Am I good enough?
I won't beat around the bush on this topic because it's something that we all experience at some point in time - and if you say that you don't, I am calling #bullshit.
I am always asked to help friends out with their marketing. It's been something that I am asked every week by at least one person. I tend to shy away from it. I know you are thinking "why?". The truth is that I think deep down that I won't be good enough to help them. They deserve the best to get their business idea off the ground or take their business to the next level. And that may not be me. It may be one of my team members. It may even be a competitor.
Here's why:
I am always asked to help friends out with their marketing. It's been something that I am asked every week by at least one person. I tend to shy away from it. I know you are thinking "why?". The truth is that I think deep down that I won't be good enough to help them. They deserve the best to get their business idea off the ground or take their business to the next level. And that may not be me. It may be one of my team members. It may even be a competitor.
Here's why:
- No matter how long you have been doing something, or how experienced you are, if you are smart you will always believe that there is more to learn
- Friends are personal. Everyone wants their friends to respect them and be proud of their accomplishments. What if your friend expected more than what you are able to give?
- Marketing changes all the time and no one marketer knows everything. I certainly don't, but I spend my life learning and developing these skills, then sharing it with my team. What if they ask about something I have yet to conquer?
- You want your friends to succeed more than anything in the world. Everyone knows how happy people are when life is going well, they are healthy and they have succeed in their goals. You really want the best solution for them - every time. We are marketing managers, with a team of creatives, web, public relations, media and lead generation experts. Clients come to us and ask for things like advertising. Are we the best advertising agency in America or Australia? Definitely not. If that is all they want, then they should go to an advertising agency. Usually it's the big guys that are the best. That is how they become big. They are only as good as their last gig, so they have more pressure to accomplish a ROI for their clients.
In full disclosure, I haven't been as helpful to friends in the last 10 years with their businesses. I know that now that the business has gotten to a certain stage, it's time to give more time to those around me that need a few tips and pointers to get their business idea or business to the next level. Some just need a good kick up the bum and reminder that if they set their minds to it, they can accomplish anything.
People mostly just want your time, and time is a precious commodity with so many things vying for your attention. This weekend has been all about helping friends out, sharing my experiences, giving them a push or encouragement to stop procrastinating and make the relevant steps to get to where they want to go.
In 16 years of business, I have had every imaginable "lesson" and with that comes learning. Or at least we hope. Through this experience, I am able to share the highs and lows as well as some of the more tactical actions I have taken when situations have arisen.
This week, I am reminded... Sharing is caring.
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comments ( 4 )
Yuonne Moman
25 Feb 2016I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
ReplyChristina
10 Aug 2015A very touching post with an thought provoking title. Am I Good Enough? is always a question that plagues even the best of minds. However, no matter how self deprecating such thoughts can be, it is good to think this way. As Melissah said, it is the clever ones that seek new ways and ideas to learn and master. The funny thing about learning is that you never stop doing it no matter how experienced you get. Just look at the Baby Boomers of today who had to learn how to use Facebook and Twitter just to stay in the game!
ReplyNevertheless, in the end, everyone needs a sense of self confidence and comfortable with the extent of their knowledge and ability, not to a point where they become complacent with themselves but hopefully, in a place where they feel like their hardest and best efforts is 'good enough'. A very self-reflective post with a wonderful message!
David Polk
02 Aug 2015With my own business doing web development and graphic design for many years, I understand this article. In this life, we are not always provided a walk in the park. And it is during those tough times that I have seen me doubt myself. And after taking more than 2 years away from my business, and pursuing further education and training, I have worked through many of those struggles and am reestablishing myself as the man I am meant to be, someone devoted to "equipping others for their work of service". Therefore, Rethinking Results will be my business name and my focus... helping the average small business owner keep up with the ever increasing Digital Marketing environment, from web design/development, to search engine optimization, to graphic design/branding, to social media and video marketing. Good article. And I can sure relate, Melissah. Thanks
ReplyMatt Barden
29 Jul 2015Great advice. I have limited experience, but always hope that I can be of some help to someone. Giving something and asking for nothing is extremely rewarding.
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