First Word

I am one of those overly concerned CEOs who somewhere along the way of leadership and success in the middle of it lost her way ... a bit. Over the last couple of years, an eroding of net profit began. Under the idea that it was okay, I began getting too relaxed about collections and ensuring that 3L Publishing wasn't paying unintended costs. Then I noticed something that was eating away at my leadership skills. We'll call it "client guilt". I felt like even though not a single client made a single complaint that our work wasn't somehow measuring up (especially on the public relations side where results are very "airy-fairy"). I felt awesome about the books for sure. Our books are award-winners. But self-doubt and that "guilty" feeling despite all of the efforts going into it, were eating at me -- but MORE important EATING our bottom line and profits as I devalued my time. I devalued myself. Are you identifying with what I'm saying? I bet ...

I get frequently asked that question. Entrepreneurs are risk-takers. They don't live by another person's rules or timelines. They are visionary. They know how to "seize the day". They take action. They do. They are creative and can think outside of the proverbial box. They don't need a secure paycheck (although secure income is good). They don't need validation. They don't ask permission. They are aggressive and goal-oriented. They aren't afraid of success, but also they know failure is a chance to learn and improve. The most successful entrepreneurs I've met possess all of those traits and characteristics. I will tell you something about those authors who have invested in their books -- they are true entrepreneurs. The reason why 3L Publishing has such talent in its wings is because risk-takers and people who believe in their work know they have to "invest" in themselves. They also know that for their work to shine as bright as possib...

Friday morning musings really translates to I don't know what to blog about today LOL. Usually when I don't know what to blather about on the blog, I just start writing and see what comes out of my mouth. Oh! Here is a good one: It doesn't matter ... what doesn't matter? Here is my list of things I don't think anyone should ever fuss about (aka who cares ... or reality check) and it goes like this: 1. How many millimeters from the text is from the gutter in a book. Yes, an author once fussed over that one! 2. Asking me to verify that I really did spend those 2 hours on a project that in reality would have taken most people three times that amount to do ... yet you're worried I really did spend a whopping 2 hours on it. This one falls under the category of "reality check". 3. Getting a bargain-basement quote on publishing services (you know it's a deal) and yet still asking, "Can I get another discount?" Or the other favorite: "W...