Marching To the Beat of My Own Drum

You know what's fun?  Reading back through blog posts from the very beginning of my entrepreneurial journey and seeing how I have evolved.  You can see all the zigs and zags, the trial and error.  And you can see where I stopped trying to be like everybody else and decided to just be me.

That was, of course, when everything started to fall into place for me.  The day I decided what I really wanted, what I needed, and what I had to have in order to achieve my goals - that was the day that my life started to change.  I had spent a lot of time trying to look and sound like other marketers I knew.  And I couldn't.  And that kept me from doing what I needed to do.

Write a blog post every day!  That was the success formula for one of my mentors.  Well you know what?  I couldn't!  And so since I couldn't do one every day, I sometimes wouldn't do them for weeks.  I mean, if you can't do it right, why bother to do it at all. 

Always sound like the expert.  More advice.  Well I'm not.  Yes, I have a wonderful vocabulary.  I can throw out multi-syllabic words with the best of them.  And I even know what most of them mean!  But I don't talk like that.  Most people don't.  And I don't write like that most of the time.  I write just like I talk.  Simple. Easy to understand. Blunt and in-your-face when needed.  Casual.  But that would mean that people wouldn't take me seriously, right?  So better not to publish anything.  Don't want to look silly!

Dress for success!  Now I don't mind getting dressed up when I have a reason.  But when I'm home, I'm in T-shirt and sweat pants in the summer, and sweatshirt and sweat pants in the winter.  Sometimes, if I have to go into town for something, I'll put on a pair of jeans.  And there are many days when I never get out of my jammies.  That's one of the bennies of working from home!  But no videos, selfies, or Facebook Lives because people would see how I really was and that couldn't happen.

The list of things I was told I should do goes on and on.  And I discovered I couldn't do most of these things,

But I have a book that's a number one best-seller!  And a blog that has lots of loyal readers.  And I have had more positive comments on the spur-of-the-moment videos I've done while still in my jammies then my more scripted formal presentations.  And my Lives?  They are downright entertaining at times!

How is all of this possible?  I'm not doing any of the things my early mentors told me I should. 

On the day that changed everything for me, I got one piece of advice - the most important advice I have ever received.  Be yourself!  Stop trying to be what you think you are supposed to be and start being yourself.  If something doesn't feel right or natural, don't do it!  Because then you just look phony.  And people dislike phony - a lot!

Looking back at my early mentors, I see now that this is what they were doing.  Each of them followed their own path.  They led the way in their areas of comfort whether it was blogging, or video marketing, or public speaking.  And they weren't trying to create a "mini-me."  They were just sharing what worked for them.  My problem was that instead of taking what they shared and giving it my own personal touch, I tried to look and act just like them. 

So now I march to the beat of my own drum!  Which includes videos and FB lives in jammies, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and some even in my Sunday-go-to-meeting attire.  My book is a bestseller because it speaks to people like a friend or trusted teacher, not some stuffy know-it-all.  Look through my FB feed and you'll find selfies of me with some internet marketing bigwigs and I am looking good in some of them.  But you'll also find some of me soaking wet from the rain or the dogs, in costume at Sci-Fi conventions, sweaty from a workout, and yes - in my jammies.  But when I speak or write, it comes from my heart.  It is filled with something I need to say to help others who are still struggling.  And because of that, people listen.  They aren't fixated on what I look like or sound like.  And those that are?  Well - they probably aren't anyone I would want to work with anyway!

That's the message I have for you today.  Be yourself.  Create a plan that's right for YOU.  Do the things that feel comfortable and natural for YOU.  And as you become for successful and more experienced, stretch that comfort zone a little.  Try something new.  If it works, yay!  If it doesn't or it just doesn't feel right, forget it and move on. 

Just remember - you are not alone!  There are a lot of us out here that are marching along to the beat of our own drums.  Care to join us?  Here is where we hang out!

Today Is The Day!

Today is the day! Do something today that will take you a step closer to your dreams.  Each day we have 86,400 seconds, no more, no less. We use them or we lose them.  If I gave you $86,400 and told you to either spend it or lose it, you would make an effort to spend every penny, wouldn't you?  And hopefully you wouldn't spend it on junk just to keep from losing it.  So why would you waste what time you have on junk instead of activities that will take you closer to your goals?

 

Not sure how to start?  Here are some suggestions!

 

Want to lose weight? Learn about our Slenderiix products. Go for a walk. Trade that soda for some pure, fresh water (filtered through your Puritii water bottle, of course!)  Clean the junk food out of your kitchen and replace it with healthy, nutritious choices.

 

Want to improve your health? Learn about proper nutrition and make the necessary changes to your diet. Get more sleep. Drink more water. Exercise. And learn about our complete line of nutritional supplements and how they can help.

 

Trying to grow your business? Head over to my website and check out the resources. Be sure you are on my mailing list. Get a copy of my book. Attend a webinar or teleseminar. And then, most importantly, put what you learn into action!

