It’s the 4th of July, 2012… and that is Independence Day for us in the U.S. .
Instead of my typical post for this day, I’ve decided to write about a few “reflections” I’ve had over the last 11 years as an entrepreneur, self-employed copywriter and marketing consultant.
So, in no particular order, here are those reflections:
>>>> Humans (and that includes me) are generally lazy, and typically look for the path of least resistance. This leads them to wish for what they want, but never get what they want out of life. When they overcome this need to find this “shortcut”… they tend to focus on what they want and attain it.
>>>> I’ve received the greatest compensation when I was delivering the greatest value to the people who choose to do business with me. This is a direct proportion that has NEVER changed… ever.
>>>> You can only lead a person to water… but you can’t make them drink it… even if the water is sweet enough, or even if that water could reverse aging.
>>>> God gave you two ears and one mouth… so it makes sense that you should listen twice as often as you talk. Want to close more deals? Listen. Want more success? Listen. Want better relationships? Listen. See the key… or were you not listening?
>>>> Quit trying so hard to close deals with people who don’t need your help RIGHT NOW. Listen to them, offer your services, and give them a choice. If they choose to put you off, in most cases, there is NO deal there. Follow up for sure, but only an appropriate number of times, then know when to quit following up.
>>>> If you’re investing most of your time educating the people in your market about your services and their value… you’re probably in front of the wrong market. Case in point, if you’re a marketing copywriter, talk to people who already use copywriters… or at the very least understand marketing and the value of a copywriter.
>>>> Never neglect those closest to you… especially for the sake of growing your business. Instead, build your business to support your lifestyle and those closest to you…not the other way around.
>>>> We only have 70 or so trips around the Sun to live life our way… what are you doing with your time now?
>>>> And finally… business is and always will be about the people who support that business…period.
I hope you enjoyed these reflections… please feel free to share them using the buttons below, and have a happy and safe 4th of July everyone!
