Finding "Gigs" That Feed Us

The temptation when working from gig-to-gig is to take anything that comes along. If someone offers to pay us (or perhaps doesn't even offer to) to do something, the urge to say "Yes!" without thought of the expenses, time and energy needed can be overwhelming.

But what kind of gig is right for you? There are many ways to peel this onion:

1) What is the payoff?

Payoff can be measured traditionally by looking at the projected Return-on-Investment (ROI) or it be examined in non-traditional ways:

• Will it give you the opportunity to prove yourself with a potential client or employer?


• Will it give you exposure to contacts to whom you wouldn't normally have exposure?


• Will it give you tangible experience that will help you to expand into new territory?

2) Do you share common values?

When taking on a gig, it is helpful to share basic values about business.

You might want to explore if you and the potential partner have similar views on ethics, quality, and conduct. I actually met with a potential business partner once who told me that they wished that a mutual friend's mother would drop dead. Seriously.

3) Will the "rules" work for you?

Will your workload allow for the project? Are you comfortable with the contract or non-disclosure language? Is it a "win-win" for you -- an opportunity that will both enrich you financially and professionally?

Prospering in Difficult Times

So much of my work as a coach these days focuses on the challenge of living in tough economic times. Last September, I wrote about The Detroit Perspective, which spoke of living in Michigan during a recession. Since I wrote that post, the entire country (and world for that matter) has slipped into a recession.

Six months later, I find that people feel the pressures of layoffs and declining portfolios much more acutely. However, many are finding opportunity in these down times to make a change, learn new things, or re-connect with people or passions.

Here is a recent article I wrote about Leading in Difficult Times and published in Corp! magazine. May you continue to lead and prosper in your own life.