 

Looking for a way to start a business? Check out all the info at www.melodieann.exploreariix.com. Then contact me!

 

Today is the day! Let's do this!

Your State of Mind Is Critical!

Who feels like this today besides me? It starts with a thought like...
My vision is crystal clear, my focus intense, my goal is in sight and I am relentless. There is ZERO chance ANYTHING I want will get away.

Sometimes it can be difficult to focus on the positive, especially when you are starting a new business.  Every little setback or obstacle can feel insurmountable.  We feel like we are losing direction.  Maybe we are being foolish to think we can be entrepreneurs - especially at our age!

Most of us feel that self-doubt when we are trying to go through this alone.  But you are not alone!  If you are reading this, then you are part of an amazing community of people who are here to support and help each other.  Reach out to us!  Leave a comment.  Find us on social media.  Connect with us.  Trust me, we have all felt doubt and despair.  And we have all been lifted up by the fabulous people we surround ourselves with.  We'll give you all the advice, support, or kick-in-the pants you need!

And when you accomplish a goal or hit a milestone, let us know.  We will celebrate with you, promote you, and shout your achievement to the world.

I was just reminded of how important it is to have a support group after attending a wonderful 4-day event in Orlando.  Spending all that time in a room with like-minded people was empowering.  It was like a breath of fresh air - or maybe I should say a gale force wind because it completely swept my mind free of some negative thoughts I'd been having.  I remembered all the people who had reached out to me when I felt like quitting.  And I knew I had to go back and remind everyone of the same thing - you are not in this alone! 

Your mindset IS critical!  But keeping a positive mindset is easier when you are surrounded by like-minded, positive people.  Join us!  We're here for you. 

Your Mess Is Your Message

For every successful business or person you see, if you track back far enough, you'll find struggle or a lack of skill and competence.  Successful people aren't immune to challenges.  The difference between them and everyone else is simple.  Successful people often choose to make their mess their message.


I first heard this phrase from my good friend, Beverly Mahone.  At first, I didn't really get what she meant by it.  Why would I want to share my mess with the world?  Shouldn't a business woman appear to have it all together?  But then I discovered that many of my "messes" were actually shared by others.  And then I understood what Bev had been saying.  By making my mess my message, I could help others who were experiencing the same issues.


And so I share my trials as well as my triumphs.  When I fall off the face of the visible world due to my husband's health issues, I don't make excuses anymore.  I freely admit that keeping my blog up to date or maintaining a social media presence is more than I can deal with when he is hospitalized.  The planned launch of "It Should Be a Dog's World" came to a halt when my precious pet passed on.  I admitted to everyone that my heart is just not in it without him.  Being honest with myself and the world lets others that may be struggling to start a business while dealing with personal issues know that it is possible to do it.  It might not be done on everyone's schedule or exactly the way the "gurus" say it should be done.  But what is important is that they see I don't quit and I don't hide and neither should they.  And when I celebrate the triumphs, such as FINALLY finishing my book or convincing the awesome Brian Basilico to write the forward, then they see that I have successes despite my messes and so can they.


Bev encouraged me to share my story on the way to success.  Since then I have met many others who have said the same thing.  People love a good story!  We all love to root for the underdog.  We love the old "rags to riches" story.  We like seeing people struggle and finally reach the top because we all see something of our own struggles in their stories and it gives us hope for our own success.


So what's my mess?  You've read about it repeatedly in this blog, on my website, and in my social media posts.  What's my message?  Have faith.  Be strong.  Don't quit.  Success comes to those who persevere no matter what.  Don't listen to the naysayers and critics.  I know you have heard the saying "Opinions are like *##&_*%#, every body has one."  Never give up on your dreams.  Find the business that is right for you.  Find the right mentor or coach.  Once you have what works for you, don't let go.  If you are looking for help, I would love to work with you.  But no matter who you choose to work with, I will be cheering you on! 

Someday

"I'll spend more time with my family when I retire."  "I'll start a new business when we're out of debt."  "I'll lose weight when the kids are grown and I have time to exercise." "I'll take that great vacation when my career is established." 

Do any of those statements sound like you? 

Too much of our lives is about SOMEDAY.  Someday - when I'm older.  Someday - when the kids are grown.  Someday - when we're out of debt.  Someday - when we retire.  Someday - may be too late.

I've been doing some research for my next book and I've discovered an amazing fact.  Amazing in that it boggles my mind!  It seems most of us put off even the simplest of dreams.  Instead of going after even our smallest heart's desire, we wait for that magical "someday."  We don't stop and smell the roses.  We don't live in the moment.  We don't take a second to really appreciate the little things. 

To paraphrase a quote I read somewhere: The past is history, the future is tomorrow. Today is real and it's a gift.  That's why they call it the present!  Right here, right now make the decision not to let another day go by without noticing all your blessings and giving thanks for them.  Then, take the next step and decide to go after your dreams!  Don't wait for "someday."  Do it now!  Today!  The world is full of people who "coulda, woulda, shoulda."  Don't become another.  Instead, be the person who DID!

