Our shortcomings tend to follow us around like a dark cloud.   We spin in circles, thinking of how different our lives would be if only.   If only we were better at sales.   If only we could keep up with changing technology.   If only we were more knowledgeable, more charming, more outgoing.   The more we fixate on what we’re not, the farther we get from our goals. After all, we move in the direction of our focus. And if our focus is on our failures, guess what?   More failure is coming our way.... Read more

Are you making the kind of money you want to make?   No, wait. Let me ask you this instead:   Are you living the kind of life you want to live?   Are you able to give your family the experiences and opportunities you want for them? Can you easily contribute to the causes that matter to you? Do you have the flexibility and resources you need to enjoy the things that make life worth living?   So many business owners find themselves getting stuck at one revenue level. They might be barely keeping their head above wate... Read more

Do you know the number one reason why you’re not making the kind of money you want to make or living the kind of life you want to live?   It’s you.   That sounds harsh, but I mean it with no judgment. It was the same story with me… and with everyone who keeps spinning their wheels and getting nowhere.   We all have a tendency to cling to our limiting beliefs. It’s nature. Our limiting beliefs protect us. From “Don’t touch the fire or you’ll get burned” to “Don’t... Read more

You hate marketing.   Or at least you think you do.    The thought of blowing your own horn gives you chills. You think of “good marketers” as people who are manipulative or slick.    You just want to do a good job for people. You want to be honest, reliable, skillful… and you wish your work could just speak for itself.   Is any of this accurate? Can you relate to these feelings?   A lot of small business owners can, especially business owners in the home services industry. Every... Read more

When I meet a business owner, I can tell right away if they’re destined for success or in for a major struggle.   It has nothing to do with their charisma or an aura of authority. It’s about energy.   Are they alert and active? Can I feel their enthusiasm and passion? Are they communicating curiosity and demonstrating a sincere desire to discover, experiment, and learn?   Or are they worn down and just trying to get themselves through another challenging day?   It’s so, so easy to get locked into... Read more

The moment you decided to start your own business, you knew one thing for certain:   It would be a lot of work.   In fact, you probably assumed that work would occupy your every waking hour for the first couple years.    Discipline and commitment are the strengths almost all business owners share. Those qualities are how we survive. But sometimes we get absorbed in that hustle mindset—so stuck on the belief that business is all about striving—that we forget the greater vision.   I’m going to... Read more