     
Balancing Act: The Newsletter (No. 170, October 2013 ) Follow me on Twitter! You can find me here: And find me on Facebook: Free consulting newsletter: The Million Dollar Consulting� Mindset: 
 My wife and I are dining at Cherrywoods, a barbeque restaurant on the grounds of The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The restaurant overlooks one of the three immaculate golf courses, this one featuring ponds and semi-swamps, festooned with different kinds of diners—egrets. A few fee away from the sign, "Danger: Alligators!" sit two alligators, as if present to validate management's concern. Or, they might have brought the sign with them, like the utility guys who place their own "Men Working" signs. They are basking in the last remnants of the dying sun, unmoving, uncaring. The sun dips below the horizon and, as if hearing an alarm clock, the two reptiles awake and run into the water with surprising and terrifying speed. My wife and I request that we be reseated inside, not because the gators are gone but because a legion of small bugs has arrived, intent on capturing the terrace. The hostess kindly moves us and we're happy with our ribs and pulled pork. I'm thinking, though, as I try to avoid a shower in barbeque sauce, that two six-foot alligators weren't at all a threat or inconvenience, but nearly invisible insects were a major problem, causing us to change our own behavior and relocate. The irony is hard to avoid. As in life, it's often the small pests that afflict us and cause detours or even crashes. We're accustomed to the large, lumbering issues: the major project, the tyrannical boss, the broken water heater, or the major exam. We can prepare for these and even prevent their recurrence. But the tiny, almost unnoticeable can derail us: the annoying neighbor who insists on telling the same story every day, the air conditioner that drips like an instrument of water torture, the computer reminders that pop up like acne, and the button that pops at the exact wrong moment on the exact right outfit. Sometimes we have to admit defeat and move inside, or simply grin and bear it. I refuse to leave a beautiful beach because of some sand flies, at the same time resigned to the fact that I can't get rid of them. I'll endure loud noise in restaurants where the food is sensational. And I'll tolerate boring people at charitable events where we at least have the same philanthropic beliefs. Of course, I have found that a good cigar will drive away almost all bugs and most people, and when you accompany it with a fine brandy, minor annoyances simply disappear.  The human condition: Affiliations I think it uproariously funny that many people on Facebook are demanding more privacy. For goodness sake, if you join a vanity publishing platform, what do you expect? It appears to me that social media platforms (Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter) are not proliferating any longer, and have become simply riots of opinion. There are those filled with platitudes (You can be your own best friend if you open your own door), political angst (It's a sad day for our country when the majority feels differently than I do), ultimate neediness (Please like me, this, or that), and desperate quest for validation (Here is my 9.76 rating on a scale of 10 while introducing the speaker at the Rotary meeting). We all have affiliation needs, but they vary tremendously. Some people aren't suited to be solo practitioners because they crave being around others all day. They want to be team members or team leaders. Others can work with people when necessary, but don't require it (that's me). Still others would rather be alone unless there's a fire and a firefighter reaches them with a ladder in the upper floors. Live and let live, I'd say. But I'll make one observation (or why else am I writing this): You must be comfortable relying on yourself. There are times in life when only you can make a certain decision, can create a certain gesture, can solve a particular problem. Relying on others, who may have starkly varying objectives, doesn't improve the situation. I don't want to be on an airplane flown by a committee of passengers. The finest leaders I've seen can work well with people but also endure criticism and unhappiness when they feel they must act alone and do what's right, even though it may not be popular. Their affiliation needs are subordinate to their purpose. I'd value your respect and, perhaps, even your friendship, but I don't need your approval. DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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AND THIS UNIQUE WORKSHOP FROM LINDA POPKY, TRAINED AND LICESNED BY ALAN IN THESE MATERIALS:
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Balancing Act® is our registered trademark. You are encouraged to share the contents with others with appropriate attribution. Please use the ® whenever the phrase "Balancing Act" is used in connection with this newsletter or our workshops. Six Figures to Seven for 2014I've had a lot of requests to conduct another 627 experience, so let's see who's serious. I will take 12 people in any one group.� There will be three meetings, one day each, over six months. I strongly suggest, from past experience, that the group meet the next day for at least a few hours to review and plan from the prior day. At least one meeting will be at my home. All meetings are preceded by dinner for whoever gets in town by that hour.� There will be one call with me per month of 60 minutes. The group will be expected to conduct other calls on its own, arrange for accountability partners, and so forth. I'm accessible to the group during the six months. 627 is a metaphor for growth. We'll talk about and practice, specifically, products, services, and experiences to attract new buyers and higher fees. The program is designed for those making $250,000 or more now. I reserve the right to suggest you're not ready.� All dates will be fixed when the group is assembled, so that we can have some consensus around times. There is no need to attend every phone call and meeting to get your results.� The fee is $7,500. We will begin in either November or December with at least our phone calls, perhaps a meeting. Returnees from the prior group have a discounted fee of $6,000. Growth Cycle discounts apply (though I feel it may be redundant, Growth Cycle members have attended this in the past). Alan and Bentley Card credits may be used. You must pay in full when you commit. I will return funds if we don't go forward. I will run a second group if we have more than 12 people. Minimum group size is 9.� To commit: Contact me by email. Name the five Marx Brothers. I will then give you payment instructions. Shameless PromotionEast Greenwich, RI
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