Running a business is an exercise in making the most of the resources you have. Often, we complain about not having enough time, not having enough money, or not having enough help. But in reality, the most precious resource you have, and the one that will make the biggest difference in your success is Peace of Mind.
How long does it take to come up with a great, game-changing idea? If you’re on vacation, reading a book, or daydreaming, it can take a split second. But if you’re constantly bombarded with phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, and meetings; when you’re continuously faced with problems, confrontations and following up behind people to make sure they do what they’re supposed to do…the answer can be hours, days, months…
Even when you have time, money and manpower, you can make bad decisions (or no decision) when your mind isn’t free to listen, observe, explore, and weigh options. You feel bullied by the world, and you will do anything to make the bullying stop, including:
- withdrawing from friends, business or social activities
- alienating those who try to help
- ceasing all advertising (why would you want more pesky customers?)
Engaging in avoidance and counterproductive behavior will only make the problem worse. The world doesn’t want to harass you…they just crave your expertise and assistance, and giving it to them benefits everyone!
Here are some way to get the Peace of Mind you need…
Exercise – walk, run, swim, kickbox, whatever gets you moving and takes you to a different place;
Simplify – de-clutter your home and work space, turn off your devices and just deal with one thing at a time
Be Outside – experience your surroundings and be distracted.
Have Fun without Guilt – whether you’re by yourself or surrounded with positive people, do things you enjoy and try not to think about all the other things that aren’t getting done (it will be hard at first, but practice makes perfect!)
Be Honest with Yourself about What You Can (and Want To) Do – we cram our schedule with tasks that can be delegated or rescheduled. Keep the highest priorities and the things you have the aptitude for, and parcel out the rest over time.
Remember, you’re important, too…you deserve Peace of Mind, no matter what else is going on in your life! Build time for it into your schedule, even if you have to tell people you’re in a “meeting.” You’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes!
If you’re like me, you have a love/hate relationship with exercise. I love the way I feel when it’s over. And when I work out consistently (along with proper nutrition, sleep and water) I love the results I achieve!
But AS SOON AS life interferes….or I feel like I’ve made “enough” progress…I slack off!
I think of myself as a pretty organized, disciplined person. But if I’m honest with myself, I have to admit that without a coach or accountability partner, I will fall right back into my old habits. When I work out on my own, I will quit when I get tired instead of pushing myself. If there’s a work deadline looming, I will skip it entirely. When I’m stressed, I will stuff my face with all kinds of (tasty, yet) fattening foods!
You’re probably the same way when it comes to promoting your business.
When you implement a good marketing campaign, it results in increased work and revenue….and you celebrate by coasting for a month or two. Then the work slows down. By the time you realize you have to kickstart the marketing again, business has slowed to a trickle. That isn’t a coincidence.
The only way to break the vicious cycle is to stay on the marketing wagon in the first place!
That’s where we come in.
Think of us as your personal trainer for business development – we can’t do all the work FOR you, but we will work WITH you to create the plan and tools you need, and be your accountability partner for performing the “exercises” required to reach your goals.
All you have to do is commit to being a full and active participant…but that’s the real trick, isn’t it?
We all have to start someplace – why not start right here?
As entrepreneurs, we like to believe in the “Myth of Singular Achievement” – that we can create our business from nothing, and build a thriving venture with only the strength of our ideas and the grit of determination to carry us through. I’ve tried this approach, and I’ve seen others try it, and it doesn’t work. After years of helping other entrepreneurs achieve success, there are 2 facts that I can attest to…
1. Good Ideas are a dime a dozen.
2. Nobody succeeds alone.
The best idea (and the best intentions) will not make an organization successful. Don’t get me wrong – it’s important, it’s the beginning of something, but it does not pay any bills. Your vision can inspire others to action, but your ability to follow through on that vision will be hobbled if you don’t have the resources to carry it through, or you are expecting it to pay for itself on your schedule. That’s a good way to create a vicious cycle of debt and desperation.
While the “lone wolf” narrative sounds good for press releases, the most successful individuals come to the table with resources to back them up. Not just financial resources, but qualified people who bring truth and value to the relationship – trusted advisors; a viable client list; a supportive spouse or parent. And even then, they make mistakes – they just have the wiggle room to recover from them. When you don’t, you just dig the hole deeper.
So what do you do if you’re already stuck?
1. Realize that doing more of what you’ve been doing is not the answer. The hamster wheel only stops when you get off of it!
2. Stop doing the things that don’t work. Whether it’s out of obligation or habit, remove yourself from bad situations and environments. Keep doing the things that do work.
3. Ask for help. For many of us, this is the most difficult step, but nothing changes until you take it.
We have a variety of resources to assist entrepreneurs in coping with challenges and elevating their businesses to a new level.
Now that I have your attention…
I love what I do, and believe that it has value. Because of this, I can go on and on about all the benefits of good design, marketing and process.
