leighyork

Has your industry been good to you?  I mean, does it support your family? Make you feel good?

If the answer is no, your first thought may be, “Get another industry.”  That’s certainly something to consider.  But instead, let’s ask another question. “What have you done for your industry?”

We’re the players,  the movers and shakers as they say.  So, why would we sit around waiting on the industry to do something for us?  Figure out what the industry should be doing and go make it happen.  I realize that sounds like ‘pie in the sky’ mumbo jumbo.  Let me assure you, I’m no kum ba ya hippie chick.  But I do believe that we MAKE things happen.

The first thing to do, always, is to learn.  Do your research.  Know your industry.  Every trade has newsletters, magazines, reports, blogs, websites, etc.  Learn what’s going on in your field.  Most likely there is an association, usually volunteer, for your line of work.  Such as; the International Virtual Assistants Association or the National Speakers Association.  They usually have trade conventions offering education and a trip that you can write off on your taxes.  If travel isn’t an option, many have virtual meetings and conferences.

The next thing to do is get involved.  You’ll learn even more.  You don’t have to be the president of the group, just do something.  Serve on a committee or volunteer for a one time task.  The more you do, the more you’ll learn. You’ll be learning from your peers. You’ll be learning how things are done in other areas. You’ll hear about challenges in other markets and be better prepared for when you are faced with those same challenges. You might even be proactive because you got the ‘heads up’.  Facebook groups are great but they are no substitute for inter-industry networking.

By this time you’ll see that your industry is doing a lot for you.  If not, again…do something about it.  If you want the industry to support you, YOU MUST SUPPORT YOUR INDUSTRY.

The same goes for your community.  Hopefully you are doing business with people in your community.  If not, why?  Do you think that nobody in your po’dunk little town buys things online?  Seriously?  The old rules still hold true.  People like to do business with successful people and it’s even better if they know them.  They love to say, “Thank you.  I got it…..My friend owns…..You should try….”  Think about it.  You do it.  Why wouldn’t other people in your community?

Again, get involved.  When people see you caring for their community, they will care for you.  They will want you to be successful.  They’ll feel proud when you do well.  Not to mention, you’ll be doing good things.  Not only generating business for yourself.

I come from a long line of entrepreneurs.  Many successful people in my family had “jobs”.  However, the happiest of my ancestors were self-employed.  They worked the hardest and played the hardest.  Being self-employed carries a great deal of responsibility and weight.  It also brings flexibility and power.  Entrepreneurs choose their schedule and therefore have the power to do the things they believe in.  They have the power to set aside time to pick the kids up at school, be a room-mother, volunteer at a shelter, or any number of things that make us feel good.

Lastly, I say to you that serving your community and your industry will make you feel good.  It will also make you money.  J