Maggie Milne celebrates 20 years in business.

New entrepreneurs are strange creatures. They delight in the passion of the project, cut themselves off unwittingly from friends and family, and navigate into corners without optional strategies.

They are happiest when busy, most miserable during financial collapse, and funniest when recounting stupid business mistakes at dinner parties.

In the early stages, they are compelled to fly solo, not realizing that advisors stand at the ready to guide them through life's crossroads. They neglect to see that outside input might perk up the "ping" factor required for problem solving. Mentors are good for business.

I'm speaking from experience.

Recently, I celebrated 20 years in business by publishing my personal 20 Year Anniversary Honour Roll.

From a list of 95 people, I chose 12 who have made the biggest impact on my business.

They are an eclectic assortment of mentors, advisors, clients and role models. Most often their influence was greatest when I was ready to hear their advice. Timing is everything.

The Concise History

My training business was launched in 1986. At the time, Toronto based consultants serviced the North's corporate training needs. Most certainly, "experts" were not home grown and they weren't females. The odds seemed to be stacked against me although my gut said that my natural flair for speaking, love of learning and risk taking would work in my favour. I had $48.00 in my bank account. Confused, I finally turned to "mentors" for advice.

Enter Ernie Checkeris, Sudbury's successful School Board Trustee with a 40 year track record in politics. Ernie said: "I know you will be famous, Maggie. But remember this. Always stay humble."

In the guise of Greek philosophers, he seemed to be Archimedes quoting, "Give me a lever long enough, and a place to stand, and I can move the earth." He did not ask for the business plan. He saw the potential and pushed me gently, but firmly out of my nest.

Cliff Friesen

Cliff Friesen, Vice President of Bearskin Airlines was sincerely interested in my future direction during a Thunder Bay Executives Association luncheon. He asked: "Are you busy or are you productive?" Good point! Big difference!

Cliff took the goal setting one step further. "Why don't you go international?" My plan had been to expand to the Prairies. His question stretched my self-imposed limits; I felt my heart beat faster and consequently, I reconsidered and officially went global. The next year, an Australian client booked a keynote in Perth. Soon after I spent a month in a mudhut in Ghana, working with tribal chiefs.

That luncheon with Cliff was key to strategic momentum. By re-visioning myself as a productive global speaker rather than a busy local trainer, I confirmed, for myself, my expert status.

That confidence led to active participation on the Board which established the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) and the International Federation for Professional Speakers in 1996. The learning curve was magnificent.

Dr. Brad McRae

Colleague, Dr. Brad McRae, CSP, keynoter and author from Halifax, was in the audience at a Toronto event. "What makes you such an excellent Master of Ceremonies? You are like Whoopi Goldberg from the North." Often what is most obvious is most invisible. Brad encouraged me to design the MC training program which I present to Chapters of CAPS across the country. Professional relationships drive the competitive edge, including lines of business.

Rebecca Johnson

As a role model, Rebecca Johnson, councillor at large for the City of Thunder Bay epitomizes authentic, energetic leadership. She speaks and looks for truth in any project and relationship. When I weigh my options in the planning cycle, I can count on her rationale thinking. We all need reliable sounding boards. We reciprocate by offering each other perspectives and ideas, without ego attached.

Patricia Mills

Patricia Mills, founder of the "Influential Women" awards, caught me off guard. While introducing my "IW Alumnus Special Recognition Award", she stated that "Maggie's path has never been traditional, and she's never stood still".

For once, I was speechless. The timing for this recognition was significant. Very few people knew that my personal world was close to collapsing. The applause confirmed that I was still resilient and ready for new challenges.

The Honour Roll commends outstanding people for their candid advice, thought provoking questions and sense of humour in dealing with an innovative, stubborn and spirited entrepreneur.

They have reinforced the leverage required to move the earth. I continue to find that place to stand.

Maggie Milne is a Keynote Speaker, Master Coach and author based in Thunder Bay Ontario. She specializes in Strategic Systems Thinking. When you or your organization is "blocked, stuck or muddled", you can reach her at 1 800 587 1767 or www.theideasculptor.com

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