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by Ann Evanston | Sep 14, 2011 | Business Strategy, Mental Mind Shifts
My husband recently sent me a blog post entitled the “five lies about social media marketing” and we had a great conversation about being an expert. Many of you know that I struggled for years with being called an expert, as I am guessing many of you might? See, I always feel that there is more I can learn, more I can improve upon, and I said that to him. He said: “That’s what I always say to you when you say I am an IT Finance Expert. There is always more that I can learn.”
He’s right, that is true! My response was: “I think what makes us an expert, is not that we know all the technology (there are just too many out there and upgrades and changes are too fast), but that we have a system, a process, that helps our clients organize, become more effective, and measure results.
I have accepted that I am an expert. I am dedicated to my craft, my profession and my study. I constantly seek to learn, grow and improve in my field. I role model to others what they can do and achieve…THAT is what an EXPERT does.
To consider yourself an expert and not just someone who “likes doing it” and “can do it” ask yourself:
- *do I read industry specific, research based information in the field?
- *do I engage with other experts in my field?
- *do I have a clear system or process I utilize to help my customers internal or external?
- *do I learn continuously in my field?
- *do I practice what I “teach” or “advise others” to do?
- *do I continuously look to improve what I offer?
- *do I find myself thinking “ahead of the trends” in my field?
- *do I have a long term plan versus just thinking about what’s “hot right now”?
- *do I find I more often know the answer the client is asking before they finish?
- *do I know how to find answers quickly that I don’t immediately have the answer?
If you answered yes to these questions then you are most likely an expert. I find many people, like I first did, have difficulty owning “expert”. Here is the thing: No expert knows it all. Experts though are committed to a craft, a study and stay on a path.
What is your expertise?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
![What is an “expert”?]()
by Ann Evanston | Aug 30, 2011 | Business Strategy, Mental Mind Shifts
Do you really know your voice?
I recently had the honor to meet a woman that took on the 30 day writing challenge in person. We have been “facebook friends”, not super close, but this challenge created a connection. When she signed up for the challenge I went to her profile, realized she was local and said “let’s meet”. I think the universe tells me things, and I always listen. Beautiful, smart and savvy, we shared our businesses with each other. She asked great questions. We talked a TON about the 30 Day Writing Challenge and what it has meant for each of us. As we spoke I realized that the reason I do what I do, the reason for my book, is even more important.
You cannot see your audience, your market, the people you lead differently than you see yourself. It’s your true voice that will attract them to you.
Since I created the Social Networking Coaching Club in 2008 I have told clients that doing that coaching online (versus a conversation on a call, or in person) is important because they have to learn to communicate in writing. Now I realize the depth of this importance. I realize how hard it is for many to shift their voice to the written word even when they feel they know it vocally. I realize that so many lose who they are as they write their blog posts or facebook marketing tips. I realize that knowing who you are isn’t JUST telling your story, or what happened to you today. It’s about energetically connecting.
And if you don’t learn how to write from that space your online marketing falls flat.
The hardest part is that you often don’t see it in you, but others do. Face it, I bet there are things online that you read and you think to yourself: “Interesting. But so dead.” Other things you read and think: “Interesting. And I’m inspired.” The latter is because the person truly knows who they are and writes in that voice.
I was already planning a major strategy upgrade for The Social Networking Coaching Club this fall; now it’s getting a deeper upgrade. See, SNCC isn’t just about “how to tweet”; it’s about finding your unique and compelling voice.
I am honored to have the hour with this amazing woman that joined the 30 day challenge. And for the gift she and the universe provided me. I know I am supposed to teach this to my clients. I always have. It’s just grown in depth over the years and continues to do so.
Will you join me in the next 30 day challenge? It starts Thursday Sept 1st!
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
by Ann Evanston | Aug 23, 2011 | Business Strategy
What discipline did you make to yourself?
Three weeks into this 30 day writing challenge and I noticed a huge shift in my writing from day 14. My focus has clarified into writing I need to do for my business. I have written presentation copy, sales copy, marketing copy, newsletter copy. I have always put this stuff off, telling myself lies (oh geez, loose a piece of me when I do that, remember what a wrote a few weeks ago!)that I had enough for now, or that other things I’m working on were more important.
But, this 30 minutes a day has carved out a sacred space that gives me permission to write. It gives me the space to add new copy into my business, to write things that have been on this list, but not getting done, because I could always make an excuse not to do it.
And yes, I have a successful business, the things I do and have done, work. Imagine though, having new gifts to give, new eBooks to sell, blog posts that don’t feel strained to write, fresh marketing content? I realized today why Dan Kennedy writes for one hour every day, even on the day of his mother’s funeral:
- Because writing feeds the business
- Because writing nurtures who you are
- Because writing comforts you
- Because writing cleanses you
- Because when your business is thriving, your family has the best of you.
