Living and Learning by Doing

Sometimes we forget that growth in business, as in life, is a process.  Growth is a series of experiences, some that are great, some that are strange, and others that just burst our bubbles.

I read somewhere that wisdom becomes knowledge when it is personal experience.  I think it is also correct to rephrase that as knowledge becomes wisdom when grows from personal experience.  The point is experience is vital to wisdom and growth.

Viewed in that way, it is easy to see that we are on the quest for wisdom as we go through the ordinary things of every day.  The question is how aware of the learning process are we?

Over the years, I’ve learned that keeping a journal is a good way to heighten my awareness, to live consciously.  I often look back at my notes, and relive the thoughts and moments they captured.  I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ve reflected on lately. 

Read mine, and please share yours. 

1. Become a better listener.  Selectively gather information.  It’s a great way to feed your own intuition.
2. Have a plan and stay with it.  It doesn’t have to be a grand plan; just a clear path to follow.  It’ll help build character.
3. Find inspiration – it’s EVERYWHERE!!  Be open to it.
4. Get an attitude, more precisely, get a can-do attitude.  Learn how to stay away from naysayers – they bring nothing of value to the table.
5. Pace yourself.  It is true what they say that running a business is not a sprint; it is more like a marathon.  It is important to manage your energies well.
6. Celebrate every victory, great or small.  You’d be amazed at the boost you’d get.  Victories consolidate your foundation and confidence.
7. Be generous with others.  Don’t do battle with your competitors.  Instead, build bridges that benefit all.  Anyone can destroy, only the great build.  On a personal level, the harmony you create is a wonderful stress-buster.
8. When in doubt, PAUSE.  Trust your brain.  Let it recharge before you proceed.  You’d think more clearly and articulate your case more effectively.
9. Make room for playtime.  Take up a hobby:  learn to dance, to draw, or anything unrelated to work.  The only criterion is that whatever you choose should be FUN.
10. Stay true to yourself because you are really all you have.  Elevate yourself.  Act in ways that show that you are not for sale.

 Go out there and realize your aspirations every day.  Listen to the wisdom of heart.  And trust your intuition – step-by-step.

© Copyright Rachel Agheyisi and Report Content Writer’s Blog, 2009-2010.

Join Bob Bly & Michael Stelzner at Free White Paper Marketing Webinar

Is the need for better leads forcing you to rethink your marketing plans for 2010?

Are you contemplating using white papers to grow your business?

Do you know the common mistakes that make white papers useless?

If you’re pondering these questions, I strongly recommend an upcoming webinar (it’s free) called 5 Ways to Grow Your Business With White Papers and the 3 Mistakes You Must Avoid coming on Wednesday, January 20, 2010.

I know the presenters and they’re great guys.

The world’s leading white paper marketing experts:  Bob Bly (author, White Paper Marketing Handbook) and Michael Stelzner (author, Writing White Papers)—are coming together for the first time.

By attending this free online event you’ll discover how to attract quality leads and grow your business with the world’s number-one marketing tool—the white paper.

The free seats are limited.  Go here and secure yours now before they’re gone.

Hope to see you there!

P.S. Remember, this online event happens on January 20, 2010 (and will be recorded)—but you must register in advance. CLICK HERE.

A Friendly Reminder – January 7 Is The Last Day To Save Big on White Paper Success Summit 2010

I wanted to remind you that Thursday, January 7 is the last day to secure your seat at White Paper Success Summit 2010—at the special half-off rate (a $300 savings off the regular price!).

This is the premier online event for businesses (big and small) that want to grow using white papers.  If you want to attract quality leads and grow your business with educational white papers, you’ll want check this out.

Presenters include bestselling authors and marketing experts such as

 Michael Stelzner (author, Writing White Papers),
Bob Bly (author, White Paper Marketing Handbook),
John Jantsch (author, Duct Tape Marketing),
Brian J. Carroll (author, Lead Generation for the Complex Sale),
Jill Konrath (author, Selling to Big Companies),
Roger C. Parker (author, White Paper Design that Sells),
Ardath Albee (author, eMarketing Strategies for the Complex Sale),
Joe Pulizzi (author, Get Content Get Customers),
Jonathan Kantor (author, Crafting White Paper 2.0) and many others!

