Hi Mary,

I thought that was sound and excellent advice! :)

> Stop thinking about the problem long enough
> to both clear and relax your mind. Maybe a
> day or two, maybe a weekend, maybe a little
> longer. Whatever it takes.

I agree.... Sometimes, you can get too obsessed with something, that you can't see all the options any more. Stepping back, letting go, and just thinking about anything ELSE for a while can give your mind a chance to get those creative juices flowing.... Then, sometimes, when you least expect it, some interesting ideas may start to appear all by themselves, with no effort whatsoever....

What's "really" happening is the subconscious mind can start to get to work. It's always working on those things for you, yet sometimes it's good to give your conscious mind a rest and give your subconscious mind a chance.... And this is not only in business.

Scientists use this technique too. I remember reading how the French mathematician Henri Poincare used this technique to solve mathematics problems....

You can read more about it on this web page

http://www.enchantedmind.com/secrets.htm

(Scroll down to the quote by Henri Poincare....)

Poincare's view was that the subconscious mind is trying all sorts of different combinations of things, without you even being aware of it.... When it comes up with something that seems sensible, you get that "Aha!" feeling and suddenly your conscious becomes alert. That's why you should carry a pen or pencil and paper around with you, so you can jot these ideas down when your subconscious alerts you through that "Aha!" feeling....

I used to use this technique also for my physics research, but it is useful when you have ANY kind of problem to solve, where the solution isn't immediately obvious.... Think it over in your mind, turn it round and see all the angles, FOCUS on the problem.... Then let it go for a few days, and just do something else, preferably something your mind finds relaxing.... And see what happens. Be sure to keep a pen and paper handy in case something pops up....

> Next, list a FEW of your best options.

> Make arrangements to sit down with an
> entrepreneur -- perhaps over breakfast;
> someone you can trust, someone who could be
> objective, (NOT family; and usually NOT a
> close friend), and pick his or her brain
> about a business plan. Be brief. Work
> quickly. You should have time to discuss
> only the important items. Take good notes.
> (You can fill in and add details later.)
> Discussion should be rational, not
> emotional.

That's really great advice, Mary. We could all do well by reading carefully your suggestions and letting them sink in.... :)

> In only one-half hour to one hour, you could
> have the makings of a fairly acceptable
> business plan ready for details.

> Incidentally, small business plans can be
> fairly brief. Often, a few pages are
> sufficient to convey needed information.

Thanks, Mary, that was excellent advice. Thanks for sharing it!

You certainly know your stuff.... :)

And if you know someone seeking US Citizenship (or if you are seeking it yourself), point them to Mary's web page, at www.citiz.com , where Mary can help them out....

I hope you can share more here, Mary! I found your post very interesting and stimulating....

Thanks :)

Dien