Making Big Leaps in Your Life and Your Home Business

40 Comments

Not sure how to even improve just on this one statement!

I have never had periods of intense growth (or even steady growth) in my life, my fitness or my business without some scary first steps. Have you?

  • Get tired of being comfortable!
  • Get tired of status quo!
  • Get tired of fitting in!
  • Get tired of everyone else’s normal!

When my life REALLY changed was when I decided that I was more afraid NOT to try than I was to try and mess up.

THAT is what I want for you!

Personally…I am taking LOTS of leaps as we speak! They won’t always be visible to you, but you have to know that I’m in a state of DIScomfort and yet ENTHUSIASM every day lately!!

What ‘leap’ are you nervous about taking? How can I encourage you? Tell me below! I’m on YOUR side!

 

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  • JillF

    What if all my hard work goes un-rewarded or even worse, un-compensated? I can not / will not let my family or myself down again.

  • Tom Larsen

    I am not afraid, as I started my own business 9 years ago (insurance agency). I just don’t know where to begin for an online business! Something I’ve wanted to do for 2 years now, just don’t know where to start!

  • Carrie Wilkerson

    That is the point of a home business Jill – you set up the compensation plan and structure. So, if you are worried about non-compensation, charge in advance (I do.)

    Sometimes there are periods of planting and then waiting to reap – so make sure you aren’t giving up too soon…but in a home business, when you choose the right model and market for yourself…your efforts will NOT go unrewarded or compensated if you hang in there.

    I recommend my book (if you haven’t read it) to help you solidify which business model and market is best for you!

    Don’t let the past determine your future…I believe you can make a business work if you choose to!

  • Carrie Wilkerson

    does your online business need to be totally separate? or could you implement some online strategies to grow your offline business so you can LEARN while you EARN?

    This is what I did — I learned most of my online strategy, technology, etc while I was using it to grow my existing service-based offline business.
    THEN when you are at max profitability…venture into a new online market or niche with greater confidence!

  • http://twitter.com/readyokgotv Rochelle

    I am finally ‘just doing it’ I get paralyzed when I think of everything that I need to do. I have to remind myself that you can eat an elephant if you do it one bite at a time.

  • KT

    The phone! Im not afraid of no or even calling I’m afraid of what to say. How do I get that sale/party without being pushy. I don’t want to be the sales lady you ignore I want to be their friend they buy product from. How do I make connections with them from a simple piece of paper they dropped in a box. “Hi this is ____ and I want to be friends.” lol

  • Bobbie

    Eleven years ago I took a HUGE leap from “seeming” security (but incredible boredom and dead-ended-ness) of a corporate job into the unknown waters of owning my own small business. At the same time, I also moved from the East Coast to the West … a dream long in the making. Heck, as long as you’re making one change, why not add another?!

    Since then it’s been a road of many unknowns, a lot of “flying by the seat of my pants,” and even a brief relapse into another j.o.b. Six years ago I started another business (the first one, a mobile doggie daycare, died a slow death from the economic fallout from 9/11) and haven’t looked back since!

    But then one day, I realized, I again was ‘playing it safe’ and again I was bored. Yes, I’m a great Virtual Assistant, but it’s not challenging me or my self-growth. You see, I’m a creative … one of those people who are always looking to say something better and more creatively.

    So I made a commitment to myself that I would return to something I loved so long ago, before “responsibility” became my mantra and before living up to everyone else’s expectations of what being an “adult” entailed.

    Yes, my name is Bobbie and I am becoming a writer. It’s another unknown avenue, possibly with more unexpected twists and turns along the way, but I’m prepared to hang on and enjoy the ride!

    Any suggestions, feedback or comments (positive only please) are welcome!!

  • Bobbie

    Jill, you owe it to yourself (and your family) to follow your heart and your dreams. You and your family deserve the ‘best’ of you … and you can only realize the ‘best’ when you’re doing what you want to do. The rest will follow!
    What is your business?

  • Carrie Wilkerson

    one step at a time Rochelle! Think of a baby learning to walk…they don’t focus on hurdles, races or mountain climbing…they start with a series of small steps!

