The Dreaded Question – “What Do You Do For A Living?”

Some of my friends have asked me what I do for a living. Although I hate that dreaded question, I generally answer with some sort of crafted response like, “I help companies XYZ”.

However, more recently when people ask me what I do for a living, I usually say, “Making money”. Usually some short banter follows this conversation as they expect another answer to emerge. However I provide none.

Essentially I have realized that is what I do. I come into any enterprise or start-up and try to squeeze out the excess fat while maintaining the same level of quality within the company. Some people call it consulting or some derivative, however I find consulting to be very knowledge based without much practical application.

I think this is why my clients appreciate what I do for them. When they ask me about a solution for their business, I usually respond with a very detailed answer so that they may understand the how and why of what we are doing to make the most money possible.

In addition,my clients know that I will continue to make improvements and tweaks in their business until they are making enough money to justify both my fee and/or equity stake. If I just provided some white paper for my clients and left them to their own devices, they would not be making more money, but just be adding another paper weight to their desk.

Instead my clients know that I will show them how to execute their strategy one step at a time. Actions will always speak louder than words. As any successful entrepreneur or investor will tell you, it is does not matter what business or industry you are in….an idea is worth nothing with the proper execution.

Exercising

When I meet with my clients, I always try and make sure they are staying healthy. I tell them my workout regiment and always hope to inspire them to exercise their mind and body. As an advocate for eating healthy, staying in shape, and consistent mental exercise, I believe a healthy lifestyle has helped my clients achieve better results in their business.

Exercise stimulates the brain and generally makes you more aware, alert, and ready to tackle any challenge ahead of you. In high school and college when I was running cross-country, I used to get what’s known as the runner’s high – a ethereal period where you feel like you could run forever. The mind, body, and spirit seems so free.

Some of my clients resist, giving me a thousand excuses why they are no excercising. “I am not a morning person” or “I am not a night person” There are always a thousand and one excuses not to do something. I believe that whatever you train your body to do, it will do.

These are the primary reasons why I prefer the morning run.

1. Less people are awake at that time. There are few cars, no honking horns, little to no traffic, and perhaps only one or two hoots from an owl.

2. It helps me to think clearly about the days ahead. I have also found that my best inspiration comes at this time.

3. It provides a stimulant unlike coffee or anything else. Now I am not saying that coffee does not give you an extra boost in the morning. But what I am saying is that perhaps your body is more self-reliant than you an imagine.

4. When I come back from running, I am fully awake and ready to start the day.

If nothing else, try to take a break from your daily regiment and shake things up a bit. Your body will thank you!

Welcome to Crossover

Such a beautiful day. One of the last cues before summer waves goodbye to us. Although I went to work today as I normally do on Saturday. I did leave early to enjoy the day.

As always, there is never enough time in the day to accomplish on your agenda. Although it might seem counter productive, taking a break from your daily business activities can actually prove more productive in the long run.

Your brain needs time to think, observe, and contemplate the decisions you have made for the week in order to better prepare for the challenges of the coming week.

So enjoy the weekend and start again on Monday.

Your mind, body and soul will thank you.