Many of my Clients are just starting out in their professions and are worried about how much time it will take to get through the start-up phase and into the growth phase.

To address their concerns, I simply tell them to get involved in their communities. "But I'm already too busy to get involved in the community." No, you simply haven't determined how to focus on getting business because you're too focused on being in business.

I can virtually guarantee you that if you'll stop what you're doing right now and make a list of organizations that interest you, and then go become an Active part of those organizations, within six months you'll see rewards, perhaps even earlier depending on your level of participation.

I have an intense interest in

• charitable organizations,
• gardening and landscaping,
• marketing & business,
• music,
• pets,
• sports,
• wildlife,

so at various times I'm a

• supporter,
• subscriber,
• member, or
• season ticket holder

of the

• American Civil Liberties Union
• Birch Aquarium,
• Breast Cancer Research,
• Cactus & Succulent Society,
• Gay Men's Chorus of San Diego,
• HIV-AIDS research,
• Human Rights Campaign
• Muscular Dystrophy Association,
• Red Cross,
• San Diego Chargers,
• San Diego Padres,
• San Diego Symphony,
• San Diego Zoo,
• San Diego Wild Animal Park,
• SPCA,
• Special Olympics,

and many others.

Wherever I go, I always arrive in my company car with my company shirt, folder, nametag, or whatever, as appropriate to the occasion. I've done so in every city I've worked in, including

• Austin
• Baton Rouge
• Bryan/College Station, Texas
• Detroit
• Houston
• Los Angeles
• Philadelphia
• Portland
• Salt Lake City
• San Antonio
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Seattle

and many others, and the results have always been the same: Success!

Get involved in your community if you haven't do so already, and prepare for fun, enjoyment, happiness, and a little money coming your way.