"Who" is the most important of the 5 W's

     I am busy starting my new small business managing an endless list of tasks.  I visited my personal banker at Chase to open the business bank account, anxious to get this checked off my list the day before undergoing outpatient surgery.

What should have been a half hour task turned into a 1.5 hour meeting.  But the real story ended up being how Cathy handled the situation.  We already had a relationship because I had met with her on two previous occasions to get preliminary information about opening the account.  That was crucial.  

When we ran into a couple major hurdles in opening the account, it could have easily meant escalating bad feelings on both our parts.  That never happened.  Cathy kept her cool.  I kept my cool.  We were on the same side, the side of success.  Instead of getting tense and negative, she laughed.  I joked.  We got through it.

Cathy’s personality, her approach to life is positive and affirming.  It made all the difference.  I walked away from the bank happy instead of frustrated.  She was late for her 2:00 pm appointment but never complained about that.

When choosing a team member to help you begin your new business or help with health advocacy, the WHO is just as important as the WHAT, HOW, WHY and WHEN.  Find someone who will stay positive during adversity and someone who clicks with your personality.  It will make all the difference.