1. Blogging is a THE springboard.
A starting gate for the new and exciting. I’ve changed my business direction, and within 1-3 years I plan to expand this enterprise and roll out another. The practice is a catalyst for new ideas.

2. You develop better habits.
I now write for at least an hour every day. The daily writing habit brings out your voice, and it’s good for the old noggin. When you write, you flex your creative muscles and if research is involved, you learn. Learning is good.

3. It expands your creativity.
I feel more creative and just a wee bit smarter, because of blogging and the kinetic dance we call social. It’s an amazing place for creativity and exploration. Cities are idea factories, where all the friction acts as a catalyst for inventiveness – so is the online hive we inhabit.

4. It fine-tunes your communication skills.
I wish I learned the essentials of public speaking and effective writing when I was a young lad. As a life-long introvert it would have made life a hell of a lot less painless. For late bloomers like me, blogging is a life-saver, because the practice makes you a better communicator, online and off.

5. The practice of blogging makes you a better writer.
And I’ve discovered a new passion … writing. Have you?

6. You read more.
You read more often and consume content at a faster pace (At least I do). Once you’re deep into blogging the drive to research leads you to read, read and then read some more. All good.

7. You become more efficient.
I’m more productive than ever and I bet you are too. Everything that comes with blogging: Writing, researching, networking … all helps you produce at a higher, and more creative level.

8. You Listen like never before.
You’re more in tune with the world around you, because everything is topic-fodder. From news radio to casual discussions, you listen more intently (I sure do).

9. And you hone your observational skills.
The nuances of daily life come into focus. As do books, movies, art., etc.

10. You learn to how to teach.
Many bloggers write or have written instructional posts. Whittling those points down to the bare essentials is the art of instruction, right? Teaching as written communication.

11. It improves your debating skills.
You see a lot of friendly disagreement in the blogosphere. It’s part of surviving and thriving here, nuff said.

12. You develop thick skin.
An online presence brings disagreement, debate and constructive (and not so constructive) criticism. To survive in the online jungle you need to deal with this and move on.

13. You have a motivational compass.
You’ve created your own support system. The daily practice of writing alone has increased my motivation tenfold. I have more daily get up and go.

14. It sharpens your networking skills.
We are in the connection economy, after all.

15. It improves your grammar.
Well, like others, I’m at least moving beyond chimp status. How about you?

16. You have an accountability platform.
I have not followed through with everything I’ve written, BUT I follow-through like never before.

17. It’s the best classroom ever for the introverts among us.
For those who learn best in isolation, the internet is a gold mine. BUT with the practice of blogging, you dig, dig, and then dig some more. I would honestly say research is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this whole darn thing. Really.

18. You become a better salesperson.
According to Daniel Pink, the salesperson is not dead, but alive and kicking, in the form of You. And especially you, the blogger. Even if you’re just trying to get eyeballs to your site, you’re selling, and those that survive here get better.

19. You learn to be your own boss.
Even if you’re stuck in some cubicle, your blog is your baby. You need motivation to keep it humming, to bust a move, daily. You are building a platform and you ARE your own boss. You learn how to motivate yourself like any self-respecting solopreneur would.

20. You learn the power of reciprocity.
This is a networking village. You spread your knowledge, and like a dry sponge, you soak up the wisdom of others. We are ALL actively bouncing ideas off each other all the time. Give and take.

21. It helps you break out of your shell.
I wrote a short little eBook called “The Art of Breaking Out” and it’s all about my creative reawakening through the power of blogging.

It really has changed my life, this blogging thing. I hope it has done (or will do) the same for you. Let me know how it has in the comments below …

I was listening to this interview with Michael Hyatt when the discussion turned to voice.

Voice: That incomparable you on display for the world to see.

You realize how important this is right?

When it comes to platform-building, your flavor is a major reason why people read your stuff.

So what about the narrow blog niche that so many bloggers harp on?

Whittle down that topic to a sharp point that sells.

That’s all well and good, but if you’re little blogging alcove is too precise, how far is that going to get you in this fickle land?

Really?

1. You’ll eventually grow weary of writing the same old muck, because repetition of the same topic = boredom.

2. You’ll lose the love of the craft that brought you here in the first place.

To me, that continual evolution is well, kind of exhilarating.

So my question today is simple …

What is more important?

A. Finding a specific niche and narrowing it until it’s as thin as a wafer mint?

… or …

B. Focusing on voice … flavor … swag?

Of course there’s a happy medium (in fact that might be the ideal scenario), but which of the above is more important to you?