CLICK HERE to check the bios on these folks.

 Remember—

•  This event does not require any travel (no hotel, rental car or wasted time).  You simply attend sessions, meet the experts and network with peers from the comfort of your home or office (Nice, right?).  To see how this works, go here: http://tinyurl.com/yb7ffwy .

 

• As a way of saying “thanks” for checking out the summit, there’s a gift just for marketers (valued at $42) waiting for you here (see upper right) called “The Alluring White Paper Opening: Why Everything Hinges on the First Words.”  Go here to get it  http://tinyurl.com/yb7ffwy. 

 

• Remember, the half-off discount expires THURSDAY, January 7

Don’t miss this special offer. Act TODAY. CLICK HERE.

Tis The Season For Blessings

It is the season for endless errands, hustle and bustle, giving and receiving.  I hope you find some time for quiet reflection and renewal. 

I thought I’d take this time to share the following timely reminders with you.

 

BELIEVE that miracles happen and that they can change your life.  Believe that you have an angel by your side to help you through, and believe that anything is possible at Christmas.

-     Jennifer Lewis-Hall

 

Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

-     Helen Keller

 

Faith is the way believers jump on board with God and participate in countless wonderful things he has a mind to do.

-     Beth Moore

  

 I hope it is a season of blessings for you and yours. 

H  A P P Y    H O L I D A Y S! ! !

White Paper Success Summit 2010

I know it’s hard to believe 2010 is just a round the corner. Like me, you’re likely putting plans in place for next year. Better customers, more of them and so on.

I wanted to share something with you. There are some amazing marketing superstars I know putting on this really great event that will help you grow your business.

READ ON —-

It’s a live online event that will empower you to attract quality leads and grow your business during this economic slump—all with educational white papers.

Not only can you gain amazing leads for your business with white papers, you’ll also grow your lists and establish your business as a leader.

The world’s leading white paper experts will show you how.

Here’s a sample of the presenters:

Michael Stelzner (author, Writing White Papers),
Bob Bly (author, White Paper Marketing Handbook),
John Jantsch (author, Duct Tape Marketing),
Brian J. Carroll (author, Lead Generation for the Complex Sale),
Roger C. Parker (author, White Paper Design that Sells),
Joe Pulizzi (author, Get Content Get Customers),
Jonathan Kantor (author, Crafting White Paper 2.0)
Jill Konrath (author, Selling to Big Companies), and
Ardath Albee (author, eMarketing Strategies for the Complex Sale)

Together this team of “who’s who” in white paper marketing will help you succeed using practical tactics.

This is the world’s only event designed to empower marketers and small business owners to master the art of white paper marketing. And the great news is it’s a live online summit you can attend from your home or office.

CHECK IT OUT HERE.

What’s in it for you?

First, you don’t need to be a techno-geek to create good white papers. White papers are really articles on steroids with a slant. The right person with the right direction can create a white paper that goes viral (yes, that could be you!).

Second, it’s not just technology companies that use white papers. Any business (big or small) that sells to other businesses should use white papers. For example, FedEx, Dow Jones, Monster.com, LinkedIn and thousands of smaller businesses all use white papers as marketing material. Even if you sell to consumers, white papers can be very effective.

White Paper Success Summit 2010 will help you discover the best ways to market your business with white papers. You’ll also learn how major white paper campaigns were executed and how you can achieve similar results (play-by-play steps provided).

It’s fully dedicated to empowering you. You’ll discover how to grow your business without the uncertainty of trial and error.

Yes, attending this online event (and applying the techniques) will grow your business. But there’s much more. You’ll also join a community of like-minded peers who’ll share their experiences and wisdom.

Go here now to learn more.

P.S. You can get 50% off if you act now. There are 12+ original sessions on using white papers to market your business. Be sure to check them out. I know that each of the presenters has created NEW content for this event.

CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW THIS WORKS.

P.P.S. As a way of saying “thanks” for checking out the summit, ther e’s a gift just for marketers (valued at $42) waiting for you here. Go here get it.

What Is Crowding Out Your Dreams?

