Stuck vs. Scale… Which Entrepreneur are you?

Growing and scaling a business is not easy.  If it was, every business owner would have a 7 to 8-figure business, right? 

So what determines if one Entrepreneur can create the business they sought out to create and scale it vs. the other– Who is just “stuck” and struggles to break through that invisible ceiling? 

One huge barrier to success is something most of us are guilty of doing every single day and don’t even realize it.  

Yes, I even catch myself doing it at times even though I’m constantly mindful it exists.  

Ever find yourself in the middle of a meeting and you see your phone sitting there, and the overwhelming temptation to grab it beats out the voice in your head that’s telling you to “Pay attention”? 

You rationalize it by telling yourself you’re just checking the score of the game last night… Before you know it, you’re in the black hole social media abyss. 

Or how about this one…

You’re trying to focus on a very important project and all of a sudden you start craving something sweet, so you get up, and go to the kitchen to get something to satiate that craving. Or you click to open a new browser to mindlessly surf the web for a few minutes… 

Listen, we all do it. 

We do it because most of us are addicted to the short-term dopamine surge it provides. 

Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that provides pleasure. It’s the chemical that makes you feel good, for a while, however it quickly fades, leaving us wanting more. 

Unfortunately in today’s radically stimulating society, most people’s dopamine levels are whacked out, so we are continually and unconsciously “searching” for activities that result in these short-term dopamine surges. 

Short-term distractions from what we actually should be doing trigger the release of dopamine. When we are working on something or focusing on something that becomes hard, or we become bored, what do we do? 

Rather than sitting there struggling, we actively seek out a distraction.

We crave that surge of dopamine, and after a while our brains then become dependent on it. Some would even describe it as a mental addiction.  

The result? 

We are no closer to the outcome we initially sought out to accomplish OR we didn’t do it well. 

We lose the mindset of being present. 

As if that wasn’t enough of a challenge…

We also purposely do things on a conscious level that deter us from accomplishing what it is we set out to do…

As human beings we are driven by outcomes. 

The challenge for most people is that while they are trying to focus on one outcome, they are also seeking other outcomes. 

Imagine you’re spending time with your family at a baseball game, but you also check to see what’s happening on Instagram. You’re now dividing your attention on two outcomes. 

Right now I’m writing this newsletter. My one outcome is to finish this newsletter. If I eliminate all distractions, and keep myself in this “flow” state, I will stay focused on this ONE outcome until it’s complete.

When you focus on one thing at a time (and only one outcome), you give whatever it is, your best effort.  

When you do this over and over again, you accomplish so much MORE.

When we accomplish things, we feel good. We move forward, faster. We feel productive. 

And by the way, never mistake busyness for being productive.  It’s all about quality vs. quantity. 

       Productivity = Doing and accomplishing more

        Busyness = Doing and accomplish less

It’s about being purposeful about what we are doing. 

Struggling Entrepreneurs stay busy. Successful Entrepreneurs are productive. They focus on what matters and finish what they start… 

What is the biggest thing you should be pursuing?

What would happen if you completely focused on it, and stopped splitting your attention on those lesser goals?

Trust me, you’ll move a heck of a lot faster towards reaching that outcome if you take 15 steps in that 1 direction, instead of taking 1 step in 15 directions. 

To your success, 

David

P.S. Recruitment and Hiring is the #1 Entrepreneurial Blind Spot which is why most avoid it like the plague… 

Let’s face it, the entire process can be utterly frustrating & time consuming, AND often results in attracting and hiring the WRONG talent for your team and/or business. 

But what if ALL the heavy-lifting was done for you, and you were only handed the highest qualified candidates that checked every box you were looking for? 

Head to this link to see if Nitrogen Hiring Network™ could be your talent recruitment solution. 

P.P.S. Not sure how to find and attract more of your ideal clients? If you have a proven high ticket offer, we know EXACTLY how to fill your pipeline with a constant stream of qualified and highly-motivated leads through our exclusive Leads on Demand™ program.

Simply click this link for more details.

Belief, commitment, and the wheelchair from Israel

Do you remember your real first sale? You know, that pivotal first sale that ignited your passion for service through sales? 

