Comments on: On Risk – By Kathryn Proulx

By: Promotional Products

Promotional Products — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:38:02 +0000

Great post, very interesting thoughts. In life, business and relationships there are always risk, I think that’s what makes life such an adventure. The way I look at is taking risks is fine as long as they are calculated. I wouldn’t ascribe to either extreme that you point out above, but maybe somewhere in between. Take risks where you feel necessary and somewhat comfortable, but personally I wouldn’t jump and hope for the net to be there.

By: Jodi

Jodi — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:20:13 +0000

Great thoughts! The riskiest thing I have ever done is think that I should stick it out in a miserable job (ok, several of them) because I had a good steady paycheck while everyone else was getting laid off. I listened to that conditioned voice in my head that robotically repeated that mantra of paycheck, benefits, security, because that’s how everyone else “does it”. Reminded me of that song from the 80’s: birth, school, work, death. The best thing I ever did was QUIT. In the worst “economic downturn ever seen” NPR would bleat at me every morning. But NOT quitting was worse and surely would kill me – from the inside-out. I had NO job lined up and NO freelance contracts signed. . But I *knew* it was right, spruced my resume and Linkedin profile up and talked to everyone I knew and within 2-3 weeks I was swamped and have been ever since – that was about 3 months ago. Risk + Thought + Heart = Reward. Best to you!

By: Mark Kachigian

Mark Kachigian — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:23:52 +0000

Love the post, and best of luck. I can sense the passion; now comes the hard work! Keep us posted and let us know if we can be of any assistance.

Mark

By: Lisa Hickey

Lisa Hickey — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:26:22 +0000

Hi Kathryn,

I think that when you take a risk thoughtfully, understanding the consequences yet knowing that at the end of the day you could bring some good to this world, well, that’s called courage.

Look at what you are doing – you are taking a risk to start a business that provides jobs to people in a time when what they need most in this world *right now* is jobs.

The two of you have a lot of supporters, a lot of fans for what you’re doing. People are your safety net.

Best of luck, and keep your eyes open. It’s half the fun.

By: tom pastore CD/CW

tom pastore CD/CW — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:34:59 +0000

As far as I can tell, the riskiest thing you can ever do is play it safe.

By: PMACK

PMACK — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:08:28 +0000

I prefer the Chinese definition of risk being the combination of two characters: Danger and Opportunity. There’s potential for great things if you’re willing to go out on a limb.

By: David Simpson

David Simpson — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:25:51 +0000

Another excellent post Kathryn.
Sort of like having children, I guess…
You’re never really ready….but here goes.

Best of luck.