in so many words I was told, “You have no money, no people, and no resources, but congratulations, you are in charge.” When I speak to leaders at all levels, I get the impression they have the same problem. Recently I was speaking to a group of school system CIOs who are all working with limited resources having to lead with what they have got. If you find yourself in that situation, here are three things I have learned about getting control and leading with limited resources. [/featured-image]Click to ListenFive Ways to Start a Business for Less than $10001. Get PerspectiveAs a leader, you have to step back and see the landscape of what you are doing and how you are doing it. Some of the best tools I have found to do this are:Networking - When I have a problem to solve, I tend to start searching google and try to figure it out on my own. But that rarely works. Instead, I have learned to find the person who has alrea

Should you follow your passion or not? In my talks I often state two things: 1) the most successful people have passion for what they do and  2) to find the best work for you find ways to connect the work you love to money. After the talk, some will mention authors that argue against the “find your passion” mantra. For example, Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs tells people that “finding your passion is terrible advice." Another who talk against finding passion is Scott Adams, author of the Dilbert Cartoon Series. And of course my own friends and clients often challenge these ideas. Recently Rusty Hyde of Hyde Engineering challenged the "follow your passion" thinking. With so many smart people challenging this thinking, I thought perhaps it was time to look into my message.[featured-image single_newwindow="false"]Click to ListenDid I Say That?I was trying to find out where I tell people to follow their passion. While I am sure I have used those words, what I usually do is tell them to find thei

It is an epidemic. Everyone seems to want to start a nonprofit. They want to serve the inner city, the poor, the boys without fathers, those who cannot read, and many other causes. Yet, when I hear nonprofit, my heart sinks. It is not that nonprofits are bad, but something about our society is being said when we all want to be a nonprofit. If you are thinking a nonprofit works for you, here I will challenge some of your assumptions.[featured-image single_newwindow="false"]Click to ListenReasons to Rethink Your Plan to Start a NonprofitAll business serves people. It seems as a society we have been taught that being a for-profit business is evil. We begin to believe that businesses which are about making a profit do not serve people. Nothing is further from the truth. Business is all about service. Look around and see all the positive impacts that have come from for-profit business ventures.Disconnecting the customers from the person served. This is one of the greatest challenges nonprofits have. They

Building a network is one thing, managing your contacts is quite another. With so many platforms (Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, email, etc) to keep up with, it is hard to reminder the last time I checked in with the key people in my network, much less what we said. But worse than that, I noticed that I would meet some great contact, and by the time I got back with them a year or more had past. The initial meeting and relationship had gone cold. Now I was working to rebuild the relationship. I was searching for some simple solution to keep up with it all. Then my mastermind group showed me Contactually. Contactually Devices | Courtesy of Contactually[/featured-image]Click to Listen "Pull together contacts from LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and email!"]Contactually is a powerful tool that helps me do some of the things I continually teach others to do. (For example in Networking for Introverts)Develop key contacts that I want to grow and stay in touch with them.Find ways to periodically add value to t

If I asked you what you were working toward, could you tell me? A recent conversation startled me. A very bright and well educated man I was coaching told me of his dream to start a non-profit to help stamp out illiteracy. He had a true heart for those who were held back because they could not read. But, his short term goal was to move up in his company. Sensing that I was not hearing him right, I asked why he had two opposing career goals. Both would take energy and commitment. In reality, he could not do both. He told me, “I work my day job to fund my dream.” Dream - Courtesy of flicker/CreativeCommons | greg westfall [/featured-image]Click to Listen  "I work my day job to fund my dream."]Question the DreamHis statement led me into some obvious questions:How much money do you need to start?He did not know.Are you serving this group now on a volunteer basis?He wished he could more, but his job is too busy.Why don’t you start now?All people who run non-profits seem to be broke themselves. He did n

Are you running yourself to death? The typical family with careers and kids spend most of their time running and working. They run to get their kids to school. They run to work, which is running all day. Then they run home to get their kids and take them to their endless array of sports and activities. All in the name of providing for our kids and "living the dream". Hurry, Hurry (Courtesy Flicker/Creative Commons - abbilder)[/featured-image]Click to ListenThe end result is exhaustion, burnout, poor eating, lack of exercise, and shallow relationships. Most parents do not even really know their kids. They are not spending time with them, they are spending their time serving them. Why? We have to, or course. We have to do it all and do it well.As I meet with and speak to people all over the world, I see the same challenges. They are the have-tos of life, which are rarely challenged.You have tosGo to college to be successful. (or send my kids so they will be successful)Get a loan to go to college.Go t

I spend a lot of time coaching others. I tend to start the conversation with some basic questions. Where do you want to be in a few years? Where are you now? What are the obstacles in your way from getting to where you want to be? What is the major obstacle? After doing this for years, I can conclusively say that most of us have no idea what we want, where we are going, or how we are going to get there. We lack clarity.  clarity breaks through the clutter…(Courtesy of flickr.com/creativecommons | Robert Meeks) [/featured-image]Click to ListenClarity is an odd thing. Most of the people I coach are paid for clarity. They help to make plans and implement them for their employers. Yet, most have no personal clarity or plan.Five Ways to Get Clarity and Get Moving1. Take Responsibility for Your Own Clarity. It is not anyone else’s fault that you do not have clarity, it is yours. Clarity is a decision. If you do not have it, then I suggest you get it, else you are working toward the wrong goal. " Clarity is a

