Yes You Can!

On Thanksgiving day I saw one of the most inspiring and moving TV shows of my life. It was called "CNN Heroes" (on CNN, of course), and it featured ten ordinary but extraordinary people who had done some amazing things to help people in need.

Here are four of the ten:

Marie Da Silva has lost 14 family members to AIDS. Today, the Los Angeles nanny funds a school in her native Malawi -- where half a million children have been orphaned by the disease.

Anne Mahlum used to run by homeless men each morning. Today, she's running with them, and others, (and transforming their lives in the process) as part of her "Back On My Feet" program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

David Puckett started PIPO Missions to bring ongoing prosthetic and orthotic care (replacing missing limbs) to those in need. Since November 2000, he has helped more than 420 people in southeastern Mexico, free of charge.

Liz McCartney is dedicated to helping Hurricane Katrina survivors in St. Bernard Parish, a community just outside New Orleans. Her nonprofit St. Bernard Project has rebuilt the homes of more than 120 families. Liz was named "CNN Hero of the Year."

As I watched, my mind started racing, trying to think of something I could do to give back to my community. These inspiring heroes made me realize that just giving money wasn't enough.

I wanted to do more. But what?

About fifteen minutes into the program, the "perfect idea" flashed through my mind. It was obvious, clear, and I knew it would work. I'd like to share this idea with you in today's More Clients.

Making it Happen

Over the 24 years of working with Independent Professionals, I've focused on two areas: 1. The how-tos and ins-and outs of how to attract more clients. 2. The internal work of making it happen and making goals and dreams real.

The how-tos are the simple part. Making it happen is the hard part. I was inspired by these CNN Heroes because they not only made it happen, but they all did things that were profoundly generous and that made a lasting contribution.

What is the contribution I could make?

I decided that it would be in the form of a Free Workshop that I'll offer in the San Francisco Bay Area called "YES I CAN! - Going Beyond Limits in Your Life and Business."

The only catch is that a contribution of $10 to $1000 is required (your choice how much) that will be going to my favorite local charity - The Second Harvest Food Bank.

The workshop is for anyone who is looking for a way to get past their limitations -- to growing their business and to producing results in their lives. The workshop is based on the "The Work of Byron Katie" as I've adapted it over the years for my clients, and participants in workshops and other programs.

This work makes a profound difference, but I've never felt I could dedicate enough time to it. This workshop is an opportunity to spend a full day breaking through those limitations while giving back to the community at the same time.

I plan to do the workshop at least two times a year in the Bay Area with 100 or more people. But first I will be doing a "Pilot Workshop" (to fine tune the program) in January.

Here are the details:

One Day Workshop - From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, January 17
Spaces open in Pilot: 20
Held at hotel: (TBA) in the Peninsula area of SF
Tuition: Free (I don't get paid a dime)
Contribution: From $10 to $1000
Recipient: Second Harvest Food Bank

If you would like to be one of the pioneers of the Pilot Workshop, let me know by email. Also, let me know how much you'd like to contribute to Second Harvest. I'd love to get the contributions *before* Christmas. They need it now! I'll personally be contributing $500.

I expect to get a big response, so I will choose the twenty people who pledge the most for Second Harvest. In future workshops it will be first come, first served, even if you can only contribute $10.

To reserve your space, please respond to this email: sendto:rjm@actionplan.com

I look forward to seeing you at the workshop!

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The More Clients Bottom Line: Making a contribution can be the most enlivening thing you can do it your life. It makes your personal problems and challenges seem small in comparison. You could see from the faces of the CNN Heros that in helping to transform the lives of others, they were also transformed.

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Please share some ways you'd like to make a big contribution next year. Please share on the More Clients Blog.

Comments

[gwen fox]

What a great idea ! Thanks for sharing and inspiring others to look around and see what needs to be done in their own community.
Have you thought of doing a free seminar online on this subject? Bet you have already done this but I have just found your site. Just asking. Thanks and have a fabulous holiday.