I remember mine like it was yesterday. It was the beginning of summer vacation and I had just arrived in Florida to visit my grandparents. Ever since I could remember, I would spend every summer break with my grandparents, and when I became old enough (4 years old), I would work right along side my grandfather in his business. 

My grandfather (who sought out to become an Entrepreneur at 50 years old) built what at the time became the largest orthotics, prosthetics and durable medical equipment company in the southeast United States. 

 

My grandfather had me cleaning wheelchairs, hospital beds, and filing. Everything everyone didn’t want to do, I did…Including cleaning the bathrooms. As I approached 12 years old, I started working with customers on the showroom floor.

The summer I was 12, my grandfather told me that he wasn’t going to pay me an hourly wage (like he had done every summer before). He explained by saying… 

“I've got this wheelchair that I imported from Israel and it’s just sitting there… No one has been interested in it. So, anything you sell this wheelchair for, above my cost is what you are going to make this summer. If you’re not able to sell it, you’re not going to make anything.”

Remember, I was 12 years old. I didn't complain. I didn't negotiate, I just knew I needed to sell that wheelchair. 

I thought for a few seconds and then asked him to tell me more about the wheelchair, including why someone would want it.  

That afternoon he took a picture of me in the wheelchair and he created an advertorial to put into the Tampa Bay Times. When it came out, my grandfather got a copy.

Here is the photo of me in the wheelchair

I started showing everyone (and I mean everyone) who walked into that showroom, that wheelchair.

By the end of the summer, I sold that wheelchair.  In fact, I sold it at full price and made over $1600.00. 

At the time, I felt proud of making my grandfather proud of me.  A reward from a job well done.

I didn’t know it then, but there were two lessons I learned that summer from selling that wheelchair. 

The first being… 

Whatever it is you choose to do and whatever you want to achieve IS possible if you’re willing to put your mind to it, and actually believe you will achieve it. 

All too often, our limiting beliefs are exactly what derail us from reaching our goals. In life, in business, in whatever. 

If I would have thought for one moment, “No one wants this wheelchair…It’s big, its ugly and it barely fit through a door.  I’m not going to be able to sell it!”, I would NOT have sold it. That’s the first piece. 

But it’s not just mindset. 

Mindset paired with the commitment and discipline to see it through is how I sold that wheelchair that summer. 

Looking back now, I know those were TWO huge life lessons that helped to forge my path to success in business later in life. 

My grandfather knew it. He knew I had the skill set, (heck he trained me from the age of four), I just didn't realize it at the time. He knew I had the capability before I even knew it myself. He gave me that opportunity to start seeing the potential he saw in me. 

For that, I will be forever grateful. I think about all 

the lessons I learned as a kid working every summer in my grandfather’s business. More importantly, how those life lessons prepared me for what life had in store in the future and how they directly shaped the person I am today. 

Do you remember one of those pivotal moments in your life when everything changed for you? Maybe it was your first sale, maybe it was something different. 

Whatever it was, get a clear picture of it…

What was your mindset? Did you believe with 100% certainty you could make it happen? 

Did you also have the pig-headed discipline to see it through? 

Whenever you find yourself stuck, and unable to reach the finish line, go back to that one pivotal moment, and remember what your mindset and commitment was to make it happen. Now apply that same mindset and commitment to whatever it is you want to accomplish. 

My guess is, you’ll cross that finish line before you know it.

To your success, 

David

P.S. Recruitment and Hiring is the #1 Entrepreneurial Blind Spot which is why most avoid it like the plague… 

Let’s face it, the entire process can be utterly frustrating & time consuming, AND often results in attracting and hiring the WRONG talent for your team and/or business. 

But what if ALL the heavy-lifting was done for you, and you were only handed the highest qualified candidates that checked every box you were looking for? 

Head to this link to see if Nitrogen Hiring Network™ could be your talent recruitment solution. 

P.P.S. Not sure how to find and attract more of your ideal clients? If you have a proven high ticket offer, we know EXACTLY how to fill your pipeline with a constant stream of qualified and highly-motivated leads through our exclusive Leads on Demand™ program.

You’re dealing with an Energy Vampire when…

I was attending an event recently and spotted a guy I had met a few months before at a previous event. 

