The Economy Is Recovering, Are YOU? – DISCUSSION

@Justin – Thanks! Happy you loved the vlog. I hope you can use some of the strategies. I think we all suffer from major head junk at times (I know I do), but when I apply those techniques things change for sure. The biggest thing that works for me is simply surrounding myself with positive/driven people. Makes a world of difference.

- Mike

enjoyed the video. I know all these things, but constantly have to be reminded of them. I particularly liked hearing you say you don’t listen to the news. Has been my philosophy for years–too much negative! I am girls getaway coordinator for our travel agency, and spend a lot of time trying to get women to see the value of treating themselves well. Hanging out together, taking trips together builds a kind of energy that women need so badly. But getting them to turn lose of their responsibilities as wife, mother, worker, etc even long enough to take a cruise can be a challenge. I appreciate your comments on thinking little/vs/big. I think that provided the strongest impact. Keep reminding me, thanks!

@Sandy – Here is something funny I have observed about the news… even though I don’t watch it on TV nor check it out on the Internet, I still get all the current stuff. When Michael Jackson passed away, they interrupted a song playing on the radio. When Obama was elected president, it was within an email to me from a friend within seconds.

The funny thing is when I don’t watch the news, the really important and interesting news filters through automatically.

I have a question for you… how do you in fact get the busy moms, wives and workers away? I mean to get out of the rat race for a little is so important, yet so difficult. What is your trick to breaking the pattern?

Love this video. It’s the kick in the butt I need today. My issue is having too much passion and going after 3 business ideas at once and pooping out. People tell me I think TOO Big. Is this possible? Anyway, working on choosing just one, not easy. Thanks again for all your inspiring and wise words!

Niya.

I probably do not take the most effective approaches. When I first started, I read an awful lot of business books and then joined some small business organizations (most of which have not been that insightful). My most recent efforts have been dedicated to looking at the websites of those who are in similar businesses (found through a trade organization). These companies are not my direct competition, but I wanted to see how they overcame the same issues that I’m facing.

Thanks, Mike. Agree with almost all you put forth. My main problem is trying to find the right kind of people to hang out with. I really don’t have any personal relationships with highly successful people and I live in the boonies, so it’s not as easy as joining the country club to meet some. I feel a real need for the kind of encouragement/example they can provide. I do try to read a lot of biographies of successful people, but it’s just not the same as a personal relationship.
The part that I didn’t necessarily agree with is the percentage (at best) that I’m right. I’m more like 90%!

Often the Naysayers are ourselves. We pick up a lot of our beliefs from childhood, and the trick is to discover them and then clear them. Easier said than done!

Another observation about TV – So many get a lot of their sleep in front of it. We need quiet, restful, tranquil sleep and enough of it. When we are rested, we can be way more optimistic and focused.

Great vlog. I personally struggle with this one, which falls into the category of too much information:

Paralysis through analysis…that’s the one that get’s me nine times out of ten. I will pull the trigger once I have this question answered or this piece of the puzzle in place. I struggle with it everyday.

Thanks for your Entrepreneurship 101 lecture on Head Junk.
Entrepreneurship is a crash MBA program. I have become skilled at product development, guerrilla marketing, sales, networking and strategic planning. How did this happen? By doing it myself! For the Naysayers:
“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.” Seneca.

Thank you for 5 easy conscious head friendly tips that I can begin employing today- getting rid of information overload, and thinking huge everyday! Eliminating the unnecessary junk to create more space for my million dollars future which is looking better everyday.

@ EVERYONE – This is a great question from Gaylean! What do you suggest…

“I have been guilty of small thinking. I think it has a lot to do with being unsure. I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced that feeling of being unsure?”

@Gaylean – I agree it is merely the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to discuss.

In regards to people billing for their expertise, I think it makes sense. I mean, if they provide me with information, inspiration and motivation – and can make it happen now… and if I went it alone it would take months or years… I would (and have) paid a king’s ransom.

I paid one business exec $750/hour (yes AN HOUR) for helping me navigate the near crash of my first company (I made some STUPID mistakes). 20 hours later, I had my business back and growing and generating $2M+. It was WELL worth the investment!!!

What pisses me off is when people label themselves as a coach, or guru, or expert and they CAN’T deliver. I only put my faith in been-there, done-that people… not the researcher and the pontificaters, but ONLY THE PEOPLE who have been there.