I am the kind of person you likes to hide. I would rather not have myself out there to be seen by all. I would rather do my job and go home. (Or at least that is how I was.) The idea of developing a personal brand has always felt like me selling myself, and a little slimy. But, I am now discovering that it is not slimy, but many of those who are preaching the need for a personal brand make it slimy. So, I want to take some time over the next few weeks to talk about your personal brand - why you need it and how to develop it. But first, why should you care. Branding Irons - Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons - Tracey Adams[/featured-image]Click to ListenBeing Off the Grid (web) is RidiculousMany people, especially IT types, tell me they are ”off the grid,” meaning that I will not learn anything about them by searching on the web for their name. While that sounds like a good idea, the truth is they have limited their opportunities. Unless I am hiring certain kinds of work, I would not want to hire someone who

I remember getting up on Monday morning with a sense of dread. I was going to work and hated every minute of it. I was stuck in a day job. I would wonder, “How had I gotten here?” After my great education from a top engineering school, I was suddenly stuck in a mundane, boring, and yet very stressful day job. How could I get from my day job to my dream job? What was my dream job? To help YOU answer those question, today, I bring you Kary Oberbrunner, the author of the new book Day Job to Dream Job. Click to ListenDay Job to Dream JobIn this discussion with Kary, we talk about his journey from day job to dream job. Kary shares his passion for the problem and the solution.For instance, if you feel in prison at your job (like I did) you are not alone. Over 80% of the people in the industrialized world feel that way. Kary shares my passion for wanting to provide a help to those living a lifeless corporate existence and are ready and willing to make a change.In his new book Day Job to Dream Job, Kary shares his 9

If you are not loving your job, you can always quit and find another. But, for some of us that option is either a hard choice or something that will happen over time, not tomorrow. So, whether you are working on a new job or waiting for an event like retirement, the trick is to find out how to be happy at work - today.   Courtesy Flickr/Creative Commons | DVIDSHUB [/featured-image]Click to Listen According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans are “disconnected” at work. This means more people lack any sense of fulfillment - or they are a “cog-in-the-wheel.” This lack of purpose and meaning will quickly drive one to be unhappy at work. We feel it is meaningless drudgery because no one really cares about what we do.Be Happy at Work  - Starting NOWIn this podcast we explore a few things that can turn the page and make work fun.Make a choice. First you make a choice to be happy. Be conscious that you have control over your own emotions. No matter what others do or do not do, they do not have control over how you

Are you preparing for a change? A change in career? Perhaps even an entrepreneurial venture? Are you preparing to make the change successfully? Do you even know how to prepare? Today we talk to Eric Roberge with Beyond Your Hammock. Eric focuses on helping people create new possibilities by showing them how to prepare before they make the leap. And, his specialty is working with professional entrepreneurs. Today, Eric shares with us three things you need to do to prepare before you make the change.  Eric Roberge with Beyond Your Hammock[/featured-image]Click to ListenThree Things to Do When Preparing for a Change (Especially if you are starting a new venture!)When you are planning to make a change in career, that means you are impacting your stream of cash. So today, we talk to Eric about three key things to think about as you are planning to make your move.1. Know why you are making the move.Do not just run from something, but define what you are running to. What do you want? Freedom? Money? What is the rea

If the first American dream is home ownership, the second is getting a book published. When someone learns that I have published a book, they immediately begin to tell me about their book. Some are just ideas. Others are books actually in the works, or even finished. But for all, they ask me how to get a book published. Although I have published a few books,  I am no expert. Today I introduce you to Chad Allen, an expert, someone who has published hundreds of books and has 15 years of experience in the book publishing business.  Chad Allen of Book Proposal Academy[/featured-image]Click to Listen  "Join me in my Webinar How to Create Your First Information Product in 30 Days on July 16th!"]I Asked (and Chad answered) How To Get a Book Published What does a book publisher do? How do I find a book publisher for my book? How do I get a book publisher to take me seriously? How big does my Platform have to be to be taken seriously? What is a book proposal and why do I need one? "If the first Ameri

Most people go after a new job the way we have always done it. They find an advertised opening, send a resume, and wait. They might also throw in a few job fairs. The end result is that they end up talking to HR, if anyone at all. This is a entirely frustrating and even humiliating experience for most of us. But, some have found ways to pierce behind the veil of job ads and HR using tools such as informational interviews. (I have been known to also call these reverse interviews). But the problem is, most people show signs of desperation in their attempt at an informational interview, and basically get pushed back into the HR pile. Courtesy of Flickr/Creative Commons | Eli Christman[/featured-image] Click to Listen What is an Informational Interview?In the purest sense, an informational interview is not really an interview at all. Instead, it is a learning experience. I would call them strategic networking instead. The goal is to learn about an industry, company, or person so that you can discern a few key th

