What every entrepreneur needs: @juxte

In the spirit of people worth knowing, I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to someone I will always have time for. Someone I have a lot of respect for and someone who I am honoured to call a friend – you can find his blog here and on twitter – he’s @Juxte

I’d like to think we all have our own @juxte. Someone who has known you for donkeys. Someone who has earned your respect. Someone who has carte blanche when it comes to telling you exactly how it is.

Justin is head of communications at Osum. Quite frankly, he should be running the company (although I hear his boss is beyond gifted and definitely perfected the art of stick handling – hah!) In the short time Justin has moved in to the energy sector he has created a culture of change, he has challenged the status quo and he has pushed himself to limits that have probably resulted in sweaty palms to say the least.

He’s the visionary. The epitome of the go-getter. The guy who dreams big and lives bigger.

Having a less than comfortable day, I found myself on the phone with Justin. We reached a point in the conversation where there was a brief silence before Justin blurted out: “Can I push you? Can I push your buttons?” And in true Justin style, he did exactly what he set out to do.

I’ve broken away from the day job. I’ve set up in business for myself. I’ve been working hard on the pre-launch. I’ve made a point of running it by Justin. His response?

1. Why is it so small? And why are you making me read so much?
2. If you don’t seriously fail and learn big 17 times in your first year, you’re not doing it right.
3. What’s your number? Your goal? Where is this going to take you?
4. It’s best served in three. Anything more is confusing.
5. Well thank god something’s making you uncomfortable – it’s the only way you’re going to grow.
6. Don’t wait for the fuggin anointing woman – do it.

He’s right. On all counts. Why is self-medicating so difficult? Why are we so good at seeing the potential, talent, and success in others but when it comes to ourselves our vision becomes impaired? I can’t tell you why, I can only tell you it’s common.

I ended the call with a lot of insight, sound advice and the perspective I needed to talk me off the ledge – HAH! I ended the call that much closer to achieving my goal.

They say it takes a village to raise a child – I think it takes only one to raise an entrepreneur.

On that note, if you yourself are venturing into the world of self employment or just pushing yourself to do things that make you uncomfortable, then I hope you find some grit in @Juxte’s words of advice. I’m willing to bet that they’re words we all need to hear from time to time.

xo