@Lowell – So here is a question for you. Totally hypothetical. Say you are a guy, around 37 and you are married. Let’s say your wife likes to fall asleep to watching the TV and that you (the guy) struggle to fall asleep. How (hypothetically speaking) do you navigate that without pissing off your better half?

Awesome comments by everyone … funny how we all “suffer” from being too “human” sometimes! It really helps knowing tho that you’re not alone and probably pretty “normal”! (Not that my family is convinced of that!)
Two of my favorite magazines are Entrepreneur and Success. I make it a point to read something out of each everyday to keep myself motivated and my goals aimed at the “bigger picture.”
Not everything works for everyone … but if you take what you need from each person who’s “made it” … pretty soon you’ll have an absolute impressive arsenal of skills that work for YOU!

What a great way to start a Monday! Thanks! As a solopreneur, I think it’s more of a challenge to try to keep positive people around us, keep away from the icky news and keep thinking like the Little Engine That Could (“I think I can, I think I can, I KNOW I can!!). There’s a lot of energy expended in just keeping optimistic about what we want to accomplish.

Ok Mike,

I was just responding to a HARO request (HARO is great, by the way), and the writer called herself a “guru”. I had just read your comments, and had to laugh.

Hey Mike Loved what I could watch of the video but it doesn’t work maybe you can fix it so it works all i can watch are about 3 mins and then its stops playing maybe its a problem on my end but I can watch all other videos on the net fine (including vimeo videos which this is).

Mike,
great summary of some important points we often forget about.

I believe strongly on positive thinking and the power of the mind to effect life’s outcomes. A great book around it is an oldie but goodie, Norman Vincent Peale’s, Power of Positive Thinking. As an FYI

Also, I often work with clients on your point number 5) Thinking You Are Always Right, but along with that is them being accountable and learning from Failures as well as Successes, as failures will too often create head junk that severely impacts future actions. Folks need to look at failures as lessons to be learned from, not from a ‘boo hoo’ whining position, and they will turn their head junk into winning strategies, ideas and results….

Thanks for this
Bernadette

It’s on!

@Michelle – Just like Bobbie.. I am with you.

@EVERYONE – REALLY COOL STORY FROM TODAY

Nothing is impossible. Right? I mean we hear that all the time, but do we believe. Welp, I didn’t believe it today. @Bobbie of http://www.YourVirtualPartner.com and I were talking off line about virtual services. I explained to her that I need an assistant that was in my office… because certain things like coffee and a munchy can’t be addressed virtually.

An email comes from Bobbie saying, “How do you like your coffee”. 15 minutes later a delicious cup of coffee and a slice of apple pie show up at my door. And I am in bumble-hump-New Jersey which is spitting distance from bumble-fuck-Egypt.

Anything is possible. Kudos to @Bobbie for proving it.

Hi Mike,

It’s always good to watch videos like this and get reminders about the things to help us stay on track. Thanks for sharing!

Erik Knepfler
HaveAByte.com

Watching that video was probably the most productive 20 minutes I have spent in years. One add I have to your first step is that many times the WRONG people are disguised as the RIGHT people. For example, there are many people that are extremely supportive and enthusiastic about my ideas, plans and ventures so they seem like the RIGHT people. Unfortunately, many of these people haven’t “been there and done it” so they see me as a Donald Trump type of figure because I have radical thinking and big ideas. In result hey totally feed into step 5. They agree with every idea I have because they trust you judgment / experience so much. So sometimes when I come up with a BAD idea they help me to accept it as a great one.

More ‘real world’ straight talk advice from Mike. See, this is more like it. This is what entrepreneurs need. Not more boring biz books based on stats and studies. Entrepreneurs need more Mike’s. Great video. Great insights. Great reminders.

Thanks again, Mike.

I feel it’s important to organize your day as to what’s the most important. Begin with throwing away negative thoughts. Just get rid of them and place them in the basket so you don’t become a basket head. It’s easy to get caught up in the “what if I can’t,” just try and surround yourself with people who believe in you but are ready to give you an honest answer.

Albert Ellis – Rational Emotive Therapy. Many people have irrational beleifs that lead them astray. The ability to replace these ideas with rational beleifs is not as simply as ‘just doing it.’ For the majority, it requires a theraputic relationship, a mentor, or a friend held in high esteem. While the internet serves a great purpose in connecting poeple and relaying data, this kind of collaboration requires a dialogue best had in person or over the phone.

