Tanya Boyd, Tanya BoydAssociates, Dallas

Take chances. By taking chances and steppingway out of my comfort zone, I’ve had some amazing opportunitiesover the years. Experience is just a continuous classroom.

Own it. When I started my own agency in2006, I met a lovely lady who quickly became a mentor, andeventually a good friend. I’ll never forget the advice she gave mewhen I told her how I had screwed something up. I can hear heras if it were yesterday: “Tanya, you just need to own it rightnow. Call that client and explain what you did.”

All I remember saying is, “Yes, ma’am.” And I did.

I’ve learned that most people are very understanding. The crazything is they’ve made a mistake or two themselves. I’m quitefond of fallible people, actually. Mistakes happen. Own them.Learn from them. And keep moving forward.

I’m so glad we met. We all want to be allthings to everyone—that one-stop place for all of your client’ssolutions. But let’s get real. Early on in my career I learnedthe value of networking with people in our industry. It benefitsto listen to them, learn to identify their strengths and notbe afraid to confess my weaknesses. There’s power in surroundingyourself with people who are experts in areas you aren’t. Forexample, I handle a good amount of Medicare, but when thatcomplicated case comes along, I know I have my person. I simplymake an introduction and have peace knowing my client is in greathands. I have a person for just about everything. Like when I needto know about all the cool apps, I spend time with my people, Imean...kids. And sometimes, I even get to be someone’sperson. It’s a win-win. Get to know people. Trust people.Be a people person. It helps.

I am Wonderwoman(but only onTuesdays). We can’t please everyone no matter how hard wetry. Some clients will think you hung the moon. Others will grabyour cape and shred it up with a single critical statement. Butsome people are just going to be unhappy regardless of what you do.It’s important to learn to place your focus on the positive thingsand the things you can change. Let go of the negative and move on.Have a warm-fuzzy file. Pull it out when you need to. There willalways be someone we can’t please. But we can keep them fromstealing our energy and inspiration.

Photograph by Justin Clemons