All right, its time for a pop quiz!

Get a blank piece of paper and a pencil. I want you to spend as much time as you need to make a LOOOOOOOOOOONG list of things you have done.

• Work things
• Hobby things
• Volunteer things
• Sports things
• Relationship things
• Music things
• Building things
• Taking things apart things

Anything you have done in your life.

Make separate lists for the different aspects of your life. Make each list as long as possible.

Be specific! Get as clear and detailed.

For example, I could say “I worked in a factory”. Better would be “I worked as an inspector”. Better would be “I worked with gauges.” Better would be “I worked with micrometers, go/no gauges, caliper gauges and plug gauges.”

I could write “I played music. Better would be “I played guitar.” Better would be “I played rhythm guitar.” Better would be “I played electric rhythm guitar in a band.” Better would be “I played electric rhythm guitar in a top 40 rock band that specialized in oldies.”

You get the picture?

Make a list of all the things you have done. These are experiences that have taught you skills, given you abilities, added to your credibility and are things that will give you something to work with to:

A) figure out generally what business you are going to do,

B) give you focus on specifically what you will do in that business,

C) help you feel better about your ability to own your own business and

D) start building your credibility for others.

After you make your lists, show them to some people who  love you and have your best interests in mind. Ask them to tell you what you have missed. Ask them to ask you about the things you have written down. Their questions should fire off other thoughts that can give you more definition and information.

Ask yourself, “Who can help me brainstorm my experiences and background?”

Tell them what you are trying to do. Enlist their help.

Tomorrow I will give you the next step.

But for today, get busy and do this exercise!