I have been doing a lot of work on my new course Networking for Introverts (soon to release) lately. As I explore and search, I see a lot of common misconceptions that the extroverts of the world are better at networking and making personal connections. Wrong. In my experience, introverts can be the best networkers, with a little preparation. Introverts have an easier time learning to focus on other people and therefore make better connections. So if you are an introvert, take heart. Here I share some reasons (encouragement) why you are already a better networker than the extroverts of the world and some thoughts about how to get even better. Courtesy of Flickr?Creative Commons | Anita Ritenour[/featured-image]Click to ListenHow Introverts Can be the Best Networkers1. Introverts are better listeners. Rather than doing all the talking, an introvert will more likely be ready to listen. It is not a given, but with some practice of asking the right question, introverts are happy to listen and let the others lead

Have you ever learned a lesson only to realize someone else was modeling that same truth for you for years and you never saw it? Maybe it is just me - the slow learner. My lesson is about networking and connecting. We have all heard the networking secrets. First we have: it is not about what you know, it is about who you know. I bought into that and tried to know the right people, which was frustrating at best and phony at worst. Second we have: it is not about who you know, it is about who knows you. This one felt so true that I have repeated it often. But the real truth is that both of these are wrong. Networking is not about you at all. No one wants to know what you know or really cares that much for knowing you. But, what does matter is the simplest secret and was modeled to me by my own father for all my life. Photo Credit: Monika Kostera (urbanlegend) / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)[/featured-image]Click to ListenNOTE: If you are reading this in email, you w

Do you have a fear of networking? When I was in college and looking for a job, I was told networking was the key to success. So, I put on a suit and tie and headed off to a local networking event. Fear set in. On the way to the event I could hardly grip the wheel of the car from nerves and sweating hands. I was having trouble breathing - even forgetting to breath. But I made it to the event, only to find myself frozen in fear standing at the drink table right inside the door. My feet would not move any further. Fortunately, someone else was standing there. He and I connected and spoke for a few minutes. Then I realized that he too was looking for a job and struck by fear did not move either. Courtesy of the flickr.com/creativecommons | Jarle Naustvik [/featured-image]The fear I experienced might have been extreme for some of you, I know others can totally relate. I hear you saying “me too” as I write this. This fear of networking controlled me for years. Yet,  today I have learned how to network with great s

Last week I went to Dallas to assist Michael Nichols with the Boost Leadership Conference. It was a great time to connect with him and others (most who are part of my mastermind group), but in the conference I learned a few things about leadership and relationships. I thought I would share some of my take-aways with you. Michael Nichols with Dennis and Shelby Scheidt - You Have More to Give[/featured-image]Click to ListenDownload the podcast Five Things I Took Away from Boost Leadership ConferenceLeaders Connect and Collaborate with OthersLeaders seek council "“No one ever arrives at a place where they never need wise council." @JonMilligan"]Leaders surround themselves with others who are moving in the same direction. "“Surround yourself with other wise people heading in the same direction." @JonMilligan "] "“You're the average of the 5 people you spend most of your time with." Jim Rohn"]Leader are more interesting by being interested in others. "A

Office politics creates more personal frustration than work and work schedules will ever create. Today I will share five ways to deal with office politics - five practical things you can do not matter how nasty the situation. While I doubt there are any big secrets here, I have found the only way to relieve the personal stress is to take action. Immediate and decision action. So, here are five actions I would suggest you take to deal with your office politics.  Courtesy Flickr/Creative Commons - Steve Davidson[/featured-image]Click to ListenNOTE: If you are reading this in email, you will need to go to Itunes or my blog to get access to this show.Five Ways to Deal with Office PoliticsConfront the facts and find the truth. Get past the gossip and opinions and go straight to the source.Connect to the influencers.Do not waste your time convincing people who do not speak or are not heard. Instead, challenge the influencers on the issues.Do not get personal.Attacks on the person rather than the issue will only ma

Did you know you can start a business for less than $1000? When we started our homeschooling business, we spent about $7000. But, of that $7000, most of the money was not needed and mistakes we made going in. Instead, when I look at what we really needed to do and spend, the total would have been less than $250. But, when others come to me eating to get started, most think it will cost them over $100,000. So today, I will provide you five ways to start a business for less than $1000. Courtesy of the 2010 Army Digital Photography Contest 110311 by U.S. Army[/featured-image]Click to ListenNOTE: If you are reading this in email, you will need to go to Itunes or my blog to get access to this show.Five Ways to Start a Business for Less than $10001. Blogging with Affiliate SalesCost: $100What to do:1. Decide on a blog topic. What subject? Think about hobbies and passions. Do things that are part of your calling. Download the ebook How to Find Your Calling.2. Setup a Wordpress Blog. See How to Setup a Self-Hosted W