When you want to pursue something, there’s a good chance you’re already doing something else.
Maybe you have a full-time job. Maybe have a pack of kids screaming for more candy. Maybe you have a job, kids, AND a sick relative.
Time is TIGHT. And you’re tired. So, you tell yourself, “I can’t do it now… I don’t have the time…”
And I totally get it.
Despite what these other motivational clowns say, “HUSTLE! SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK! SLEEP 4 HOURS A NIGHT” is a fantasy.
You need rest. You need energy. And sure, you can “tough it,” for a short while, but you can’t do the whole “no sleep” thing for any extended period of time.
That said, there’s also one thing you should consider: you may be lying to yourself about how much time you do or do not have.
I know I do…
AND I KNOW BETTER.
Last year I felt like I didn’t have the time for any fun passion projects. All I did was Work. Eat. Sleep.
Sure, I traveled around the world (and that was a blast), but when I was home, Work. Eat. Sleep.
Business was good. Life was good. But…
Work.
Eat.
Sleep.
And I got tired of it.
I had stuff I wanted to do, but I told myself I didn’t have time for any of it.
Or, at least, that’s what I told myself.
It’s funny how that works, right?
There’s something you want to do for fun… for profit… for any reason whatsoever… and you just don’t do it because you don’t have the time.
But is it really true? Do you REALLY not have the time?
I decided to put it to the test…
Out of sheer necessity.
So…
I got a personal trainer, and started going to the gym again.
(And I lost almost 30 pounds).
I signed up for a standup comedy class.
(And I even went to some open mics under a stage name).
I started doing yoga.
(And I used to think Yoga people were weird).
I started taking guitar lessons.
(Because why not?).
And I kept working.
(We launched two new products at Social Triggers).
The funny part?
I felt like I had no time to do anything…
…but I did.
I HAD PLENTY OF TIME.
So, what was the REAL problem?
Well…
I had stuff I wanted to do, but the truth was, I didn’t really know how to get started.
Let’s use standup comedy as an example…
I’ve thought about doing standup comedy for quite some time. I like making people laugh. I like being the center of attention. And I like writing jokes.
So, standup comedy is a natural fit.
I even went so far as to keeping an Evernote document of things I could eventually turn into standup comedy routines.
Look. Here’s a screenshot of when I made it: 5/17/2013.
And I amassed about 200 jokes in this document.
But I never did anything past put together joke ideas.
WHY?
Well…
Jokes ideas were the easy part.
But what else did I need?
I wasn’t sure. I knew I had to write the joke into a routine. I knew I had to practice them in front of a live audience. But HOW? AND WHERE?
I read books. I talked to comedians. But still. WHAT DO I ACTUALLY DO?
“Ah, I don’t have time for this.”
And there it is.
I don’t have time really is code for I don’t know what I’m supposed to do… and I don’t have time to figure it out.
But when I signed up for a class, everything changed.
After I signed up for a class, I did my first open mic within about 2 weeks.
Now, why am I sharing this example?
Well…
I’m betting this might sound eerily familiar.
You’re here because you want to start (and grow) an online business.
That much I know.
Maybe you want to grow your email list.
Maybe you want to generate more sales.
Maybe you want to start a blog.
It doesn’t matter how.
Just like I had a list of joke ideas, I’m sure you have a list of ideas as well.
But how can you make those into a reality?
In my case, the secret was some guided instruction from an expert.
So…
That’s what I’m going to do for you.
Over the next 2 weeks, I’m going to walk you through a simple way to get started with your online business.
(And if you’ve already got one, I’ll show you how to actually grow it!).
But, for now…
Here’s what I want from you:
I’d like you to leave a comment below.
And please share the #1 thing you’re struggling with when it comes to growing this business.
My problem is finishing a project. I start a lot of them.
Not many are finished.
As of now, growing the number of visitors coming to blog is my primary concern.
Hello, Derek and all!
I’ve left a good position at a government bureau, a lawyer career behind and even sold my brick-and-mortar business to enter online and gain my life doing what I really love and believe.
My #1 struggle right now is How to Start it Right. I already have 2 or 3 ideas for online businesses, full with ebooks, content, videos, webcasts, podcasts, online courses and other products/services, but I’m a little afraid of trying a system like Blog that Converts 2.0 and end up worse and it is being a little difficult to figure it out all by myself.
Anyway, I’ll keep an eye here, because I feel that Derek is honest and skillful.
Thanks a lot!
