Recently, while reorganizing my office library, I came across ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napolean Hill. This book has been a timeless and proven reference for training and coaching worldwide through several decades. The section that really resonated with me this time around was about persistence, a quality that in, one way or another, you are probably familiar with. So what does it mean now and why is it even more essential than ever for success in your changing world today? According to Webster’s dictionary, to persevere is to continue steadfastly. To be persistent is to continue firmly in spite of opposition, and to endure. You need to be persistent to persevere and willing to change when the situation changes.

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Based on the idea that there are two sides to every situation, think yin & yang or… “I’m glad I did it/I’ll never do it again”; it is one thing to keep holding on through thick and thin to a specific situation but quite another to keep moving forward in a positive direction where there is authentic, meaningful growth and change along the way. So, what are the main ingredients of success that make up perseverance and how can they be adapted into our lives and businesses? Consider the following:

Decision + Focus + Desire + Faith + Imagination + Persistence

=  Perseverance = Success!

Feel free to mix up the equation to suit your own vision. The point is to identify what each component means to you and what actions and beliefs will be necessary to get from here to where you want to be. Don’t be surprised if in the process you change direction! To focus inward, with all that it entails, can lead to a greater self-understanding, self-awareness, and strength of courage that can propel you in the right direction and help keep you on track. It will simplify your life by allowing you to recognize and dispose of the negative clutter. You may also need to take your power back from those you have allowed to undermine your efforts or limit your possibilities and ultimately, your right to a full and happy life. This doesn’t mean giving up or neglecting important relationships, but renegotiating your position. Effecting small changes often leads to big results.

That being said, as humans there will always be those moments of distraction from doubt and fear as we journey into the unknown and continue to grow. During these times it would be helpful to review your own principles of perseverance. Perhaps you need a revision or a reminder. Sit alone in a quiet space, clear your mind, breathe deeply, and allow yourself to focus on the moment. Identify and recognize where your feelings are coming from.  Chances are the anxiety stems from the past and the unknown future. When you falter, ask yourself, did this just happen or did I make it up?

In closing, perseverance isn’t about having control but rather how we bounce back and regroup after setbacks, how we embrace change to keep moving forward, and how we reinvent ourselves and situations as needed. Overthinking, storing negativity from others, and worrying about things beyond our control can only weaken our resolve and blind us to opportunity and the simple joys of daily living. Sometimes it’s better to just take our hands off the steering wheel and let the universe drive.

Visit www.cloutetcetera.com for more tips and ideas.

‘One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.’   _Andre Gide

Change is indeed inevitable and it will keep coming fast and hard but it’s also a very exciting time to be alive with an incredible potential for opportunity and reinvention at every turn. This past year has personally been one of my best, both personally and professionally. Among other things, I am expanding in 2012 to go national with my insurance business and global with my consulting including relocating to another country within the next five years. After landing in NYC from Canada 30 years ago, I would never have guessed where my journey would lead me. I am truly thankful. Happy Holidays and best wishes to all. For more ideas and free resources, log onto www.cloutetcetera.com.

Anais hit the target with her timeless words; perception does rule the day. While this can be a positive, a glimpse on the other side of how we see things may be distorted by emotion, particularly fear, along with worn out belief systems that can be holding us back or blinding us to what’s really going on, good or bad. On that note, no matter how much we think we know ourselves, there is always something we can learn or change. Push that forward into your business and suddenly new possibilities are presented, seemingly out of nowhere.

Transitions can be liberating and terrifying, joyous and doubtful, and just plain uncomfortable. But the alternative of never changing really isn’t an option in life. With the whole world in rapid transition on several levels, the publishing industry is being flooded with self-help books on the many aspects of change. It’s enough to probably make most people feel they are missing out on something. The key is to understand that most of these writings were born out of the perceptions of the author and may never apply to your life. The same goes for friends, family, colleagues, anyone you have a conversation with. Unless they are living in your skin 24/7 they can’t possibly share your perceptions, particularly if your perceptions change on a regular basis.

