I thought that following my own bliss meant that I had to be flying solo.

In order to be working in an authentic, heart-led way, I had to unilaterally create something unique that made my heart sing. You know, something like metalsmithing. Or baking. Or painting. Or whatever.

The trouble is that none of those things are my gifts. I make a mean lavender cupcake from time to time, but is that my calling? All signs point to eh, not so much.

What really makes me sizzle is hopping on board with someone I respect, whose ideas are compelling, and helping them make it happen.

I’m not a coach; I’m not a marketing guru; I’m not a policy wonk or a PR junkie.

But I’m a really good researcher. I’m a really good resourcer. I write, synthesize, connect, problem solve, discover new doors and pathways, and communicate with my whole heart. And I have zero qualms with jumping right in and dancing a crazy dance. My clients know that I have their back, no matter what. That’s what being a trusted second-in-command means to me.

Relevance, please?

 All of that’s to say that I love this short video by Derek Sivers about starting a movement.

“A follower is what transforms a lone nut into a leader,” he says. “When you find a lone nut doing something great, have the guts to be the first one to stand up and join in.”

So, what do you think? What’s the value of having followers? What does it take to be a good follower, and what does that mean in the context of running a small business?