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V O L . X X V I N O. X X I V O C T O B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0 8 B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S N E W S F RO M A RO U N D T H E S TAT E Service, was awarded $200,000 to establish a comprehensive approach to prevent Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and expand public health partner initiatives on research, clinical education and caregiver support. The funding was awarded through the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act. The Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services Office awarded $472,997 to RSU 14 Windham-Raymond School District and $230,985 to MSAD 30 Lee School District to enhance and further integrate local school violence prevention efforts between school administrators and law enforcement, train law enforce- ment officers to prevent student violence, install deterrent measures, purchase and install technology for expedited notification of local law en- forcement during an emergency and other measures. U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King announced that three organiza- tions in Maine were awarded a total of $1.4 million through the Economic Development Administration's CARES Act Recovery Assistance Program to support the growth and revitalization of industries that have suffered finan- cial harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dirigo Labs, an initia- tive by the Central Maine Growth Council, received $599,969; the Q: I've been a manager in a typical organization for 20 years. Is it possible for me to become an independent operator in a different field? ACE advises: Sure, you can go from conventional employment to entrepreneur- ship, but not overnight. Some of your experience can be useful, but the real challenge is developing the attitude and outlook. At the age of 50, after 27 years in news organizations, I became a freelance trainer and consultant. It worked, but not without periodic uncertainty. Once you learn what it means that it's all up to you, you're on your way. Step One is learning the field and seeing what it will take to operate inde- pendently in it. You have to assume you will have to adapt to demands you've never experienced before. Engaging them cold turkey is certain disaster. So you should do homework through research and interviews. If the process reinforces your original interest and intent, you're ready to roll up your sleeves and get into it. My main early career move was to connect — briefly — with an established entrepreneur and set up arrangements of periodic contract assignments with established clients. The "gig" approach has continued over the intervening years. A very important factor is that of professional relationships. In Maine, in recent years it has been for me the Association for Consulting Expertise. The ACE members are almost universally independent consultants. However, the most vital skill set is personal selling. To do that right, you must perfect your listening, interviewing and situation management. Your success in this department determines how everything comes out. While you make all the rules, your clients make the ultimate decisions. A S K AC E A n s w e r e d b y J i m M i l l i k e n , m a n a g e m e n t c o n s u l t a n t The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a non-profit association of independent consultants who value "Success through Collaboration." The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com. Jim Milliken, a Portland consultant, can be reached at millikenproject@gmail.com TO THE ONES WHO KEEP US SMILING. Their commitment to keep us healthy makes our community strong. They're in it for us, and we're honored to be here for them. The Dental Loft Portland, ME Follow their stories at: www.sbsavings.bank/heart-and-soul C M Y CM MY CY CMY K ai16004578109_MaineBiz Next List 2020.pdf 1 9/18/2020 3:36:51 PM In becoming a entrepreneur, the real challenge is developing the attitude and outlook.

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