I often hear complaints of too much information, too many opinions, and not enough time to absorb it all if any. With one’s head constantly stuck in a book or eyes glued to a cell phone, kindle, or an ipad…I very recently observed a young woman walking down the street while typing on her ipad…but that’s another story.  Whatever the distraction, just think of all the missed opportunities and messages that have literally flitted by. And how is someone supposed to know exactly what to change to be successful or even how to do it? The secret is to develop your very own how-to compendium and to simply impress yourself. You will need help to do this so when you get your ‘aha’ moments, or when the light bulb goes on, you will recognize them as authentic for you and not just a temporary high from someone else’s compendium. Now for the wonderful part.

Taking Action: Find a trusted and respected mentor that has the experience and wisdom you admire to help lead and make you push yourself in the right direction no matter how many times you stumble or refuse to move. You need someone who will hold you to task with firm guidance and will not take no for an answer. I was a co-host in a mastermind group for nine months last year and it was truly life changing. Not easy at times to face the issues and emotions that surfaced but as a group we all pitched in and got over the hurdles, tears and all. Some participants changed their careers and all of us changed our lives, for the better. The support was, and continues to be, incredible.

You can also consider becoming a mentor. For those of you who have experienced the rewards of such a role, there is nothing like it for self-awareness and growth. I currently have a mentor for my new business and, always having been a very proactive person, I admit that I couldn’t have done this without his help. Being in control is one thing but being stupid is another.

Finding out that you are on someone else’s path and not where you should be can be a shocker particularly if you’ve spent decades at it, but it’s never too late to switch gears and take the road less travelled. I am a staunch advocate of the self-employed and often mentor women of all ages who want to strike out on their own, start a business, make a mark, or figure out what they want to be when they grow up.

I believe that at times I have learned more about myself during this process than perhaps the individuals I am mentoring. The simple act of speaking and sharing thoughts, ideas, and experiences face-to-face can be so enlightening and fulfilling. We also need more quiet moments of solitude to clear our vision and thoughts.

Mentoring, with the right mentor or facilitator whether one-on-one, or in a group situation, is an excellent platform for breakthroughs and using change to get to the next level in any area of your life. It’s definitely a process and needs to be treated as such with commitment and courage. Impressing yourself first, not comparing yourself to others, recognizing what is authentic in yourself, and being consistent is a very empowering base for success in every area of your life that will eventually overflow and attract all the good things. Remember to share the wealth; karma points can be redeemed.

Some of these experiences may have been life changers bringing a newly reformed attitude or reinvented belief system that has left you wondering why everything seems so different and why some things, situations, or people, have lost their former attraction. Funny, and sad, how that happens. Sometimes there is no going back.

Letting go is never easy. We tend to be creatures of habit no matter how worn out, negative, or unproductive a relationship or career or lifestyle has become. It’s simply comfortable. We know it. And it can be scary starting a new venture. But it can also be the most exciting time of our lives. So, what are you going to do differently next year with the newly enlightened you?

“ What am I going to do in 2011?  I am going to devote my time and energy to things that fulfill my soul and mission in life. I’m at the point where I know what makes me happy and I’m not going to waste time on things that don’t meet that requirement.” Laurie Lawson, CEC, CPC, Business Coach, President ICF-NYC, Exec. Producer Coach World TV & Coach Chat Radio.

Chances are, if you took a really close look, you would find all the answers and opportunities you need at your finger tips. The key is to have the courage to look in the first place, ask the right questions, and to be honest about how you deal with your reactions. Remember that whenever you change, your business and relationships will also change, for better or worse. We can accuse our spouses, friends, clients, or colleagues of suddenly being different or, as the famous breakup line goes, ‘You’re not who I thought you were.’ It’s most likely you that has changed your view and now you need to adjust yourself to these changed perceptions. Keep this in mind as others close to you go through similar life transformations.

“ The difficult is what takes a little time; the impossible is what takes a little longer.” Fridtjof Nansen-Norwegian Explorer

Time to Think & Write:

• What’s getting in my way?
• With what am I wasting my time & effort?
• What or who do I need to eliminate from my life?
• What relationships do I need to re-negotiate to work?
• What is my true mission in life right now?
• Are you living your dream or someone else’s?
• Are you stepping over the line or just toeing it?
• What or who will I allow to influence me or have my attention?
• Are my reactions based on this moment? The past? Or simply imagined?