Congrats on your accomplishments! We will always makes excuses until we have the epiphany that life is short. I try to run with people who will get “A message to Garcia.” Have you read that book? If you think that way, it cuts through the clutter and you just. Get. Things. Done. (Including the down time.) My biggest struggle is concurrently having the stamina and balance to grow at the rate I need. (If only I could clone myself!)
Biggest struggle? How to grow an audience and convert them into sales…
Do you realize how many millions of people operate like that because they choose the “safe” way of life, and not rock the boat, because “you should be grateful you’re not starving and on the streets.” Toxic trash to the brain. No one gets anywhere with those types of limiting beliefs. It seems like the more people you think you can reach with information that can help, there are a million more who are stuck! Don’t this is the “Age of Excuses.” We’re all busy, but we have to make our dreams a priority and plan out step by step what you can do to meet our goals. Thanks Derek!
Please remove me from getting the notifications of follow up comments. Just too many!!!
Hey Linda, you can do it from the emails you have been receiving. There is either a unsubscribing or stop receiving notification link at the bottom. Just have to click on that and your problem solved. And don’t check the “notify me” checkbox when you leave a comment in the future. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the kick in the pants 😉
I would love to grow my blog to 100k page views/ month. I am averaging 20k and my blog is 7 months old, so I don’t even know what a realistic time frame is!
Hanging in there….
I’m struggling with growing mine and my daughter’s blog/website. I want to grow our site to have 5000 subscribers this year.
My biggest struggle is finding clients
Sounds very very familiar.
I struggle with learning sales. It feels so abstract as a skill that I keep telling myself I never have the time to get it handled. Just like you with the stand-up.
Thanks for making me realize this!
Where to begin and what pitfalls to avoid
I am struggling with choosing the right priorities for the right moment.
Hello,
I’m struggling with making an actual website or graphics for it.
I don’t even know where to begin with it.
But I eventually want to make a brand and sell handmade gifts of all kinds on it.
I’ve been putting it off as I don’t know where to start or how to. :/
I think I would use Instagram to market it though or social media.
My biggest stop is not having an established name. I am trying to do web development and digital marketing business but when potential customer do not see any significant portfolio-they dissapear…
Hi Derek:
I’m struggling with getting my first client. I was on a roll marketing leading up to the holidays, but have lost my forward momentum. I think it is as much about fear of failure as anything.
My 2 biggest struggles? No time; I have so much on my plate. And, Procrastination… thinking, I’ll do it tomorrow when I’m sure I’ll be better. Heeeek!
Derek,
You hit the nail on the head. “I don’t have time” really means I don’t have time to figure it out. I know I’ve spent a lifetime telling myself “I’ll figure it out later” and “I’m too busy earning money to figure out how to earn more money.” Help!
Hey Derek,
My #1 struggle right now is consistency. A lot of this stems from a lack of energy, not time, to pursue things on my own. I know what I need to do, but I feel too stuck to do it and I need help.
I’m gunning for 1000 email subscribers for my blog this year which means guest posting and opt ins and all that, but it all seems like so much work… and the more I feel stuck, the more stuck I really get.
Thanks for the post!
-Blake
Derek – Thank you, as always, for sharing your experiences. This is so right on time for me. I currently have a full-time gig in HR-learning & development (my VC as Gabby Bernstein says). At the same time I am taking advanced coaching classes to obtain my coaching certification, working on my future website and blog and need to start building my email list and create content for a passive revenue stream. I told myself that 2017 was a year of “ACTION” for me. My biggest obstacle right now is focus. I need to stay focused on what I currently have started. Any thoughts about how many project are too many?
With much gratitude!
Consistency. I can’t seem to write, publish and connect with my email subscribers on a regular basis. I haven’t posted anything on my blog in over a month, and it’s been many months since I wrote to my list.
Hi Derek, I’m currently working full time in an office to make ends meet and often feel exhausted by my harrowing commute. I started my own business few years ago and done my share of sleeping 4h per night or less and had several burnouts… However I’m committed for this to be a thing of the past in 2017 but I struggle to attract clients and find time to write blog and often lack the inspiration to find catchy sentences to promote myself… I have noticed now that I sleep more and prioritised my health and personal goals I have more time to do many things… ! Some maybe there is hope after all 🙂
My biggest challenge right now are having zero contacts.
Connecting with an audience that wants to pay for services. Finding the paying customers in my niche.
You nailed it Derek. I believe the reason we don’t get started is because we simply don’t know how and we don’t feel like we have time (to figure it out.). I have a backlog of blog ideas similar to your joke document and am ready to get my voice out there. Help me figure out how!
