What is it about us that resists asking for help? What has us thinking we have to be the Lone Ranger? For some of us, it may be the need to look good, to look like we know what we're doing. For others, we may not know where to get help. And for some of us, we don't even know we need help.

But if there's one thing I've learned, especially since I launched this journey as an entrepreneur, it's that no one who is successful ever got there alone. So to those of us who think we don't need to ask for help, I have three little words: Get over it.

Never was I more conscious of how much help I need, and how much help I get, than this past October when I was honored as one of the Influential Women in Business, an honor bestowed by the Business Ledger and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). The award was given at a luncheon held in Glen Ellyn, IL, during which each recipient was given a beautiful cobalt blue vase as a trophy, and an overview of our achievements was read to the group of 350+ business people in attendance.

This luncheon was a highlight of my career, especially because I was surrounded by some members of my "posse." In anticipation of the award, I bought a table for the luncheon and invited some of the people who have helped me build my business... those who have been behind the scenes and who have been on my team. They included:

• Carolyn Milschewski, my "virtual assistant." Carolyn schedules and confirms appointments, updates my "Golden Rolodex" and keeps CHOICES Worldwide humming.
• Jackie Sloane, my business coach. Jackie was the first person I asked to be part of my team more than 10 years ago when I began coaching and I couldn't have selected a more qualified, compassionate, skilled coach.
• Teddi Olson, CPA, my accountant. Every good business person needs an accountant who guides and counsels, and Teddi is that for me.
• Judy Beaver, client extraordinare and another virtual assistant. Judy is a constant source of support and inspiration, not to mention guaranteed laughter.
• Lesley Ronson Brown, Yoga Diva and friend. She's the kind of friend who celebrates your victories, curses your enemies and provides solace in defeat. She's the real deal.
• The Rev. Barbara Good, former pastor, good friend and spiritual advisor. She also spirits me away for coffee breaks when I need them most.
• The Rev. Dr. Tracy Smith Malone, new pastor at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton. I enrolled her on my spiritual support team immediately on the premise that a girl can never have too many spiritual advisors.
• Jeff Nankervis of Precision Payroll. Jeff, fellow Chamber member and friend, nominated me for the award. [And all I had to do was get a "Precision Payroll" tattoo to show off at the luncheon!] Thank you, Jeff.
• Will Austin, my 24-year-old son. Will was representing our family at the event and I couldn't have asked for a more charming, handsome escort.

Unable to attend was Susan Headley, my bookkeeper, who works at Alexander X. Kuhn & Company. She is teaching me how to think like the financial mogul I want to become, and I was sorry she couldn't be there.

Also in the audience were my friends and colleagues from the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Bock, new Chamber president, Rich Ferrari of Edward Jones, chairman of the board through 2007 and my mentor as I step into the chairman's role in 2008, and Kim Pede of Signs By Tomorrow, fellow board member and friend. They presented me with flowers as did my dear friend Jamie Lee Silver of Fairview Baptist Homes. Dr. Kris Sargent of Restor Medical Centre was there along with friend Mary Ellen Kolbe. I felt like an Academy Award winner on the red carpet.

And by mentioning all these wonderful people, I'm clear how many more there are of you who have helped me build my business, shared ideas, brainstormed with me, referred clients and opportunities, listened when I'm low and cheered me on... so please know that I know you're out there and I appreciate you more than I can say.

Who's on your "posse"? Who is that you turn to for help? The holidays are a great time to thank all those people. And if you can't think of anyone, maybe you want to borrow from the banquet hall and post a sign over your computer or your workspace: "If You Don't Know, Ask for Help." You never know who's out there waiting to make a difference with you.

If it's true that we're judged by the company we keep, then I'm one lucky woman. I'm surrounded by stars! Here are just a few of the people who shine in my world:

• Leisa Brown Aiken of Timothy Financial Counsel ( www.timothyfinancial.com), client and friend--she was cited in the last two issues of Kiplinger's, the finance magazine, and in December her clients are the featured couple on the cover. She also was recently a guest on WGN Radio (again!) discussing financial planning. A media mogul, for sure.
• Mike Nichols of RSM McGladrey was recently inducted as vice president of the First Illinois Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Congratulations to Mike who is a true friend and champion of my practice.
• Two of the smartest and brightest women I know were nominated for the prestigious Athena Award: Georgia Dudley of Empowering Women Network ( www.empoweringwomen.net) and Jennifer Wilken of Edward Jones, who was also recently elected to the Foundation of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Both of these ladies are extraordinary in business and generous in life.
• Dr. Kris Sargent of Restor Medical Centre ( www.restormedicalcentre.com) recently was acknowledged by her alma mater, National University of Health Sciences, with the President's Medallion. On top of that, she was recently appointed to the Illinois Chiropractic Society (ICS) Board of Directors as president of the ICS Chicago District.
• Arlene Karole, CMP, of Monarch Events, Inc., ( www.monarchevents.com) was acknowledged as a Rising Star by her local chapter of Meeting Planners International in New York City. Arlene and I have been working together for several years by phone and just got the chance to meet face- to-face in New York City, where we met for lunch at a French bistro on Park Avenue. She's as lovely as I'd imagined her to be.
• Nancy Alonso of the Neurologic and Orthopedic Institute of Chicago was recently appointed to Loyola University's Latino Alumni Board, fulfilling on her goal to make a difference with others and also to participate as a leader at Loyola, her alma mater.
• Mary Beth Moran and her partners at Kirkby, Phelan & Associates (www.kirkby.com) just moved into their new beautiful headquarters in Bloomingdale, having built their own building. Talk about strategic planning!

These are but a few of the stars in my world... please let me know what you're up to and how you shine, and I'll include you in my next e-newsletter.

And just like that special effect in an old black-and- white movie, the pages of the calendar are turning faster and faster. I've been carrying my 2008 planner around for months, booking speaking engagements, scheduling meetings and looking forward to a wonderful, blockbuster year. What's on the horizon for you in 2008?

If you need a speaker, workshop facilitator or sales training program (something new in my repertoire), please give me a call... or if you're in need of a strategic plan for the next year and beyond, I'm available to help you craft one. The biggest joy of my coaching practice is to help people first identify their vision, and then help them achieve it by way of a strategic plan. Don't go into the New Year without one.

I wish you a joyous holiday season, whatever you celebrate... and hope this year has been one that was fulfilling, creative and full of learning. May this season, and the upcoming year, bring you new insights, opportunities and abundance in every area of your life.

Love, Vickie

About CHOICES Worldwide

CHOICES Worldwide is a coaching practice based in Wheaton, IL, with offices in Chicago and Phoenix, serving mid-career professionals in transition, business owners and executives. For information about individual, business or executive coaching, please call 630/510-1900 or write admin@choicesworldwide.com.

Vickie Austin

Founder

email: choices321@aol.com

phone: 630-510-1900

choices321@aol.com