When you own your own business, board retreats and vacations become one out of necessity. After an amazing week at the Case Ranch Inn in Forestville, CA, it was time to dive into the pile of work that had been patiently waiting for me. My first official day back and I was scheduled to spend the day with Ursula working on our collaborative book project. We were scheduled to review our work and then finish up the day with a massage at Palm's Day Spa. In deciding where to meet, we were looking for a place that was business friendly -- meaning spacious, with free wi-fi and good eats! Ursula suggested Panera Bread, a bakery-cafe specializing in fine artisian breads, and I immediately I said "Yes!" (Not only is their food fabulous but they are good stewards in the community.)

Just as I arrived, Ursula received a call from her publisher for "Selling With Intention", a must-read....not just because we're friends but because it is a powerful sales book. As I stood in the lobby waiting, one of the employees came over to me and asked if I was waiting for something. I explained that I was waiting for my friend to be finished with her call. He joked around with me a bit and his comments made me feel as if I had been secretly transported back to the New York metropolitan area. When Ursula was finished, we ordered two hot ginger teas, eager to start our work. Marc teased us a bit more before while getting our hot water. He had an affable personality and I was enjoying our "shop" talk. After a few minutes, he said something very profound, further validating what I tell my clients and myself often -- "No matter what work you do, you must believe in it 100%. Any doubt will hinder the amount of success you achieve."

Marc Konowal is a visionary who understands one of the most important success principles in business -- believing in yourself. While our scrumptious lemon artichoke chicken panini and delicious soups filled my body, Marc's insight and validation filled my entrepreneurial spirit.

You can find Marc at Panera Bread at 3560 Riverside Plaza Dr,, Riverside, CA 92506 or find out more about Panera Bread at www.panerabread.com.