Update: A peer named Evan has inspired me with his latest project of connecting with others who are reinventing themselves around the globe. Let's face it, the things people built their careers around in the past may play a lesser role in the future. Many folks today are searching within to find more meaning in what they will do next.

Evan plans to take a few months off to travel, meet others struggling with the same dilemma, listen to their stories and work synergistically with them to find solutions. It's similar to having therapy, discussing trends and masterminding all rolled up into one. He plans to post his travels on a blog and maybe get published in a book someday.

The concept is brilliant in this early stage. Here's a guy who's not sitting around waiting for something to happen. He wants to take control of his circumstances from the get-go.

Feature Article: Taking Control from the Get-go

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Total Control...

I rode in my friend Jerry's Porsche GT3 over the weekend. It was an exhilarating experience where the rubber bites the asphalt, your hair grapples with the wind and you almost feel like you're inside a jet fighter. When he launches his factory-built racecar on the road, the other vehicles seem to be standing still.

He weaves in and out of lanes with the greatest of ease. He beats traffic signals with breakneck speed. He whisks around slower vehicles without batting an eye. I've never had to brace myself because I know he's in total control of his factory street rocket.

Did I mention he's also a racecar instructor?

On weekends he teaches students how to handle their car on a racetrack with the grace of a cheetah. They learn when to speed up, when to back off and when to launch from the attack position. Because if they can't control their vehicle, they could lose more than their pride.

Jerry helps his students stay in control. Without him they'd sway all over the course. Keeping in total control always wins the respect of your peers.

Taking Control from the Get-go

Dear Associate,

My friend Jerry responded to a headhunter to work for a company whose specialty is repairing jet engines. In his first two weeks he butted heads with management, won the support of the technicians, and negotiated a two million dollar deal with a new client. You'd think the company would fall over backwards for him, show some appreciation and offer him a little more decision-making authority...

Not.

The engine is arriving on his third week. The technicians still don't have the proper tools. Management is worried about costs. And Jerry is doing everything to keep from banging his head against the wall.

The company is still playing in the minors and can't, won't or is incapable of seeing the big picture. Wanting to play in the majors is quite different than actually playing there. The biggest challenge for Jerry is getting all of the company's ducks in a row so they can start and finish the job for the client within the promised time.

Jerry took control from the get-go and got a big account for the company. It was certain people around him that stalled. Too much company politics is bad for a growing business that has the potential for multi-million dollar accounts.

Here's the big question for you...

Are you taking control of your finances, your future, and the important stuff in life from the get-go?

Of course it wouldn't be fair to ask you without asking this question to yours truly. I'm not letting myself off the hook and hopefully, neither should you. This shows you are resilient, willing to bounce back and made from the same mold as winners.

My portfolio took a nosedive, my professional life could be better and my love life needs a shot in the arm. Enough said. The bright spot is I'm meeting more people, engaging them in conversation and developing a real interest in their pursuits.

This is an absolute must in building real relationships. You stay in control when you are the one doing the asking. You remain in the power position.

Too often people are willing to tell you about themselves. Sometimes they say a little too much. Then you begin to roll your eyes.

If you are not asking, you lose control of the conversation. I want you to regain control by doing the asking. Make a real effort to get interested in the other party.

Why is asking so important?

Besides putting you in control, asking begins the receiving process. When you are facing a problem — asking will motivate you to find a solution. Ancient text says, "Ask and you will receive."

Jerry began his new job by asking. Instantly he found out which employees were the ones ready to advance the company to the majors. Instantly he found out which employees just didn't see the big picture. And instantly he knew where the real problem lies.

So to find the solution and take control from the get-go — start by asking.

Warm regards,