Tag Archives: Doing what you love

I found the best book about how to do what you love and get paid for it!

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A book review on ‘Screw Work Let’s Play,’ by John Williams

Being a bookaholic it takes quite a bit for me to really rave about a book.  Not only do I think this book is amazing, I’ve already purchased a copy for a few friends and had it sent to them by Amazon.

If you are in a job you don’t really like OR run/manage a business where you’ve lost your passion, this really is a must read.

I don’t think that I can describe what makes it so fantastic – and I don’t want to come across as a cheese ball, but the author must have written this book from his heart.  Every word, sentence, paragraph and chapter seems to fit perfectly.

The great thing is that it’s written with a unique perspective – there’s loads of references to other people following their heart but the content, for once, doesn’t seem like a regurgitation of something else.

An issue I’ve had for years is that I know that I can do anything I want…but what the heck do I want?  John starts the reader off with an outline on how to work out what you really really want.  Most authors seem to assume that the reader knows that they are passionate about… that the reader has a clue about what they’re really good at and would enjoy doing.

The generations before me (and mine) were told that work is hard…and if you’re not miserable doing what you’re doing, you’re not really working.  And if you’re not really working you don’t deserve to get paid.  I don’t know where it came from or why it exists but things that come natural to us are pushed down and we’re told to ‘live in the real world’.  It’s nuts.

Anyway – if you can’t remember what you’re passionate about or what your next step in life should be, I totally urge you to get this book.  It will help you to realise what direction you might want to head in.

And if you do have the luxury of knowing where you’re your talents and passion lay, this book is still worth reading as it tells you how to take that passion and make money from it!

The author also discusses what to do next, how to get stared, how to guarantee success and then he brings together what you’re passionate about and how you can get paid to be passionate!  Woooo woo!  The book also includes practical information on getting your passion out there – sales and marketing.  It’s all good.

Seriously…if you need a kick in the butt to get you to enjoy your journey, get this book.  I promise you’ll get a return on your money (and time) invested.

 

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Do you need a bit of inspiration about your work life? Check this out

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Last week I went to a business club offered off the back of Cranfield University’s Business Growth Programme (of which I’m a proud graduate).

I’ve only been to two meetings but both times I left feeling inspired, supported and excited about the future. The group knows that I’ve decided to leave my companies to figure out how I can follow my heart instead of my head.

It’s interesting as we discuss normal business concepts such as how to get more clients, HR issues, the practicalities of running a business, etc in addition to deep concepts such as:

  • what is it about running our business that truly makes us happy?
  • can we encourage more magical moments in our business and personal lives?
  • how can we make sure we wake up every day with inspiration?

Times are definitely changing in the world of business! It’s not all about making a profit, finding good employees or simply trying to make the Times 100 Best companies list anymore!

It’s much more…it’s about finding a way to love what you do so that the love spreads to everyone you touch.

Anyway – during our business meeting one of the members suggested that we watched the Steve Jobs’ Stanford University commencement speech.

If you haven’t seen this yet, I urge you to take just a few minutes to watch it. I guarantee you’ll feel more inspired about the idea of living the authentic life (or should I put ‘being the real you more often.’)

Have a GREAT DAY!  x

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Is it possible to niche yourself in a role that you enjoy?

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My head is still digesting all the great information in the book, “The Business You Were Born to Create”, authored by Nick Williams.  I’ve been mulling over what my strengths are and thinking hard about what I really enjoy doing (work-wise).

(Read my book review on Nick Williams book here)

I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t fit into a specific box – I can’t just say I enjoy marketing because that could mean a whole host of things.  Some people think ‘marketing’ is all about advertising, brand awareness and spending lots of money and not knowing if it’s working!

That’s definitely not the kind of marketing that I enjoy.

What I do enjoy is the ability to create lead generation systems (or in other words, ‘cash-flow’ systems).  I love to set up the technology, write the sales copy, create lead magnets (free educational ebooks/guides, video’s, presentations), craft compelling landing pages, set up or improve the website, create communication elements (autoresponders & broadcasts) and then turn the system on by using pay-per-click, PR, social media, email marketing and on and on.

I really enjoy going into companies and saying ‘hey – I can help you to set up a system that will allow potential clients to come to you.  And the best thing about the system is that if it’s maintained, the amount of leads you get will increase exponentially.’  Furthermore, the way that I set things up is totally geared to adding massive value to the end client.  It’s a win-win.  The company gets more clients and the client gets and even better service.  And I suppose there’s one more ‘win’ – I enjoy what I do while making money!  Woooooo woooooo wo!

Geez – I sound like a walking sales pitch, don’t I?

For some reason I kept thinking that I needed to fit into a box, but one thing in Nick Williams book really stood out.  He was at a networking event and asked a woman what she did for a living.  The woman replied that her job was to get massaged.  Can you believe that?  What a dream job.  It just so happens that this woman grades masseurs before they get licenced (or whatever they get to achieve some certificate).

If someone can make money getting massaged, I can surely make an income focusing on creating bespoke lead generation systems. Or perhaps narrow it down even further?

But let’s pause for reflection here.  Kim – do you really enjoy setting up these systems?  Or is it something you want to do because you know how to do it well?

Good question – eh?

[I’m pausing to think]

Yep – I’m certain that I not only like to set up these systems…I know I’m really good at it too.  One of my companies turns over 1/2 a billion GBP/year and one of the biggest problems we have is too many leads!  When you get too many leads it’s often difficult to qualify or priorities them…but that’s more of an operational issue.  I’m sure that many companies would like to have the problem of too many leads!