Looking at the competition is useful only as amatter of information gathering. It isn’t unlike parenteing – keep your eyes on YOUR kids, not on how someone else might be raising thiers. If you think their approach might be of use, think about how it can be integrated, or maybe an aspect might be useful. At the end of the day – - you want to keep your unique focus

@Joni – great observation and comparison. Thank you!!!!

#44 @Erik – Hey!!!! Great to see you here. Thanks for checking in.

#46 @Tahj – Flattery will get you EVERYWHERE!

Why not spin this in a positive way instead of a negative. For instance…
1. Hang out with the right people.
2. Think Positive!
3. Think & Dream BIG!
4. Learn Smomething New Everyday!
5. It’s OK, to make mistakes!

Thanks Mike,

Iam from the old school of thought that says each one teach one, and sometimes find it hard to pay a mentor. I have been mentor to many and never charged anyone. I guess I must change my mindset. Is this another case of head junk?

If you have a lot of “head junk,” consider joining Affirmations Anonymous, my recovery group for Negaholics: http://tinyurl.com/mpmxwh

Mike;
Great topic to focus on!
You mentioned get the books of people who might be dead!
Well here is one I have read and use for myself, Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow rich! Here is a link to the ebook for anyone that would like to read it! And so far everything you spoke of – nay-Sayers and so forth I have and am dealing with.
Please keep the great knowledge flowing!
Dan Diamond

De nada Mike. Here’s an article I’ve written about Think and Grow Rich’s author Napoleon Hill with a link to a hard copy version I recommend: http://tinyurl.com/dmlnee

Loved the part about not watching news, etc. I am a news, email and facebook junkie. I have not been focusing on the high value tasks near enough.

Hey Mike;
I saw it was not there, thought it was something you had to approve.
But here is the link again
http://think-and-grow-rich-ebook.com/

I recommend reading “The E-Myth,” and “The E-Myth Revisited.” Also, be consistent, persevere and don’t expect huge ROIs overnight. Yadda. Yadda. Yadda. Oh, and one more thing–if you’re going to write your own copy, LEARN GRAMMAR, PUNCTUATION and HOW TO SPELL. Here’s your first lesson: The adjective “everyday” (one word, which means common, routine, mundane)IS NOT INTERCHANGEABLE with the phrase “every day,” which means something happens on a daily basis. Here are two sentences to demonstrate the difference: “Come in for our everyday low prices!” “We offer low prices every day.” You wouldn’t spell everynight, everyweek or everyweekend as one word, now would you? “Every day” falls into that same category. There IS a difference. Stay tuned for Lesson Two: Compound Modifiers–When Should They NOT be Hyphenated. It’s riveting information.

@EVERYONE – Some great books are being recommended:

Susan Hawkins recommends E-Myth Revisited – http://tinyurl.com/ku365e

Dan Diamond recommends Think & Grow Rich – http://think-and-grow-rich-ebook.com/

And I think someone suggested. Ooohhh, what was it. Oh yeah… http://tinyurl.com/lz5ma2 …. whoops, Did I say that?

- Mike

Thanks for sharing the 5 short but important pointers. My question is even if we think BIG, A)how to build up the guts to move ahead? and B)what if there are outstanding morgages, taxes, expenses to pay? how to over come these main two factors , which i think most are facing.

#79 @nic – How to build the guts? I think you need to be part of the right “team.”

Believe it or not, I played kickball this weekend. Yes there is an adult kickball league in my town. Same pinkish brown rubber ball as when we were kids. This is the first time I played… and when my teammates (who I just met) started playing, I noticed they were serious. So I instantly, naturally, tried harder and did it.

I think the same is with thinking BIG… you need to first decide to think Big, then and IMMEDIATELY you need to join a “team” that is also thinking big. You need to be part of a movement, that way when the going gets tough, and it will, you will be surrounded by supporters (and not by yourself).

Part B – In regards to paying stuff, I believe it is our psychology that gets in the way. It is human nature, in my opinion, to fear more what we will lose than fear what we won’t gain. Meaning once I have something I panic to hold onto it, even if it means I won’t get something else. So… a mortgage means I have a house, and it is my psychology to fear losing it. To the point where I will do everything to keep it in the moment, but will gladly jeopardize my future. Then we back fill it with “logic” – if I lose it, my kids will have to go to a different school and I won’t be able to do this and that. The “logic” goes on and on.

