Earlier this week, I came across a post in a community forum by one of my esteemed colleagues in the affiliate marketing field. He expressed fear about launching his Facebook advert.
My initial reaction was, “Just do it! man” But then, I paused and reflected on my own experiences from 30 years ago when I first ventured into my own business. Back then, I realised that the buck stopped with me, and the journey was just as mental as it was physical.
Starting my career as a business owner, I sold window blinds. This involved visiting clients’ homes, measuring their windows, and presenting them with various fabric samples. It wasn’t about selling but more about consulting. I would present the options, discuss the blinds’ features, and then leave the decision to the customers, always without pressure. This method has been my way of doing business for the last three decades and I think always will be.
However, in those early days, I was plagued with insecurities. I would arrive at my appointments half an hour early, parked nearby trying to psych myself up because the thought of entering strangers’ homes and discussing products wasn’t my strong suit. It was a nerve-wracking experience, especially with my first few orders.
After placing the order with wholesale suppliers, I worried incessantly. Did I measure correctly? Did I order the right size? What if I made a mistake?
The mental gymnastics were intense, but I learned to manage them. Over time, I realized that, while important, these tasks were not life-threatening. After all, it was just window blinds, not brain surgery. This mindset shift was crucial. It allowed me to focus on providing the best service possible without being paralyzed by fear.
Fast forward 30 years, and I find myself in a similar mental space as I dip back into the blinds business to supplement my affiliate marketing income for the short term. The process of quoting and consulting is enjoyable, filled with light-hearted face to face banter and rapport-building with the customer.
But even now, on the fitting day, small doubts linger. Will the blinds fit? Did I order the right colour? Will the customer be satisfied? These thoughts, though now are just minor concerns, remind me of the importance of mindset.
In business the weight of responsibility can be daunting. You are accountable for every decision, every action. This responsibility requires a paradigm shift, a different mentality. It’s about owning the role and overcoming the associated fears.
This brings me to the concept I recently explored in “The Alter Ego Effect,” an audiobook I started listening to. The book discusses how athletes, business professionals and adopt alter egos to enhance their performance. It’s a fascinating idea. Like Superman’s transformation into his alter ego Clark Kent to blend in on Earth.
By the way Superman is not the alter ego of Clark Kent, amazingly it’s the opposite if you think about it. This analogy shows the power of adopting a different persona to manage various aspects of life.
Ultimately, success in business is 80% mental and 20% mechanical. The mechanics, setting up a business, managing logistics, and executing tasks are essential, but they only account for a fraction of what makes an entrepreneur successful.
The mental aspects like dealing with fear, self-doubt, and the weight of responsibility is far more significant. It involves cultivating a resilient mindset, managing stress, and continually motivating oneself to push forward despite challenges.
For those just starting, the journey can be intimidating. The idea that everything rests on your shoulders is a heavy burden. But embracing this reality, managing your mindset, and focusing on the process rather than the potential pitfalls can lead to growth and success.
In conclusion, whether you’re selling window blinds, launching a new marketing campaign, or diving into a different business venture, remember that the battle is mostly in your mind. The technical skills and business mechanics are vital, but your mental resilience, adaptability, and attitude towards challenges truly determine your success.
So, embrace the 80/20 rule. Master your mindset, and the rest will follow.
Hi Steve,
Pareto’s law of 80/20 can be applied to pretty much everything but once you’ve truly understood it’s business impact, you definitely have a better foothold on what you can attain and master!
All the best!
Absolutely, the 80/20 rule, or Pareto’s Principle, is a game changer when applied effectively in business! Actually identifying which 20% of your efforts yield 80% of your results not only optimises but also sharpens focus on the most impactful areas. I know business owners who know this but they don’t have the data to identify the 20%. It’s always enlightening to hear from others who appreciate the practical benefits of this principle.