A few years ago, I took up cross-stitching as a way to de-stress during a particularly hectic period in my professional life.  The goal was not to design impeccable artwork.  It was simply to create something unrelated to my professional work.  My skill gradually improved, and before long, I was comfortable enough to frame some pieces to display on my walls, and even give away to friends and family.  I was encouraged by the praise I received for my effort.  Above all, though, I increasingly used my cross-stitching time for meditation and tap into the rejuvenation it brought.

This brings me to the purpose of this article.

I recently returned to my earlier designs, and came across one on this caption:

DON’T LET WEEDS GROW AROUND YOUR DREAMS

Weeds are tenacious, unwanted plants.  I think “weed” is a good euphemism for anything that detracts.

I recall why that caption appealed to me as the basis of a cross-stitching project.  At the time, there were so many things trying to derail my personal and professional dreams.  I needed a reminder, something to keep me on track.  The caption was just the thing!

Weeds come in various forms; some we knowingly invite into our lives, other weeds are thrust on us.  I’m sure you know them.  Here a few that I’m personally familiar with:

• Inertia, a.k.a. rut, a situation when we begin to equate/accept what’s familiar as the limit of our capabilities.  We conveniently explain our position as our comfort zone.  However, settling into inertia deprives us of growth that new learning creates.
• Naysayers, a.k.a. people who say they mean well.  These days, if you’re starting a new venture or expanding an existing one, you probably notice that there’s an abundance of advice from “experts” and acquaintances.  Sometimes, there can be too much of a good thing and sorting through all that counsel is time-consuming.  Regardless of how you process advice, it is important to stay clear of naysayers.  They may mean well, but on balance, they dampen enthusiasm by excessive focus on the negative.  Keep those people at a comfortable distance.
• Experimentation is a type of weed, which we sometimes justify as “testing the waters”.  In reality, experimentation may mean the lack of a clear focus, undefined objectives, and fuzzy expectations.  This results in a lot of activity, but little measurable outcome.  The lack of progress translates into weeds – devalued dreams.  Better to commit to one well-laid plan than pursue several trails that lead nowhere.
• Planning for perfection is a type of weed, which we sometimes explain as “paying attention to detail”.  There’s nothing wrong with being careful, but setting perfection as a standard is generally unrealistic.  The fact is, for most purposes, perfection is either overrated or unattainable.  Perfectionism may fuel the kind of self-doubt and second-guessing that prevents us from taking initiatives.  Planning for perfection may stop us from starting a new adventure or learning from experience — the death of dreams.
• Failure to adapt, which we sometimes justify as “being true to our convictions”.  Don’t get me wrong.  There’s strength in convictions.  However, in today’s business and social environments, adaptability is strength.  New technologies and social networking media compel us to interact in ways that were unheard of even a few years ago.  Today, we must selectively adapt if we’re to realize the full potential of our dreams.  Failure to adapt will result in weeds –- isolation that chokes out creative energy.

Weeds are inevitable.  Above are just a few of the things that can potentially derail our plans and devalue our dreams.  However, we do have the ability to disallow their intrusion.  Regardless of how they get to us, we don’t have to embrace them.

We can take control of what or who influences our dreams.  Inertia, negative inputs, lack of focus, perfectionism, and failure to adapt constitute the kinds of weeds that crush dreams.  We owe it to ourselves to prevent them from depriving us of our aspirations.

© Copyright Rachel Agheyisi and Report Content Writer’s Blog, 2009.

How to Measure the Return on Investment of Social Networking for You and Your Clients

Sidebar:  I just read the following article by Kathleen Cleary, copywriter and contributing AWAI author.  She provides some pragmatic suggestions to help everyone (pros and newbies) participate in social networking strategically.  I hope Kathleen’s insights provide you the rationale you need for how to use this evolving media for the benefit of your business. 

Congratulations!  You’ve jumped on the Social Media bandwagon and set up your Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts.  Perhaps you’ve even created a Facebook fan page and scouted out some niche-oriented sites to post comments to, answer questions, and start discussions on. 

But wait … do you find yourself wondering if your Social Media efforts and time are really paying off? How do you measure the Return on Investment of relationship building and engagement?  How can you be sure you’re not sucking the time out of your most productive hours each day with little return? 