In this competitive landscape I’m kinda partial to B.

Yes, it’s good practice to narrow your topic, but there are exceptions to every rule …

Generalists sometimes rock.
There are some extremely successful generalist bloggers.

Niche players can rule the day.
And there are tight niche players who are just as successful.

Either can succeed when it comes to building a successful online platform. BUT where are you without voice? Really?

Think about the bloggers you can’t get enough of.

Do they not have that incomparable presence that seems to bring you back?

Yes, Copyblogger is kinda, sorta dialed in (you would agree right? ). The crème de la crème of blogging with Brian Clark sitting at the throne. But I would feel comfortable saying his voice got him there. Smarts, hard work and dogged determination helped, but I’m not so sure Copyblogger would be the entity it is today without Brian’s authentic voice.

Derek Halpern is a guy who often tells people to drill-down to a very specific topic. He is very, very good at what he does, but how has he built something quite special on his own plot in our blogging wonderland? If you know about him, it’s an obvious statement that his personality is a huge part of his success. Yes, he knows his stuff and is obviously putting in the hours, but voice is a primary driver.

Mark Schaefer is one of the most well-regarded platform builders in our online kingdom. Why? Well, he has something we call gravitas, and he teaches us all about online business (as only a professor could), BUT he has a wonderful writing style that is all his. This Schaefer dude kinda rocks it  If you don’t believe me, go to his house and you won’t be disappointed. You’ll learn AND be entertained.

I’ve focused on James Altucher before, but good lord, read “The Altucher Confidential” and you’ll see why I sing his praises. As Mars Dorian wrote here, he breaks just about every rule in blogging, yet his writing is almost irresistible, to me at least. Besides I just love rule breakers. And once again, voice rules the day.

You guys have heard of Erika Napoletano right? Well, just in case you have not, head on over to Red Head Writing and let me know what you think. If you need branding advice infused with an oh so special language that’s a blend of salt and spice and all that other good stuff, you’ll soon be in love. Let me know what you think of that Napoletano-style lingo.

VOICE!

I would say it’s pretty damn important.

Yes, yes, yes … niche down. Don’t be too general. BUT please don’t forget that handy dandy little voice only YOU own. It has power.

Your blog will be nothing without the essence of you behind it.

My methodology?
Well I’m still in the platform-building stages and all this time I’ve been working feverishly behind the scenes, because … this stuff takes time.

You can be successful. You can make it rock. You can simply kill it, be super-duper epic, remarkable and all that fun stuff. You might even be sipping margaritas while lounging on the beach (while typing on your laptop).

BUT that is never going to happen unless you build a successful online platform, and I truly believe the power of platform comes from that voice only you can bring.

Plus … all work and no play makes Jack (or Jill) a rather dull sort. Embrace that voice, have fun and keep building that platform.

What are your plans for marketing?

What is your model to keep potential customers engaged? To make your brand sticky? To have design and copy work for you?

Here, Joe Pulizzi (with help from Robert Rose) describes the difference between Inbound and Content Marketing. Blogger, small business owner, goat milk soap aficionado, you should read it, because it’s so spot on, even for a late 2011 post.

And his description of brand evangelism really struck a chord with me.

He mentioned that Apple has a more gung ho subscriber base than just about any company on this big blue marble.

And they “move” those customers in more ways than one. The creative wonks at Apple are adept at maintaining a brand experience like no other.

But their content marketing strategy is not so obvious. When is the last time your read the Apple Blog? Well the truth is, there are too many to count.

(They are ALL over the place).

You see, the top dogs at Apple have a deep understanding of how consumers process, research and purchase. And they’ve created an incomparable brand experience around that.

They’ve built a feverish fan base that pimps the brand like crazy. In fact, it helps the company get through those rocky patches, just like the one they’re in right now.

Brand evangelism.

From Joe’s own 10 fingers:
“Content marketing is the practice of creating relevant and compelling content in a consistent fashion to a targeted buyer, focusing on all stages of the buying process, from brand awareness through to brand evangelism.

What about you?

Whether you’re a blogger trying to bust a move or a business owner lasered in on “that” buyer, you need a base – potential customers, fans, tribe members.

So, why not try the following …

Write with emotion:
Yes, get excited. While pounding the keyboard conjure up an individual dying for that spark to break out and make something happen.

Business owner … type away with passion, sincerity, and conviction. Bring the excitement. Bring the emotion. Tell a story with heart and soul. This is how you make enduring connections.