I want to work so I can stay home with my kids while my husband gets his Master’s and PhD. I have 2 years before he starts. But in the past I’ve bailed and looked for work, sabotaging my higher goals. I’m afraid that “just give up” on my business is the only answer, because anything else will eventually suck me out of my home and into the workplace, which is what I’m doing this to specifically avoid. But I can’t read letting it die. I know there’s got to be some way to build both, but only if I’m willing to let it grow gradually rather than try to sprint like I would if I were young and single again.
I can’t *rest letting it die
Marketing that works
Great article per usual! Short on time and money like most up and comers. Not sure what direction to turn. I am a hand knitter. I also teach, knit for profit (not much, hard to find people who appreciate hand knits), finish other knitter’s projects and make repairs on hand knits. Have tried Etsy….no sales. Most of my business is being involved with a local yarn shop. It takes a long time for people to trust their precious hand knits to someone else to finish or repair. Not sure where to go from here to establish that relationship. I work seven days a week, so it is difficult to get out to visit other yarn shops to introduce myself and my abilities.
Would love some insight.
Thanks
I listen to people and give pointed information to them on their issues without giving advice. I think I can make this an online success and even charge for it but I don’t know how.
Many Thanks for this article. You’re completely right on the whole line.
My biggest problem: Write blog articles
Hi Derek,
This is my first time leaving a comment on any platform whatsoever. I am that reserved, but I’m trying to break out of my shell of reservation.
My #1 challenge is identifying and approaching people who could invest in my ideas, but I keep putting it off telling myself all sorts of things. Like all entrepreneurs I do like my idea and I think it’s great but i don’t know how to or where to start.
Wow wow that was interesting can’t wait to take that bold step in life, u r just amazing
My #1 struggle is a bit complicated.
right place = right customers
I’m a photographer.
I was working in Pakistan last year and by fall, I moved to Qatar.
working/corporate/business mindset is way different and faster in Doha, so it won my business mindset.
Now the problem is that I’m unable to get a work/residence visa so doing online/offline business totally disrupts.
So if I don’t have the right place to work i.e. right customers…how can I apply your concepts into effect?
Can you or anyone can please shed a light on this ..!
Great thanks
Getting the leads on through my website.
So many things to do. Don’t know where to start.
Cashflow – I make small in roads toward getting the business functioning but could do more faster with a little help. The slowness of having to do the initial work and set-up myself because I don’t have the sales and cashflow to hire help is a struggle for me.
I am struggling to identify the right clients and conversion.
I work two jobs and have a new baby in the house. I teach, so that job takes a lot of time off the clock to make it work. I want to write books and, when I can squeeze in time too make that happen, I’m elated. I don’t have time to climb the learning curve to build a business. Unless there’s a way I can incorporate what I already do with, well, with doing that. (I already cut out all TV and watching videos. I try to read things, but I have to scramble to work it in. HELP!
Putting it all together and getting people to it. I have all the pieces but it’s getting the confidence to put it together and put it out there –
Well I’ve no idea what business to get into, somehow feels like I know nothing when I try to think… lol
Biggest striggle I plan to much on my own and people seem to think it’s never enough because they don’t know the half of it. I need to focus more on execution of tasks.!
Hey everyone, I too have been stuck in a rut with my online business. I’ve purchased almost 200 domain names and try to design and published countless websites. Like many of you the tasks seem overwhelming and daunting so I eventually give up, only to try again, and again, and yes again with nothing to show for it. I’ve studied web design, online marketing, SEO. affiliate marketing, domaining all with no success to speak. I’m afraid to put myself out there, connect with an audience, fear, lack confidence in my knowledge stop me every time. I get soooooo frustrated and down in the dumps sometimes. Because I can’t stop trying and I can’t seem get to the finish line.. in my gut I know I have what it takes to succeed online, I just can’t seem to convince my brain. Make sense?
Asinine statement?
It’s so frustrating, knowing it’s inside me somewhere!! Ugh
Yes!! You’re right!! My main strugle is getting things done…some many things to do when you’re one man orchestra! You learn to focus on the right stuff and at the same time, get on with life (family, job, kids, etc, as you said). What I started to do this year and is working great, is going early to sleep (11 pm the latest) and getting up at 5.30 am. That allows me to put 1.5 to 2 hrs more work during the day…that’s 10 hrs more time for prodctivity in the week! And I still have energy!
