Two years ago, I took a little poll asking people what they thought was the best thing about being Joyfully Jobless. Overwhelmingly, the most  popular answer (about 85%) given was ”Freedom.” That’s a word that has long been near and dear to us in the United States, but it takes on added meaning—and power—when we become our own bosses.

There’s another reward, however, that often comes as one of those pleasant, albeit unexpected, surprises. For me, it may be my favorite thing of all. It certainly wasn’t something I’d anticipated when I first set out on my own, although I now wonder why I hadn’t realized that my life as an entrepreneur was going to bring a new cast of characters with it.

When my Aunt Marge was alive,  I always looked forward to visiting her. As soon as I’d arrive, she’d settle into her big chair and ask me where I’d been and whom I’d met. She loved hearing my stories and would often exclaim, “Oh, you meet the most interesting people.” She was right, of course, and I suspect there’s a reason why I looked forward to sharing those stories with her. 

In my old life, my pre-self-employment life, I hardly knew a soul that I would have described as creative, curious or adventurous. I suspect nobody would have used those words to describe me, either. Today, I hardly know anyone who isn’t creative, curious and adventurous. Those artists of everyday life who are exploring and bringing their ideas to life are doing far more than merely running a business: they’re making things better in ways that ripple and flow. 

 So throughout the month of July, we’ll be exploring how to make our lives richer and more interesting by welcoming newcomers into our personal worlds. I’ll be sharing some of the stories that my Aunt Marge loved hearing along with offering tips on ways to uncover genus entrepreneurus, also known as your tribe. After all, as Caroline Myss reminds us, “We evolve at the rate of the tribe we’re plugged into.” 

And, of course, I’ll share tips on connecting with clients and customers, as well as collaborators. Come back often. You never know who you might meet.

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