So here is the point. We MUST change our psychology. We must align with what our heart is telling us is right and then go for it. Let me be clear, it will be SCARY. I mean really scary. But if you don’t do it now, you will never do it. You will wait for the “right time” but there never is.

I have been there, and I go back there. I take leaps that are SCARY (The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur has been a scary ride too)… but when I look back I am always thrilled. Most pay off big time financially, all pay off even BIGGER with emotional satisfaction — no regrets.

OK my fingers are tired from typing. I know that isn’t a black and white answer, but that is my 2 cents.

Anyone else have ideas / experience to share?

@EVERYONE – This was just twittered to me:

snoloha – @MikeMichalowicz “My head won’t leave my head alone” – Dave Matthews Band, “Rhyme & Reason”

Thank you so much for the “head junk” reminder. I am a very positive woman, but every now and then I do allow the head junk to enter my day. From here on in I will stop the head chatter from entering into my life. I did make a bad investment in the past, learned from it and moved on….I follow all of the rules you mentioned and will keep doing so in the future.

#84 @nic – my pleasure. keep us posted on your progress. The world is STARVING for your entrepreneurial success!!!!

Comment from Bobbie (web browser is giving her problems, so she email it to me). The cut and paste is…

I know it’s a little long …. too long? I tried posting it to the Head Junk discussion this morning…

I hope everyone feels as “re-empowered” (hhhmm, is that a word?) as I do!

I’d like to add a few words to what Mike said earlier in response to Nic. Being part of the right “team” IS critical – remember the old saying, no man is an island, entire of itself. It’s still very true!

Especially when you’re trying to grow a business in a competitive and tough economy. Because we’re so damn human … the pity parties WILL happen (Pamela) .. the head junk WILL creep back in (Christine) and the doubts will surface. It just will .. it’s written! I believe it’s entitled, Murphy’s Law.

BUT with the right support team around you, you can overcome and rise to ANY challenge. You all made it this far where so many other people didn’t! Give yourself a pat on the back … that’s no small feat.

I’d like to suggest that we ALL give some thought to delegation … for several reasons.

One, it can help relieve carrying the entire burden of your business on your shoulders only. It seems like a good idea when you’re starting out and you’re trying to rein in your expenses to the nth degree; but in fact it’s counter-productive.

Not everyone does everything well! So with all those things that you DON’T do well, more head junk, negative thinking and just plain old stress now have a fertile ground upon which to blossom.

Also, having the right “partner” (yes, even virtually) can keep you on track, keep you organized, give you new ideas, keep you motivated on that “big picture” AND even send you a sorely-needed hot cup of coffee and danish (right Mike?!)!

Yes, you DO need to choose carefully, but a “Virtual Partner” can be an incredible, priceless necessity.

I’d love to speak to anyone about how “partnering” with us can push you to the next level at the fraction of the cost of an in-house employee. In fact, you can still get one free hour of our services to “test-drive” until EOB today!

Thanks for the space here and Mike, keep up what is obviously, an AWESOME and APPRECIATED service!!

Bobbie

http://www.YourVirtualPartner.org

520-762-7624

Just struggling and trying to understand all of the marketing terminology is overwhelming.

I love your ideas, Mike. We all have head junk or limiting beliefs to a certain extent. And I see so much of this as a coach, in working with solo business owners. And certainly, when we immerse ourselves in the news, these days, the head junk can get way out of hand! I’m a big believer in limiting our exposure to “news,” especially during the recession, because listening to the same gloomy forecasts over and over can pull us down.

I also ask clients to explore their limiting beliefs, so that they are more aware of the rules that they’re living by. That way, they can rewrite their rulebooks, if they choose to do so. But the first step is just being aware of those “ugly thoughts” that emerge, the ones that tell us we’re not good enough and we can’t achieve our dreams, so why bother trying!

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and suggestions for the ways in which entrepreneurs can navigate their way around their limiting beliefs. Your timing couldn’t be better!

