Larry Hochman

In July of 2012, in Denver I met Lori Ruff, someone who set the course of my social media efforts on a new and better path. She wound up doing the same with my personal life as well.

It was the first of several networking events I attended that were organized by Ken McArthur, producer of The Impact Factor. I was just one of many participants, but I quickly developed a kinship with her. She was clearly one of the “heavy hitters,” judging by the way she was regarded by everyone else.

Yet there she was…playing along, eager to try out my signature move: juggling. See photo above.

Without any thought of quid pro quo or payment, she quickly and quietly became my advocate. I wound up doing a spontaneous public training in the group (someone shouted out, “bring that juggling guy up on stage!”).

That was Lori’s doing, though she’s unlikely to admit it.

Several months later, in Philadelphia I was actually scheduled to be on stage, doing a TED style talk on the subject of juggling (of course) and how it relates to personal and business development.

And a few months after that, an hour long presentation that launched several awesome professional affiliations.

The common denominator? Lori Ruff.

There’s a thing that happens with many speakers and trainers. They start to believe their own press.

Not that it isn’t real. Anyone who gets up on stage consistently has to be delivering the goods. They inspire. Or they sell. Usually both. Otherwise they aren’t invited back.

Lori is up on stage. Often.

But she always makes it about them. About us. Not about her.

And yet I still know she’s one of the top ten most influential women in social media, according to Forbes Magazine.

And maybe that’s because she’s so focused on the success of those around her.

And yeah, she’s physically challenged. Rheumatoid arthritis has taken a real toll on her body.

True to fashion, she’s made it one of her primary causes.

Strength comes from a lot of different sources. A body that commands attention and admiration is one of them.

So is a body of work that educates and inspires.

If you develop your desire, your skills, your passion to serve…

Don’t be surprised if you feel a tap on your shoulder.

And find a woman with a walking cane and a set of juggling balls in her hand. smiling at you.

And by the way, Lori Ruff is one of our guest trainers on Release The Hounds!

What are two bad ways to process your anger?

1. Constantly keep it front and center in your life. Make it your calling card. Make it your defining characteristic and default position.

2. Pretend it’s not there. Make it somehow “wrong” to be angry, or to have any reason to feel it.

Now…how can you use anger to make your life better?

Watch the video.

Is there a “right coach” for you?

Maybe. Depends on what you want to do.

Watch this video if you’re looking for a breakthrough in a certain area of your life. Business, career, weight loss, relationship, anything.

If you’re not looking for a specific result, but just want to feel better, have more energy, find more peace, stop being depressed, watch it anyway.

Truth: you may not need to find the “right coach” because there may not be one. That may not be what you need.

But you may put yourself on the path to something better.

Yes, it’s a bit long.

But if you’re looking for a different experience than the one you’ve had…

If you want someone who’s ready for you, rather than someone who just writes really good copy and hits your pain points…

This could help.

Arrogance and conceit is really not what you want for your home business calling card.

I love entrepreneurship. I love capitalism. I love people who become merchants, people who step out of their comfort zone, people who take chances. I love home business people.

I’ve spent the better part of the last 17 years coaching and counseling those in the home business field. I’ve helped them move past the psychological and emotional blocks to their own success. It’s a special group of people, dear to my heart .

So I say with absolute sincerity and love that a small minority of them are arrogant, misguided, mean-spirited jackasses.

Many more of them are wonderful, good people.

And a few of them are really good people with the arrogance and conceit of the jackasses above.

It’s common for people to want to feel good about the career they’ve chosen. “Being a high school guidance counselor is the most important career in the world.”

“No, being an electrician is.”

“No being an IRS agent is.”

“No, being a (insert your career here) is.”

“No. Being a home business entrepreneur is. (Drops mic.) ”

Yes, it takes a special person to be in the home business industry.

It takes nerve and courage to prospect your friends. It takes moxie to get to know strangers, then invite them to buy your products, or join your business…usually both.

It’s something special to learn to THINK differently, to think in a way they’ve never thought before, so they could have a life they never pictured for themselves…except in their fantasies.

A few people take the ball and run with it. They get all self-righteous. “Look at me! I have a home business. You’re just a wage slave, working a J.O.B..”

They forgot the most important part of what is to be a home business person.

You have to love everyone, or at least respect them. You have to listen to them.

You have to see if your product, or service, or opportunity is something they can use. You have to meet them where they are, then invite them to do something different.

The minute you pull a superiority complex over them is the minute you disrespect them. Not everyone is going to do what you want to do.

You better hope not. If everyone’s an entrepreneur, no one’s a customer or prospect.

And no one’s going to make the product or service you sell. No one’s going to design or build the smart phone you use in your business. No one’s going to harvest or distribute the raw material that goes into your product.

All those things are done by employees.

Employees also teach your kids. Employees keep your streets safe at night. Employees guard your borders.

Employees are what make it possible for you to be an entrepreneur.

And many fellow entrepreneurs are also employees, choosing to work both sides of the street. Some choose to jump in with both feet.

We need everybody.

Don’t fall victim to arrogance and conceit.

Be gracious and grateful.

Being Weird: Good Or Bad?

What do you think?

This is a video follow up to yesterday’s post. In that one I asked people if they were weird.

In that one, there were only a few people who said, no, they weren’t weird.

Most of the others happily took on the role of being a weirdo.

But is that a good thing or a bad thing?

The first instinct most of us have is to say that yes, being weird is good. It means you aren’t worried about what anyone else thinks, and that you’re creative and well…weird.

If you’re looking for a different point of view, settle in for 12 minutes or so.

Yeah, your business or career could depend on it, especially if you’re looking to lead or influence other people.