“Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.” -Unknown Have you ever given your all to something, experienced some delays, encountered disappointments, and then given up? What about when it comes to marketing your business? Do you sometimes get frustrated because the results you want aren’t coming to you as quickly as you’d like, despite the fact that you bust your butt to see results? Do you then start to doubt yourself, your skills and talent, your ability to succeed? You’re not the only one. I know I’ve been there more than once since being self-employed. I have been tempted to quit on projects or promotions that weren’t going strong on more than one occasion. And I’ve even contemplated giving up on self-employment when the chips were down and times were tough. I remember being in my own practice less than a few years, and for a few weeks, things got really tough financially. It seemed like no one was signing up for my program all of a sudden, two (non-ideal) clients had decided to back out and money got really tight. Was it a funk or was it a sign that I shouldn’t be self-employed? I couldn’t tell. I went into fear mode, wondering if I would have to go back to working in the corporate world, something I just couldn’t bear to think about, but I just didn’t see the alternative. I was THIS close to giving up and shutting down my business. And then something happened. I was walking across Union Square in New York City, headphones on, listening to the radio and a song by Aaliyah came on the radio. The lyrics really spoke to me: And if at first you don’t succeed Then dust yourself off and try again You can dust it off and try again (Try again) ‘Cause if at first you don’t succeed You can dust it off and try again Dust yourself off and try again (Try again) It was a good song and came at a good time. When the song was over, I flipped to another channel on my Walkman. The SAME song came on. I listened to it and got chills up my spine. I thought, “OK, perhaps I shouldn’t give up so easily. Maybe there is a way.” Not sure if you’ll believe this, because I didn’t at first. But I flipped to yet another channel. And yes, there it was. The song was playing again. The SAME song about not giving up, about dusting myself off and trying again. I got more than chills. My eyes welled up in tears and I stopped in my tracks. I stood there silently and made a commitment to myself: I was never going to give up. I was going to do what it took to succeed at this thing. And the rest is history… Your Client Attraction Assignment:
- Don’t give up. If the going gets though, if marketing becomes a challenge or you’re not seeing results, keep persisting. Try a different approach. Look at what successful people are doing and do something similar (don’t copy-just get inspired). Finish what you’ve been procrastinating, just don’t give up. Success is right around the corner and most people give up JUST before they reach the top.
- Look for support, a mentor, or a marketing coach. Learn only from people who are already successful or have achieved what you want to achieve. Mentor with people who live the life you want to live. Join programs or mastermind groups with others going through their own processes, so you know you’re not alone (Try my Inner Circle: www.ClientAttractionInnerCircle.com.)
- Print up the following quotes on persistence and stick them on the wall next to your computer, tape them on your bathroom mirror and your refrigerator, whatever it takes to read them over and over again, to give you the strength to keep going. I’m rooting for you and I know you can do it. :)
Fabienne Fredrickson, The Client Attraction Mentor, is founder of the Client Attraction System?, the proven step-by-step program that shows you exactly how to attract more clients, in record time…guaranteed. To get your F.R.E.E. Audio CD by mail and receive her weekly marketing & success mindset articles on attracting more high-paying clients and dramatically increasing your income, visit www.ClientAttraction.com.
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Comments 0
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story. It has encouraged me to forge ahead with my plans.
How encouraging, especially for new coaches. Often times we sabotage our success by not finishing what we start or breaking big goals down into small specific strategies. I love your stuff because it is bite size and doable. Thanks!
Great post! Thanks for keeping me focused.
Thank you for the encouragement. I needed it.
The only thing tougher than overcoming “the dip” that happens in all of our businesses occasionally is facing the prospect of going back to the corporate job! Thanks for sharing – you are another fabulous role model for “corporate fugitives”.
Thank you Fabienne, that’s just what I needed right now!
I’m so glad you found it at just the right time. Sending you big hugs!