Thanks for the article, Derek! You rock!!
I have a few ideas but not confident if any of them will be profitable . And so I tend to hesitate to start it
Productivity.
Marketing….. I don’t know how to get started solving my biggest challenge….. how to reach potential Customers….. I’m in a Niche that could be huge but without being able to let people know I’m here it’s all for nothing…..
Wow! Just hit the nail on my head!
I started my business last September 2016 and have yet to launch and monetise it.
I wanted initially to consult for local businesses/organisations on recruiting, interviews, etc but then after conducting research on competitors, I came up with the idea of creating affordable job boards (websites) for local businesses.
I would like to know how to obtain my first client, monetise my site and grow my business…
Like everyone else, I can totally relate. Biggest block: figuring out the next exact step. I’ve started a lot of things, and got so far, then entered the fuzzy stage.
Now I want to come see your comedy show! I’ll bet you could get a huge crowd from your online followers.
#1 Struggle?
Believing I can build something that will work.
conversion
I really want to grow our audience and newsletter subscribers so we can start to build products and services. We’ve got the blog up and running with plenty of content but how do we get people to look at it? I’d like to know best practices for advertising on Facebook and Instagram as those are the two social media channels I’m focusing on. We also have a YouTube channel that I would like to promote but we’ll save that for later!
Growing an online audience. Reaching more people. I’m confident in my product! I just need to let people (a larger audience) know about it.
Hello Derek,
How in a short time ~30min a day maximum do focused work towards some goal and stay on track
taking consistent actions over a period of time… Yes kids, a job and relatives 🙂
Exactly! Me to a T. Master procrastinator, master at planning but never executing, constantly researching, signing up for courses so that I have all the knowledge before starting, do 10 things at once but none of them finished. I am going really really fast to getting nowhere!
My biggest hurdle is putting myself “out there” past what my job entails. I need to be more active on the web and work on projects that would appeal to my ideal client. In order to do this I have already taken steps: 1. Creating a business Facebook page 2. Starting a blog 3. Working on a portfolio website. What better way to expand my knowledge/skill than jumping right into what I need to learn. I need an online presence if I am to be where I expect in the next few years.
My biggest hurdle is talking about my business openly. I photograph boudoir and modern glamour portraits for women (mostly) which needs to be approached with some sensitivity. I need to develop an opening line and segway from modern glamour to boudoir (when it’s appropriate), in-person…but also in my online marketing. I’m struggling with how to put these pieces together to not be an immediate turn-off to those that may want to be photographed more modestly, while also showcasing my more revealing work to interested clients.
I tell myself I do not have enough time. I think I’m way over my head but still launching website next week. I tell myself I’ll be ok and hope its not a lie.
Fear.
Hi Derek,
time is an interesting excuse indeed. I have several business. There’s my photography (mostly nature). How to put that into selling. Like expositions are nice but doesn’t generate much sales. So thinking of products with my photography on it.
Other business is coaching people by walking in nature. Did an extra education for that. Worked fine. Have the capability but how to put into sessions with paying clients? Even combined walking coaching and photography together.
And then having some knowledge about natural health and how to make your own healthy stuff.
Its all about nature, like to show people a different view on themselves, on nature and life. I’m enthusiastic and inspiring but haven’t any idea how to put that at work and pulling clients. Maybe its to much.
Well thats it, I think.
Great post Derek! Thank you.
I have a website/blog, I have 150 email subscribers and make a couple of hundred dollars a month.
I feel stuck in too narrow a niche. I want to expand and talk about other topics but I don’t know what my message is, who my audience would be and how I would make money.
I feel stuck because I just don’t know what would be the next step that I should take.
I know I have to do something with my site because it’s ugly but I don’t know who to turn to for design. In fact the whole design thing is an issue for me. It seems to be where I get quite stuck.
Sorry, that’s more than one problem!
My biggest struggle is getting the messaging down and making those first few sales.
How to build an online business and where to start?
I’m a graphic designer and currently have 9-6 working as a designer for an agency and on weekends I work on freelance projects. I recently started an ecommerce business to make some extra recurring income on the side and eventually expand that business and dedicate myself to that full time and leave my corporate job. Been using the excuse that I just don’t have time to expand that business. I know I’m lacking the dedication to expand that business because I’m too stuck on my comfort zone working at my corporate and freelance gigs. This ecommerce world is somewhat of a whole new beast to me.
Time management is my biggest hurdle…juggling full time work, marriage, child, and church and my business is done in snatches here and there throughout the week.
