Issue #5: My Big Fat Ego Problem

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THE DEEP DIVE

The KISS Principle

As an entrepreneur-in-training and budding consultant, I recently embarked on my quest for that elusive first client. Armed with enthusiasm, a wealth of corporate experience, and a dash of naivety, I set out to conquer the consulting world. Spoiler alert: It didn't quite go as planned. But fear not, dear readers, for my stumbles shall be your stepping stones!

The Tale of Three Proposals

Picture this: Me, hunched over my laptop, fueled by an alarming amount of coffee, crafting what I believed to be the most impressive proposals known to humankind. I sent out three of these masterpieces, each one a testament to... well, mostly to my own ego, as it turns out.

1. The Encyclopedia of Me: 37 pages long, 30 of which were essentially my resume on steroids. Because clearly, what every client wants is a novel about my life story, right?

2. The Sustainability Crusader: Here, I boldly told the client what they should do, pushing my values of sustainability and affordability. Never mind what the client actually wanted - I knew best!

3. The Overcomplicated Genius: This proposal was so complex, it made quantum physics look like a children's bedtime story. I threw in every fancy deal structure I could think of, trying to add "certainty" to a project that didn't need it yet.

The Wake-Up Call

After sending these proposals, I waited for the accolades to roll in. Instead, I got a simple question that stopped me in my tracks: "What value are you going to add?"

Cue the sound of crickets.

I realized I had no idea. In my eagerness to impress, I'd completely lost sight of what really mattered - the client's needs.

The KISS Principle to the Rescue

It was time to go back to the drawing board. I reflected on my approach and remembered a principle I'd conveniently forgotten: KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid.

This quote hit me like a ton of bricks. I'd been trying so hard to appear smart and valuable that I'd overcomplicated everything. True creativity and value lie in simplifying the complex, not the other way around.

The Comeback

Armed with this revelation, and luckily, one of three clients was amazingly patient, I revised my proposal:

• Kept it concise and focused on the client's needs

• Offered a simple, short-term solution with room for growth

• Emphasized collaboration and mutual benefit

The result? An unconfused, happier client (awesome dude and a reader of this newsletter), a new, promising partnership and a valuable lesson learned

The Takeaway

For all you aspiring entrepreneurs and side hustlers out there, remember:

1. Focus on the client, not yourself

2. Keep it simple

3. Provide clear value

4. Be open to learning and adapting

In the end, it's not about showcasing how smart you are - it's about solving problems and adding value in the simplest, most effective way possible.

So, the next time you're tempted to write a 37-page ode to your awesomeness, take a deep breath, channel your inner Mingus, and keep it awesomely simple.

SMALLER DIVE

Lessons From the Trenches: What This Week Taught Me

Entrepreneurship isn't just about chasing every opportunity; it's about choosing the right battles and knowing when to walk away. This week served up two valuable lessons in the world of business that I'm eager to share with you, my fellow adventurers

Lesson #1: You Don't Have to Dance With Every Partner

Picture this: I'm sitting across from potential clients, including an elderly real estate agent who practically oozed arrogance. His opening line? "Why do we even need you? What value can you bring?" Talk about a warm welcome!

Here's the kicker – I walked away. Yes, you read that right. I provided them with all the information they needed to kickstart their project, even connected them with a reputable development and general contracting business, and then... I bowed out.

The takeaway? Life's too short to work with people who don't value your expertise. Sometimes, the best business decision is knowing when to say "Thanks, but no thanks."

Lesson #2: Free Work Can Pay Off In Passion Projects

On the flip side, I've learned not to dismiss pro bono work, especially when it aligns with your passion. I've been pouring time and effort into a project that doesn't pay – yet. But here's the thing: by consistently adding value and staying engaged, I'm investing in potential future payoffs.

The lesson? Don't shy away from unpaid work if it's your dream project. Your dedication might just open doors you never knew existed.

Remember, fellow entrepreneurs and side hustlers: success isn't just about the bottom line. It's about building relationships, choosing the right opportunities, and sometimes, taking a leap of faith on your passions. Keep grinding, keep learning, and most importantly, keep believing in your journey!