About Cay Cole
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Oh, this is the part I hate, the part where you read some self-serving twaddle (that word isn’t used enough) that is supposed to establish the author of this space as some kind of authority figure. Hmm. How about this?
I’m an experienced failure. I’ve failed once as a business owner, having to lay off employees, file bankruptcy — the whole fun shooting match. I’ve failed both of my parents, at one time or another. I’ve gotten fired. My marriage tanked after the bankruptcy. I never balance my checkbook. I need to lose 20 lbs. And, I’m not so hot in the friendship department when all this other failure stuff is happening.
Here’s what I’m learning to be an authority on. Getting back up.
“It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get back up.” — Vince Lombardi
And, that’s what we’re here to do. Together.
Wonderful posts, Cay. Everyone faces failure, and it’s good to see someone writing about it, instead of sweeping it under the rug.
August 14th, 2007 at 3:39 pmDear CC,
September 2nd, 2007 at 6:03 amI’m a college English teacher writing to find out whether you would allow me to print copies of the article (How to choose a business partner…- Part One)for class discussion with two of my groups (about 60 students).
Thanks you for your speedy response,
Odette Mercure
ESL Teacher
Joliette, Canada
P.S. Sorry for using the “comment” space for my request but I don’t see how else to reach you right now. Also: your posts ARE wonderful indeed!
I failed too. And talking about it really helps. And I failed in the UK where there appears to be lots of stigma and shame.
Did something unusual though. Apart from blogging about it, told everyone I could loudly. That was my second business failure. Third time lucky I say!
September 30th, 2007 at 5:47 pmBedeo, thank you for your kind words.
Odette, you have my permission as we discussed via email a while back. Please do email or leave an update here about how things went with your students.
Ian, I’m really glad you stopped by. Do you think you might write a short article for us on how you ‘went public’ after the 2nd business failure, what you said and how it helped? That would be most instructive.
Cay
October 1st, 2007 at 9:53 am