On a personal note, 2010 has turned into a totally unexpected landmark of seemingly instant growth and career reinvention. I am pleasantly amazed at the results particularly since a few major curve balls had me reeling for a bit. Reaching out for support and being totally proactive opened up opportunities and options that were already within my grasp. I only had to see them and take action. Things have a way of turning out to our benefit if we just let them happen no matter how much anxiety the change engenders. This too shall pass and it will. Different, yes, but for the better.

The universe is constantly presenting us with gifts but we don’t always open them or even recognize them as such. Our vision may become clouded with fear, anger, self-doubt, or sheer complacency. Thinking about something in a different way really does change it and we have the power to make it so whenever we want.

Here’s to a new view for 2011 and beyond with much success, joy, and good health.

With all the tumultuous change whirling around us like an imminent tornado, just getting from one week to the next requires much more focus and energy in not only our personal lives, but our businesses as well.

On the other side, there have been some really positive side effects from the recession such as: simplifying daily routines and life in general, taking time to smell the roses to determine what’s really important and what simply isn’t working anymore. Many people are totally changing their careers to more fulfilling choices on lower incomes, relocating their lives, and appreciating that less is now much more. Losing employment and financial loss has essentially spawned spiritual gain for many, a second chance to make a real difference. According to several people I’ve spoken with, this era can be scary, exhilarating, anxious, and joyous…all at the same time!

A few facts: the redistribution of wealth will be changing the face of society as we have known it. Baby boomers will make up a vast majority of the population, along with the elderly, and retirement is happening later if at all. With 3 males to every one female being laid off, the work force is going through a sort of revolution on its own. More and more men are becoming house husbands while the wives are now the sole bread winners and many of them are self-employed. Apparently this transition is not without an initial sore ego on the male side.

Trends are swiftly evolving to keep up with new shifts in power and we can already see reflections in advertising and marketing. How we do business is also changing and should in order to survive. Hence changing our mindsets, our attitudes, and perhaps our images and habits. Not an easy task by any means, not all people are equipped for comfortable transitions, but very necessary to enable growth in the world today.

‘Reinvent yourself, reinvent your business. You are your business and your business is you. After all, people buy you first and then your services or product’.

So how do we start to implement change successfully in ourselves despite the fear and anxiety? How do we know what steps to follow? The basic key ingredients to stepping across the line are focus, courage, and resilience.

Focus on the moment. Not yesterday or last week, but right now. Ask yourself questions: What needs adjusting now? What needs to be discarded or pared down now? What is good about your life right now? What is really the block to letting go? Get rid of needless distractions and interruptions and clutter. Set your sights on what you need to do to get where you want to be and make a realistic plan to get there one step at a time. If you start feeling overwhelmed, stop and refocus. Do less to get more.

Courage can move mountains and will get you far. It can also armor you against the negative comments and through your own periods of self-doubt. It can also keep you moving when you want to stop. I met a client that, through fierce determination and a nurturing support system, pulled back from foreclosure and financial disaster by finally landing a job after being unemployed for over a year. Her courage was immense and the whole episode proved to be a major life changer in a very positive way. Her focus became giving to others that needed help while she moved forward. She had to change her belief system in order to embrace change, attract what she needed, and make it work for her.

Resilience rolls you through the punches and keeps your vision alive. It’s also a great teacher and revealer of true character. It can put your ego in check and turn you into a true believer…of you!

One other important bit to add to the mix is simplicity. Simplify your life. Streamline your schedule and activities. Work smart, not hard. If you’re used to being on 24/7, this could be a hard one to wrap your head around. The trend of the ‘Europeanization of America’ is a valid and resonating one: Work to live not live to work, morally conscious consumption, authenticity of self, more time off, smaller homes, experiences versus accumulation of stuff. There is something to be said for simplicity.

This isn’t a race so relax and pace yourself.  It’s only the rest of your life. Enjoy your journey and don’t forget to share your wealth of experience and wisdom as you move along. There will always be someone along the way that will need it.