If you are participating in Social Networks in a willy-nilly fashion — a tweet here, a blog post there — without much thought to what your true purpose is, you are just a ship without a rudder in the vast sea of Social Media.  And, you won’t be gaining the kind of attention which will drive business to you, or to a client you may be advising on how to effectively use Social Networks. 

Establish Your Clear Defining Purpose So You Can Unmistakably Measure the Return on Your Social Media Time 

To see results from your Social Media activities, it’s vital that you have a “clear defining purpose” for being there in the first place.  Let’s take a look at some of the common motivating factors to getting involved with Social Media … 

• Build brand visibility
• Lead generation and list building
• Education and awareness
• Increased credibility and authority (Thought Leadership)
• Increased blog/website traffic and leads
• Promote products and services
• SEO and link building
• Gather insights into your community of interest (surveys, polls, market research)
• As a copywriter, your defining purpose might be to “engage and add value to (your chosen niche) community in order to increase leads and work opportunities.”

If you are consulting with a client on how to participate in Social Media, you must help them define their primary purpose before creating an effective action plan. 

Let’s say your client is a fitness center.  Their defining purpose might be to “provide education on the life-changing benefits of proper health and fitness activities for members and prospects as well as to increase leads for new memberships”. 

If your client is a natural beauty product retailer, their defining purpose might be to “increase awareness of the lasting health benefits of using natural beauty products in order to increase the customer base for ‘X’ Brand”. 

Once you are clear on your defining purpose, it’s time to set up specific and measurable goals, develop and execute a strategy, and then evaluate your Return on Investment.  Social Media actually provides two types of ROI.  There is the traditional Return on Investment, which looks at concrete dollars, customers, subscriptions, etc.  And, there is also the Return on Influence.  Both should be measured. 

Return on Influence has more to do with brand authority/credibility and one’s levels of influence, engagement, and popularity in Social Media channels.  Positive outcomes here will eventually have a real impact on the measurable dollar amounts, which show up in the Return on Investment numbers. 

So, back to setting your goals.  Be sure they are not too vague or hard to measure.  A weak goal for your fitness center client would be “Our goal is to raise our brand awareness and increase our total number of memberships.” 

An example of a stronger goal could be “Our goal is to increase website traffic resulting in 75 new leads and 25 new memberships in the next six months.” 

Perhaps your client is focused on connecting with influencers in their industry.  A weak goal would be “Our goal is to increase our brand visibility and unsolicited mentions of our company each month.” 

A much stronger goal is “To achieve 15-20 unsolicited mentions of our company in industry blogs, publications, and forums each month”. 

As a copywriter, a vague goal would be: “To increase my Facebook fan base and Twitter followers.”  A more specific and measurable copywriting goal could be “To acquire 50 new leads from Social Media and contract with five new clients in the next six months”.

In looking at the two types of ROI provided by Social Media activities, here are some suggested ideas of what you can measure: 

Return on Investment examples: 

• 500 new subscribers
• 50 new product sells
• Six new clients
• Five new joint venture partnerships
• $10,000 increase in donations for a non-profit 

Return on Influence examples: 

• 1,000 new Twitter followers
• 2,500 participants in your Facebook Group
• 1,500 fans to your Facebook fan page
• 25 mentions per month in blogs, Twitter, niche social sites
• 400 new RSS subscribers to your blog 

Useful Tools to Help You Track Your Social Media ROI 

Be sure to take advantage of these very useful tools available to help you track your ROI: 

1. Google Analytics – http://www.google.com/analytics (This is a very good tool to track website visitor traffic and conversion from Social Media sources). 
2. Feedburner – http://www.feedburner.com (Tracks the number of people subscribing to your RSS blog feed) 
3. Frogloop – http://www.frogloop.com/social-network-calculator (This cool Social Media calculator is designed for non-profit campaigns, but can be adapted for other business campaigns as well) 
4. BlogPulse – http://www.blopulse.com (Shows the growth in bloggers talking about your business/your client’s company and tracks the growth in blog posts regarding a particular domain name) 
5. Trendpedia – http://www.trendpedia.com (This is a comparative tool to track the number of blog posts that mentioned a particular keyword) 
6. Social Network Influence Statistics:

• Increased numbers in Facebook fans on your/your client’s fan/business page;
• Increase in Twitter conversations pertaining to your business/your client’s company;
• Increase in Twitter follows, Facebook friend requests, and FriendFeed subscriptions. 

