Herman School of Business
Jumping the Gun
On a very funny Seinfeld episode Jerry won a race in high school against the fastest runner, because he allegedly “jumped the gun”….years later Jerry’s girlfriend encourages him to re-run the race to prove his manhood…and Jerry wins again when he mistakes a backfire from Kramer’s car for the starters pistol.
I love this new life being carved out for me by my books, and this blog. But my staff has “jumped the gun” on me.
After working many years away from home and helping people there has been a part missing during the five years since I sold my consulting business. And as the Innkeeper at the ABACROMBIE for most of those years I substituted breakfast chats for my old consulting meetings with clients. Once the books came out and people started reading they naturally also started asking questions…and I love the chance to engage them on their situations. Next, came the radio interviews where people call in while I am on the air and fire away with questions you couldn’t possibly answer intelligently with so little information. And now there is the added interaction with this blog. I write…you read…some email and ask questions. And a light bulb went off in my head recently that made me realize what has been missing for me for awhile. Direct contact and involvement in a real life situation.
Now, I don’t want to go back with my old firm and fly around the country re-engaging in battles with bankers, lawyers, owners and creditors even though it was extremely lucrative for me…I want a lesser involvement with people who usually don’t have access to the kind of expertise that earned me about three thousand dollars per day for many years. I have decided to consult with people at affordable rates to save them from wasting time and money in a practical way…and I have been speaking with several of you about your situations, and giving advice for free in the hopes that you will turn your case around, or face the reality of where you are. And so the first hour of consulting with me is free.
A funny thing happens when people get something for free…they think what they get is worth what they pay…and so perhaps my advice would be useless to them. I will recount their stories over the coming postings and you will also hear their feedback to what we discussed and you will see for yourselves if my counsel is worth more than nothing. And for those who want engage me longer the fees will be easily affordable…because I want to do this work…but even my time has some value. One woman owner has already called me to ask, “Why are you doing this for me? You emailed me back, then called me with advice and you haven’t asked me for anything.” I told her the price was her willingness to share with others my philosophy and my blog and books, because exposure is currency to me.
Now why did I call this blog “Jumping the Gun?” Because, I planned to announce the consulting services on my 100th blog posting next week. But my website helpers have already posted the HIRE HERMAN: HERMAN HELP LINE page today. So, now my shingle is hanging out…so write to me…or call 410-453-0280…what do you have to lose when the first hour is free.
- Posted: 7 February 2008
- Comments: 0
- Category: Business success
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