Ellen

To learn more about how solo entrepreneurs can boost their productivity and sense of inner peace, visit my blog at http://www.wellnessjourneys.com/blog

Mike,
The path is so different depending on the client. Sometimes, it helps people to repeat affirmations to counter the “ugly thoughts.” But in my experience, it’s important that the person be able to believe the affirmation to a certain extent, in order for the process to be successful. So, while a client may not believe an affirmation such as “I’m now making $20,000 a month,” she might be able to believe “I’m beginning to believe I can make $20,000 a month.” It’s a subtle difference, but I’ve noticed that if the affirmation is too far of a reach, the client won’t believe it and may give up on the idea of using affirmations.

Another strategy that works for some clients is to see their ugly thoughts as “gremlins” that they can talk back to. So, for example, if their “I’m not good enough gremlin” pops up, they can tell that wicked fellow where to go!

These are just a couple ideas that can help people combat their limiting beliefs. But there are no one-size-fits-all solutions!

Ellen

The things you’ve mentioned Mike, they are so simple and yet so profound and can make that critical difference between success and failure. Much appreciated!

I’ve had to learn to keep away from the wrong people the hard way over the years and am certainly guilty of the ‘I’m always right’ philosophy. I’ll keep a watch on that.

I also believe in the power of words, cos’ when we use the right kind of positive words when talking, it reiterates in our thinking when we make that a habit!

Wow, wow wow. This was the first vlog of Mike’s that I’d watched, and what a powerful one! I’m guilty of all of the areas of head junk, but particularly hanging out with naysayers/doomsayers and thinking small. Am going to immediately seek to connect with other big thinkers both on and offline. Loved the bit about it being statistically proven that I can be anywhere I want to be in 10 years if I don’t let my thoughts become a roadblock.

Thanks for the wisdom and encouragement, I’m looking forward to reading the book and blog posts!

Right on Mike!

Here is what I have been doing now for a couple years….

Some times you have to hang out with the “wrong people”.
You know the ones you are related to, those relatives that have been around since birth.

So this is what I do, I don’t tell them what I am doing in regards to business especially when it is a big. I just do it. When they find out they just say WOW and usually they are mad that I didn’t say something about it before hand.

It works, I don’t have to listen to them say, Sonya you can’t do that. Even if I know in my head they are saying, ” I can’t do that!, so what makes you think you can do that?.”

When we stop looking for approve from the people around us a whole new world opens up. One of truth, love and being really REAL!

Sonya

My grandson was being lectured by his dad for messing with his sister’s stuff once too often, His dad asked, “Do you understand what I’m saying?” He responded, “I’m only 5, my head is really small and it’s all filled up!” We are all like that, aren’t we? Our heads are full of something…whatever we have put into them! That’s why the books we read, the people we hang out with and videos like this one are so important! GREAT stuff, Mike! Thanks!!

Hugh

@EVERYONE – Did you read what #101 @Sonya wrote? That strategy nails it!!! Thanks Sonya!!! Here is her quote:

“So this is what I do, I don’t tell them [the naysayers] what I am doing in regards to business especially when it is a big. I just do it. When they find out they just say WOW and usually they are mad that I didn’t say something about it before hand.”

Mike I like, and appreciate your down to earth style. My SEO introduced me to you. Point 4 was a great point. For some of your other readers joining EO, or YEO is a great avenue I have found. It really gets you away from the naysayers.

Here is another great comment from another entrepreneur you guys might enjoy.

http://outspokenmedia.com/online-marketing/you-just-suck/

Now is a time when the small business should be knocking everyone else out, and you have some great advise.

Thanks
Tom
wwww.buybigtires.com

Can you provide some more ideas on how to avoid ” Wrong people”, if they happen to be your spouse( Wife), who constantly reminds me that we are happy now why to rock the boat( taking a entreprenuer plunge from a good paying job)?

Thanks for this video. You are so right about info overload especially on the internet. I start off researching one thing and hours or days later have bookmarked thousands of links to revisit and created infinite new projects for myself of which NONE ever get off the ground. I will take all your words to heart and more importantly try to stay focussed on achieving what I want. Can we please have more info on how to work out what you really want as opposed to what you just ‘think’ you want? Thanks again.

#106 @Tim – LOL! I guess you could say 2 and 4 are a conflict. But what I am trying to argue is that we need LESS overwhelming and distracting information and that we need MORE concise, actionable information.