Love this! Ive never had a problem getting things done..this time im hhang yrouble desiring anything
..i cant spark a passion about anything, nothing gets me mad or excited
My biggest struggle is finding collectors online who connect with my art. Working on growing the email list with personal contacts, but haven’t had much success building the list with others.
My biggest obstacle is picking an idea and FOCUSING on it, partly because I don’t know where to start if I do narrow it down. That together seems huge, and “I don’t have that kind of time.”
Thank you for sharing your experience.
These are the things that are most difficult for me:
1. It is very hard for me to be structured, I am not good at following plans.
2. I am very distractible.. .Lately, I am wondering if I have Adult ADD
3. Self-doubt and lack of confidence. I know I have a lot to share and to support people in their journey to be the best selves, how ever is difficult for me to put that in words and talk like an expert.
I struggle “getting out there”. Artist….idea maker and shaker…..but no idea the best way to market and reach clients. Have product ideas…not sure where/who my ideal market it. Have services….not sure I’m using copy the correct way to share what I do. Fear based. Afraid of reaching out and getting rejected. So I am frozen.
The hardest thing in my business – knowing what things I should prioritize in order to make money. There is simply SO MUCH I feel I should be doing, that there is never enough time. Knowing which actions are to prioritize would help me heaps I think.
Hi Derek,
I have 4 topics:
How to scale the price of the products to get good conversion rate. I have a concern if I set the price too high the lifetime value of a customer might decrease.
How does a really good funnel look like? I am asking about automation. What structure do you propose? How can we motivate the people who did not signup will finally do it? What to do with the non-opens? HOw do you tag your lists?
Do you use FB pixel on your page? What do you use it for?
If someone was doing business locally but would change to English and go online and global – how can the sales/business forecast done in a way to make estimates close to reality?
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Attila
Hi Derek,
An additional topic:
What team is needed for a well established business?
How to set it up properly?
How do you hire someone? What personalities are you looking for?
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Attila
As someone else said I’m strapped for both Time & Money — I seem to be in a great deficit of both. Fitting it all in each day, motherhood/household, client work, marketing, sleep, exercise, blogging, social media, continuing education, going after new client work and trying desperately to grow this business to a level of success that can sustain us. I completely feel that “rebuilding your business every month” sentiment. It’s the life of a freelancer trying to transition but with zero resources to allow you to work on the next level. I do all of it myself (no assistant or even outside accountant) on a shoestring (read ZERO) budget because there is nothing to be used. I work 6 to 7 days a week, usually on 6 or less hours of sleep a night. After 8 years, I’m already in the throes of burnout but I have to make this work. Your post today made me think it may still be possible. I’m already trying to get more sleep and fit more regular exercise in this year (my resolutions) hoping that it will boost my energy and help me do more with less. Eager to hear more from you.
THANK YOU for this post. The smart hustle is where it’s at. I’ve been advocating this message to my fellow creative professionals: Take care of you and then you can take care of business!
-Luca, Creative Enabler
Trying to get ongoing sales. I’m missing something to get consistent ongoing sales. We’ve had a few here and there, but nothing like I was hoping for.
Frustration, and the procrastination that accompanies it.
I struggle with all things marketing. I lack consistency in the emails, I never feel like I know what to post on Facebook or social media, and I feel like I am lacking a plan of action so I don’t take any action.
let’s do it
My question after reading your post is how did the open mic go???
‘What do I struggle with?’
Everything! I’m tired of the same old…
Time for revamping, renewing, going within.
How do I want to spend my precious time? (Because time is truly precious.)
Formulating a plan for something online that is guitar based.
Thanks for bringing this up. I have been thinking for writing blogs on my passion about the profession I’m involved with. But still don’t know how and where to start. Let’s see where it goes with your guidance!!
I struggle with getting my business out in front of people. Being a single, self employed mom, I don’t have a fortune to spend on advertising or a lot of time to be on forums and social media, etc.
Getting that first client
I had an apartment fire in November that unexpectedly knocked me right off the board for months.
But I am in a temporary place now, I have jeans and t-shirts, boots, hat and gloves (Winter here) and just recently a computer. I have never been so excited about a computer until I went 8 weeks without one.
I can make plans, but I just don’t do them. I know I am depressed, but if I am going to come out the other side of this: I need to slowly start coming out of my safety zone. I know I should not try to move too fast, but and any forward motion would be a great leap right now.
