All stories have a beginning. Entrepreneurial Schizophrenia® seems to be starting in the middle.
Let me explain. I've just come back from the middle of three Trans-America expeditions. These are solo, self-supported, Trans-America cycling events where I have ridden from coast-to-coast. 2005 was Seattle to New York City. In 2006, the intention was to ride from the Golden Gate to the White House.
All along the way, I planned on recording Entrepreneurial Schizophrenia®. Unfortunately, the weather prohibited getting through some of the passes, and somewhere in the middle of Nevada, I realized that I needed to have a good 'talkin' with my boss. I and he, being self-employed, we decided to be gracious and give me the time-off to return to the studio to record. So, here I am - my boss and I - in agreement that the greatest thing that I need to be doing with my time is investing it to the greatest service of the largest number of people. And, rather than simply riding across the country so that I can have something spectacular and entertaining to boast about, I’ll have a memoir to share which is from the depths of my heart...

A story is told about an international economic summit where President Reagan was addressing the delegates about getting things 'going' in their countries economically. He told them; "sometimes you just have to pick yourself up by your boot straps."

Another delegate rose to his feet and responded;
"But Mister President, we have NO boots".

You might actually feel this way, or be in a similar situation. There are times when people actually end up homeless, without a job, without the resources to get things going, and yet, they can still have that passion burning inside to make a difference. You recall Maslow's Hierarchy? The need for self-actualization is an overriding need that can be felt at any age or place in life.

I’ve successfully launched and run numerous businesses. One of them averaged $1.4 million a year in revenues. Another had over 800 distributorships across North America. In every case, I’ve learned that you need to make money, and you need to use money, but, it’s extremely possible - let me assure you of this - that you can start, grow and run a successful business with no financing or indebtedness.

I got a call one day from a client, trying to excuse their obligation to pay for a technology contract I had finished, saying; "It’s not personal. It’s just business". I'd like to relate to you that "SMALL BUSINESS IS VERY PERSONAL". It affects your life, your family's life, your dreams and their dreams. Eventually it affects all of your sphere of influence because "IT IS PERSONAL!" An entrepreneur's work is deeply held in their heart. It’s often no more than an idea - defended amongst your very family and daily contacts. You can end up at times wondering "am I crazy?" - and that’s exactly the point of this book - NO YOU ARE NOT! Small business is personal because your work - the very thing that gets you fired up - can also put you REALLY DOWN. Your venture is closely held to your heart, and to that inner talk that you have with yourself - and with those promises that you make with your family.