End Note: 

This article appears courtesy of American Writers & Artists Inc.’s (AWAI) Wealthy Web Writer, a free newsletter for learning how to effectively write online copy and market products on the Web.  For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.awaionline.com/signup/web-writing. 

 

© Copyright Rachel Agheyisi and Report Content Writer’s Blog, 2009.

A One-Two Approach to Improving Web Conversions

Sidebar:  

I just read the following article by Pam Foster, web copywriter and consultant.  I think it helps clarify some of the maze of information out there on web conversion.  I hope you find Pam’s insights helpful for improving the marketing effectiveness of your website. 

Everyone’s talking about improving web conversion rates these days, but what exactly is a web conversion, and why does conversion-focused content make such a difference to the success of a website? 

First, a quick explanation of a web conversion … 

The goal of most business websites is to convert as many site visitors as possible into paying customers; and, ideally, improve those conversion rates over time. 

Here’s what I mean. 

Let’s say target prospects arrive at your client’s website via a Google search result, an email, a TV campaign, or other means of driving traffic.  If they’re delighted with your client’s site and they find exactly what they’re looking for, they’ll take the next step to make a purchase, subscribe to a service or newsletter, complete a survey, become a qualified sales lead, etc. 

So through these actions, they convert from being a prospect to an active customer in some way. 

Now for the second part of the question: Why does conversion-focused content make such a difference regarding the success of a web page? 

Let me illustrate through an example. 

Recently I decided to see what comes up in a Google search when I use a certain keyphrase related to SEO (search engine optimization) content … as if I were a businessperson looking for companies who provide SEO services. 

The top two Google organic search results were for a specific company offering SEO services, as I’d expect.  But what happened next is my topic for today’s article. 

Top search rankings do NOT equal conversion success. 

Knowing this will help you be a hero to your clients … and give you an edge over copywriters or search-engine service providers who don’t understand this. 

The Google organic search display for that SEO company I mentioned above was filled with the right keyphrases, such as “SEO company,” “SEO services,” etc.  But, when I clicked on the Google display and landed on the company’s website, I found content that included the same keywords repeated several times throughout the banner, the headline, the main text, the footer, etc.  It was practically unreadable.

This is what is known as keyword-stuffing or “spamdexing,” which is frowned upon in the search industry because it’s considered unethical or “black hat” SEO … its sole purpose is to drive traffic to a site, without considering what happens next to help web visitors find what they need once they arrive on the site. 

(Important note:  Spamdexing can cost a company its ability to be found in search engines at all.  According to Wikipedia and other reliable sources, “Many search engines check for instances of spamdexing and will remove suspect pages from their indexes.”  This means companies who stuff keyphrases into web pages can lose their rankings entirely and even be banned by search engines!) 

In addition to spamdexing, the company’s messages were all about how great the company is”.  We’re the world’s leading … we are unequaled … we have tons of clients … we’re number one,” we, we, we (you get the picture). 

There was very little content about solving the visitors’ needs. 

Visitors usually find no value in this kind of web content and they abandon the site as quickly as possible, looking for someone who can TRULY help them. 

This example shows how a company achieving #1 and #2 Google search results for a certain keyphrase is actually useless to someone seeking real help. 

Therefore, to make sure you’re writing web content which improves Google results AND ALSO converts site visitors into customers, you’ll want to follow these two best practices. 

1.       Make sure your client’s web content weaves the 1-3 most relevant keyphrases into clear, helpful sales copy on any given page in an ethical, helpful manner, and 

2.     Make sure your client’s web content includes information that’s 100% focused on solving the site visitors’ needs.  Make them a promise they can’t resist … and make it easy for them to become customers!  

Yes, Google and other search engine results are very important.  But, they really only matter if your web content converts visitors into customers. 

