Last week I was making my rounds with several clients, each involved in the alternative energy space.

A couple of the companies are doing extremely well, with one successfully raising a round of capital.  One is struggling.

Even so, they are all concerned with the incredible uncertainty in the alternative energy space.

Not only because of 104 degree temperature we had on Friday in New York (112 with the heat index), and what that means in the realm of global warming, but also because of the uncertainty with government regulations, corporate and consumer acceptance of alternative energy solutions, and the challenge of integrating all the moving parts into the smart grid, to name just a few.

Because of all this, each of my clients are stressing out.  They are working hard to get their company into a better position.

I told them all the same thing:  “Uncertainty is your friend. Embrace it.”

Why embrace uncertainty?
(Read more…)

I remember several years ago I was in a real jam.  I was in LA at a major event where I was to present on stage that evening.

And the suit I was to wear was a real mess with stains from a drink someone spilled on me at a different event the day before.

I ran downstairs and asked Louise, the concierge, if the hotel could clean and press it… before my presentation that evening.  I had no time to take care of it myself.

Louise first chuckled and said, they did not offer same day dry cleaning services.  And there was no way they could do this for me.

I not only got the hotel to do it for me, but they were glad to have helped.

Here are the 4 steps in asking UnReasonable requests in most business and personal situations, and have the person want to help you:

(Read more…)