I'm not a technical writer anymore. Well, maybe not today or tomorrow. I've learned to never say never because technical writing is a big part of who I am professionally. However, I am done at IBM. I walked into IBM on September 11, 2001 just as the first plane hit the World Trade Center (yep, it's true). What a wild day that was. My final day today was a little less dramatic and a different kind of emotional. My time at IBM got me through some financially lean years, allowed me to pay my mortgage, earn a good living as a single parent, and provided fantastic flexibility during which I grew my little business ever so slowly. For that I am grateful. And now I'm grateful to have a choice.
Tomorrow I'm a full time CEO who seeks new corporate gift giving clients. My perfect referrals:
- real estate people
- virtual assistants
- small business owners who like to give customer appreciation gifts
- personal coaches
- BNI members
- people who don't have time or hate to shop
- professional errand runners
- bosses
- local restaurants
- gift shops
- facilities where corporate events are held
- large country inns
- golf clubs
- people who buy gifts for conference speakers
Got one of these people on your list of contacts? Think they may enjoy receiving a sample shortbread gift box or receiving a call or visit from the CEO of a cool baking company? Then let me know pronto via email at jsaz@gmavt.net. I've got a business to run!
I'm going to walk the dog, clear my head, and check out the 100 daffodil bulbs I planted last fall just beginning to sprout. Tomorrow I'm off to Boston. I'll blog about it and more next week.
Think shortbread. Think independence.
Ann Zuccardy, Vermont Shortbread Company, CEO and founder
Ann,
I can't wait for you to experience the serenity that comes with being in total control of your own time. It should happen... oh, about 6:30 a.m. tomorrow I think? :)
It doesn't matter if you spend the next three months going, "Oh, dang it! I could have been more productive. I still need more work perfecting the art of turning time into profit."
No matter how long that lesson takes, for you, me, and everyone who reads your blog...
it's STILL better than the "under the gun" feeling of trading your time for the imaginary security that comes with a job working for someone else.
Get ready to know what it feels like to take care of YOURSELF... ENTIRELY on your own! And think of how priveleged you will be to master such a life lesson that so few ever come to know.
While I'm here, I must say that the potential for shortbread to become a household item is huge. Think Ben and Jerry... Mrs. Fields... Famous Amos... all entrepreneurs, just like Ann Zuccardy!
To your future shortbread success,
Dina
Posted by: Dina at Wordfeeder.com | March 27, 2007 at 06:21 PM