“If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.” ~ Mother Theresa

Happy New Decade! Sounds good doesn’t it, but it depends on what it means to you. Perhaps it means a fresh start or just another ten years gone from your life. It’s all a matter of perspective and considering that our emotional responses can significantly warp the accuracy of said perspectives, taking an objective inventory could bring a surprise, albeit a very pleasant surprise, or two. You have accomplished and know more than you may realize.

Last year was the year to end all years for many fraught with change, loss, disaster, and even some joy with a miracle or two. The whole world seemed to stand still for a moment and take a deep breath before plunging forward into the unknown. And here we are on the threshold of a brand new decade. Think of the possibilities, the second chances! Most people I’ve spoken with have reinvented their lives or are in the process of figuring out what their next step is. The recession has indeed impacted how many of us see our lives and the need for change, to rewrite our scripts so-to-speak.

Yes, it is true that nothing will ever be the same, but isn’t that a blessing in itself? Horizons need to be expanded, core beliefs need to be examined, and fears need to be addressed and understood. Most people truly abhor change and some become frozen in the headlights, unable to take action. Stepping out of the comfort zone, no matter how mundane and stifling, can strike terror to even the stoutest heart. But we are now living in a time when to not take action is the greatest waste.

As the world continues to shrink, social thinking seems to be harking back to the 60’s and the 70’s when political, sexual, environmental, biological, and economic revolutions were the theme. The concept of green; recycled materials, biodegradable products, environmentally friendly is far from new. It all just got shoved under the carpet for a few decades. Advocacy is also on the rise along with community involvement. For a lot of us, particularly over 50 baby boomers, this mindset has stayed with us throughout the years to one degree or another.

Advertising has grabbed on hard to this ‘what’s old is new again’ message. Companies, those who are surviving, are stepping up to the green plate and moving right along. What does this all mean to the solo-preneur and small business owner of today? If your business growth has been based on referrals, and it’s few that aren’t, your phone may not be ringing as much lately. Marketing strategies need to be evolved, new niche markets targeted and networking honed down to a fine skill. We all need to be consummate trend-trackers. What is your message for 2010? It all starts with who you are now. And just who is that?  Here are a few questions to ask your self.

• What would be your biggest accomplishment or dream come true?
• What advice would you give yourself if you were on the other side of the table?
• What is your plan to improve your financial forecast?
• What major experience is just waiting for you to indulge in?
• What would you most like to change about your self?
• What are you looking to learn?
• What will be your biggest risk moving forward, besides moving forward?
• What are you willing to change about your work?
• What is one undeveloped talent that you are willing to explore?
• What has brought you the most joy? How are you going to get more of that feeling?
• Who or what are you willing to love other than yourself?
• What one word best describes your theme?
• And lastly….do you have the courage to step outside of your box and create new, uncharted territory?

I realize that this article will mean different things to different people. However, the basic premise is universally the same for all. It hasn’t really changed but the recession has brought it home once again. Simply, the key to a successful business is to first of all be successful at your life, to give more and consume less. Recently I had the great pleasure of hearing a respected associate speak at a meeting. The line that stuck with me the most is that we want what we want, but it’s the feeling rather than the actual thing that we get from what we want that propels us to buy it. How do you make your clients or customers feel? As long as the feeling is a positive one, the money will follow.

About Jude L. Gorgopa

Jude L. Gorgopa is a licensed insurance agent, field manager, and award- winning trainer representing Atlantis Health Plan of New York for over four years. She is currently serving on the board of directors for the 23^rd Street Association and is also the president and founder of Clout Et Cetera, Inc., since 2001, including an online image and lifestyle resource, The Fundamentals of Clout. Clout is available for speaking engagements and acts as a business referral. www.cloutetcetera.com Questions? 917-833-5677 or jude@cloutetc.com.