And embrace the power of story:
You have a story. Life is an adventure. Running your business is a daily saga that might just define your life’s mission. Run with it.

Story and Emotion will help you break from the flock, engage your audience and help you find the evangelists you need, and will grow to love. To me, it’s part of branding done right.

In response to Joe’s post, Ardath Albee wrote this comment …

My favorite parts of the comment above? …

“Storytelling leads to conversations and conversations lead to relationships which leads to customers.”

Yep.

“We’re now making the shift back to sharing the story about opportunities available and helping people find success – which also results in selling, but with a different flavor – as more of a mutually beneficial exchange.”

A mutually beneficial exchange … I rather like that.

So, solo-blogger, online entrepreneur, software developer. Whatever business you’re trying to build, learn that creating passion around your brand is now more important than ever.

Get excited – Teach. Help. Inspire. Branding is way more that great graphic design and informative copy. Way more. Embrace that different flavor Ardath mentioned above.

Let the passion rip using your voice. Tell that story and bring some people along for the ride.

A request …

In the comments, let me know how you’ve done this and what kind of success it’s brought you.

If you’re interested in learning more about my branding and design process, jump on over to my email list. There is much more in store. In the comments below, let me know exactly what you are struggling with regarding branding and design.

I feel like we’re reaching a boiling point in our blogging wonderland.

1. On one hand, a certain cynicism is on the rise. A crowd sick to death of the BS.

2. The other? They’re ready to jump on board the ever-elusive blogging gravy train. To join an entrenched group of “elite” online marketers making money hand over fist.

You?

A. Cynical much? Think blogging is built for suckers? That rainbow bombs are filling our space with pipe dreams?

or

B. Do you see certain A-listers as superstars who are now reaping the benefits of so much hard work?

Have you picked a side?

Me neither, but to be perfectly honest, I’m closer to camp B.

Yep. But …

Like Mark, I think the “remarkable” moniker often reeks of so much fairy dust. And it’s such a relative term anyway.

You DON’T need to be “remarkable,” you just need to craft a recipe for online success and take small, incremental steps to see it through.

Creativity, hard work and dogged determination. Herculean baby steps.

Camp B does this.

Easy, right?

Well no. But part of the problem might be your mindset:

– You think you must create something “remarkable” and;

– You’re constantly comparing yourself to the Grand Poobahs of the blogging world. The Bilderbergs of social.

You know … the super-bloggers constantly being criticized for being, well … successful. (Okay, there are a few charlatans out there, but you get the picture).

Have the big pieces of Blogging Pie been gobbled up?

Are we peons left scurrying for scraps like so many rats?

Is this elusive online success nothing but smoke and mirrors? …

Well, not exactly.

There’s so much opportunity out there it’s silly, but what IS the secret to “their” success? … The famous amos bloggers who seem to be hogging all the damn pie? (Scoundrels!)

Well, the secret is that there is no secret. Same as it ever was and as it always will be. At least until the cyborgs take over.

Here is the hard truth …

Many people out there think: “I’ll create something remarkable (there’s that word again) and they will come.”

Not gonna work (I’ve SO been there) …
You can write epic shit ’til the cows come home, but by itself? Um, that advice is basically worthless.

Like just about everything online, I look at this through my branding and design lens.

I’m leaving out a few details for the sake of brevity, but a typical project usually entails …
1. Research
2. Positioning work
3. Copywriting and design
4. Development
5. Completion, promotion … and … wait for it …

6. Starting over (and not stopping)

Stellar services or products will get you nowhere without Clarity, Consistency and Self-Promotion. That’s where the pop and sizzle come in.

But the most important thing?

NOT STOPPING. Ever. It’s what Team B does best. They show up, daily.

Constantly re-tooling, testing, analyzing … a “This Pro’s Train Ain’t Never Gonna Stop” mentality. They keep pushing!

Trying to carve out your own online space is hard, hard work. It’s a mother. And the guys and girls who write about passive income are often the hardest workers out there.

That Seth guy likes to speak and write about picking yourself. There IS no better time to be alive and no better time to own and run your own little business.

Choose yourself. Find you passion. Whatever.

But some things never change: Work your fingers to the bone. Lather, rinse, repeat. Wax on, wax off. Mr. Miyagi would just tell you to get busy.

“The Pro’s Train Never Stops?” I stole that line from Steven Pressfield, but I figured he wouldn’t mind. It’s kinda like that famous Woody Allen line, only better.