I’ve got two businesses that have just been kinda drifting since the fire. Lawyers and Insurance companies take up a lot of my time, but not all of it — and I am not even dedicating enough time to court cases and insurance adjusters.
I’d like to explain more, I even feel like I should… but this is where my struggle lies. How to pull up and out of this funk? The doctor is helping from the medical angle. I’ve hired lawyers and public adjusters to help deal with the fire itself. I have started meditating again. Exercise is next (but Winter exercise will have to come after I replace a bunch more stuff). I am getting a lot of “nesting” done, but as to other projects: I can make great lists, but I need to start doing.
Hi Derek. Doubting my abilities. Will people really pay for my services? Actually, I do know my stuff, and my newly relaunched business is pretty damn amazing if I say to myself. So I am not sure what I am huffing and puffing about. I am getting better at not expecting perfection but then I take ages fussing over details.
I am a domain hoarder. I purchase a well thought out domain name for every idea that floats through my head but I have so many that I am stuck. They all try to compete for attention and the only thing I can do is stare at a blank screen while trying to un-jumble the mess.
I feel like the only way forward is to hire minions to get it done. Let me the ideas and architect guy, and let someone else build it.
I can’t finish the English version of my website… It has been in French only for almost 18 months now!! 🙁
I don’t lack motivation, I love my job and my day is usually filled with what I want and need to do. My biggest problem is I need to clone myself so I can attend to all my projects. Instead I find most my time and energy is tied up in managing staff, following up the projects I have asked them to do and generally keeping the fires stoked. So when I get home at night I try to fit in the learning hour, which is listening to your great courses but it is going slowly. I think I am doing too much and need to put some things aside… just writing this has made me consider what I could put on the shelf for later and focus on the essentials/priorities. Thank you for being such a great mentor.
Hi Derek,
Thank you for sharing this side of your life – this was a very welcome reminder that when it comes to time management it is indeed not about having the time but taking the time! Very excited to see what’s to come over the next two weeks!
Time & money are my problems to getting the stability I MUST HAVE!
My biggest problem is effectively marketing my online community to the right people.
Hello Derek 🙂
The #1 thing I struggle with is lack of time. I bought Sales Page That Converts because I believe it will make the difference between getting more clients and not. SPTC is going to be a priority for me over the next few days but any extra help will be gratefully received! Thank you 🙂
My site is service based, help desk style. I have purchased the domain, site, etc but still I have not done a thing with it. My biggest issue is feeling perhaps a bit overwhelmed, do I make it a subscription or do I just advertise it as a service. One the one hand the help desk is a service but for the subscription side, I could also write articles related to whatever they needed to know or understand better. Also, the service could also become a subscription perhaps. How is the best way to monetize it. What are the best options for getting it out there in the public view, how do I get started from a 0 mail list to one that is good, etc. Perhaps just doing it is the best way and adjusting as you learn and go. That would be better than just mulling it over as I seem to be doing. Perhaps I am on information overload too, too many ideas and without any direct specifics that I can just sit down and do.
Great articles, Derek.
Commitment is where I struggle the most
Time management! When I have an idea of something to make, I only seem to have one evening I can work on it which makes it a long project. Need more time.
Dear derek u realy r something special i love ur anergies ,iv learnd somuch from you (even when ididnt understand u at al;)) and the best part is that comment part do u realy read or do u pay some one ealse to do so..?? Im a simple women and what i do best is: (please sit down): talking to god.everyday im sharing everything including everything with god and i know where its taking me..so ihad that dream to go online and share it with other people cause i know how happy and peacefull (and much more..) it can make them. Now i have everything u wrote:job,kidd,a sick husbend (4give 4my english just try to understand somehow) and this dream i have too. i realy wish i can make it somehow.where do i go from here. Thank u for inspiring me .bless ur mom and u ofcourse:) bytheway, yes im realigious but it is not in a realigious part at all.and im not talking “realigious” when im talking about talking with god.
Hey Ciao Derek, I bet you’re a great comic!!
You hit it on the head for me, I have time but not the skill to figure out the tech side of my business. I actually just spent most of the day following along on a ‘how to video’ to add my very first PDF optin to my mailchimp….. sounds easy right? I’m sitting here waiting for my pdf to arrive (I subscribed to test it out) and still waiting so I’ve mucked something up along the way.
Oh and yep I have two kids, bronchitis and a house reno in Italy underway. As a coach once told me when I complained that my plate was full….. “Get a bigger PLATE!”
So for me it’s the tech stuff, I don’t have the moola to hire someone and am never sure I’m doing it right so stress and then don’t go ahead with anything in case I muck it all up.