Conversion-focused content starts with a thorough understanding of your client’s target audience and the solutions they’re looking for … and how to keep them happy on the website … all while using SEO keywords in a smooth and balanced manner. 

All web copywriters need at least a basic understanding of SEO copywriting techniques to create clear, persuasive web pages that WORK. 

End Note: 

This article appears courtesy of American Writers & Artists Inc.’s (AWAI) Wealthy Web Writer, a free newsletter for learning how to effectively write online copy and market products on the Web.  For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.awaionline.com/signup/web-writing.

 

© Copyright Rachel Agheyisi and Report Content Writer’s Blog, 2009.

Build Your Sales Argument In a Simple, Straight Line

Sidebar: 

I enjoyed reading the following article by Nick Usborne, Author of Million-Dollar Secrets to Online Copywriting and How to Write Your Own Money-Making Websites.  I thought you might draw some insights from it on how to improve the user-friendliness of your business website.  

Once you have captured a reader’s attention with your headline, don’t assume that you will keep that attention after the first line, second line or third line. 

Most readers won’t read your entire web page.  Most will bail well before the end. 

How come?  Because something you write will make them feel that you are not taking them directly towards finding what they want. 

Here are 3 ways to ensure that you keep moving forward in a straight line … 

Follow these three guidelines and you will significantly increase the number of people who read all the copy on your page and, of course, you will increase the number of people who take action at the end of that page. 

1.  Be clear about your page’s objective 

Before you start writing, determine the objective of the page.  What is its purpose? 

And if you’re thinking, “Well, there are a few things I want to achieve with this page”, be very careful.  Because by writing to a few different objectives, you are giving your readers a few different reasons to bail on you. 

You’ll achieve far higher conversion rates by sticking to a single topic or message per page. 

In fact, that’s why landing pages were invented.  Marketers understood that their general web pages were not converting very well.  So they started creating stand-alone pages, or landing pages, which were created with a single objective in mind. 

The need for landing pages tells us we are not very good at creating and writing regular site pages that are focused on a single, clear objective. 

2.  Let your readers see the final outcome, from the beginning 

In other words, let your readers see where they are going. 

For instance, if you want to sell me a vacation in Greenland, let me see the road ahead. 

A typical way of doing this would be to write a headline that says something like, “5 reasons why Greenland has become the #1 travel destination for adventure lovers”. 

When you write a headline like that, the reader knows where you’re taking them, and they know you are trying to sell them a vacation.  They even know there are exactly five steps between the beginning and end. 

But if the headline were to say, “Greenland grabs hearts of outdoor adventurers,” then I don’t really know where you’re taking me.  Is this a general description of the country?  Is this about travel, or about conservation?  Are you trying to inform me?  Or sell a vacation package? 

When you make the purpose and objective of the page clear from the beginning, the reader doesn’t have to be distracted by these questions. 

3.  Write in a straight line, without detours. 

 When writing editorial there are some excellent reasons for taking the scenic route. 

You can add character and depth to a story with a paragraph that begins with the words, “Which reminds me …” Or, “By the way …” 

These scenic diversions make editorial content all the more interesting. 

But when you are writing to sell, you would do better to take the direct route. 

When people come to the web to make a purchase, they are task oriented, impatient and anxious to find what they want and get the task completed quickly. 

This means readers want their sales information given to them straight.  No meandering.  No side trips.  Get to the meat of the message quickly, and tell them why your product and service will deliver exactly what they want and are looking for. 

Conclusion 

The reason behind the need to build your sales argument in a straight line can be found in that last section. 

Compared to print or other offline media, users of the web are impatient and generally have a specific goal in mind before they even arrive at your page.  If they want to buy something, then they want to find what they want quickly. 

No side shows.  No diversions. 

Keep your sales pages direct, straight and uncomplicated. 

End Note: 

This article appears courtesy of American Writers & Artists Inc.’s (AWAI) Wealthy Web Writer, a free newsletter for learning how to effectively write online copy and market products on the Web.  For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.awaionline.com/signup/web-writing. 

 

© Copyright Rachel Agheyisi and Report Content Writer’s Blog, 2009.