In my world I like to say great branding is an investment, not an expense, but you must be “all in” to build something of substance around it. And “all in” means not stopping.

If you’re interested in learning more about my branding and design process, jump on over to my email list.

Also: In the comments below, I would love to know your thoughts on true success in the online realm (and what it takes to get there).

How clear is your online messaging?

Let me guess – you’re pumping out great content. You have a site design you’re proud of … and you’re putting in the work each day.

But things are not quite panning out as expected.

You have the blogging disease of the many headed hydra.

(I sure did)

So, why are you not gaining traction? Why has your marketing stalled?

Well it might just be how you’re positioning your business.

A lack of clarity and focus usually results in that wheel spinning exercise (the one with the furry rodent).

But a finely-tuned positioning statement becomes your nitty-gritty tool for clarity in messaging.

Why you really do need a positioning statement

You’ve heard that many businesses fail within the first year.

(Me too).

That many abandon their blog within the first three months.

(Yeppo).

They start with lofty goals, but meander.

Why?

Well, many don’t start at the ground level. They focus on form first, function second.

Jumping in without an end in mind.

Many of the businesses I work with want to focus on design first, but it’s best to take a step back and work on positioning as step one.

Why?

– It’s the center of bang-on marketing communications, design and copy.

– It becomes the foundation of your brand.

– The filter which everything else runs through.

– And it makes your life easier in so many ways.

And … it’s always my very first step to building a brand that works!

When it comes to branding your enterprise, are you feeling a little stuck?

Worried that you are wasting time on all the wrong things?

Feel like the many headed beast mentioned above?

Well, answering some basic questions is the easiest way to get started.

So, let’s get to it …

1. Define your target market.

2. What are the specific needs of that market?

3. How does your product or service satisfy that need?

4. What makes your business stand out from the competition? (Look at this from a potential customer’s perspective.)

5. Clearly define the unique benefit(s) your product or service offers.

Whittle this down as much as possible. Don’t complicate your positioning with a multitude of benefits or by focusing on a market that’s to varied.

Clarity is key. Be brief and craft a 2-4 sentence statement based on the above.

One paragraph. No more!

Why is this positioning exercise so important?

A. It clarifies your purpose.

B. It helps your brand stand out (in a unique way).

C. And it makes your life easier, because it filters a continual delivery that is spot on.

The bedrock of cohesiveness, clarity and brand stickiness. Driving every touchpoint: Logo, tagline, copy, even PR.

What will it help you do?

Attract the right customers.

So, let me ask you this …

Are you reaching your ideal customer?

If not, read the above and get busy writing that first paragraph.

Today we are starting with the basics (this is only step one), BUT… if you are interested in learning more about my branding and design process, jump on over to my email list, there is much more in store.

Oh … and in the comments below, let me know exactly what you are struggling with regarding branding and design.

If you’re blogging, I imagine you seek a commanding online presence.

As a small business owner, you need to set yourself apart from the competition.

But you must know where you are going.

What are you offering? How do you wish to be perceived? Can you define your target audience? Know exactly what they need?

If not, you need to get some answers on paper.

And the most important question to answer? … What does your audience need?

So you might be asking, where do I start?

Well, let’s go back to what we’ve covered so far …
1. Your Uniqueness
2. Your Purpose
3. Your Value
4. The specific problems you will solve

The posts above? They’re variations of what I do with my B2B clients. When I start any branding or design project I first ask clients to answer a few questions:

1. Can you clearly define your target market?

2. What are the specific needs of that market?

3. How does your product or service satisfy that need?

4. How does your business stand out from the competition?

5. And what are the unique benefits you bring?

So what about you?

Answering these questions will help you flesh out your brand and create a rock solid center to help you survive and thrive.

But today, instead of rambling I thought it better to highlight four people with artful positioning clearly in place. I’d say their online presence exudes it. And this isn’t just about design … it’s about consistency across the board.

…

Laura Click

Take a look at Laura’s blog and her business site.

Visual branding is cohesive across the board. And everything from tagline to blog posts have a tonality that bathes in a clearly defined essence.

She does branding right and I’m sure if I asked her for an impromptu elevator pitch she would be ready to deliver.

…

AJ Leon

I’m a fan of Misfit Inc. and one of the reasons? The branding chops AJ and crew possess.

Check out his many online properties and you’ll find an environment with mood and meaning, from ebook to blog to landing page. Study the design, the photography, the writing and overall messaging, and you’ll see what I mean.