- Mike

Thanks for the great information. During my current transition, I am always looking for ways to improve how I conduct business. So I normally fall into the information overload category. Now I will seek out my Solid Supportive Mentors first!! Loved your clean concise presentation style….

To answer Kumaresh’s question, if its someone who is not part of your inner circle, who cares what he/she thinks. BUT I think based on the example he gave, his “wife” is saying she has fear. We have to ask ourselves is this person really being negative or is this FEAR? So, he has to be willing to peel back the onion with her for both of them to get better clarity on what is the source of the fear so that it can be addressed. You do that by asking the appropriate questions. What are her concerns?, What does she envision for your family five years from now?, and etc., Show her how you have a common vision for your family. Then demonstrate her how this transition to entrepreneurship will help to achieve that vision! And make sure you have a solid plan so she sees that you thought this transition through. Hopefully, this answers your question. LIVE THE VISION!

Thanks for the wisdom-filled video, Mike! Of the 5 challenges, thinking too small is the biggest problem for me. I suppose it’s because I’m relatively comfortable with my job, and there’s been no “gun to my head” reason to stop thinking small about my home biz.

But your video (and use of exclamation marks) made me sit up and take notice, and realize that what I’ve been doing (thinking small) is basically like treading water. I’m never going to get anywhere (and will eventually drown) if I don’t pick a direction and start swimming!

Chase’s comments (#108) have also helped to give me a new perspective: “How much can you give back if you are broke? The more you have the more people you can help. And if you have a family, don’t they deserve the world? Think big, if not for your sake then for the sake of those you care about.”

I do love helping others and could do so much more if I’d get serious and THINK BIG.

BTW, I’ve seen a lot of gurus inspire their followers to leave a ton of comments about their videos or other content, but very, very few take the time to read and respond to those comments. You are amazing. APLAUSE!

Mike -as always great stuff. I have often said that you are where you are at because that,s what you want. If you don’t like it it’s up to you to stay positive and surround yourself with the positive people. To me it is all about action and moving forward and keeping your goal in front of you to not loose site of the goal. Your also so right about how much you can get done when you put the T.V. on your terms with tevo. To chase your dream with action steps and positive people and teachers as you and guys like Yanik Silver is always better that years latter looking back and saying (What If) The video holds true not only for business but in all areas. Thanks
P.S. did you ever find the guy you had us looking for. I have not seen any up dates. keep up the good fight

There is LOTS of junk out there…specially from self proclaimed gurus. Too much information on internet riches and lack of touch with reality.

Mike, I have a major business opertunity that I know you will be very interested in. Please contact me… I have been in contact with Louis Lautman and obsidian launch are you interested. Thanks, G Slayton

#111 @Claire – Responding to this question – “Can we please have more info on how to work out what you really want as opposed to what you just ‘think’ you want?”

A friend of mine a few months back told me something that I have totally taken to heart. He said “What you do in one instance, is what you do in every instance.” I mean, really let that soak in… that is powerful, and you can use it to find what you really want.

In other words, look for all the “micro-instances” in your life that where you already get enjoyment. Perhaps you have a favorite TV show, or books you like to read. Or maybe you love some kind of volunteer work. Or maybe it is a hobby. Or maybe something else all together.

Examine all these “micro-instances” and find the common theme of what you love. Then when you discover what you love, what brings you the most happiness, excitement, energy, satisfaction, etc.; start building a business that encapsulates what you love.

Too many people try to find a business and wedge it into their passion. I think we need to do the opposite. Find our passion (using the method I just explained) and then build a new business around it.

- Mike

#62 @Gaylean – Just wanted to respond to your GREAT question “I have been mentor to many and never charged anyone. [It doesn't seem right to charge to be a mentor]]. Is this another case of head junk?”

Yes. That is HEAD JUNK. And this is why… when you buy food from the supermarket you pay for that, right? It is something that you could have made for yourself for free. I mean, you could have grown/raised the food, harvested the food, cleaned it, cooked it, and stored it all by yourself. Obviously you wouldn’t though since it would take all of your waking hours, and you could do nothing else. The supermarket, and all the suppliers are offering you a method of getting something done faster and easier… and ultimately cheaper. Not only is it fair to pay the supermarket, you actually get more (all that time and effort saved) then you spend.

As a mentor the same is true. You offer something that brings instant knowledge and perhaps simplicity to people… saving them time, money, effort, etc. So not only is it fair for people to pay you, they actually get more then they put it.

