Renewal

It’s been an odd few days.

First, a story I didn’t know anything about but which has seen really important developments dropped into my lap. It might become public later today. A few people know about it. Maybe no-one else wanted it. I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. It’s there and we’ll see what happens.

Next I had a wonderful conversation with someone whose gutsiness, determination and fearlessness I admire. It was inspiring.

Then I received an email invitation to lunch from someone with whom I’ve had my share of running and sometimes feisty battles. I’ve not spoken to the person in ages. I guess it’s got to be at least a year. Apparently my work is enjoyed by his colleagues. That’s always nice to know but then you never know these things unless someone tells you. I’ll take a rain check. We’re 5,500 miles apart.

Next someone wanted an opinion about two accounting apps I know. I deferred but pointed in the direction of some blog posts, in part because I don’t want to influence anyone directly. They tried one which I like and and said: ‘it rocks.’ That’s satisfying. I hope they decide to say something on a blog post or some such.

Finally, a blog post about the importance of failure and ‘Random Acts of Traction‘ mentioned myself and my 90% rule – well actually it’s about 80% – the stuff I give away. This last point is quite important.

Nearly two years ago, I’d written about the then parlous state of NetSuite. It’s improved a lot in the meantime but the company is still sore at me. Oh well. A small company read what I said, emailed me the other day, we talked and I’m now helping them on a wee project that should prove interesting and challenging. It’s one of those ‘random acts.’

In and of themselves, these events are totally unconnected but to me there is a connection I can vaguely see. It starts with a quote from the Random Acts post and the business of giving things away:

This only works, of course, if you can make your “snowballs” quickly and inexpensively enough. If you spend too much time worrying about it, you lose. If you try to control where the snowballs go after you’ve released them down the hill, you lose.

If this blog is anything to go by, I’ve rolled 2,970 snowballs in the last near four years this blog’s been going. Elsewhere, I’ve rolled 429 snowballs and elsewhere again…I don’t know. Maybe a 150? What shall we say…with other odds and ends plus more than 25,880 Tweets – that’s a heck of a lot of snowballs to go rolling around. Ok – so some of them have been rocks but I soon let go of them. Some have been exocets and it’s probably not a good idea to make much of them either. But the majority have definitely been snowballs.

I sense there is some sort of renewal going on over here at Casa Howlett. I’m just not sure what it is or the shape it might take. I’m pretty darned sure it’s got little to do with the new office. The ride is well worth it because unlike so many people out there, I’m having a lot of fun inside the process.

Maybe something to think about as we enter the ’silly season?’

G’night/morning/afternoon – in whatever timezone you’re reading this.

Inspired by Hugh – thanks dude.

Related articles by Zemanta

• All play and no work… (martinspalette.blogspot.com)
• Got Perseverance? (5min.com)
• The difference between a blogger and a commenter (spinopsys.posterous.com)
• Corporate Blogs CAN be Good (chrisbrogan.com)