Going, going, gone...

I don't blog about business much, except today. As of last week I sold the businesses in Toronto. I announced it to all the employees on Thursday. For the first time in 20 years, I'm not the boss anymore. At least not in title.

It seemed like yesterday that my Dad and I started the business together. I was 24 years old and he was 43.

It was a cash strapped start up and over the years has had it's ups and downs. Working with family brings a whole new set of challenges. The first ten family years were tough, but they were worth the next ten.

From start to finish, it took about 6 months to sell. Lots of interest and lots and lots of negotiations, especially in the last few weeks.

Training and racing for two Ironmans during the process made it an interesting challenge. Although, in the end, it all worked out and the businesses are still a going concern and even thought it was a merger, most all the employees are intact.

It still hasn't sunk in that I no longer own the business, it doesn't feel any different. Even the night of the announcement I was out with a prospective client, I didn't bother to rest or celebrate.

Since IMSG, until today, I've been burning the candle at both ends and I'm sprouting the cold sore to prove it.

I was going to rest yesterday, until I opened my big mouth and "goaded" Naziare into letting me take him job hunting. Then last night I worked on his resume for 6 hours and today I did a covering letter. Over the years, I've seen so many resumes, I know what doesn't impresses employers.

Today I put together an action plan for him as well. Complete with ideal job criteria, industries targeted, methods and reporting. Every week I want to see his call report. Later tonight I'm going to challenge his interviewing skills. I told him I needed to warm up with at least 6 beers first.

By the end of tonight, my work with Nazaire is done and now it's up to him. It's like the old saying goes, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink". Other than giving him unsolicited advice and checking his call reports, he's on his own.

The call reports should be fun, Training Payne style. I'll review them with him on a Friday or Saturday night after a few beers. I guarantee after a week or two, it will be easier for him to get a job than have to deal with me. Alyssa and Reid have been laughing at Nazaire while I'm coaching him "old school".

Both of them have been in Nazaire's shoes before. Alyssa said that after the year that I rode her about overcoming a problem, she learnt "just do it". She said, "Dad will be unrelenting, it's easier to just tackle the problem, than deal with Dad".

The one last exercise I'm having Nazaire do is to read, "The Power of Positive Thinking". The classic by Norman Vincent Peale. I have an old beat up copy I'm borrowed him. And yes, I told him there will be a test.

IMSG Recovery Day - No training

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