It’s time for a little introspection and calendar inspection. Right now we’re in a sweet spot in the calendar where the year seems almost over (and with it the unending United States Presidential race!) but still with more than 4 months to go, there’s plenty of weeks to do the entrepreneur hustle. Continue Reading →
Passion About Systems
Let’s talk about passion.
All throughout our lives we’re told what we have to do, what we should do and what we need to do. Personal preference and even skill are not concerns. As we age we begin to seek appropriate substitutions for those things we fail at doing or simply dislike.
The mechanic who changes the oil in the car. The plumber who fixes the leaking faucet. Even the barista who brews a perfect latte.
It’s true that many people are simply doing a job but the ones who are truly in their passion are obvious. And, if given the option, I’d prefer to work with a passionate person over a just-doing-a-job person any day.
Wouldn’t you?
Let’s consider the flip side for a moment. As a productive member of society, I’d prefer to be working on the projects I’m passionate about. Any day. Every day.
While I have many interests and hobbies, I have 3 primary passions. They are:
1. Nurturing online businesses
2. Organization and processes
3. Teaching / Coaching / Consulting
When I work with passions #1 & #2 it looks like creating Playbooks on business systems
When I work with passions #2 & #3 it’s teaching via this blog and in mainstream media
When I work with passions #1 & #3 it takes the form of implementing in an online business
I’m most excited when I get to coach private clients – it’s the best when passions #1, #2 and #3 coincide and I’m able to teach by educating on the processes that work, create custom playbooks and implement systems in online business. In fact, working with one of my awesome private clients who is managing over 60 developers, building websites and applications for clients around the world and strategically growing an international business has been a joy.
It’s fun. It’s challenging. It’s a joy to work in my passion. This is the work I can do all day, every day and is, ironically, something many people hate to do on their own.
There’s a common judgment of online coaches I hear often, that they’re all just making money off each other to spend money hiring each other. And I’ve found it’s also true in offline businesses too! The plumber uses the mechanic’s services so the mechanic can buy a coffee and the barista gets paid to serve the mechanic so she can afford to fix her leaky sink. Those jerks.
Specialization is the economy we live in and it’s no different for online as it is for offline businesses. For the same reason I’m reluctant to hire the copy writer/SEO expert/Wordpress designer/marketing expert/life coach/graphic designer, I would also not go to my vet, ask for a cup of coffee, tire rotation, cell phone plan and a taco.
By getting clear on your passions and how you serve, you too will be in the place to focus your attention and signal to others what you do, how you serve and what you believe.
Personally, I believe in supporting the growing online business that needs systems and organization to manage all the moving pieces and is willing to work in collaboration to implement solutions now. What’s your passion?
Passion, Business, and Working in Paradise
I shared in an earlier newsletter to followers how I ended up working on my last vacation, leaving me frustrated and anxious. One of the many things I love about structure in my business is that I can take time off.
Today I’m writing from Key West, Florida. It’s a beautiful island where a little lizard climbs the walls of the hotel, roosters caw at all hours of the day and night, and it’s so hard to describe but imagine a luscious garden paradise surrounded by sparkling waters and beautiful resort islands.
And here I am, fresh out of the pool, still dripping, and all I can think of is my business. Not in the same way of my last vacation when I was submerged in worry and doubts and knew that things were not running smoothly in my absence. Not worried that my vacation would lead to even more stress upon returning home because there would be a mess to clean up.
Instead I’m outside next to this cute little tiki bar listening to the parrots talk and feeling the sun on my skin because I can’t wait to do what I do more.
Spending this time in Florida has helped me connect deeper to why I do what I do and filled me with a passion that’s overflowing. It’s something I can’t turn off, even when there’s a beach to visit, a tour to take or the pool to enjoy.
Imagine yourself in my place at the Miami Trump International Hotel, 30th floor with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Now imagine not swimming in this ocean because it would mean giving up an hour with the fantastic, inspiring people who remind you exactly why you’re in business.
I know why I created this business and pour everything I have into it: entrepreneurs are some of the most talented, dedicated people in business and without systems, structure and support in their business they will burn out. They will play smaller. And thousands of clients will go unserved.
The work I do lifts up businesses to give them leverage so they can continue to impact lives.
And I’m committed to sharing that with you all for a long time to come. If you haven’t done so sign up for my newsletter (which resumes next week) and check back for more tips and techniques for your own business.