Pam Slim (who I started reading long before she became a titan in the blogging world - her blog’s title, Escape From Cubicle Nation is perhaps the best blog title ever) writes about how our thoughts often derail us before we begin…

She must come across this a lot - I know I do.  People who have good ideas, passion for an idea, and the talent to execute on the idea - but one thought - one nagging concern - derails the entire process.

In fact, Pam spoke recently for Club E (E for Entrepreneur) - their new North Scottsdale chapter.  I attended the event and as expected, she was great.  I had the opportunity to meet her husband and see their new baby - who may be the 5th cutest baby I’ve ever seen (I have 4 kids).

I spoke to her after, briefly describing my dilemma - which sounded a lot like her coaching subject, Laura, in her post.  Pam, are you sure it wasn’t me?

When I approached her I told her how all this turmoil - our flood, Laura and I (my wife Laura, not Pam’s coaching client Laura), and other factors had put an exclamation point to direct me back to my first love music and writing.  I talked about my passion, plan, the reaction of those people who are fans, etc.

Then I said, "but I have this nagging thought…"

And I proceeded to explain how I was concerned about the marketing aspect of what I do because I want to market what I do but not be viewed as some slick marketer when the music and the experience is what is important to me.

Pam must have thought, "Oh no…  another one…"

What’s funny is I can give this advice to my family without a challenge - to people I mentor and coach, to my readers.  And I’m not lying - but it is easier to see through their mental excuses than push past my own.

In fact, I was talking with another friend yesterday and he was mentioning how he has this idea for a videocast - good idea - he has the content, has the knowledge, has the ability to pull it off - but he is waiting because next month there is a coach coming into town and he wants to work with him to refine his message.  He then said, "there is this book, maybe after I read that…" (paraphrased)

I told him, produce some stuff, put it out there - and then you will know what you have to work with.  I said, "I’ve known you for three years.  You don’t need more coaching, another book, another anything - neither do I.  We need to do."

Then, I read this post about True Fans…

Those who enjoy what I do - musically or writing - have passionate reactions.  They understand that I both want to create & share but also that I want to make it a profession.  Those who don’t enjoy what I do - they don’t give me a second thought anyway.  Knowing your internal truth and drivers is what is critical.

Can I be both an artist and business person.  The best in the business are.

Thanks Pam.