  • mwebb

    What if my business idea is only good in my head and no one else really wants what I would have to offer? Not sure how I would even find that out before giving my biz a try. I guess that’s what holds me back….

  • Bobbie

    KT, here’s something I read once and it’s helped me market my services: YOU have something THEY need! You’re doing them a DISservice not telling them how you can help them. Thinking in that kind of mindset will help!

  • Carrie Wilkerson

    Most of the time, we consider someone being pushy if they are trying to convince us to do something we don’t WANT to do.

    So, the key is – to make sure that you are working with folks that love your product/service and want to do business with you.

    Then make it EASY and OBVIOUS for them to do so.

    Here is a popular article about that http://carriewilkerson.com/1255/why-they-arent-buying-from-you/

  • Carrie Wilkerson

    Congrats Bobbie! And it’s ok to stay a VA while you’re paying the bills to transition to writer…nothing wrong with that!

    I recommend Jeff Goin’s book ‘You’re a Writer, Now Act Like One’ – excellent!

  • JillF

    Thank you, Carrie. I do have a copy of your book – it is wonderful and I learn something with turn of the page!

  • Bobbie

    You GO Rochelle! Remember, ‘Rome was not built in a day.’ Like Carrie says, one step at a time…in 6 months you’ll be shocked at how far you’ve come! Each day is going to pass if we do something or not, so why not do something?! Keep moving forward and congratulations on having the courage to do this … SO many people will never even try.

  • Carrie Wilkerson

    that’s why it is good to go through some interactive exercises on your model and your market, like I mention in my book.

    And SOMETIMES, the only way to know is to test the market!!

    Is it something you see in the market now?
    Have you heard people say ‘I need _____’
    Is this something you have needed at some point?
    Is this a market with discretionary income?
    Is this a market you can easily reach with events, mail, phone, advertising or online strategy?

  • Lady Bree

    I’m afaraid of failure. I’ve been building my busines for 14 years and I’m still not where I want to be; so is it me and the negative talk in my own head or what? I know I need to get out of my owe way but how do I do that?

  • Lady Bree

    If I could spell it would probably help. LOL

  • Bobbie

    Great suggestion Carrie, thank you!

  • http://digitalmediamarketer.com Ryan K

    Many times, especially when you have been out of the game for some time or not seen any successes or ahieved any great feats in some time, it is very difficult to get back in…
    Even though you rode a bike when you were young and you know that you can ride a small bit of doubt can still arise that might tell you otherwise.
    I noticed this rescently in relationships. After years being with the same person and several being alone I contemplated how weird and unusual it even seemed to meet somebody new and go out on a date. Would I even know how to act, kiss, etc…?
    Something that you might even be very good at can still be intimidating!
    But once back in the saddle, it seems easy!
    Good Things!
    Ryan K

  • Bobbie

    Just bought two of Jeff Goin’s books … thank you, thank you!!

  • Bobbie

    Lady Bree, I’d like to suggest a FANASTIC-al book … it’s helped ME realize what holds me back from being as big as my dreams. The book is called, “The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, (Why Capable People Suffer from the Imposter Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It)” by Valerie Young.

    What is your business?

  • http://www.wmarkthompson.com W. Mark Thompson

    Tried out for the praise band as a male vocalist (because I sing… and
    I’m a guy) on Sunday. Almost backed out because of nerves. I have this
    recurring nightmare about talking to a group of professionals in a room
    about my childhood experiences… and it really just BOMBS. Not sure
    where THAT’S coming from! :)

    Anyway, didn’t feel real prepared for the audition either. Got pretty
    nervous right before singing. Yeah. That jacks up your voice. Ha! They
    said they’d be in touch with those who tried out. Still haven’t heard
    anything. Pretty happy that I actually went through with it –
    considering all my nightmares.

  • Kellie

    Bobby your writing is beautiful and your piece is enjoyable to read and from what I’ve read so far you’re on the write….ooops I mean right track.

  • JillF

    Bobbie, I am a wine consultant that has in-home tastings. Let me know if you’re into wine!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1220285730 Tim Davis

    As always you are right on point. Lot’s of leaps on this end and like the cat with 9 lives I shall land on my feet.

  • Renee Ouellette-Annis

    We (my hubby and I) are in the midst of starting a web business and are about to take the leap into being full-time info-marketers.