Unfortunately, the whole time I’m giving my spectacular presentation, the voice in the impatient, struggling entrepreneur’s head is asking two really loud questions:
- How Much Do You Cost?
- How Long Will It Take?
So rather than keep you in suspense, I figured I’d just answer those questions up front…
Cost & Schedule
Our fee = the hourly rate x the projected number of hours the project will take.
Our hourly rate is between $65 – $125 an hour, depending on the complexity of the project. Complexity is determined by the range of services we are expected to provide, the speed of turnaround and the size of your organization.
Generally, turnaround times range from 4-6 weeks for smaller projects and 10-12 weeks for more complex projects. The projected number of person-hours is based on our experience dealing with projects of similar scope. Because we do this a lot, we’ve gotten pretty good at predicting how much work a project will take. We don’t pad our numbers – the projected level of effort is what our actual expectation is.
There’s Always A Price
It can be tempting, but experience will tell you that shortcutting the process to save money seldom ends well.
- Doing it yourself;
- hiring a less experienced company;
- asking a freelancer for the “hookup;”
- or taking no action at all…
…all come with a cost, in money, time and aggravation. They burn bridges and leave everyone unsatisfied.
Let’s Talk About Value
Isn’t it better to build a relationship with someone you trust, who provides the services you need at a fair price?
Imagine a world where you can serve happy, loyal customers who stay with you for a lifetime – where you can have a joyful workplace and still achieve work/life balance with an abundance of time and resources.
Is such a world possible? Yes it is – with vision, patience and authentic collaboration.
Masai Interactive is dedicated to helping your business or organization create such an environment for you, your team members and the people you serve. We are more than just a graphic or web design firm – we help you to achieve tangible, measurable results using innovative and creative thought, processes and communication to create fulfilling outcomes for everyone! How’s that for a return on your investment?
Remember the Story of the Ugly Duckling?
He was awkward, oversized, and oddly colored compared to the other baby ducks. Because of this, the duckling was ridiculed, bullied and, ultimately, ran away.
The thing was, the “Ugly Duckling” was neither ugly, nor a duckling…he was a swan in the wrong environment! He was being judged – and judging himself – by a standard that simply didn’t apply. When he was discovered by a community of other swans, he was recognized for who he truly was, and treated with kindness, respect and admiration!
In business terms, there are a few lessons here:
- Be Authentic About Who You Are – do you have hidden strengths, or weaknesses you’re trying to suppress? Judging yourself too harshly, or glossing over areas that need to be addressed? Having a trusted advisor to help make you aware of your blind spots is key to the transformation that can lead to a better future.
- Context Is Everything – how you position yourself, and how you’re perceived, depends greatly upon the environment in which you’re operating. Do you know who your audience really is? Are you sending the right message to the right people, at the right time?
- There’s a Place for You – if your current circumstances aren’t working for you, there’s always an alternative. Every solution doesn’t involve moving on from your present environment, but some do. Don’t be afraid to take your talents, products or services to more welcoming (and profitable) markets.
Do you have a “ugly duckling/ displaced swan” business story of your own to tell? Looking for guidance to discover your target community and propel you to new heights? At Masai Interactive, we help leaders in businesses and organizations to communicate their unique offering with the audiences most likely to buy, join or donate.
Here are some ways we can start helping you find your ideal customers right now:
- Tell us about your specific need or challenge, and let’s schedule a free consultation.
- Follow us on social media. (
) We regularly post links and resources related to business leadership and marketing.
- Do you have a friend, colleague or loved one who could benefit from our services? Share this story with them.
How many times have you said this, or something like it?
The question is…what are you busy doing? Are those activities moving you forward productively, or are you in a cycle of perpetual damage control? Too often, “I’m too busy” really means “leave me alone.” It’s an attempt to get the one commodity that is in rare supply when you’re feeling overwhelmed: PEACE.
Whether it’s an impending deadline, a difficult client or financial stress, there are concerns that occupy your thoughts that will keep you feeling stuck. We often avoid the very actions that will relieve those internal and external pressures.
What if I told you, that by addressing things now, you could have lasting peace?
In his book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey classifies tasks into 4 categories. The optimal category is called “Important But Not Urgent.” They are the things you can do that will have the greatest impact, but aren’t due immediately. When we’re in crisis mode, we’re usually dealing with “Important and Urgent.” When there are too many Important/Urgent things accumulate in that category, we can disempowered.
So if you find yourself saying “I’m Too Busy,” that’s the time to stop (at a reasonable stopping point), take a step back and assess what’s going on. Someone (like us) may be trying to offer you some help!
Here are some things you CAN get busy doing…
- Tell us about your specific need or challenge, and let’s schedule a free consultation.
- Follow us on social media. ( ) We regularly post links and resources related to business leadership and marketing.
Don’t stay trapped in “Groundhog Day” scenario…step boldly out of your routine into something greater!
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