How many times have you created a plan for your business (or your life, for that matter), but never quite got it underway? Don't tell me I'm the only one!

It's so important to plan your business. Having a plan is as important as having a map when you go on a trip. But there comes a time when you have to act.

One of my best friends, Debbie, is an artist (It's still under construction, but visit her website). Before I started my business, she encouraged me by sounding like a Nike ad, saying "Just do it." I asked her for her best piece of advice and she told me this story:

There was a piano that needed to be moved from someone's house and another friend, Richard, agreed to help us move the piano. When we got to the friend's house, everyone was staring at the piano on the porch, trying to figure out how to get the piano into the truck. Richard watched for a few minutes and then he said, "Are you going to THINK that piano off of the porch, or what?" He had that piano moved in minutes. I guess that was the beginning of my "Just Do It" attitude. If I analyzed anything for too long, I would hear Richard asking the "Think" question.

Before I started my business, I thought, "I'm going to be fifty years old before it starts to work." Then it dawned on me. I was going to be fifty anyway. Why not be fifty with my own business? Wouldn't that be better than being fifty, still wishing I had my own business?

You probably know that I used to be a heavy smoker. A little over four years ago (4 years, 3 weeks, 22 hours, and 51 minutes as I write this, but who's counting?), I quit. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done (and is partially responsible for some of the additional weight I carry.) I had tried to quit a number of times. What made the difference this time was that I was willing to sacrifice whatever it took to reach my goal and I took action.

So now, I have about seventy pounds to lose. I'll probably be 55 before I get that weight off. But I'll be 55 anyway.

Think of that one thing that you have wanted to accomplish. Do it this week. Don't just plan to do it. Take the first step of action to accomplish your goal - and meanwhile I'll head to the gym. I've discovered I can't just think the weight off.

Join me at the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce's next Small Business Roundtable on Wednesday, June 1, at the Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels, Energy Bldg., 7th Floor.

Speakers this month will be:

• June Bratcher - Daisy Tours-Conventions San Antonio
• Kathi O'Bryant - INFOPRO
• Stephen Springer - OfficeSource, Ltd

Join me and the over one hundred business people who attend this networking event. I know it's early, but we promise to start your day off right.

Want to chill out with friends after a hard day at work? Join us on Tuesday, June 8, at the Feeding Frenzy at the Radisson Hill Country Resort and Spa this month!

This is a FREE relaxed (non-Chamber- affiliated) networking opportunity, with heavy appetizers compliments of Paulette Good, Sales Manager at the Radisson. Come join us! Tuesday, June 8 (the second Tuesday of every month), 5:30 PM until we feel like leaving.

I'm putting together a group of volunteers to help answer phones at the KLRN Auction on Sunday, June 13, and Monday, June 14. I'm looking for people who can stay up late and still maintain their enthusiasm. Two shifts need filling 5 PM -10:30 PM and 10 PM -3 AM. Call or email me if you can join me. I do this every year and have a great time!

If you can't make those two days, but can help some other time, contact Katy Garcia by email (kgarcia@klrn.org) or by phone (270-9000, ext. 2234.)

Food and refreshments are provided. 10 p.m. shifts get EXTRA SPECIAL treats!

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