WELL SURE, READER, you too, but I’m referring specifically to anxiety. I’m writing this just days before I get on a plane to Vision Expo West, but by the time you read it, I will probably not only have returned from Las Vegas, but also from INVISION’s own event — EyeInnovate — in Dallas in mid-October.
As those trips become more of a reality, I’m starting to realize I’m more anxious about them than I thought. Of course, they’ll likely be productive and successful. But they could also leave me an anxious, anti-social, shaking mess. That’s the beauty of being an anxious introvert who has spent the better part of the last two years surrounded by no one but close family and dogs.
Don’t get me wrong, I do miss people. I’m looking forward to seeing familiar faces, but I’ve gotten comfortable with my bare face and stretchy pants. I can’t help but wonder what the repercussions of constantly being “on” and the stimulus of multiple interactions with others could be. Yes, you read that correctly, I am anxious about being anxious.
Even in the best years, a Vision Expo would leave me with a 2-to-3-day introvert hangover. Having no significant interaction with people outside my bubble for the last 24 months, I wonder if that will be exacerbated or if I am so starved for human interaction I’ll skip over the whole thing altogether. Here’s hoping!
Advertisement
My anxiety aside, I’m sure contemplating the exit from your business and the life you’ve toiled to build comes with its fair share. If you’ve avoided thinking about it, check out our Big Story on ECP exit strategies — See Ya! — on p. 42. You know what they say, “proper preparation prevents poor performance.”
I didn’t explicitly ask the ECPs I spoke to for our Special Feature on solopreneurship (page 50) if they went the singles route because other people are work, but I know it would be in my top five reasons for choosing to keep it small if I were a business owner.
As always, thanks for being my little bit of monthly therapy … whether you want to be or not!
Best wishes for your business,
Five Smart Tips From This Issue
- We know you know that you should provide ways for people to link to your page, but do you also include social links away from your page? (Monthly Project, page 26)
- When was the last time you rebooted your phone? According to the NSA you’re probably overdue. (Tip Sheet, page 58)
- Looking for new ways to boost your referral game? Let this Texas eyecare biz school you. (Best of the Best, page 60)
- Does your practice have “all the bells and whistles?” Does your practice have any bells or whistles? (Columns, page 66)
- Have you ever considered hiring a company to train your staff in optical and sales skills to help boost their knowledge and confidence? This biz did and it made all the difference. (America’s Finest, page 78)