    I always knew I’d go into business for myself, but guess I just kept thinking the success fairy would just magically show up one day…and now I’m tired of waiting.

    For everyone of the reasons you listed in your blog is why we must do this. I had a baby 6 weeks ago and am on maternity leave until May (we’re pretty lucky in Canada :-) ), so I feel I’ve been handed a big-time opportunity and it’s now or never!

    Renee

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Allison-Velez/1169809556 Allison Velez

    Jill, as a wine consultant, you are going to enjoy your job anyway! Hard work nevers goes un-rewarded because you’re always learning! Good luck!

  • analsu

    I know what I want to achieve in my party plan business. (Be at the top of the ladder with a team of business builders) Having recently separated from my Husband it is even more important for me to do it now, this will be my only source of income! There are so many exciting goals and incentives being offered and I should be burning with passion & excitement but I can’t seem to find it! I procrastinate and am a master of time wasting. I read lots of books, watch heaps of webinars, read all the daily inspirations, write in my gratitude journal. What the hell is wrong with me???

  • http://twitter.com/RyanLegalEagles Sarah Ryan

    I am about to take the leap and start my own home business so that I can be around more for my 6 month old son. I gave my notice in at work this week. It was scary but exciting. I know in my heart it is the right thing to do. This is all because you inspired me. Thank you so much!

  • Bobbie

    Absolutely nothing! Stay focused on want you want to achieve in your business and take just one significant step, suggestion or action item each day from what you’re reading, watching and learning. Stay focused on your passion and how it makes you tingle right down to your toes and makes your heart beat a little faster with happiness and pride. Even just one significant step a day will add up faster than you think and most importantly, you’ve started the momentum. I’m cheering you on!

  • Bobbie

    LOL, thanks Kellie! Moving from the ‘right’ track to the ‘write’ track that’s still ‘right’ (are you still with me here?!) is going to be challenging but fulfilling. Thank you so much for your kind compliment, you’ve inspired me to hit the keyboard again!!

  • Bobbie

    YUM!! I’ve never ‘met’ a wine consultant before! I love wine! Where are you located?

  • Bobbie

    ….and in Jill’s case, she’ll be learning and sipping!! Now THERE’S a perfect match!

  • Bobbie

    Sarah, congratulations on taking this huge step for you and your family!! I love seeing women step out and be the best they can be on their terms! Your heart will never steer you wrong. What’s your new business?

  • http://www.facebook.com/jennifer.f.fitzgerald Jennifer Franklin Fitzgerald

    Love your stuff…I just started a new product in my business and taking that LEAP to see how it does and hoping to take many more leaps between now and the end of the year!! Can’t wait for that transformation that only LEAPS get you!!!

    Jen Fitzgerald

  • http://www.FullWattage.com/ Liz Fletcher Brown

    I am on the verge of publishing my first mainstream book, Full Wattage! A Practical Guide to an Engaging Life Worth Celebrating, and it is definitely requiring me to step outside of my comfort zone. But part of me really gets enthusiastic about that. You know…. that little voice that shouts, “YOU GO GIRL!”. That’s the voice I try to listen to when the other voice tries to put on the brakes.

  • Melonie

    I just came across this post as I was on Carrie’s website to get some inspiration and encouragement. It’s Dec 27th and I’m taking the leap to expand my services by doing computer training for seniors. I’ve bought computers, prepared brochures, contacted people, lined up venues and now I’m waiting for the clients to fill my first classes that start in January – and that’s the nerve wracking part!

    The “what ifs” are stalking me! It’s a risk when you put yourself out there, doing something new that you believe in (I am currently a VA of sorts but my passion is for this new venture). I’m grateful Carrie for writing the Barefoot Executive book which has inspired and encouraged me.

    I wish all of you starting out your new ventures or persevering with the one you are in, the best success for 2013!

  • Ampi Castano

    Hi Bobbie,

    I, too, am a VA and want to start writing, so I can relate to the challenges. Congratulations on pinpointing what you want to do–I think that’s half the battle. Good luck!

  • Bonnie Gean

    Thanks Bobbie, I just ordered this book through Amazon!