Now there is ONE BIG CAVEAT… you better not be delivering spoiled milk or tainted food. No one in their right mind would ever pay for that at a super market. Nor should anyone in their right mind ever pay a “guru” or “expert” for services that aren’t of the highest value, and delivers value far in excess of what they pay. In other words, only deliver on stuff that you are an absolute been-there done-that authority on!

- Mike

@Anna – My pleasure. Keep me posted on your progress!

Kevin, that IS such a great question. I do it through false illusions that I’m queen of the world and bull headedly stay inspired. And when I’m not, I eat a lot of ice cream and complain to anyone who will listen, which generally clears the room until it’s just my rabbit molly left. But she has long ears.

In all seriousness, get as much ‘you can do it’ support from your circles and maybe books, research, late night sketching and a ton more believing in yourself than you thought possible. It will come back around…me thinks.

Niya Cristine.

Thanks. Great Video. Very inspiring. I unfortunately suffer from information overload every minute of every day.
I need to get rid of a lot of it and just deal with the essentials.
Keep up the good work.

#135 – @J Nyach – Hi there! From the IP address (the administrator – me – can see it), it looks like you are in Florida. So right there you have something to be fired up about. Nice weather year round.

The 2nd thing you should be fired up is you are SMART. Clearly you are looking around (here, and hopefully other sites) AND participating. That is the only way to get positive momentum… so kudos to you.

In regards to you parents saying the “9-5 is safer,” means you clearly have loving parents (another good sign for you, bucko). My parents said the EXACT same thing when I told them I planned to start a company. Then when I sold my second company to a Fortune 500 (Robert Half International), I had a 4 year employment contract. On that day I made more money than my father had made cumulatively over his lifetime as a 9 to 5er. But my father applauded the fact I had a 4 year contract, and “finally some security.” The point is, all of us (our parents included) feel security in what we know… in what we have done. So if you parents, like my parents, just have done 9 to 5, that is the security they know. And since your parents are clearly awesome and love you… they want you to have that security. So I would respect their opinion and love them back sooo much for their desire for your security… BUT, I would sure as hell go and build your business. It is hands down, from my experience, the safest thing you can do… since you control your destiny.

Alright, J., that’s it from here in NJ for now – I gotta get some sleep. I sure ain’t a college kid anymore (even though I think I am).

And I hope you are a Gator and not a Seminole. I am a Hokie, and our arch-enemy is the Seminoles.

- Mike

I’m not an entrepreneur but I really enjoy your thougts and delivery style. Your tips are applicable in very day life not just as successful business strategies. I am looking forward to your next post.

Thanks Bog roll, great site. I’ve seen a few vids on just how is the best most economical way to wipe the floor in blogging. Again from what I have seen of your video your doing a great job. Yanik said I should say where I hope to go in the future. Well I would like to do a video on how I made a few pounds with Google Adsense. It should be fun, I can honestly say I’ve made over $5 in three years. We learn from other peoples mistakes and achievements right? Hmm secondly I would like to keep up practising outside of blogging good information to refer people to reasonable e-books maybe even earn 75% commision in the process. Then thirdly I would just love to log on computer for less than an hour a day and make some serious dough. If you know of any new ways of using the script Michalowicz, then please keep me up to date. Baby steps, right! Success buddy.

Mike,

More truly insightful stuff. I really appreciate all that you do and am confident that with a little help from my friends I’ll get to where I want to be! (I’m allowed to plagiarise the Beatles, I’m English!)

Thanks and I’ll be keeping in touch.

PS – As well as all the other good stuff, humour is the key to me

There are so many comments, but for one nearer the top re: “being unsure”

I find myself there when I am surrounded by some of the wrong people, some of the right people, having HUGE thoughts, and knowing I am not always right.

The only way I have found through this is to get the hell out of my head and feel which way to go, feel what is right – stop listening to everyone including my head, and sit back and listen carefully to my ideas. Follow that very carefully under the radar of everything until I get a better footing in my idea and direction and can come up with the questions i need to ask – avoiding information overload.

Mike, thank you for saying much more clearly than I am able to.
I am really appreciating your generosity, insight, and cooperative rather than competitive style,

I think you are right, and I think I am right in thinking that.