…

Ryan Hanley

Young Mr. Hanley is everywhere. He blogs, runs a podcast and manages a day job, all while adding value to his insurance firm through social and content. He’s smart, motivated and in my mind, doing this “thing” the right way.

He’s not dispensing rainbow bombs, practices what he preaches and delivers a consistent message from podcast to his Content Warfare newsletter.

He clearly knows what his audience wants: Smart, tactical, business advice. And trust me, you’ll be hearing more about him in the coming years.

…

Jon Buscall

I’m not sure when I was introduced to Mr. Buscall, but he is a great guy, really knows his stuff, and he certainly gets branding.

The essence I described above? He has it nailed, plus he has one of the most helpful podcasts out there; packed with detailed, actionable advice.

Take a look at his blog. Listen to his podcast. Read his comments (he offers generous heaps of advice in the style of Danny Brown).

Take a look at how Jon operates and you’ll understand what I mean by CORE.

What about you? Your branding?

Who are you trying to reach and what are their needs?

Does your product or service satisfy that need?

Are you bringing it in a unique way?

Is your visual style inline with your message?

Work to answer these questions and study the bloggers (um, entrepreneurs) above. They’re rocking it and you’ll learn a ton, trust me.

If you’re interested in learning more about my branding and design process, jump on over to my email list. There is much more in store. In the comments below, let me know exactly what you are struggling with regarding branding and design.

What is your purpose?

If you were sitting across the table from me, could you answer this question?

You might conjure up something just to have a reply.

Or stare at me blankly.

You might tell me to shut up, but that would be rude and wouldn’t help your case.

Well, I wouldn’t blame you, really. We don’t need purpose.

You knew that. But if you’re reading this I imagine you would like to make a small dent in this digital wonderland.

You have this big, fat problem though. Spinning your wheels daily, stuck in a sea of “overwhelm,” filled with marketing advice, guest posts, to-dos, products and ebooks … Pure drudgery.

The fun has evaporated. The gusto long gone.

You’re also buried in an avalanche of 10,034 unsolicited opinions and counting.

Discouraged and restless.

Been there. So experienced that. And to me, that gets to the root of this giant-sized problem most of us have.

We envision something, go in with the best intentions, but end up in a stagnant pond wondering what the hell happened.

Misdirected by everything life tosses our way, and often misguided by the opinions of others AND our own lofty ambition.

When I was a kid I worshipped Ray Harryhausen If you have no clue who he is, take a look here. Yes, almost laughable compared to today’s special effects, but as a kid in the 70s this was pure magic.

I lived in a bubble, because I was fat, awkward, and painfully shy. An only kid who invented his own games, worshipped a stop-motion animation god, and was perfectly content alone in my room. Now I often wonder what was so wrong with that.

At the time I viewed myself as a worthless zit that desperately needed popping.

If I had learned to be comfortable with who I was instead of loathing myself, I think I’d be better off today.

And strangely enough, this is where I get back to our so often abused word of the day – Purpose.

Yes, PURPOSE.

STOP and think about why you are reading this post.

Do you sometimes feel like a lone wolf who can’t make “it” happen?

Feeling a certain lack of clarity?

Stuck in the endless churn?

Well, part of the problem might be “it.”

Maybe you’ve been chasing your tail for eons because your “it” is fighting against every fiber of your being. And getting back to the real You is all you need.

For years I fought the kid I was because I thought there was something terribly wrong. Turns out there wasn’t, but as I matured, my “it” was increasingly based on someone else’s vision of what I should be.

So maybe this is less about Purpose and way more about you being You.

REALLY. Think about your world and what you’re trying to become. Is it about your vision or someone else’s?

If your current trajectory feels at odds with your core, maybe it is time for a change. A reinvention.

I’m in my late 40s, have a wife and two teenage boys. I run a consulting business, have a mortgage, and people that rely on me to put food on the table.

Buuuuut, my business of doing things is going to change dramatically. It’s another “shit or get off the pot” moment. I’ve had a few.

You? Right now you could be on the verge of something great, but you’re stuck in a depressing quagmire.

Well, don’t throw in the towel. TODAY is DAY ONE to end the madness. So take a deep breath, relax and retool.

Yes, today …

1. Right now, stop and ask, “why?”

Before you log onto another social network, write another post or craft a comment, ask: Why?

Are you doing this for freedom?