PS you know how your joke file was ancient, well my write a book file dates back to 2006 arghhhh! LOL
much love lisa x
I lack iniciative, I’m not to sure what I want, lack of confidence.
I believe growing my list is crucial
my business is a brick and mortar consignment shop and I also have an etsy shop and a ebay store.
I have a nice list for my physical store which of course I wouuld like to grow.
I would really like to start and grow a new list that caters to on line customers. I am NOT ALLOWED by etsy or ebay to email customers with marketing information unless they voluntarily sign up. So need to figure out how to get them to sign up.
thanks.
Michele McGlone
Emotional Outlet
Figuring out what step is the most important thing to do next. Do I need to update my website? Develop my new course? Focus on finding referral clients? Update my skills?
I am struggling with how to effectively educate new customers in mass rather than one at a time. Once a customer understands my services the sale is easy.
I struggle to find the idea, talent, skill or topic I could build my digital nomad life on. I love traveling and am happy to give tips and recommendations but I don’t know if I am willing to write about it every day. If I want to write at all. And I will be the one millionth travel blogger on earth so who cares?
information overload. Putting it all together.
I’ve already got an audience that’s quite desperate for what I can teach them. I even amassed 85 subscribers in like 3 or 4 days with a single lead magnet. My problem is that what I teach is an integrated system, so I’m having a hard time figuring out how to structure and separate each component, as well as remembering that I need to speak to what my audience THINKS they need, rather than what I KNOW they need in my sales copy. I’m also struggling mentally with solidifying my brand (don’t even like the name I chose 2 years ago, as it no longer represents me or what my biz is now about accurately). I want an engaging, fun, more lighthearted presentation (my “competition is Uber-focused on being “professional” and business-y. Not only is that not me, that would not represent my “simple” approach to the job search process). I struggle back & forth with “getting it” in my more a-ha moments and sliding back into the trap of doing what might be safer & more expected.
Getting it started building a website. Putting product on to sell and attracting traffic that purchases. What about traffic counter and number of hits
I want to do something called Samurai Nite, and I need some large cash.
Thank you for sharing your incredible knowledge, highs and lows with the world. Out of all the tips and tricks and information I’ve seen,heard,been told, or read you’re information and your style of approach resonates with me.
The #1 thing I’m struggling with is monetizing my website & blog to really bring more visitors and sales per day. I have a ton of ideas written down just as you mentioned but I’m at a point where in order to continue fine tuning & investing in my business and scaling I need more money to do so or need to know how to do more with what I have. I know that it takes time but I am eager to really gain financial structure for my business so that I can be the most profitable while servicing my clients and giving them exactly what they need. Frankly, my clients are like me. It’s just a matter of how do I Position myself and get started on what is needed to be the solution and on demand and keep them coming back and telling other people.
I have everything planned out but no concept of how much time is needed to actually do everything I’ve planned 🙂 Focus is what I need (I think).
So true! What we say sometimes isn’t quite what we mean… like “I’m bored” when the reality is that we are unmotivated or maybe tired…
Anyway. My #1 struggle is to get my readers to come back and sign up to my newletter
Building something that people actually want.
2013. I recently found my notes and notebook from that time. With a business idea, which I thought was great but I just didn’t know how and where to start. My personal life was a mess, I was getting divorced and I had no money to invest, so I went on the safe 9-5 path. I quit two months ago. In the meantime I saw online businesses doing similar thing, which apparently are doing well and growing, which leads me to thinking that I can do that too. But again, where do I start…?
I echo the entire article. My excuse wasn’t entirely ‘time’ though, it was also ‘what do I do with my family (2 boys and wife) while I try to do these other things…
Feel like such an idiot for not realizing sooner that I could bring them along with me, and give my kids a way to see and experience all these things. And to help my wife feel more a part of who I am.
Love the articles, keep them coming. My shirt shop (literally started over this past weekend) is step one. Next step is a larger product that currently doesn’t exist…
LOL wish me luck! I’ll post a comment here once it starts I guess? That way if you read this…you’ll get updates? Idk.
Thanks! God Bless!
growing list, growing blog, starting sales
Biggest struggle is that I don’t know how to grow my audience. 🙂
Good to read from you. I’ve heard that the best kind of public speaking in the world is stand up comedy (I think it’s even better than presidential speeches).
I have found myself into this trap of “I don’t know what I don’t know” and thinking that either I don’t have time or I am lazy.