Enjoy today.  Be grateful for all you have.  Pursue your dreams.  Let go and experience the wonder of life.  Whenever you hear yourself start to say "Someday," stop, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and say "Today."  "Today, I will spend some quality time with my family."  "Today, I'll write my business plan."  "Today, I'll eat more healthfully and go for a walk with my children."  Do it today.  I promise you'll feel better!

Focus Is The Name Of The Game

I've been thinking a lot lately about focus.  For example, focusing on my target market, the boomerpreneur.  I've gotten sidetracked a bit lately.  And focusing on larger projects to get them completed, such as my book.  It took forever to get it finished - until I put everything else aside and focused on just getting it written. 

I've discovered during conversations with other business women that I am not the only one that struggles with this.  In fact, one of the major problems many of them have is the inability to focus.

What exactly is "focus?"  Focus is paying close attention to something.  It can be a particular market niche or group such as baby boomers.  It can be on a particular project such as writing a book.  But whatever it is, you are paying CLOSE attention to it.  That means you are not allowing yourself to be distracted or preoccupied with other matters.

I was so grateful for our recent vacation.  I was exhausted and stressed.  There never seemed to be enough hours in the day to get everything done that I wanted to accomplish.  I was irritable and short-tempered.  Then my husband asked me why I was working so many hours every day.  What was so important that it was taking all of my time?  After all, wasn't being in charge of my schedule one of the benefits of being self-employed?  That's when I realized that my problem was simple - I had stopped focusing on what was important and key to my business and allowed myself to be distracted by several "bright, shiny objects."

Without learning to focus on what is urgent and important, your can easily get distracted by the latest trend or the newest system or great new market.  Before you know it, your business has you running in 20 different directions at once.  And when that happens you burn out - fast!  And when you burn out, it's only a matter of time before your business does too.

If this sounds like you, take some advice from me.  Sit down and reevaluate your business.  What is your target market?  What is your core product or service?  What are your goals?  Where is your business headed?  Then make a list of the steps you need to take to get back on track.  Write down what is truly important and urgent to your core business.  Then make a vow that you will work on these steps ONLY.  Now I know that some of your current activities won't make your new list.  Some things will not get done.  But that's okay.  If they aren't on the list it's because they are not important to your business.  Which means you shouldn't be doing them.  It's that simple.

And I know there are some of you, who, like me, will be reluctant to give up a bright new shiny project.  Why it could be the next big thing!  But that's one of the reasons your business isn't growing.  Your too scattered and worrying too much about unimportant stuff and not focusing on what is important to your core business.

Over the next few days, I'll be sharing more about FOCUS.  Because when it comes to building your business, focus is the name of the game. 

Thank You!

I want you to know I appreciate you greatly. You have a busy schedule and many things vying for your attention and you're reading this right now.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you. That has been my goal since I started my business 14 years ago.

Here's an interesting quote I read recently from Albert Schweitzer:
"One thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

Aim to be a 'generational success'. Desire to become a role model for generations in your family you'll never meet. Who we are, our good and bad, gets passed forward generationally. Pass the GREATEST you forward.

Stand up for your values and beliefs.  If you see something you don't agree with, don't be afraid to stand up and say something.

Be yourself.  If you want to be a role model, you cannot be phony.  Some people think role models have to be famous or amazing.  But you don't have to be spectacular to become a role model. By being respectful, helpful, kind and most importantly, yourself, you will set the example for generations to come.

Work hard in everything that you do, not just your business.  Role models aren't admired because of their greatness, but rather the determination it took to get there.
 

It may seem like a great deal of pressure to be a positive role model. But no one is expecting you to be perfect. You can only do your best. And, if you mess up today, you can always try again tomorrow. Good role models know they can do anything if they simply put their mind to it.

Are You One of the Lucky Few?

Only a very small % of people are living the life they want to live.

Is it because they are smarter, luckier or more talented? No. It’s because they take action and are determined to win!  Your life is something you create each and every day with every decision you make.  Every choice, every decision, has both benefits and consequences. 

 

Are you ready to win and win big? Success boils down to 4 things:

Having a desire to win!
Making a decision to win!
Having the correct knowledge to win!
Taking action to win!...

You've heard the expression "Carpe Diem".  Seize the day!  Make the decision today to start again.  Yesterday is over and done with.  Time to move forward.  Now!  Today!  Scared to step out there?  That's okay.  You're right.  Putting yourself out there is risky.  What if you fail?  Oh...but...what if you succeed?!  There is another expression which I love.  "Life without risk isn't an adventure, it's a damn shame." 

If you want to win BIG in your business, all you have to do is realize that you CAN change for the better and that you alone are responsible for everything in your life and your business... what you do... how you feel... what you earn. Nobody else can do this for you. Nobody. Only you can bring about whatever change you want in your life.

Want to live the life you've dreamed of...then let’s go get it! You can do it!