2017 has been a year of growth for many.

For me at least I can safely say that I have become a more focused and driven entrepreneur. I have made new business contacts, friends and acquaintances and have even lost some along the way.

I am sure for you to, there have been some persons you’ve outgrown as you continue on your journey, and while it can seem as fun sometimes, the disappointments you have experienced along the way have made you sit and wondered if it was all worth it.

Trust me, I get it…….we’re all on this roller coaster together and I want to share with you the top five lessons  2017 has taught me

 

LESSON #1 – Expect the unexpected

This year has been full of extraordinary surprises for me (biggest one was revealed in a podcast I did called Directing your Direct Marketing Strategy. Click here to find out).  Honestly, this year was just filled with twists and turns that no one could have seen coming. In business and in life you can plan as much as you want, but there is a higher power at work whether you choose to believe it or not.

Sometimes things are revealed to you over time, causing you to make drastic decisions to save yourself. Other times you might feel so low and you have no idea how to get out then, in an instant, one client comes along and things turn around for the better.

It’s all part of the growth process. Take it all in stride and enjoy the journey.

 

LESSON #2: Not all relationships last

Sigh…….there were some people I literally had to say goodbye to and it hurt. These were people I really wanted to share my journey with but we were just moving in different directions. I will say that this opened me up to meeting new persons and forging new relationships that have not only helped my business but helped me grow as a person.

Some people can only take you part of the way……and that’s ok.
Walking away from someone who no longer serves your higher purpose DOES NOT make you selfish nor are not obligated to stay.

You can more than continue to support them, but know when it’s time to invest your time, money and energy into someone or something else that can take you to higher level.

Focus more on what you’ve gained over what you think you’ve lost and thing will work out.

 

LESSON #3: You have to know when to walk away

Earlier this year, I was sold a dream that I bought into hook, line and sinker…… even though my gut told me otherwise. I won’t go into the details, but at the end of the day, it did nothing but caused me a lot of stress and looking back I wasted many months working on someone else’s vision while neglecting my own. The illusion seemed fruitful but the reality was just the opposite.

The experience did, however, open my eyes and I learned to ALWAYS trust my instincts because they’re NEVER wrong.

You should do the same.

Things will happen where you may be sold something that sounds great, or you might meet a client that willing and able to pay you for your services, but the interaction with them leaves you stressed, fed up, annoyed or upset.

Your gut will tell you when it’s time to move on.

Feel when the time is right
Know when to make your move
Celebrate your steps in the right direction

 

LESSON #4: Making an investment in yourself and your business is necessary

I know we hear it a lot that you need to invest, but once you actually do it’s truly a different feeling. The possibilities are endless when you step back and let your money work for you. This year alone I had my branding redone by the one and only Cassia Marina of CDB Design studio and I can tell you, that small investment has gotten me noticed internationally. I have been asked to guest blog, invited onto podcasts and my business has seen substantial growth.

This year too, I invested in two international incubators run by leaders in my industry and the returns I’ve gotten cannot compare to the amount spent.  The connections I’ve made, the things I’ve learned and implemented are so worth it.

I know it can be hard to find that extra money to do the things you truly want to do and many of you believe that you can do it on your own, but in my experience, I can tell you take the time to invest and you will see substantial growth sooner, quicker and faster.

 

LESSON #5: Don’t be too hard on yourself

This one is very difficult. We all make mistakes from time to time, we’re only human. We may get caught up with someone or something that just did not work out for us.  Sometimes life gets in the way……you or someone close to you falls ill or you get called away on an urgent matter and your business suffers because of it. I can tell you, I too have been caught playing ‘catch up’ a time or two this year but don’t be too hard on yourself.

Take it all in stride and understand that life happens and it’s how you handle it that makes the difference.

  • Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them.
  • Allow yourself time to recuperate from a stressful situation
  • Allow yourself to feel what you need to feel when you need to feel it

Then jump right back in and keep moving forward.

You’re not alone and we are all dealing with our own slices of life, so lean on someone who can help pick you up and don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go according to plan, remember you are right where you need to be.

 

 

Well, these are my 2017 experiences, did any resonate with you? Do you have any that you would like to share?

Tell me in the comments below; I would love to hear from you

 

If you need a supportive team of leaders who can definitely relate to what you’re feeling then join my free and private Facebook group The New SMS: Strategic Marketing Specialists. Come for the support, stay for the free training and marketing advice.

Finally,  I wish for you love, peace, prosperity and all your heart’s desires this season and I pray God bestows His richest blessings upon you. I wish for you financial success in 2018 and that all negative habits, feelings and emotions are broken and banished to bring forth abundance in every aspect of your life

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from your friendly neighborhood marketer