Dr. Lynda Falkenstein     "The Niche Doctor"

Be Careful Whose Money You Take
Although it may seem inconsistent or flat-out nonsensical, the fact is when you're in business, you can't afford to take money from just anyone. Put another way, you need to choose your clients very carefully. The reason? Who you work with today determines who you work with tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. Determine is a very strong word but it's true. Just ask Denzel Washington.
     No, I don't know Denzel Washington personally but have greatly admired his ability as an actor over the years. Consequently, on  Academy Awards' night, I was extra pleased that he received the coveted Oscar in category of best actor. But the most interesting part of his award came the next morning with a statement he made when being interviewed about his path to the top. Without reservation, he said that Sidney Poitier gave him advice which made all the difference. 
     In essence, twenty years ago— well before Denzel Washington had made his first movie— Sidney Poitier told him that who he worked with in his first motion picture would shape how his peers and others in Hollywood would treat him the rest of his career. Put another way, Poitier was saying that you can't work for just anyone, not if you're planning to have a serious career or business. Washington went on to say that he had no work at all for the first six months because he didn't just listen but took Poitier's advice. And it paid off.
     In our own way, each of us— each of our businesses— is on a path to our version of the Academy Awards. The moral of our story is the same as it was for Denzel Washington: Choose carefully who you work with today. Your niche depends on it.
           With best wishes from Niche World Headquarters,
           Dr. Lynda Falkenstein