Running, meeting, running, research, meeting, more research

Honestly - a great financial advisor is a must on a quest like this, and I have a GREAT one. Sorting out financial details, setting up accounts to keep personal and business expenses separate (Revenue Canada appreciates it!)

Tonight I'm onto the Corporation Branch to register and request a name search. You need a Revenue Canada number to get a business Visa. You need a name to register with Revenue Canada. Yes, I know that a company name comes from a strategic vision and I'm working on that, too.

After six weeks in a neon pink, glow-in-the-dark cast, it's gone. And my wrist is still as weak as a new born kitten. But that's progress! I'll be back up to full speed in no time.

When there is no corporate fall back for medical, dental, sick days, vacation, looking after yourself is a priority. If you don't work, you don't move ahead. Just a random thought. I have lots of them!

When time is yours to burn or fly . . .

Wednesday afternoon I went shopping to pick up a few little items at Costco. Anyone who shops there knows that the taste tests skillfully positioned at places around the floor can suffice as lunch and are tempting to buy. Now only did I exercise restraint remembering that cash flow is an issue for start up companies, I actually escaped with a bill of under $50. Whoo hoo!

While I was there I met a colleague standing one person behind at the check out counter - a seasoned and retired consultant. She gave me a great piece of advice "Always charge what you're worth and never look back."

I waded through a mountain of details that are attached to building a new business - expenses, technology, visibility, proposals - and for a few brief minutes I felt like I was drowning in it all. It's not like me to be overwhelmed. I usually just get at it tooth and nail until the job is done. Salvation came in the form of a phone call on Saturday morning from my very smart son. "Mom, you're a strategist. You do it better than anyone I know. Why aren't you thinking srategically?" Bingo! Lighbulb! Of course.

Not bad for week one - two great pieces of advice and a commitment to do it right the first time. What will week two bring?

The Devil is in the Detail!

Holy smokes! In this short time I've learned that being organized is worth its weight in gold. Before I can even buy a nifty new laptop or replace my desktop, I need to clean up files I've been toting along for the last 15 years. Why would I keep versions of everything just in case?

I investigated new technology. The Apple products are pricey but super reliable. Will I be able to use Word and PP effectively? Dell is always a good bet and HP is doing some nifty things.

Perseverance as I transfer files and email list and all of that other necessary stuff.

Day 1 continued - almost forgot

My BEST surprise of the day was a personal phone call from a dear friend and long time colleague in Edmonton who just swung by to check in. Thank you!!!

Day 1 - off to the races

Morning started just like any other Monday morning at 6:30 a.m. Instead of clearing my email, rushing to clean up after my sick kitty, and hitting the shower, I cleared my email and set up my day. No network generated Outlook to remind me fifteen minutes before a meeting, I relied on good old memory. Well, okay not THAT old. Did I make any progress? You bet!

I traded emails with a few friends, had a conference call about the 2011 Silver Leaf, got the ball rolling on a new proposal, had another conference call with my U.S. team and brainstormed new ideas to move the profession ahead and make money. I researched laptops and cell phones, asked for advice and made a whole bunch of notes to self:

• Transfer pension
• Call business manager to set up meeting
• Gather everything I need to file income tax
• Buy an appointment book so I don't lose track

Tomorrow will be jam packed with "to do" lists as I clear backlog and get moving on updating and posting my professional profile, draft a business plan and completing a proposal that must travel to international points far and wide.

Tally ho!