If you want out of the system, it’s not hard to plan your escape, sell all your shit and move into a shoebox. BUT this post isn’t about tiny houses, tossing all your possessions, and a minimalist lifestyle.

No, It’s more about regrouping, with vision.

Maybe you want to be the next Pat Flynn, or would love to decipher the Tim Ferriss code.

Why?

You feel the need to monetize. To build a Krypton-sized email list.

Why?

To write a book.

Why?

Could be, you’ve spent so much time reading advice you feel like you’re buried in quicksand.

But you still want to arrive on the other end and give yourself a high-five.

Well to me, the quickest way to stop sinking is to start asking … WHY? Today, tomorrow and every day. It might be the best habit you ever develop.

Sit down each and every morning. Stop with the Twitter, don’t open your email and realize Facebook will survive a few hours without you.

Get out pen and paper and write down 10 detailed reasons why you want to build an online presence.

Keep asking, Why?

Come up with different reasons and explore. Then tomorrow, start over. If you really feel stuck, you need to do this every day. Ideas will come, business plans will hatch, and you’ll feel reborn.

You might devise something you had never envisioned. Or take another’s formula, flip it on its head, and make it that much better.

Just exercise your noodle daily and stop with the churn.

2. STOP thinking like a blogger.

The top bloggers? They’re entrepreneurs, authors, speakers first. There are exceptions of course, there always are, but obsessing over metrics, guest posting or comment count with no direction will lead down blind alleys, where nothing ever comes to fruition.

As part of your “Why” exercise, start thinking about a burning problem only you can solve. And use those precious a.m. hours to turn yourself into an idea factory.

You might just find the burning problem is all about you, freedom, and how to break the chains that bind you.

There could be a revolutionary product or novel residing in your cranium, but without the daily exercise, you’ll never flesh it out, especially if you whittle away those precious hours on Facebook.

3. Learn what to stop doing.

As you exercise your upper-story processor and keep asking, you’ll quickly discover the things you don’t want to do. In fact, this beautiful “not-do” list is one of the greatest benefits if your daily brainstorm.

A blitzkrieg on the tasks you hate or don’t do so well. As you slowly pass them off to someone else, you’ll soon realize how much they crippled you.

But for now, just focus on writing them down. I’ve been running a virtual business for years, so will be writing about finding the best freelancers to make your life easier.

4. Take off the blinders.

Watch several of these videos in sequence and see how you do. 

Go ahead try it. It’s fun!

The gist is that people often completely overlook the seemingly obvious. There’s a reduction of awareness we all experience every day.

Our digital domain compounds it.

We misinterpret and jump to conclusions. And we often have blinders on, seeing things in black and white.

If you don’t shake things up … well, it’s like you have a pair of lead boots on.

The hackneyed phrase “thinking outside the box” means something here. So, change your habits. Try disrupting and see where it gets you. Be a misfit and make some noise by doing your thing. Enter a new world.

Turns out finding your purpose (or whatever you choose to call it) might just start with embracing disruptive thinking and killing off the habits that bind you.

Take off those lead boots and see how high you can fly. See you on the other side

Weeks ago I wrote a post about purpose and two people I know and respect commented on the importance of relationships.

You might call it the power of customer service. Or the effectiveness of just being nice, but there’s more right?

It’s part of a mix that brings people back, in life and in business.

People return because they like you.

They don’t want to be lied to or manipulated, but great work, mixed with honesty and a smile can make all the difference in the world.

In our advanced digital age, some often forget this simple practice. In fact, they sometimes shout back for the strangest reasons.

My sister-in-law sells timeshares in Breckenridge, Colorado. I wrote about her before, but Josh and Ralph made me think of Maureen’s perfect sales model once again.

This selling thing comes naturally to her and as I mentioned here, she could probably sell a McMansion to Tammy Strobel.

Honest.

In fact, she’s been a top-selling agent for years.

Why?

Well, I think it’s more about what she doesn’t do.

SELL.

Yep. If this sounds absurd, please read on.

Maureen doesn’t “work” the customer. She might even be the polar opposite of your classic swindler.

Approachable. Trustworthy. Genuine.

She speaks to potential clientele as she would anyone else. Typical salesy behavior is not part of her mosaic and “pushy” is not in her repertoire.

What you see is what you get.

How does this work in your world?

The online world where you are competing for eyeballs? Where being You is how you bring it?

Are you being true to yourself? Letting the real You out for the world to see?

In this choose yourself age, one of increasing transparency, this is becoming more important than ever.