No one has to tell you that it’s a different world out there. The market is going through drastic changes, and you may think you need a scorecard to keep up.  Just overhearing snippets of conversations from passersby on cell phones or people sitting next to you in a coffee shop can be eye opening. Different people are experiencing different things. Even the super-wealthy are having their problems.  And it seems to be getting worse everyday. The repercussions are, and will remain, immense for an unspecified period of time. It’s akin to throwing a large rock into a pond and watching the rings span out over the surface. Eventually they will all just disappear.  And yet, the overall mood across America isn’t as depressed as you would think.

Yes, there are long-term and far-reaching effects on an international level, but guess what? Right now is the best time you may ever have for amazing opportunity and fulfilling change, not only in your career, but in your personal life as well. Most people seem to be in re-evaluation mode these days.  Just look at the very notable increase in self-help books flooding the stores lately. Suddenly everyone is an expert on how to have a perfect life, particularly during a recession. So much advice, so little time.

Guidance is actually a good thing. It can jumpstart us to enthusiastic action, but in order to create meaningful change we must first of all recognize that change is needed and then change the thought patterns and beliefs that years of conditioning have taught us. Without that, any amount of desire will never make the change stick over the long run.  Most people want to change their lives, but at the same time, they want everything to remain the same. Fear is the great enabler and we often let it control our actions even if the fear is unfounded in the present.

The Buddhist religion dictates that if you want to change the world, you must know yourself completely and separately from who you are in it. Once you know yourself your job is done. Getting to know your authentic self is usually a life-long and oft times difficult road, but everything you do, every action and word spoken, will leave a mark, a hopefully positive influence, even if it’s only one person at a time. A journey of a thousand miles starts with only one step. You have more power than you realize to make a significant difference by just being yourself.

“Recently there has been a lot of research on what creates happiness in people, and people have even come up with a happiness formula… The happy people, when they look at a situation, they see an opportunity. The unhappy people look at the same situation and see a problem. Your conditions of living, which means how much money you make, has very little to do with happiness…The happiest people are those who focus on relationships, and when they focus on relationships they are happy.” ~ Deepak Chopra on CNN’s Larry King, May 2009

Are you incorporating your own core values, integrity, and beliefs into your life and your business model? Do you know what they are? Everyone, if they’re smart, is taking stock and making changes, from the largest corporations on down to the sole prop. Relationships, more important than ever, are the key to survival in today’s business world. What does this mean to you?  Are you doing everything you can to produce results for your clients or is it all about you and how you feel?  What you project, fear, anxiety, frustration, even boredom, will come through loud and clear. If your agenda is on a different timeline or schedule than the people you are doing business with because you have bills to pay there will be friction. Timing is the maker and breaker of success. 

Getting your basics back is simply a matter of being proactive, identifying what you believe in, right now, and acting on it.  Here are a few steps to get you there:

• Take a personal inventory of your accomplishments, what you are currently working on, and what you would like to do. How do you feel about them? Separate your negative and positive reactions. When or where are you at your happiest?

• Have you outgrown your situation? If it’s something that you were once passionate about perhaps all that’s needed is a new perspective, a step back to observe without emotion. Giving up doesn’t have to be an option. Change is always possible if desired.

• Unfulfilled by the same old routines, places, whatever? Knowing when it’s time to let go, albeit painful, is the first step to somewhere else. We tend to hold on to situations and objects long after their due date because we identify ourselves, particularly our self worth with them. Understanding why we hold on to patterns of behavior that produce negative results, such as in personal relationships or careers, is a tremendous step on the road to authenticity. What do you want? What do you have to do to get it?

Getting organized, clearing out the clutter, and stream lining can lend a sense of instant wellbeing and newness to your world. It also helps you to focus, curb needless worry, and conquer your fears. Taking action is empowering! You have more options than you may realize. It’s a matter of re-discovering your wonderful self and taking that first step.

RESOURCES:

www.Robkaye.com                                             The Law of Success by Napolean Hill

www.Smileandmove.com                                 The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

www.Cloutetcetera.com

How you answer these questions has everything to do with your current level of success! Has your business fallen off? With a recession looming, it’s time to take a long, hard look at how you can better attract new clients and keep the referrals coming in. It’s also crucial to keep reinventing your own wheel and be constantly expressing the value of your product and services above the price. With the economy in trouble, people are much more particular now about what they’re getting for their hard earned dollar. A low price won’t be the only factor to making the sale or gaining a new client.

