Sometimes the things that hold us back… well, they’re so small in the “big picture” of business! Just a couple of hours of focused action and we can fix it — sometimes even quicker!
Consider this post a kick in the pants to take an honest look at what’s stopping you, what makes you cringe and hesitate to promote something, and fix it. Like now.
Maybe it’s your website. Maybe it’s your photo or your biography on your website. Perhaps you don’t like your current pricing or packages for your services. Or your ebook needs a new cover. Or you’re feeling uncertain about your sales page. Might be that you need testimonials and haven’t gotten up the courage to ask for them. Aren’t handing out business cards because they need updated?
Whatever it is, I encourage you to identify it and take whatever steps are necessary to change it. You know, put on the big girl panties or big boy underpants then just deal with it (another post on THAT is coming soon because I totally lost mine this month in a different situation).
Here’s my “makes me cringe” story.
Have I mentioned I own a website hosting business? Did you know that? Maybe not. I’ve barely promoted it. But I’ve got a wonderful client base, I’ve been offering website hosting for years, and I have an awesome library of video tutorials plus free business building content exclusively for my hosting clients.
Why haven’t I mentioned it here on my blog, you ask? Because I didn’t like my website and it needed updated. Like a complete overhaul kind of update. Theme, graphics, content… the whole nine yards.
There. I’ve admitted it. While designing dozens of client websites, I neglected mine and left it to languish. And because I didn’t feel good about my website I hesitated to promote it.
What a terrible thing to let hold me back when it’s so easily fixed!
My kiddos were sick last week, and while I continue to insist to myself that I am not (who says swelled glands and no voice in the morning means I’m sick?) I had to admit that I wasn’t coherent enough to do real work over the weekend.
[ Side note: Never ask your support people to work sick. Bad things happen if they try. Like code in the wrong place or status updates on the wrong pages. Seriously, if the cold meds say don't operate heavy machinery, that should include the internet. Don't ask me how I know this. ]
So, with actual work somewhat out of the question, but stuck on the couch not being sick, I finally decided to tinker with my own websites. You may have noticed the new latte themed color scheme here at MichelleShaeffer.com.
My hosting website also received a makeover. Which involved me accidentally unhooking the database, then going in circles until I realized I hadn’t given the right permissions to the database user and after a couple hours offline and more coffee my website reappeared. Of course, hosting support is powered separately so that wasn’t affected, but still it was a good thing I was only working on my site!
Now, I’m not cringing when I share my hosting business. I’ll even invite you to check it out. It’s at www.hostcreo.com If you’re looking for a host or domain registrar I’d be honored to be considered. :)
What’s holding you back? If you want some accountability to get something changed, post in the comments and then you’ve made yourself publicly accountable.
Photo credit: click from morguefile.com
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Michelle has been online since the late 80s, creating websites since the early 90s, and has coded thousands of web pages in that time. She's worked as a virtual assistant and website designer for small business owners including marketers, authors, coaches, crafters, and other solopreneuers.
This is such great advice. I spent 6 months writing and rewriting my elevator statement. I’ve changed the blurb on my home page several times, I’ve updated my key words more times that I can remember.
I keep a notebook (I buy new ones from Borders books whenever I get a coupon) with me at all times for notes on blog post ideas and website ideas. One day I came up with “professional amateur” and quickly wrote it down and it was on my site that evening.
We should never stop trying to improve our sites. And if you don’t know, ask. There is so much free information out there and so many people willing to help – it’s time to take advantage of this google/facebook/twitter world.
Last blog ..Sunset Photography- Blossoms and a Barrel
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
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Yes, work in progress. :) There’s always room to improve. :)
Twitter: lisbethtanz
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Michelle, this is sage advice. It’s so easy to know what the problem is, but put of taking care of it because the dog needs to go out, the dishes need to be washed, your toenails need to be painted and just when did the ceiling get so dirty??
Taking action, no matter how small creates forward momentum that gains in speed if you give it enough life. Moving forward always feels good and helps your business, too.
Last blog ..Get Out Of Your Own Way
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
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Very true, Lisbeth. That forward momentum is so important, and it can be tough to get it going again when we lose it. Small steps forward can keep it going.
So right ~ it’s easy to think ‘I’ll do it later’ but 2 months go by and nothing has changed.
I’m working on a brand new blog right now, so there is an enormous list of things that need to get done and be fixed.
It feels great ticking them off as I go along – I think that’s what’s keeping me motivated.
Heather x
Last blog ..Happy Mother’s Day
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
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Checking off items on a list feels great. Here’s to checklists! :)
Well done to you, Michelle, on getting it sorted!
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
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Thanks, Marcia. :)
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