At this stage I am good at converting paid or organic traffic into customers for my clients. However I am not a natural blog writer or a speaker or a video presenter. I have found myself procrastinate a lot (just like you waited for stand-up comedy) over doing things that will generate organic traffic.
I would love to be able to generate partnerships and organic traffic the way you did for your podcast and your blog to build list. I have no idea where to begin.
By the way I bought your “Blog That Converts” and “Sales Page That Converts”. Love them.
I am publishing amazingly interesting and inspiring books.
What I need to do is find the very many people who would love to buy and read these books, if only they knew about them.
I want to learn the best way to reach my niche market.
The number one thing I’m struggling with is narrowing my focus and picking one thing to really get going on. I have a few different ideas of what I’d like to do, but trying to do them all is exhausting, and proving to be impossible. (Write books, start a blog, create online courses… then my brain says “ooh! Maybe you should get life coaching certification (instead of using and expanding the knowledge and skills I already have). This is in addition to having 4 kids, horses of my own, horse massage clients, etc etc. I keep myself running in circles and effectively stop myself from ever heading down one path that might lead to where i want to go. And this lack of focus creates the perfect tie in to the not having time excuse… because I keep myself overbooked and overwhelmed.
I’m in the same boat. Illustrator, artist, cartoonist, caricaturist, graphic designer, comedian, juggler, stilt walker, actor, writer, producer, theatre, corporate events, outdoor events, colleges, family events, stage shows, interactive “ambiance” characters… and a bunch of undeveloped ideas.
I am loathe to pick just one and run with it, but in the noise of the world, a paragraph as above is not a powerful brand. A million directions leads to stagnation so have trouble choosing and focusing.
My biggest fear is picking a profitable niche…since we’re being honest with each other today Derek, I will be honest with you. I do not want to spend countless hours building a business that I am passionate about, only to find out that it is only going to generate hobby revenue. I want to replace my full time job with a freedoms based business. I make good money but am stressed constantly. So what has me stuck at start is the fact that the niches I have something to offer in, may not be as profitable as I need them to be. I am a passionate hunter, fisherman, and amateur chef that loves the farm to table movement. I do enjoy helping others understand the basics of online business, but there is already a few people doing that 😜
Love this Derek .. it really is all about focus. This year I pushing through this don’t have time” thinking and setting priorities. Look forward to hearing more from you.
Having actually done stand-up I have to say getting started is the hard part, and then building the habit is the next-hardest. Then you realize that half the audience is likely to hate you regardless and begin to obsess about how not to put them immediately (or maybe that’s just me)! Regarding business, a lot of times I have great ideas for what to do in business and then over-commit when I could be doing things that are potentially less effective but more sticky.
“…please share the #1 thing you’re struggling with when it comes to growing this business.”
I struggle to see or name the thing I have, which has the most value to others.
I want to start a profitable e-commerce business but keep getting stuck when sourcing suppliers because I don’t know what certifications to look for, and how to spec out my kitchenware product design for sourcing on alibaba. (sorry for the long reason). I’ve been spinning my wheels, did an online course and failed and now I’m stuck!
Great post as usual! The question on all of our minds, what is your stage name? We want see that video!
#1 thing I’m struggling with at the moment is simply scaling my business. I went from a “freelancer” mindset (been doing it for the past 5-6 years) to an actual business mindset. I’m tired of basically rebuilding my business every month (relying so much on client work).
I took down my website to re design it.. it’s up and running but decided to put it up while it’s imperfect because I was wasting time wanting it to be perfect and basically just not making progress. I guess i’m feeling overwhelmed at all I need to do and not sure how to go about doing it.. ha. I’m getting more of a handle on it it seems, but I definitely could use the help.
This is so true Derek. I tell myself this lie a lot of times also.. 🙂 Thanks for this article..
One thing I’m struggling with is creating a recurring passive income with my business coaching business..
Hey Derek,
Thanks for sharing your struggle with standup comedy. I know EXACTLY what you mean. I feel as if most of my life is lived stuck in that place of having ideas or things I’d like to pursue but not knowing what to do.
For instance, I want to start some sort of side hustle; some sort of alternative income stream with the potential to grow into something full-time. I want it to benefit people and have a social justice component. But I’m struggling to figure out what to do or how to know if any particular idea is a good one.
That’s my biggest struggle: How do I know if ________ is an idea worth pursuing?
Thanks for any insight you can give!
My biggest problem: I don’t know how to monetize the site.
Getting that funnel right…