I know there are a million books out there about business models, success, startups, failures, growth hacking, etc. I’m not about to up-end all that theory and evidence with one tiny blog post.
However, I will say that in working with a LOT of clients over the years (hundreds), I’ve come to discover the differences between people who grow their blogs and businesses, and the people who don’t.
It’s almost at the point where I can guess what camp you’re in after one phone call.
So, I know this “One Word” for the year thing is hot right now.
Here’s my one word…
CHIPPARDALLS
It’s actually the first letter of 12 words. One for each month of 2016. 12 VERBS that encapsulate the values and attributes of people who are ready to succeed.
- Change – How willing are you to change it up when something isn’t working?
- Hustle – Do you have an urgency and motivation and drive to make it work?
- Invest – Can you see far enough beyond the dollar signs? Do you understand that it takes money to make it? Are you ready to invest in the right tools and services you need to give your business a chance?
- Produce – Can you produce the content? Do you bring your expertise to the table, or are you looking for a savior in someone else to make your business fly?
- Persist – Do you put something out there and let it sit and simmer to see if it has legs, or are you one of those “shiny object” chasers who prefers to “play business” rather than actually do business?
- Accept – How accepting are you of good enough to get started vs. everything has to be perfect before I can get out there?
- Respond – Do you say “yes” or “no” when people offer suggestions? If I hear a lot “Well no that’s not going to work because…” with clients, it raises a red flag. When I hear YES, it’s a good sign. Even if things flop, I know you are not afraid of failure.
- Detach – If you are too attached to your ideas, it’s an uphill battle when it’s time to pivot, change, or update. You are often too close to your business to see what is or isn’t working.
- Act – When I make a suggestion for a client to go off and do something {create, research, etc.} do I hear back from you quickly or in several weeks with the results?
- Learn – Do you actively learn more about your niche so that you can continue to be marketable?
- Listen – Do you listen to your clients and customers? Do you listen to experts you’ve hired? Or do you have all the answers?
- Start – Do I get 500 emails with questions on every little detail and clarification of what I meant…delaying the task, or do I hear back from you once you’ve given it a good effort? Do you just simply start?
Wendy says
Ouch. I know which camp you put me in after our Skype call! 🙂 But thanks to your encouragement and guidance, I’m finding my way to the other, more exciting camp! 🙂
Paula Slater says
As always I am looking or ward to receiving yur entails with such great advice and helpful tips for my blogging!
Tanya says
This is a sweet Nuget of inspiration! YES! Thank you, love this! Xo
Julie says
Thank you!
Elise Darma says
Very creative! Was there one word from CHIPPARDALLS that you’d remind yourself of the most in 2016?