So…what would be my ideal line of work as my head stands now?  I think I’d enjoy consulting for a handful of companies to set up systems and then help to maintain them.  It would give me variety, enjoyable work, new connections and an income.

Let me digest all this.

What about you?  If you could niche is something that you really love to do, what would it be?

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Is having a more holistic approach to your day better than segmenting it?

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How’s it going with you?  Well, aside from being a tiny bit uncomfortable about my unknown future direction, I’m doing pretty good.  Since I started to focus on enjoying my journey, I’ve definitely felt much better as a whole.

Every day I make it a ritual to go to the coffee shop and have some quite ‘me-time’.  While I’m reading I create a ‘to-do’ list, respond to any texts, take phone calls and jot down some thoughts (usually about the meaning of life).  I must be the weirdest person.  If someone spent time watching me they’d wonder how my head works.  It’s definitely random.

This morning, I was reading Wayne Dyers book, ‘Stop The Excuses,’ while creating my list of things to do today.  I’m not big into excuses but I thought it might be interesting.  I also created a page listing what I need to believe to be the person I want to be.  Yes – it’s a random list, but the book and my desire to enjoy my journey of life more seemed to spur this action.

My to-do list looked like this:

  • Send thank you to Ian (Solicitor)
  • Email Virginna about how to create books on Lulu
  • Feedback to Iain how he can improve his website (needs better benefits, opt-in form and value add to offer)
  • Buy tights
  • Book meeting with Olga to discuss PPC
  • Fit in 9 holes of golf? Need to book tee time
  • Thrash out new website idea – teaching people how to use their skills in writing to make money online

And my “What do I have to believe to be the person I know I can be” list looked like this:

  • I wake up excited
  • I know how to attract anything I want
  • I enjoy brainstorming new ideas and then rolling them out or involving others to help me
  • I’m living proof that making money and enjoying the journey is possible – I love my life
  • I know that my daughter is getting lots of love and enjoying her path – she’s great!
  • Making money is fun, easy and rewarding
  • I meet amazingly wonderful like-minded people
  • Every day is a new and exciting adventure
  • I have perfect vision
  • I’m enjoying the present moment
  • I believe in infinite possibilities
  • I’m allowing great stuff to come into my life – new friends, fun events, great memories, love, laughter, happiness, excellent times with friends and family
  • I have inspirational dreams and fulfilling sleep
  • I find it easy to focus on everything that is good
  • I am full of vibrant energy and my physical body is healthy and happy
  • My skin looks young, healthy, energised and smooth
  • I have it all – fulfilling work, loving and fun family, excellent friends, adventure, laughts and new experiences
  • I know what I want and I know how to get it in a way that is fulfilling
  • I’m conscious of my thoughts and I know that if I don’t feel right, I need to look at my thoughts and see what adjustments need to be made.

So…In my transition from leaving my companies and not knowing what I’m going to do in the future…I’m reading, letting my to-do list flow in addition to writing things that help me to determine who I want to be and how I want to feel.

I’m letting my life flow more.  I’m not boxing certain tasks into time segments.  In other words, I’m not taking 15 minutes to do my ‘to-do’ list, 30 minutes to read and 1 hour to write.  I’m just flowing with whatever feels right.  Heck, my to-do list is normally broken into separate work and personal tasks, but now I’m combining them all together.

So…I suppose I’m combining my daily journey into something more whole and following my heart more than a routine or some kind of pragmatic schedule.  It’s weird but it feels good so I must be on the right track.

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The Business You Were Born To Create

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Needing a massive dose of inspiration I decided to read Nick Williams’s book, ‘The business you were born to create.’ 

The book would best suit people that have never owned or run a business before although seasoned entrepreneurs could definitely learn a thing or two about running an inspiring (rather than uninspiring) organisation.

Right – many people start a company because they:

  • can do better than the stupid boss that runs their current place of employment
  • get irritated as a customer and want to prove that better service levels are possible
  • want to earn money and think their idea will generate a great income
  • can’t get a job and need to feed themselves

How often do your hear people say that they started a company because they really love to do XYA?  I’ve met very few.  Most people think that the things they love are hobbies and that they shouldn’t be paid for them.  And sadly, we have this concept in our minds that we need to work hard, suffer and do something unfulfilling to justify getting paid.

Seven years ago I started my first company and I have to admit I started it because I could do it better than someone else.  I also knew that I could make a huge heap of money if I did it well.  Never did I consider whether I enjoyed the industry or not.  It’s crazy now that I look back on things…No wonder I didn’t enjoy my journey – I was in an industry that bore the pants off of me!

Anyway, Nicks whole book is about instilling the mind-set of getting paid to do what you enjoy. What a great concept.  Enjoy the industry and the journey – why didn’t I think of that?  I suppose that in the past people had to do whatever it took to make money, but that’s all changing now.

With social media, online communities, project work (elance), blogging, internet marketing, and so forth you can take any interest that you have and earn an income from it.  All you need is a voice, the ability to show up (common theme in Nicks book) and the wherewithal to learn, experiment, connect and grow.

If you’re thinking of starting your own business I seriously recommend that you read, “The Business You Were Born To Create.”  It will help you to figure out what you should focus on and what you need to do to make it happen.  The old rules of having to have money, a plan and connections are gone.  All you need is a new mind-set, a big set of balls, and an understanding on what you love and how you can share/spread the love.

If you’re already a ‘successful’ entrepreneur but don’t feel inspired by your work I’d ask you to question what success really means to you?  People tell me I’m successful all the time and it drives me nuts.  Success is not having loads of money (and the car, boat, holidays, etc) at the expense of doing a job you don’t want to do.

If you’re not enjoying the journey the destination won’t be worth your travels.  Enough said.

Get the book.

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