Are you treating your readers, your customers, like real people?

Genuine engagement often leads to loyalty, friendships, customers.

It’s part of my Personality + Value argument and it’s what Maureen does.

Years of experience + being herself. Not trying too hard.

I’ll admit that many salespeople win by intimidating, pushing and deceiving. But I don’t think bulldozing, manipulating or bluffing your way to success is a very sustainable model. Snake oil and gussied up numbers don’t work any more. Potential customers can sniff out desperation.

So, when it comes to your world remember this. Don’t just remember it, live it: Don’t try so hard to be a salesman. Stay true to yourself and the right people will find you. Heck, they might even buy from you.

Whenever I listen to a Seth Godin interview, I come away smarter.

And this interview is no exception.

When discussing the Connection Economy, he dispensed this splendid little nugget …

“In 1740 there was zero percent unemployment because there were no jobs. If you worked, you worked for yourself. We are heading there really fast, again. And it’s going to be bumpy and painful along the way. And the question is do you want to get out in front of that?”

And a little pearl of wisdom …

“No one is going to pick you. Pick yourself.”

Yep.

Who knows how long it will take for traditional jobs to drift off into the cosmos.

Really. Read Ray Kurzweil’s “The Singularity is Near” and you’ll start to realize how quickly the factory model (and life as we know it) will disappear. It might be more “overnight” than you think.

But let’s get back to our humble world of marketing, the Connection Economy and your part in this promising new age.

My glass is half full. Is yours?

Maybe we should think of ourselves as Renegades, because:

1. I like that word and

2. This hopeful new era will be fueled by creative disruption

Renegades disrupt.

And in my little orb of branding done right, I’m more excited than Paul Allen at a “Star Trek” convention.

Ingenuity wrapped in rebel spirit will rule the day.

We’re just getting started and it’s pretty damn diggity dank.

So how do you jump on board (read: get as excited as I am) and bust a move?

1. Give your online community a crushing bear-hug.
Since I mentioned Seth I would be remiss if I didn’t mention “tribes.” And the 18th Century model he describes will soon be back, but in a fancy new and improved package.

I’m preaching to the choir here, but show your online community some affection and seek those who want what you got, ’cause the gatekeepers are dying on the vine and never, ever in the history of this big, beautiful planet have you had such amazing opportunities.

Choose yourself, then connect with the right people, over and over and over. Finding “your” people is now more important than ever. You know this, but it needs repeating. If your main goal is to make money, start over. If it’s to really truly help someone on the other end, I think you just might be onto something.

2. Do NOT fear transparency.
I’m now thinking about sales and what Daniel Pink has written regarding information asymmetry – the old world where the salesman knew more than the buyer and could scheme like a lying dog. A “buyer beware” world. Today we are much closer to information parity or “seller beware.”

The old “secret” information is now there for all to see and the old “master of deception” trick has been burnt to a cinder. Because of technology it’s getting easier to spot the phonies by the day, but more importantly … it’s easier for you to be a modern day George Bailey. Honesty and hard work win in the end.

3. Belt out “that” Frank Sinatra song like you mean it.
You know the one … work to convey Your message Your Way. Wrap that fat content in big, bold personality. Kick fear to the curb and “bring it” like nobody else can.

This brings people back. It’s like the honest you from number 2, with a semi-sized cherry on top. Genuinely engage, don’t be so boilerplate and see where it leads. And for God’s sake, please have fun, because all work and zero play will make a dull boy (or girl) of ya. Excuse my redneck grammar.

4. Disrupt daily.
Take a sledgehammer to convention. Shake up your day and realize that connecting things is often a chaotic and slightly painful process.

Like I wrote here, a crazy ass pass (or path) is often your best option. And the process of disruptive thinking (doing the opposite of what is expected) is a powerful practice to create something new and exciting.

So, embrace small, intimate communities; be true to yourself and your peeps; bring it like ya mean it; and let that ingenious spirit spring forth.

Creativity, hard work and authenticity now rock more than ever. And it is time to become the digital gunslinger you know your are.

When I first dipped my feet into the blogging pool in 2011, I was focusing on all the wrong things.

And ignoring the business I spent 17 years building.

Enamored with praise, comment count, and an increasing number of visitors, my dopamine center was in overdrive.

I was ignoring my business, writing with no end in mind, and I figured it would all pay off, somehow.

But I wasn’t even listening to my own advice.

You been there? Hankering for that fix?