People look at me like I’m a slacker, because I avoid the news, so it’s great to hear someone say my reasons – it’s just noise I’m trying to filter out. Small thinking is the toughest of your points for me…it’s FEAR based and I continue to struggle with why that fear is so persistent – may go back to point 1. Ok, I’m thinking as I write here, so will go do that somewhere else. Thanks – AGAIN!

Maybe this has been discussed but my issue is I’m pretty good at a lot of the things I’m passionate about…that’s why I’m good because I practice (blah blah blah). However, these things are pretty random, I’ve gotten to a point where I’ve figured out a way to link them all together but now I don’t know where to start!!

I feel kind of foolish doing some of the things first even though they are “easier” and require less of the skills I am trying to perfect…IDK. It’s the typical “It makes sense in my head but I can’t get it on paper” situation…HELP!!!

#150 @Melissa – Well darn it, you need to share more details. But from what I can read into what you are saying… you have found what I call a “super strength” – this is when you combine multiple talents/strengths into a unique package. That combined strength is probably very unique to you and often a business can be built around it.

Share more deets, and I will gladly share more thoughts in response.

- Mike

Well I guess the best way to describe it is by naming companies like LVMH, PPR and Fortune Brand…I want to build on & create luxury brands/services. I’m a marketing major right now but I want to have have everything from a clothing line to concert production firm. I’ve found that I value quality & function, the people around me appreciate that characteristic about me. And like I said, that’s where the problem begins, the way I tie them together is seeing my clothing line fund a media source and that building a service brand. Businesses/brands have branches from where they began…cool…but where should I start? Am I biting off too much? Is biting off too much even possible? (I’m just tired of psyching myself out because I’m intimidated by my vision) : \

Thanks so much for this video.

this video was a wake-up call for me that I let way too many wrong people try to convince my dream business is never going to work. really, really appreciate what you’re doing.

I was an exchange student in California, and when I came back to my country after graduation and started my business, I was shocked how little entrepreneural my people are.

It is so hard to encounter people like you here – so please keep it up…I’ll keep watching!

I really wish fellow entrepreneurs in my country (Japan) could watch these videos.
Japan is not so entrepreneural and rather conservative, and people still think women should get married and be a house wife after 30. so a lot of young people give up way too early because of too much head junk.

(My apologies – my server has been currently down since yesterday. my website can be viewable very soon.)

@Carl – Are you SERIOUS!??!!? They really said that. That is bizarre….

Well congratulations on all that traffic. That is truly amazing! Post the link if you want. I (and other TPEs, I am sure) would want to check it out!

- Mike

Thanks… Site is http://www.connectionsplanet.com .

The small thoughts and naysayers, are everywhere IT’s a pandemic! a month ago I had a combination of both, the thing was that I was the naysayer and I nayed myself with small thought… killer combo huh?
well it’s stopped when I got focused on a goal, starting University and found an opportinity by helping my mother’s buisness (I’m 20 by the way) by renting a part of the whole office to another small buisness, hence I could use the money for University.
But the thing that got me going was that I not only found the person for the renting space, but I made a quick buisness plan of my own for them (thought of it as an excersise) they agreed and… strangely they offered me a partnership instead of a half time employee…
That shocked me and eventually raized my spirit.

Cheers from Mexico.

@Carl – nice work brother. That is AMAZING statistics on traffic! Whatever you do, work on monetizing that fast!

Get out of my way “head junk”!

I’ve set my goal to find and sign up a zip code manager for every zip code (33,507) and to help them to sell all ad spaces on their sites (12 ads/page, 15 pages/site, $25/ad. = $150,781,500 per month.

I will relax when I get there. (since 85 zip codes have a population of three or less, I may have to shoot a little bit lower…. )

I have already designed the office building that I am going to have built when I can pay cash for it.

“If you shoot for the moon and miss, you still end up in the stars”

in my marriage I’m 90% right in financial decisions. I don’t have too many other disagreements where I 50% right, but finances ruined us, because I gave in.
Now she is my doom nay sayer and because of kids, I’m stack.
I’m working on solutions and I hope for the brake in my actions soon, next year.

Not sure how old (or new) is this discussion…but here goes. With all the ‘head junk’ & the ‘ney-sayers’ how do you go about taking the first step to actually acting on the positive ‘self-talk’ that’s in your head? Like what if you have several ideas…where do you start?