It’s What You Learn After You Know It All That Counts

Sidebar:

 I enjoyed reading the following article by Tom Kavala, Managing Editor of AWAI’s Spare-Time Biz Success.  Grab one or more of the many quotes in the article.  I hope it inspires you to make learning a daily habit. 

My Uncle Mike always told me, “Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine.” 

He also observed that some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes at the same time. 

The world changes constantly.  Unless you change with it, you’re destined for mediocrity or worse. 

If you don’t stay abreast of new developments in technology and changes in the marketplace, you will be left far behind … or, at best, you’ll experience only a portion of the success that might have been yours. 

The good news – make that the great news – is that you don’t have to live your life “just like always.”  You can choose to build a successful business.  You can choose to change careers.  You can choose to get better.  You can choose to change. 

Status Quo – That’s Latin for “The Mess We’re In” 

Change.  Every time I heard the word as a kid, I would flinch a little.  It usually meant I had to fix something – as in change the tire or change the oil in the car.  I’m not the handiest guy around so, sooner or later, I was going to be in grease right up to my elbows. 

More often than not, it meant I had to fix me – as in “You’d better change your ways!” 

Either way, I was in trouble. 

Today the word doesn’t bother me at all because I realize that you cannot grow without change.  If you can’t change your mind, you can’t change anything.  Change is the hinge on which your life turns.  And when you’re building a spare-time business, don’t kid yourself … your life is at a turning point. 

What all business builders want is progress – but you can’t have it without change.  The person, who never changes his opinion, never corrects his mistakes.  And the road to success is always under construction. 

What succeeded yesterday often fails today.  Consider what the founder of the IBM, Thomas Watson, once said: “There is a world market for about 5 computers.”  Luckily, Mr. Watson was able to change.  Would there even be an IBM today had he not? 

You can’t become what you were meant to be by remaining what you are.  I’ve heard it said that only fools and dead men don’t change their minds.  Fools won’t.  Dead men can’t. 

When you change, your opportunities will change.  The same kind of thinking that got you to where you are will not necessarily get you to where you want to go. 

But when patterns and tradition are broken, new opportunities come together.  Progress comes from those who are not satisfied to leave well enough alone. 

Only Hungry Minds Can Grow 

Have you ever noticed how many people you know are literally in the same place they’ve been for years?  They have the same dreams, the same opportunities, the same problems and the same alibis they’ve always had.  They have simply refused to change. 

Why? 

Because their minds are like concrete – all mixed up and permanently set. 

It’s a hard truth, but whatever you’ve got, you’ve traded time for.  Whatever you’re not, you haven’t made time for.  The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine. 

I’m sort of a fanatic about this.  I always have something to read or write whenever I have any spare time.  I’m always trying to learn something and I’m not real picky from whom I learn it.  It’s been said that the passion of the protégé can be measured by his pursuit of his mentor. 

From one person, I may learn what to do, while from another, I learn what not to do and why not to do it.  I try to learn from the mistakes of others, because I’ll never live long enough to make all the mistakes myself. 

You can learn more from a wise person who is wrong than you can from a fool who is right.  The best way to keep growing is never to stop learning.  Only hungry minds can grow. 

Life changes and teaches us by giving us new problems.  Your rewards in life are determined by the kinds of problems you solve for others. 

With learning, you gain knowledge.  Act on that knowledge and you gain experience. 

Experience is a permanent possession that keeps us from repeating the past in the future. 

With knowledge and experience, you gain wisdom.  If you want to increase your wealth, you have to increase your wisdom. 

Automotive designer and motorcar racing legend Carroll Shelby once asked, “Speed costs – how fast do you want to go?” 

It’s the same with your professional education.  Gaining wisdom takes time, effort and money.  But if you think education is expensive – just try ignorance. 

End Note: 

This article appears courtesy of American Writers & Artists Inc.’s (AWAI) Spare-Time Biz Success, a free newsletter that gives you information on the hottest work-at-home opportunities that allow you to make extra money in your spare time and enjoy the financial benefits of a full-time career.  For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.awaionline.com/signup/spare-time-business/. 

© Copyright Rachel Agheyisi and Report Content Writer’s Blog, 2009.