You know how it is…You seem to run into the same “usual suspects” at these gatherings…

Anyway, when I went up to him he was just getting off a phone call. He looked stressed, but gave me a smile anyway as he reached out to shake my hand.

I could tell instantly the weight of the world was on his shoulders, so I asked him “What's up?”

He said, “Oh, just some ongoing drama with a team member we hired about a month ago. My team is having challenges with him. I'm having challenges with him. And I've just about had it.  He doesn't do what he says he's going to do…Especially when it comes to delivering what he promised. It’s always some new excuse OR he’s blaming someone else on the team.”

I immediately sympathized with his situation, as I think we all would. We’ve all experienced this with someone in our life (business or personal) somewhere down the line…

Often referred to as “Energy Vampires,” these individuals will suck the life out of anyone in their path if given the opportunity. 

They leave you feeling depleted and emotionally drained. And if not addressed, it’s likely to escalate and turn into a really toxic situation that negatively impacts everyone on the team.  

I gave him my advice (and I’m going to give you the same)...

You know you’ve encountered an energy vampire when…

Empty Promises

They make promises they don’t keep and they don’t ever do what they said they were going to do. 

When they are asked about it, they are notorious for coming up with excuse after excuse. Oftentimes, their excuses tie into some catastrophe they are going through…

Drama, Drama, Drama!

Energy vampires are surrounded by drama… past, present, and you can bet in the foreseeable future. 

They also always seem to be the victim, even though their drama is almost always self-inflicted or created. 

Emotional and dramatic behavior surrounds each of their catastrophes, as they want everyone to know just how unfortunate their circumstance is, and they thrive on the attention. 

And watch out if you’re in the line of fire…They will try and suck you right in to their drama in the hopes you’ll right this wrong for them. 

Misdirection Magicians

Energy vampires are masters at creating misdirection to cover their tracks and avoid a confrontation (especially when they are being held accountable).

They are super clever at changing the subject to take the focus off them in hopes you’ll forget what it was you wanted to talk to them about. 

Sometimes that misdirection is directed to someone else…

Professional Finger Pointers 

Make no mistake about it… Energy vampires can be extremely charismatic and charm their way out of trouble when problems arise. They are quick witted and can be innovative in their attempts to point fingers at someone else in most every situation. They rarely accept accountability or culpability for their part when a challenge or issue arises.  

They also NEVER seem to get along with the team member that holds them accountable, although they will never admit that’s why friction exists. They will target that person and look for any imperfections in their work or personality as a “cover” to why they really don’t like them.  

One-Uppers 

Since energy vampires never like to share the spotlight, they often find it hard to share in someone’s else’s good fortune. On the other side, they find it even more difficult to empathize with someone’s misfortune… As something that’s happened to them is much worse and takes priority. 

They are also terrible collaborators, and you’ll likely hear them constantly one-up everyone on the team. 

“That’s great you made that sale! Only three more sales to go to catch up with me!” is something they might say. 

Bags Packed For a Guilt Trip? 

 Energy vampires often rely on guilt trips to get what they want. Shame is a great weapon they use against people who are compassionate and caring.

Caring individuals are the type of people energy vampires target the most, as they are the easiest to manipulate when it comes to empathy and guilt. 

Yikes! I don’t know about you, but I’m drained just thinking about all these behaviors!

Here’s the thing though…It’s important to recognize all of these behaviors so you can make efforts and take immediate ACTION to rectify it. 

In mild cases, the first step is to create boundaries.  This can sometimes work to resolve the issue. In more extreme cases, removing the person from your company entirely is the only solution. 

I’ve been in this situation (not often), but after an energy vampire is removed from the equation, you’ll know it was the right decision when you and your team feel a complete sense of relief that “It’s finally over”. 

Here are a few tips when creating boundaries…

NEVER give them an inch, as they will take a mile. Set super clear expectations and stick to them no matter what. 

At the same time, you must also adjust your expectations. You can’t fix an energy vampire, but you can reshape your expectations about them and be mindful how you are going to react to their response, action, or situation. 

Remember, it’s your choice whether you decide to “take the bait” or not. 

In my experience, when an energy vampire has infiltrated your team, and there is no indication it is getting better, there’s really nothing you can do but let them go. 

