As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German scientist, poet & dramatist (1749-1832)

Here I am, preparing for Hurricane Charley! Filled the bathtub, unplugged almost all appliances, brought in the lawn furniture and ornaments, etc. I’m not quite sure if Charley is welcoming me to Florida or if I brought him with me!!!

A dear friend suggested to me yesterday that this is just another sign of the ‘shifts’ I am ‘surrendering’ to in my life right now. And, another, good-humored friend just called to check on me and suggested, “Don’t you think they should have named this one Clyde!?!” Bonnie was in Florida yesterday and caused hardly a stir. Hmmm….so, now that hurricanes are male as well (it was about time mother nature stopped getting blamed for the weather, eh?), we must watch out for that testosterone!!!

Because of preparations and protections I am taking to deal with Hurricane Charley, todays ‘Dose of Wisdom’ will be short, but no less important. Today’s focus is just two words: Echelon Magazine. Keep that phrase in mind!

Echelon Magazine – What’s in it For You and Your Career or Business

Many of us in the Coach Sappho community are independent professionals, executives, managers or employees. And many of us own a business (or are thinking of starting one). Despite the diverse industries we serve, we share many common concerns such as…

- growing our businesses
- creating more satisfying careers for ourselves and/or our employees
- reaching out to (and serving to the best of our ability) the GLBT consumer

Or, perhaps you have family, friends or colleagues who would be interested in what I’m about to tell you. Either way, I would encourage you to consider joining Echelon Magazine’s Founder’s Circle.

Echelon Magazine’s Founder’s Circle

Echelon Magazine is THE first GLBT magazine focusing solely on GLBT business. Why do I think helping this magazine thrive is so important? Did you know that, on average, GLBT’s are more likely than our straight neighbors to be self-employed or own their own businesses? For a variety of reasons, we tend to be an adventuresome, highly educated and creative bunch! Many of us are “corporate drop outs” who are now “marching to our own drummer” because we couldn’t reach our fullest potential in a homophobic workplace.

GLBT’s – We Love Our Business Too!

Isn’t it time for a more well-rounded representation of GLBT’s in the public eye? GLBT’s are known for their political and recreational “savvy”, but the world is largely unaware how savvy, engaged and successful GLBT’s are in the business community. This magazine will do much to correct those perceptions. In addition, the magazine will offer marketers a way of reaching the GLBT community.

Imagine the impact Echelon Magazine will have on GLBT-owned businesses. Imagine the resources that will come the GLBT community’s way as established, mainstream corporations reach out to and, collaborate with, us. I know I get very excited when I consider the possibilities, how about you?

The Man Behind the Vision: Michael Lamb

Michael Lamb, founder of Echelon Magazine, is typical of the GLBT professional who is passionate about his career “calling.” Echelon Magazine is Michael’s career passion and purpose and Michael is putting his power behind the birth and success of this magazine, which he envisions as a place where GLBT professionals and business owners can share their expertise with the world and help GLBT businesses and allies to connect. Michael wants to address the fragmentation that exists within the GLBT business community and between the GLBT and mainstream business communities.

Recently, IBM validated Echelon’s vision by signing on as Echelon’s first major corporate advertiser. Additional advertisers for Echelon include America’s major GLBT business organizations such as: Human Rights Campaign-Worknet, Gay Financial Network, Out and Equal Workplace Advocates, Out Professionals, The Greater Houston Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Log Cabin Republicans, Gay Business World.com among others.

To complete it’s launch, Echelon needs your support. One way you can do so is by becoming a member of Echelon’s “Founder’s Circle.” Membership entitles you to various, lifetime benefits including:

- Recognition on display in every issue of Echelon Magazine
- 100 word bio and picture featured in the Founders Circle on the website
- One time insertion of 100 word bio and picture inthe magazine
- One 1/4 page, four color ad in the magazine.
- 20 percent discount on Echelon�s GLBT Business Convention

Want to learn more? Contact Michael Lamb at 323-653-1960, michael@echelonmagazine.com. And, be sure you let Michael know Coach Sappho sent you!