The Birds and the Bees; The Will and Power of Attorney

I recently hosted a speaking event at the beautiful historic Kimberton Inn in Kimberton, PA. It was a lovely evening surrounded by family and friends, ten days before Christmas. After the event, many of us spilled over into the bar and dining room for dinner and refreshments. My husband and I seized a rare opportunity to have dinner with my aunt and uncle.

Enjoying a meal together helps me reminisce about the many times we have broken bread together across our lifetimes. I have such fond memories of spending time at their home in Merion when I was a child. As life progressed, they moved all over the country.

Luckily for me, we continued to connect for lunch in Manhattan when I was in college. At the time, my uncle worked for Time-Life in Manhattan, and my aunt would meet us in the city when I was in town. I was the president of the Management Science club at Lock Haven University. I loved planning our club’s annual trips to visit the mercantile or stock exchange for educational purposes. After the academic portion of the trip, I would hail a cab and take off to enjoy the culinary treasures of New York with my aunt and uncle. They always chose the best restaurants. I was continually amazed by the food presentation, quality, and Manhattan prices (which, of course, I never paid). Those few memorable occasions created a special place in my heart and soul for my aunt and uncle, and New York City. As I write this, I am on an Amtrak, 20 minutes away from spending a weekend in New York. Restaurant reservations are set, and we’ll be seeing David Byrne’s American Utopia on Broadway.

As the four of us settled in for our dinner at the Kimberton Inn, we chatted about the talk I had just given and the Q & A discussion that followed. My uncle said: “That’s the second talk.” “You know, the first talk is the Birds and the Bees.” “Yes!” I exclaimed. “The Birds and the Bees; The Will and Power of Attorney!” My aunt raised her hands to cover her ears and said, “No, mom, stop!” Perfection! A new Niche Insight was born.

I dream of a world where we put the second talk on our to-do list. It’s critical to our loved ones and business partners’ success, as well as to reduce their stress during challenging times.

The first talk, the birds and the bees, is about opening children’s minds to the adult realities of life. Although that conversation can be scary for both adults and children, the reason parents know they have to “have the talk” is that uninformed children are less-safe.

The second talk about becoming Prepared Optimistic Mortals opens adult’s eyes to the realities of our mortality. Putting a plan in place:

• helps people close to us prepare for life without us, temporarily or permanently, and
• empowers them to help us weather life’s storms, and lend support to keep life running smoothly

Preparedness means having difficult conversations with our second in command before there is any urgency. Uninformed confidantes face steep-leaning curves, increased stress, and financial consequences.

I like to think that when we help people prepare in advance, we’re giving a gift they will receive at the time they need it most.

Please reach out if you would like to work with me to create your plan.

mbs@nichepartnershipconsulting.net

610.504.4601

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