It's All About the "Honest Self"

"Complete Honesty in being Self-aware, Self-assessing, and Self-correcting are the keys to achievement"

~ Jason Saetrum

I approach this subject as a declaration that true leaders are those that have these characteristics. Only with these internal systems working are leaders able to lead with vision, integrity, and course-correction as needed.

If we're going to get down to success, real success, in life and business we need to be "real" in our lives and with ourselves. This entry is a bit more that just about self-reflection. We need to "turn on" our ability and obligation to be self-aware, self-assessing, self-correcting, and self-improving. This is not a one-time thing. It may start out as a significant awakening, but we need to build these abilities both into our conscious and subconscious, so that as we go through our day we are able to imperceptibly, optimize those incremental moments of time to improve. Without performing these functions in honesty we live in a world of self-justification and lies. Happiness is an imitation and will always be based upon external circumstances.

Though sometimes painful, each of us needs to begin at our own level and understanding. "To thine own self be true" ("Hamlet," Shakespeare). We should never let external comparison get in the way of our progression. "Determination" is what we need to reach our "best self."

Following is a passage from a speech that I believe is very applicable here:

"The issue is truth... and the only way to find truth is through uncompromising self-education toward self-honesty to see the original “real me,” ...in its innocence and potential in contrast to the influence from the other part of me, “the flesh,” with its selfish desires and foolishness. Only in that state of pure honesty are we able to see truth in its complete dimension. Honesty may not be everything, but everything is nothing without honesty." (F. Enzio Busche, “Truth Is the Issue”)

~ Jason Saetrum

You Are Not True Business Partners Until...

"I have found no greater satisfaction than achieving success through honest dealing and strict adherence to the view that, for you to gain, those you deal with should gain as well."

~ Alan Greenspan

If you are a company finding yourself in need of, or are considering, outsourcing - you may want to consider becoming an equity owner in that outsource provider. Your equity position will strengthen your client position.

Juxtaposed to a contract, the equity provides an increased commitment between the two parties. As true business partners, each side becomes more interested in each others' success.

You will find that your level of equity will "raise your hand higher" and "increase the volume of your voice" in setting expectations and getting results.

As a business owner, you will find:
- Benefits in the reduced overhead costs associated with outsourcing.
- Benefits in the customer satisfaction and turn-around times associated with "in-house" oversight.

2 Additional items to consider:

- Conflicts of interest if the outsource provider is supporting industry competitors.
- Bringing your outsource provider in as an equity owner in your company too...

~ Jason Saetrum

Business Plans

"When the time for action arrives, the time for preparation has past."

~ Author Unknown

Whether you are a large, seasoned company, small start-up, or are preparing to launch or buy a business you need a plan. The plan(s) need to be written down. The questions that you will answer will open your mind to possibilities and to limitations. It is the process of taking ownership and control of your success. There is truly no random success. You will use this plan to crystallize your goals, ideas, passion, and vision. Your plan will reflect you – what you see. It is the tool by which you relay information and your vision to its readers.

Why a business plan?

• $ - To be successful you will need money – investment capital in the form of your savings account, bank or personal loans, or selling equity into your company. If anyone is going to give you money (loan or investment) they will want to see what the hype is about. How is it going to be successful? Do you have a grasp on how the company will be successful? What challenges do you face? How much money will you need, and in what installments? Will you be able to pay back your loan with interest or what their dividends will be and when will they come.

• ?? – To explore, formulate, and understand what your goals are. It forces the evaluation of the feasibility of the business. Determine where you are going to take this company and how it will operate. The plan will lay the foundation for your products and services, marketing approach, corporate culture, cash flows, training, and etc. Template your company - don’t limit it, but give it room to grow and develop.

If done correctly, the business plan will feed your passion, fuel your fire, lay the foundation for success, and open opportunities for greater ideas. Your company is not slave to the plan, but draws upon it for identity and focus. Your systems and procedures will be built to support the mission and vision of the company.

Don’t sell yourself short!

Business Plans May Include the Following:

I.	Executive Summary
II.	Investment Opportunity
III.	Industry Overview & History
IV.	Current Operations
V.	S.W.O.T. or Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
VI.	Strategic Plan / Positioning
VII.	Operating Plans
VIII.	Marketing
IX.	Company Organizational Chart
X.	Projects / Proposal
XI.	Economic Impact
XII.	Philanthropy
XIII.	Environmental Responsibility
XIV.	Financial Calculations
XV.	Pro-Forma / Budget / P&L
XVI.	Management Biographies
XVII.	Appendices

~ Jason Saetrum