January 2004

Speaking of Success

Paddy Spruce

by Paddy Spruce

Have you ever wondered if you are a success? Are you satisfied that you are making the most of the opportunities that pass you by? I often ask myself these questions and use the answers to drive myself forward. I am a motivational speaker and have worked alone for twenty years. I have gotten used to doing everything myself—marketing, identifying prospective clients, preparing presentations, finding new material, invoicing, delivering motivational and attitude changing performances, etc. Mostly this has been wonderful, but it has limited my horizons. I have seen people with close partnerships who cover their weaknesses with strong alliances. I enjoy the presenting side of being a speaker. I enjoy meeting new people and helping them to improve their performance and become more optimistic. I enjoy bringing humor into lives that have dried out in a cynical climate. I don’t enjoy the grind of the office that supports the colorful side of my work. I have discovered that happiness comes from doing what you do best and doing it for the benefit of others. I can do this better if I have someone to work with me and help me focus on what I do best—which is to speak in front of an audience. All that is missing is a dedicated, professional, and determined partner who likes doing what I don’t.

Ta da! Isn’t it strange that you find the person you need when you are clear about what you want. Enter Kathie Thomas from “A Clayton’s Secretary.” I met Kathie some years ago and from the first meeting I knew that she was so much more than a Virtual Assistant. She is so much more than virtual. Everything that I can’t do or don’t want to do, she does supremely well. I am barely literate in IT. She is a whiz. I am struggling to enter my data on MYOB. She probably helped design MYOB. I am planning to run public seminars. She immediately focused on my needs and sent me information and ideas that will ensure my success in this new direction. She is trustworthy, honest, very dedicated, willing to help in a crisis and step up a gear—like when my hard disk herniated. She is always friendly, enthusiastic and dedicated to my success.

Kathie is an actual assistant rather than a virtual one and a close business partner. So . . . if you are travelling alone and find that you have reached your limitations, it is time to find a Kathie. Someone who will help you to stretch further and redefine your success boundaries. Think about what you want to focus on, what you enjoy doing, what will bring you success. Decide on what you are ready to let go and delegate to another. Finally, decide on what sort of a partner you need to take you to the next level. Who knows how far you can go with your talents and abilities if you have a dedicated, complementary and professional partner. The absolute last step is to hope that you find a Kathie Thomas or that a Kathie finds you. If always working alone is your choice, you are sitting on your potential. Start looking now!

About the Author

Paddy works nationally and internationally. His training and speaking methods include humour, interactive exercises, role plays, quizzes, discussions, inspiring lectures—in fact anything that works to build your people and your business and make the experience enjoyable. He can be contacted at www.PaddySpruce.com.au or by Email at Paddy@paddyspruce.com.au.