The damage that can be done to you and your team isn’t worth it (no matter how talented they are). 

Obviously, anything you can do to prevent toxic energy vampires from making a permanent home within your business is key. 

For example, when my team is hiring new team members for clients, not only do we put candidates through a rigorous DIS-qualification process; after our client hires them, we require they put them on a 90-day trial period. This further ensures a right fit for them and for the new hire. 

Just another thing to consider as you build your dream team!

To your success, David

P.S. Recruitment and Hiring is the #1 Entrepreneurial Blind Spot which is why most avoid it like the plague… 

Let’s face it, the entire process can be utterly frustrating & time consuming, AND often results in attracting and hiring the WRONG talent for your team and/or business. 

But what if ALL the heavy-lifting was done for you, and you were only handed the highest qualified candidates that checked every box you were looking for? 

Head to this link to see if Nitrogen Hiring Network™ could be your talent recruitment solution. 

P.P.S. Not sure how to find and attract more of your ideal clients? If you have a proven high ticket offer, we know EXACTLY how to fill your pipeline with a constant stream of qualified and highly-motivated leads through our exclusive Leads on Demand™ program.

Simply click this link for more details.

What is TIME costing you?

I learned this invaluable skill when I was hired as the President and CEO of a new start up company. 

We raised a couple million dollars and were off to the races. To say I was busy would be an under statement.

 I remember having lunch one day with one of our our billionaire investors and he asked me how I spent my time. I shared my Franklin Covey planner.  I was perplexed when he laughed. I was thinking he’d be so impressed how organized I was (or how organized I thought I was listing everything I had to do). 

What I learned from him that day changed everything. 

 

I discovered he did NOT have a to-do list.

He said if it was not important enough to make it into his calendar it did not exist. 

 

So, to this day (19 years later) I live by this mantra.  

I schedule everything. And I mean everything. I’ll schedule 5 minute meetings if necessary. 

Because if it’s not scheduled, it doesn't exist. 

Just adopting this ONE habit has allowed me to: 

1. Focus on what really matters and discard what doesn’t deserve my valuable time and attention.

 2. Move things forward, faster…

3. Do what I say I’m going to do!

Now let's take the concept around the value of your time a bit further. 

 

Think to yourself right now how much time you’ve wasted just today.  

You know those unexpected calls that derail you… The, “Do you have a minute?” unexpected meetings, the social media abyss, etc.

Now add it up. Be honest. 

I learned when I was working with Chet Holmes that just wasting 30 minutes a day equates to LOSING 3 days a year.  

1 hour a day wasted = 6 days a year. 

2 hours wasted equals 12 days a year. 

These are FOREVER LOST. You can't get them back!

 

So I ask you…

What could you do with 3, 6 or 12 days 100% focused on your business? 

Could you get more clients? 

Could you create an awesome marketing plan? 

Could you focus on the 20% that gets you 80% of results? 

Of course you could. 

Benjamin Franklin was spot on… Time is Money. 

 

What would that be worth to you if you actually became a master of how you spend your time?

How much in dollar value could you scale your business? 

I challenge you to put it into tangible financial terms for one single, very important reason. 

Our minds are very powerful and when we put it into tangible terms something powerful is set in motion if you follow through with ACTION. 

So take ACTION today and make it a new practice to schedule everything. 

Start taking back your time. 

We certainly can’t change how much time is in a day, but we sure can choose how we spend our time in a day. 

To your success, 

David

P.S. Recruitment and Hiring is the #1 Entrepreneurial Blind Spot which is why most avoid it like the plague… 

Let’s face it, the entire process can be utterly frustrating & time consuming, AND often results in attracting and hiring the WRONG talent for your team and/or business. 

But what if ALL the heavy-lifting was done for you, and you were only handed the highest qualified candidates that checked every box you were looking for? 

Head to this link to see if Nitrogen Hiring Network™ could be your talent recruitment solution. 

P.P.S. Not sure how to find and attract more of your ideal clients? If you have a proven high ticket offer, we know EXACTLY how to fill your pipeline with a constant stream of qualified and highly-motivated leads through our exclusive Leads on Demand™ program.

Simply click this link for more details.