January 1st marked the 31st anniversary of my business. WOW!
Starting out of my house on a clunky, hand-me down computer from my dad and a dot-matrix printer, The Write Direction was born.
To honor that landmark, here are 31 inspirational thoughts to start off the new year and next decade. Each one comes from the pages of my award-winning book, Millionaire Marketing on a Shoestring Budget. Enjoy the read.
1. If something feels outside your comfort zone, think before you decide ‘I can’t do that.’ Going outside your comfort zone can bring great rewards.
2. You deserve to live the lifestyle you’ve dreamed about – one that allows you the flexibility, fun and freedom to do what you love with people you love working with.
3. The highest level of success comes from conviction, commitment and persistence. If I could go from speech pathologist to solopreneur, without a degree in marketing, you too can succeed in pursuing your passion.
4. “If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.” – Gail Sheehy. If where you are in your life right now doesn’t feel like a good fit, it may be time for you to move on and that means CHANGE!
5. Change opens the doors to new opportunities, relationships and adventures. Even if you’re scared, you too can open new doors and move forward one step at a time.
6. If you’re changing direction in your life – on a new path – hold on, keep up the good work and you WILL achieve your goals. When I started my business, I didn’t have a degree in marketing. I hadn’t studied journalism or even creative writing. What I did have, was desire (and here I am 31 years later).
7. It’s never too late to go for it and pursue your dreams. Now is the time to let your light shine and live your dream.
8. “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts. I changed my career several times before starting my own business. You can too!
9. When hit with hard times, stay focused, plunge forward with top-of-mind marketing – you’ll maintain a presence and won’t be easily forgotten. When I started my business, Colorado was in a recession. Despite that I was able to break ground. . . make an impact . . . find clients. You can do it too!
10. When you have a dream you want realized, instead of pulling back in fear, plow forward with focus. Embrace it.
11. Don’t let people forget who you are . . . where you are .. . how you can be reached. Stay in touch with your customers and prospects. If you are visible, when your competition is not, your efforts will invite people to reach out to you when they have a need you can fulfill.
12. “The best way to market yourself is to give yourself to the market. Expose yourself to your prospects.” – Jeffrey Gitomer
13. “Why not study the technique of the greatest winner of friends the world has ever known? Who is he? You may meet him tomorrow coming down the street When you get within ten feet of him, he will begin to wag his tail. If you stop and pat him, he will almost jump out of his skin to show you how much he likes you.” – Dale Carnegie. The best social networker I knew, was my beautiful golden retriever Ike.
14. “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras. Is there a special four-legged friend in your life? If so, I know you can relate to Roger’s sentiment about our precious pooches.
15. A crucial component of your marketing success is developing a community – people who turn to you because they value your expertise and knowledge. What are you doing to gather – and nurture – your tribe?
16. “Your list is your bank account, but if you build it on service and relationships, it will be your retirement account.” – Patty Farmer. Remember, marketing is about developing relationships.
17. There are two little words that have a big impact – “thank you.” When customers or colleagues praise you, don’t forget to thank them. This if vital if you want to continue a steady stream of optimism oozing from your happy fans.
18. When you want to write compelling copy that is easy for your prospects and customers to read . . . KISS them. Keep it simple sweetheart.
19. Believe in yourself. When I first started my business and someone asked me, “Are you good at what you do?” I didn’t hesitate to answer, “Yes.” I wasn’t being cocky or arrogant, just confident.
20. Be grateful every day – every day. Daily gratitude changes your vibration. Some days I’ll write down what I’m grateful for. On other days, I may think about it before I get out of bed in the morning or when I get into bed at night.
21. When you focus on gratitude you’ll discover that no matter what else is going on, there is so much to be thankful for. The little things can make a big different in your life. Be grateful even for the small stuff.
22. “Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be.” – Fanny Brice. Be yourself. People buy you as much as (if not more than) your services.
23. When you nurture yourself, you nurture your business. Say “yes” to yourself. Give yourself permission to do what you really love to do.
24. Don’t overthink things. Don’t look for a problem where there isn’t one. When you feel overwhelmed, stop, breathe and just take one step at a time. And ask for support when you need it.
25. Be kind to yourself. Nurture yourself; acknowledge your strengths. Remember your brilliance.
26. Be consistent and persistent. Don’t give up the ship. It’s also good to know when to shift gears. If something isn’t working, don’t think of it as “giving up.” It may just be time to shift, make a transition.
27. When you know there’s something you can do to be in service to others, that you are meant to do or you just love doing, it is worth it to take that leap of faith and go for it.
28. Is transition scary? Yes. Do I have days where I doubt myself? Yes. When I have moments of fear, I have conversations with myself . . . journal about it . . . call on supportive colleagues and friends. Then, I put one foot in front of the other and continue on. I want the same for you.
29. Don’t hold back. People want what you have to offer them. They want to transform their lives and you can help them. You can make a difference.
30. Remember, you’re not alone. Connect with others and build your relationship capital every step along the way.
31. Let your mind be quiet and your heart lead the way. Here’s to your sweet success!
Which one(s) of the above inspirational thoughts resonates with you? Please share your comments below because I’d love to hear from you. Thanks a million.
