In terms of geometry, this approach is called coming at someone perpendicular, e.g., right angles.

In perpendicular business, we want and expect our interactions to execute immediately. Of course, we hope for a successful outcome but, if this is not going to happen, we want to know immediately so that we can move on to our next prospect.

In perpendicular social meetings, we want and expect our interchange to be interesting and the person(s) to be “collectable”; i.e., we can add them to our group of potential friends or colleagues.  If this potential doesn’t exist, even after only one occasion, we rarely seek a follow-up meeting.

In perpendicular romance (pardon the visual), we want and expect our encounters to be successful from the beginning and in all circumstances whether it’s dinner, dancing, a movie or the eventual intimate interlude. If it’s not, our “partner” is toast.

This “all or nothing at all” attitude rarely serves us well.

An alternative approach can be called approaching someone tangentially; e.g., alongside.

In tangential business, social meetings or romance, we “walk alongside” someone for awhile to get to know them better.

In tangential business, this means listening to our customers to find out what they really need.

In tangential social meetings, this means listening closely to discover our common interests.

In tangential romance, this means getting to know our potential partner by listening, seeking common interests and seeing them in a variety of situations without prejudgment.

While tangential approach may take a longer time, the quality and value of our relationships increases and the outcome can be permanent.

We’re on our way!

I want to use my website to hear from my subscribers what you are interested in. In the interest of tickling your imagination, I offer some suggestions below:

It is not my intention to offer advice on any of these subjects or others you may wish to know about but, having the time now, I can do research to share.

I promise to let you know when I am expressing an opinion and when I have uncovered facts or information.

Let’s have some fun with this!

Contact me either through my website (you’re here- www.brentparry.com) or via email (brent@brentparry.com).

2 years ago I “retired”. After 44 years as an Engineer and Project Manager in the business world, this was a difficult step to take. I had others telling me who to answer to, what to do, when to show up, where to work, how much to spend, etc. Now, I’m on my own.

I worked with an executive coach for almost a year who helped me identify self-inflicted roadblocks to my growth and who thought I would make a wonderful coach. The company made a business decision to shut down our division. So, I spent the last weeks coaching and mentoring my people to help them make the next move in their lives. Many of my people commented, I would make a great coach and mentor. I took all that advice and became a Certified Life Coach.

When I first considered retirement and what I wanted to do next, I sat down and established my priorities. After much writing, editing and minimizing, the following points came to the forefront:

• I will establish my own hours. Just as importantly, I knew the hours would not resemble “9 to 5”.
• I will choose who I would work with and retain the option to turn away those who I don’t want to work with.
• I will seek fair pay for my efforts.

Coaching met these points.

I am spending a lot of time meeting and working with like-minded entrepreneurs. I am also volunteering in my community and my church.

Bottom line, getting up and showing up is proving to be the “simplest explanation”.

So what do we do going forward? Several weeks ago, 60 Minutes did a lovely piece on Judith Jameson, the soon-to-be-retired Director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company of Harlem. When Ms. Jameson was asked what her life philosophy was she replied “Pray, Prepare, Perform”.

If we followed this simple process in every aspect of our lives, I believe that we would all be more successful. The simplicity of this message is enormous. First, sit quietly and go to your personal inner space to determine what it is you want. Next, look at all of the ramifications of what you want to do or achieve including gathering facts and information so you will know how to proceed. Then, do it!

I have personally borrowed this “mantra” and had it emblazoned on apparel and other items I sell on my “store” (www.cafepress.com/unclebrent). And, I have encompassed this philosophy in my coaching practice as an additional tool for my clients.

I feel privileged to serve as a Life Coach at this point in our history. I see so much opportunity and potential in the people I meet every day. As I have been taught and as I believe, “You meet in the bathroom mirror every day with the only person responsible for your success or failure, your happiness or your gloom, your health and welfare.” Don’t hold others hostage for what is in your immediate grasp.