I almost failed because I bought into the big, fat deception about blogging gold in them there hills. But there are no golden eggs when you’re out of place and out of focus. Yet I kept on writing and obsessing. Chasing my tail.

The economy was a giant turd and new business was drying up.

I was more stressed than Snooki at a book club meeting.

And I was wishing upon a star.

The writing flowed, but a guy who helps businesses clarify their messaging was diluting his. Neglecting the engine that put food on the table, because I was lost in a world filled to the brim with false promises.

But that was then.

I’m now on the other side, but I almost blew it.

The allure of the blogging “lifestyle” is like an enchanting siren song, hypnotic, but beguiling. You’re soon lost, forgetting why you started and what you wanted to do in the world.

It. Does. That. Like a giant, egg-sucking, ugly ass trap.

You?

When you are planning, writing or recording, are you thinking about someone on the other end? How you might solve the problems that plague them?

Or … are you looking for that one viral post?

Is the end goal, YOUR goal? Or a re-tooled version of someone else’s?

I was practicing the opposite of what I preached, entranced, yet banging my head against some invisible barrier. It took me a while to see beyond this great wall. To start on a less fragmented, more streamlined path.

Here’s the thing: Oftentimes an “expert’s” advice is more like an impediment to your progress. And you my friend, aid and abet. I sure did.

So, why not STOP?

Today, forget about metrics, plug-ins or how to score a guest post on some mega-blog.

Instead, sit down with pen and paper and design YOUR grand vision. Where you want to be in one, two, three years. Craft a short statement which clarifies why you are here and exactly what you aim to do. If it takes days or even weeks, even better. It means you are truly fleshing out YOUR way.

But don’t stop there. No.

This should become the daily practice. That silent break you take each and every day to really, truly design your way forward.

It’s about stopping business as usual and working your ass off to find your “why,” then doing it over and over and over.

Like Yoda say, Do or do not. There is no try.

So STOP. And then … Do.

I know, it’s always in fashion to trash the blogosphere’s “top dogs.” I’m not taking a stand against them, but the reality is, they often hinder your progress.

What helped me?

I stopped listening to them.

And I started listening to myself.

I woke up.

The blogging kingfish? They did (and do) the same thing. They press ignore and make shit happen. If you spend all your time on social media you’ll never make shit happen, trust me.

So, back to You. Just stop. Then get started.

There’s a cornucopia of fine peeps who’ve found their way by helping others. Some would say they’re Killing It. Here’s what I say: Maybe at some point they simply stopped listening, and started doing. I can’t speak for them, but I do see insane clarity of vision and I rather like that.

So, if you want to slip out of the box for a bit, do yourself a favor and check out James Altucher.

This guy was never even on the outer limit of my radar, mainly because I was mired in the blogging-guru muck for an eternity. But I listened to this, and listened again. Then again.

Trader, investor, impresario … blogging raconteur. If you spend some time on his site, you’ll see how deep he goes and how impressive his resume is. But it’s obvious the only rule book he follows is his own.

In his own words … “For some reason, I’ve turned myself inside out and all my guts have spilled onto my blog.”

Thing is, the spilling is crafted in such an artful, alluring, and magnetic style, it’s hard to stop at just one post. But you know what? I’m convinced you’ll be better off if you take a deep dive into his world.

For extra inspiration, you might also want to check out AJ Leon.

When I first stumbled upon his blog I thought: Here’s another intrepid, young traveler simply writing about a lifestyle I can’t have at this moment in time. The cool, worldly guy I never was.

But it gets a bit more profound. I don’t know if it’s something about the financial sector (see James Altucher above) but Wall Street “escapees” seem to possess a certain creative gravitas that’s hard to define, at least the ones I follow.

I downloaded and read, “The Life & Times of a Remarkable Misfit” in one sitting. It’s a mix of essays, but it’s seamless from start to finish, and for a concise e-book it has a bit of heft. In his interviews, his writing and his overall style, it’s obvious, here is a guy with an entrepreneurial mind and true clarity of vision. And best of all, he’s fighting against complacency and conformity.

And from my perspective, the overall branding of Misfit, Inc. is a wonder to behold.

So now …

That is just a taste of two people with some serious creative chops obviously doing their thing … but you have the same kind of spark within.

Right now I’m more focused than ever, and I want you to feel the same. Feel that creative buzz just waiting to get out. But to do that, you need to get out of the bubble.

About the two above. Don’t follow their path. Simply examine the possibilities. Get more than a wee bit inspired and then, start. Today.