It’s been a few weeks since my last post – falling down on the job? Well, partly. However I have been lucky enough to visit the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador over the last two weeks and it was a wonderful adventure. Not relaxing on the body but certainly gave my mind a break!
My return to reality has been, predictably, hard going!
I am generally very positive but sometimes I am beset with self doubt. Even though I know what works in developing my business and marketing myself, I sometimes question whether it really does! Strange I know. So when I returned I had to force myself into carrying out marketing behaviors that I trusted from the past.
The lessons:
1. Figure out your targets and where you are likely to meet them
2. Pursue those opportunities relentlessly
3. Take a genuine interest in other people you meet – do not simply try to “sell to them” what you do.
4. If you find your attitude wavering – CONTINUE with the behaviors you know work.
The latter point is fundamental and has been a revelation to me recently. I always thought that my attitude to something drove my behavior and it can. However I never realized that the reverse is also true.
Let me explain by way of a personal illustration. I don’t consider myself to be a great networker. I am fascinated by people’s motivations but I am not very comfortable in a big room where I don’t know anyone. However this is a good way for me to meet prospects for my coaching practice.
I forced myself to go to these meetings. It was a subtle thing but as I did so I became less anxious about them and after a few weeks I began to enjoy them and look forward to them even! In other words what I did (going to network events) shaped my attitude (looking forward to them). This can happen in many areas of life.
So, when I returned from vacation I really didn’t feel like plunging back into the network circuit, but I made myself. It was the best way to get back and it wasn’t long before I was enjoying it again – in fact that is where I am going now! Have a great week.