On the other side of the fence, you must not cut your fees so much that you lose quality clients and referrals along with revenue. Trim back where you can, but don’t lose your professional credibility by doing so. It may also be a good time to become more specialized and pare down your offerings to the most profitable.

Remember that your clients are essentially buying you first and will then remain loyal in the long run because of you. The product or service is actually secondary. How does your own image come across? You are your business. It might be time for a makeover. First impressions, whether in person or on the phone, can make or break potential business connections. People want to do business with successful looking, and sounding, professionals. Are you confident, upbeat? Is there anything distracting about you? A coach could be a great investment to help increase your revenue by reinventing your personal and business image, along with your employees, if you need a detached yet critical eye to do so.

Sometimes we don’t know how we’re coming across to others. Something as simple as an attitude adjustment can make a huge difference to how we are perceived.

Now is the time to think less is more. A male recruit recently commented to me he noticed that the most successful agents at a regional meeting had a sleek look. That’s a perfect description in itself. Your business materials, from stationary to business cards, should reflect your new image. This can be done quite inexpensively. I am a big fan of Vista Print for providing everything you need, even simple websites, at a reasonable price. Big, bright, flashy, splashy, or gimmicky just doesn’t cut it anymore. If you want to stand out in the crowd, go for understated classic. Cool, calming colors and messages. Now is the time when quiet can attract more than loud. People need soothing; someone to listen, and, above all, impeccable service. Developing relationships with your clients and forming strategic and supportive alliances is more important than ever. Do that and you’ll be certain to succeed! 

The dictionary defines proactivate as acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes. Well, we have definitely arrived there! The question is, how proactive have you been with your life and your business and the choices that have led you up to this point? Are you standing in the rubble counting your losses or embracing new and exciting opportunities? What have you learned in the past weeks?

The article that I wrote for the previous issue of Women and Biz Magazine was about staying the course. If you’ve made up your mind to do so the main consideration now, particularly with all the changes occurring in the market place, is taking complete control of your actions, your finances, and putting your new business plan into effect. Now is not the time to panic, but to sharpen your pencil and expand your circle of clients, contacts, and, more importantly, beliefs. There’s going to be a whole new set of rules for success on every level and only the savviest, and most well-informed, will prosper.

Some of us have been hit harder than others. I  have no personal losses due to  having pulled all my money out of the stock market years ago after a really big slide. Real estate works for me. But I know what it feels like to lose major assets virtually overnight and I have recovered without going bankrupt. I’ve pretty much been self-employed my whole working life and have had more than a few ups & downs! But that’s just one side of the story. Other people’s economic crises can and will affect our business in the short run no matter what shape we may be in right now.

It’s time to analyze and question every aspect of your expenses and if you are truly getting the best service, product, advice, etc., for the least amount of money as possible without jeopardizing quality. Even things like your health insurance, credit agreements, leases, mortgages, your accountant, your lawyer, should be closely scrutinized and adjusted if necessary. Trust and need are mighty emotions, but can blindside even the most powerful of professionals. We are mortals dealing with other mortals. We all make mistakes. But ultimately you need to trust yourself and the decisions that you need to make without handing over the steering wheel to a complete stranger just because they came highly recommended. Take control!

Being in the insurance business, and based in the Wall Street area, I have already gone through and witnessed significant changes in the past month or so. I have been privy to information and the new problems that the self-employed individual and small business owner are just beginning to encounter. I will continue to work closely with brokers and have partnered with professionals in such areas as wealth management and disability to better serve my own health insurance clientele. There is indeed strength in numbers and teaming up in strategic alliances for referrals, informative seminars, and networking events can get you far without much of a cash outlay, if any. There are whole new markets out there that will really need your help. Become known as a go-to expert in your field. The referrals will start to pour in!

Your best source of information for forming a new marketing plan is on the street. Talk to people. Listen to your clients’ concerns and watch what’s going on around you. Gather as much information and as many opinions as you can. Trust your instincts when you carefully weigh them out. Base your decisions on your personal business situation, not someone elses. You already have what it takes to make the changes to continue on your road to success. Just remember that steady and sure wins the race and it’s the journey and not the destination. Just ask any tortoise.

