Tag Archive for: womeninbusiness

An entrepreneur’s routine means sweet f*ck-all

I know entrepreneurs who get up three hours early every day to get shit done before the world interferes.

Some schedule things down to the minute.

Some can only do work while in certain environments.

Some are convinced early morning is the ONLY time they have to work on the business. Some swear they get nothing done before 2 pm.

So. Many. Rules.

I am often asked by the same people, “Why is my day so disrupted? I feel like I can never get anything done. I’m doing what all the experts say.”

Here’s my question:

Who are these experts you speak of? And why do you give a shit how they spend their time?

YOU don’t need to follow someone else’s routine or rules in order to be an entrepreneur.

YOU don’t need to arrange your office the way Gary Vee does in order to have a 6-figure business.

YOU don’t need to use trendy new software to keep track of your clients.

YOU only need to show up – in the way only YOU can – when you want to.

Understandably, some people need structure or discipline so they can get in the habit of showing up regularly. What we don’t need is someone else’s structure.

How Tony Robbins parts his curtains in the morning is irrelevant. It’s a stall tactic. Another way to say, ‘Oh, my desk, office, environment, [insert excuse] isn’t ready yet. I can’t do this today.’

You’re just screwing around.

The truth is, the most successful and impactful people in the world get shit done no matter the circumstances. And THAT’S WHY WE LOVE THEM. We adore an underdog. We root for the guy who’s up against it all and determined to overcome. You know why? Because you are him, goofball. You know you can do the same.

Environment is irrelevant. Noise, people, distractions, shitty voice in your head, kids demanding attention, etc., etc. – none of it means permanent derailment. Tend to whatever and get right back to it.

Otherwise, all you’re telling yourself and the world is that it’s just not that important. (And you can complain about how you have no time.)

But don’t take my word for it. Below are thoughts from four infamous men on their own daily routines:

Kurt Vonnegut‘s famous routine included Scotch and swimming: “In an unmoored life like mine, sleep and hunger and work arrange themselves to suit themselves, without consulting me.”

Tim Ferris lives much more freely, as his idea of a schedule is having none. “I don’t have to do anything in this schedule. I choose to do them because I like them. None of them are financially-driven or unpleasant obligations. If the chance to do something more fun comes up last-minute, I can cancel all of them.”

Jack Kerouac answered a question about his daily routine this way: “I’m beginning to suspect the full moon. Also I’m hung up on the number nine though I’m told a Piscean like myself should stick to number seven; but I try to do nine touchdowns a day, that is, I stand on my head in the bathroom, on a slipper, and touch the floor nine times with my toe tips, while balanced. This is incidentally more than yoga, it’s an athletic feat, I mean imagine calling me ‘unbalanced’ after that.”

Perhaps the late, great E.B. White said it best: “A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.” (Really. Truly. Honestly. Read that about five times, then write it out on 100 Post-It notes and plaster them all over your house.)

When someone asks about my routine, I quote Ferris Bueller. “You realize if we played by the rules, right now we’d be in gym?”

My advice for nearly all things may have become an aggressively mediocre cliché by now. But I hope you’ll still use it regularly: Fuck the rules. Just show up.

It’s so much easier to enjoy your work and your life when you begin to trust yourself and let go of your made-up expectations. No one cares how you do things, or even if you do them. You need to decide if you care, and how much.

• • •

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Everything old is new again

That quote has been attributed to Jonathan Swift, Winston Churchill, Mark Twain, and a character in a Stephen King novel.

It doesn’t matter who the author was. The point is salient.

The idea, of course, is that everything has already been created. Every story has been told. Every idea has been put out there. All we can do now is add our unique take on whatever we come up with.

We live in a time where, thank the gods, it’s not only possible to spread your take globally, but you can do it in seconds.

Nowhere is this more true than with coaching.

Observe…

Once upon a time, in the vast landscape of the internet, a humble corner existed where individuals poured out their thoughts, ideas and stories. This space, known as the blogosphere, experienced its golden age in the early 2000s. However, as social media platforms took the spotlight, the art of blogging seemed to fade into the background.

Fast forward to the present, and the winds of change are blowing once again.

The resurgence of blogging is not just a nostalgic echo, but a vibrant reality reshaping the digital landscape. Coaches, mentors, healers and others in the service industry rely on social media to get the word out. As more and more people join the industry, some believe it’s harder and harder to get the attention of prospects.

Hence, blogging.

In the realm of digital marketing, blogs have emerged as a dynamic asset for coaches seeking to amplify their online presence. According to a study conducted by HubSpot, businesses that prioritize blogging are 13 times more likely to experience a positive return on investment (ROI).

This statistic alone underscores the significance of weaving a compelling narrative through the written word.

For coaches in a competitive online space, a well-crafted blog becomes a beacon, attracting potential clients and establishing credibility. Content Marketing Institute reports that content creation, including blogging, costs 62% less than traditional marketing strategies while generating approximately three times as many leads. (Read that again.)

As a mindset and success coach, my unique expertise finds an ideal platform in blogging. A study by Demand Metric reveals that 82% of consumers feel more positive about a brand after reading customized content. This presents a golden opportunity for coaches to connect authentically with their audience through insightful blog posts.

Moreover, the impact on search engine visibility cannot be overlooked.

Data from Search Engine Journal indicates that websites with blogs have 434% more indexed pages, increasing the likelihood of ranking higher in search results. This organic visibility is a potent tool for coaches looking to be discovered by individuals actively seeking their services.

As we traverse the digital marketing landscape, it’s evident that blogging is not just a creative outlet but a strategic move for coaches to elevate their brand. The synergy between insightful content and increased visibility creates a pathway for coaches to not only share their wisdom but to thrive in the competitive world of online entrepreneurship.

Let’s look at a couple of fictitious coaching companies and how they could use blogging to leverage the hell out of impact and increase income…

Case Study: Mindful Mastery Coaching

Background: Mindful Mastery Coaching (I made up this name), a company specializing in mindfulness and personal development coaching, decided to revamp its online presence through strategic blogging.

Strategy: The coaches started a blog that delved into topics like stress management, mindfulness exercises, and personal growth stories. They consistently shared valuable content that resonated with their target audience.

Results: Over a six-month period, MMC saw a significant uptick in website traffic. The blog became a go-to resource for those seeking guidance on mindfulness. This surge in visibility translated into a 30% increase in client inquiries, showcasing how blogging established them as thought leaders in their niche.

Case Study: EmpowerHER Business Coaching

Background: EmpowerHER Business Coaching (I also made up this name), a company dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, recognized the potential of blogging to connect with their target demographic.

Strategy: The coaches started a blog addressing challenges faced by women in business, sharing success stories and providing actionable tips for female entrepreneurs. They leveraged social media to promote their blog posts and encourage engagement.

Results: The blog not only resonated with their existing clients but also attracted a new audience. The share-ability of the content led to increased visibility on social media platforms. This, coupled with the blog’s SEO benefits, contributed to a 25% growth in new client sign-ups, showcasing how strategic blogging can be a catalyst for business expansion.

Bottomline:

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

You don’t need to do things the way others do. (F*ck TikTok. I’m a word nerd.)

I started my business with a blog in 2008. I never imagined I’d be where I am now at the time, but we surpassed 7 figures years ago and there’s no end in site.

Do you blog? Let me know and feel free to drop your link in the comments, too, so I can check it out.