Karen is seasoned and salty. She tells it like it is. You can mope around and wish you had more business or you can think of what you can do to grow. Just thinking about stepping out and doing something different is going to take some nerve and verve. You saw her's on display.

Topic for Discussion: What should you do to test an idea?

Answer: Karen told us to simply ask the question, "What's the worst-case scenario? What am I going to lose here?" The great thing for Karen and Michael is they have years of experience under their belts now. They are at peace. They have their business in the groove they love. To get to that point, Karen is saying it will take more action and less fretting. Karen also said we need to, "Be opportunistic." Is being opportunistic different from being an opportunist? Yes. If you really have a quality product, then it is not opportunism as defined by "little regard to principles," but it is weighing the risks. It is not a total disregard for the consequences, but the beginning of an international shipment-to-receipt-of-payment, profit-loss ratio.

You think about it: What risk do you need to take next? What is the worst thing that could happen if you take action? What could be your back-up plan if your idea flops? What will you gain if your idea works?