A few months ago, I embarked on a new project, The Great Successful People Package to interview numerous top successful individuals... One of the individuals was Robert Ashton, one of the UK’s best selling authors in both the business and entrepreneurial world. One of the great ideas Robert shared with me was a different approach to understanding what you want in life.  This idea is that you describe your future life in the present tense.

At some point, every self-employed professional reaches the same dilemma: how to build a strong brand and grow their business without taking on too many clients, undervaluing their expertise, or sacrificing their lifestyle.

Barbara Winter often talks about how important it is to "get in the conversation" with other entrepreneurs. That's exactly what our next entrepreneur does on a regular basis. George Murphy is the host of a television show called "Making It Here" on local public television station WGBY... George has talked with literally hundreds of entrepreneurs. During that time, he's had the chance to see up close and in person just what makes an inspired entrepreneur tick. But you don't have to have your own television show to start asking your own questions. George and "Making it Here" are great reminders that the next time you're out and about, start asking questions and you'll be amazed at what you'll learn.

Overwhelm is a physiological, mental, and emotional state that drowns out any clear signals that might otherwise come through. No matter how hard you try, when you are in a state of overwhelm, you can't see or hear what you most need to see and hear: the very next step.

By Richard Evans (Financial Times), Los Angeles Times -- The modern world is an ever-changing mass of contradictions. Reconciling them is fundamental to success, whether in business or in life. As F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote: "The ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function is the sign of a first-rate intelligence." His comment is cited by Roger Martin, author of "The Opposable Mind: How Successful Leaders Win Through Integrative Thinking."

Passion is a popular word among seekers these days. It seems that everyone wants to tap into their passion, create work they feel passionate about, or express their passion. But where does passion really fit in the journey to a business that fits just-right? If you're assuming that just-right and a business you're passionate about are the same thing, think again.

Many small businesses find the current marketplace more competitive as big fish dip lower into the food chain to overcome business losses. Those little jobs they ignored (the jobs one person shops thrive on) are being gobbled up to replace lost revenues from big accounts now in demise. What can you do to protect yourself? Here are some tips to help you solidify your client list...

Is there such a thing as being in the right place at the right time? Sure. But more often than not it is our efforts that bring us luck. Or, as the great producer and film mogul Sam Goldwyn once said, "The harder I work, the luckier I get."

Indoors or out, opportunities abound. If a special dream is calling you, isn't it time you heed your inner summons?

Even negative experiences can be the catalyst to a positive career change. You know the old expression, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. You’re about to meet seven people who took adversity, bad habits, betrayal, and loss and turned these sour experiences into satisfying livelihoods.