I feel that Dan knows that not writing can create a cycle back to things we don’t want in life. So there is never an excuse for him not to do it. It only takes one day. I am also confident his mother was proud that he did write that day.
So I have decided that the30 day challenge will continue for me, EVERY30 days. I have even (through my writing every day!) created a “30 days writing challenge newsletter.” 30 days of inspiration sent to you if you join me. Official challenges will start the first of every month, but you are welcome to join any day that fits for YOU.
Sign up is on my facebook pages, under “The Challenge” tab.
Will you be a part of the challenge?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
by Ann Evanston | Aug 8, 2011 | Business Strategy, Mental Mind Shifts
What discipline did you make to yourself?
One week ago today I was inspired by Gina Parris (my online friend) to start writing for 30 minutes first thing EVERY morning. Feeding the pets and making a cup of coffee are the only things I do prior to writing. I have stuck to my personal commitment and did just that very morning. Even the morning I had to meet clients at 7:30, would be with them until 5pm and then fly home, I got up at 4:30 to write. After all, I not only made a commitment to myself but I also made a commitment to the 25 people that asked to join in. That accountability I take seriously.
The process has been amazing for me. I am actually in the throws of writing my book! Yesterday I found myself writing a series of questions that will lead to personal self evaluation of knowing who you are and your voice. Some of the questions are around lying and discipline. These traits directly affect knowing your true voice.
I once wrote a post about the power and importance of Discipline. Discipline is the ability to do what you have committed to do, when you agreed to do it, whether you want to do it or not. I think that level of personal commitment is even more important than a commitment to others. Unfortunately, we have become a world of people used to disappointment and let down from others. But when you lie to yourself, and rationalize why you are not doing what you set out to do, you lose a piece of yourself. Every time.
Do you rationalize away why you did not complete something you set out to do? Then you just might be losing the most precious thing you can have – truly knowing who you are.
Want to read the 30 day challenge series?
Part one
Part Two
Part Three
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
by Ann Evanston | Aug 6, 2011 | Business Strategy, Mental Mind Shifts
So I have been working on this challenge 5 days now; thought I’d share what happened to me while in San Diego. The book concept is actually coming along!
Wednesday night I sat in the bar at the Hilton San Diego with the intent of having a drink and READING, yes reading, my book! I love to read; it relaxes me and usually takes my mind off all the responsibilities I have. I started to read but this challenge popped into my mind AGAIN! This time it wasn’t limiting beliefs though, it was ideas about the book! (happy dance!) So I took pen to pad and wrote a few ideas down as I did not want to lose them. Back to book, back to pad…
A man sat next to me (pretty much what is in hotel bars these days, that stereotype isn’t gone). He ordered food and a drink and left me alone. When his food arrived it smelled SO GOOD I had to say “that smells SO GOOD”. (Let the conversation begin!) As we spoke about work and travel and how good kids have it in this country, somehow this 30 day challenge came up. As we spoke I realized even further the power of what I started writing about yesterday –our voice and how our story creates it if we own it. Wow, maybe I am onto something.
I realize that leading people, growing a business, having the success you want in life comes from finding knowing and OWNING your voice. Many might know it but do they own it? Own it to a point where they realize that it’s not about what others think. See the right people will love and honor who you really are. It’s the cornerstone to consistent success,to creating a clan, to inspiring others to follow you.
If you’d like to read the earlier entries 30 day challenge part one and 30 day challenge part 2
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
by Ann Evanston | Aug 4, 2011 | Business Strategy, Mental Mind Shifts
It’s day two. Have to say that I thought about this challenge most the night last night. First there was this energy with everyone that has joined in this challenge and agreed to hold each other accountable. That energy was palpable! Then I started to think: “what the HELL will I write!” I’d wake up thinking about it! Then I started thinking about my book series concept and I felt all the limiting beliefs come rushing forward. “I can’t possibly write 90-100 pages on those topics!” “I have nothing to say that hasn’t been said before.” “It’s really not original.”
OMG! I, the woman who has taught COUNTLESS other people to find their voice doesn’t have one!
Holy CRAP!
Ok, obviously this exercise is going to be great because my experience will help my clients as well. My own learning and journey in this process can be a model for others. I REALLY want to get past just writing blog posts though. I want to get to the BOOK. Barbara DeAngelis says EVERYONE has a story. I question whether that means they have a book!
Hmmm… Finding your VOICE is Sexy. Lol! NOW that could be the book! (By the way there is an LB, of course, so many people think they KNOW their voice when I meet them at first!) Maybe it’s knowing your TRUE voice. I think I need to focus on WHY I am the one to have a voice on this issue.
(Looking for part one in the series? 30 day writing challenge)
Read part 3
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