Whatever we do, we need to pay the bills. Money does come into play and can become a major consideration as to whether we continue or not. There are several sectors that are already being hit by the recession and many of my clients are not in the same financial position that they were in a year ago. But this should not become the focus of staying the course. Helping others should still remain the top priority. You will be rewarded for the good that you do. In the meantime, put together a new business plan and start cutting back wherever you need to.  Notice I didn’t say ‘want to’. Get rid of the credit card debt. You can still have a quality of life without spending piles of money. Change is always good and we can learn new lessons and perspectives that we wouldn’t have otherwise considered. Yes, it can be scary, but let go of the steering wheel and let the universe drive. Trust yourself. We can’t control other people’s actions or decisions.We can only influence them. You’ve already come this far and the journey’s hardly begun!

Are you getting ready to get ready? Most people run on the belief that they can only go on that dream vacation, buy a home or have children when the time is financially or emotionally right. Well, if you wait for that you’ll never have anything! If you do what you love, the money will most certainly come. Living a full life is about taking big risks, like you did when you went off on your own. The time is now. You are perfect now. Your life is good now. Not in 5 years or 10. NOW!  Make a list of all the reasons why you became self-employed to begin with. Remember how many times you wanted to quit your full time job? How stifling it was?  Financially limiting? You may not realize how successful you truly are particularly if you are trying to measure up to some antiquated and inaccurate yard stick that you’ve been carrying around for years. Throw it away and stop beating yourself up with it!

It’s time to reinvent your attitude and take action. Time to infuse some new energy and enthusiasm into what you’re doing. If the same old marketing isn’t working anymore, if the same old networking groups or advertising venues aren’t cutting it, it’s time to branch out. There is a huge, untapped demographic just waiting out there at little, or no cost, to you.  And how can you do that?

1. Write articles for newsletters on areas of your expertise. Start your own newletter with regular contributors. Attract a new audience. Create a website.
2. Referrals are where it’s at. If you are tired of getting little or no results from your current collection, start a whole new one. I’m personally starting a referral network in NYC this September and have begun listing clients on the resource page of my website. I also designed and printed separate business cards to hand out and drive traffic to the site. Vista print online has great options for marketing materials, along with websites, at low-cost and high quality with no hassles.
3. Sponsor events. Back a charity. Speak in front of groups and company meetings on a monthly basis. People really want to hear about the value of your services first and foremost. Stay in front of them.
4. If you have employees, get them involved in the process. I often bonus top producers every month and offer little tokens like Starbucks & Metro cards along with continual training to help them be successful in every area of their lives. They can be your best advocates and the return in loyalty and revenue is worth the investment.
5. Have  a tough-love coach. A friend, colleague, mentor, or spouse that won’t take any self-pity, but will allow you to vent. Bitching up is always preferable to revealing negativity in the workplace. It’s poison and needs to be placated or removed asap.
6. Join associations and groups that are strong on referrals or at least have the potential to be such. Networking takes time and effort. One-on-one meetings over cofee are much more productive, and powerful, than drinks after a hard day.
7. Remember that ‘no’ usually means ‘maybe’. Situations do change over time. And timing is everything.
8. Keep in touch with prospects on a regular basis even if they don’t need your services. It’s the relationship that counts and that will get you referrals. Strategic alliances are like free advertising.
9. Don’t keep yourself a secret! Get in front of people. Tell everyone what you do and have business cards handy at all times. You are a walking infomercial.
10. You must have purpose and belief to be successful at anything.
11. Success is not about money.

In closing, enjoy your journey and don’t stress over the destination. Reward yourself. It’s who you are and how you feel about yourself, not what you do, that ultimately counts. It’s the power of attraction and without negative influences blocking your way, you’ll attract whatever you want. Here’s to a fabulous Fall and many wonderful new places and people to discover.

Reading List: Perennial Favorites of Very Successful People.

• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Get the revised and updated version.
• The Power of Now & Practicing the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle