Let's take a closer look at each of these four outcomes; pay attention to whether any feel familiar with your situation right now.

Here’s the path to new growth in your business

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What is the difference between businesses that enjoy significant new growth and those that flatline or fizzle out despite their best efforts?

I’ll answer that question in today’s email. If you’re feeling stuck and uncertain about how to grow your business, then what I have to share is for you.

In my previous post, I shared how businesses are going through a critical inflection point brought on by uncertain shifts taking place as we begin to emerge from the pandemic.

After an inflection point, a business will follow one of four paths.

1. Blow Up Your Business
2. Slowly Lose Ground
3. Burn Out
4. Unlock New Growth

Which path does it feel like you are on right now?

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Are you prepared for the post-pandemic changes affecting your business?

Are you prepared for the post-pandemic changes affecting your business?

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I don’t know about you, but I started 2020 with big plans for my life and business. Of course, we all know what happened next.

While it is tempting to look at the last sixteen months as a period of limbo, the pandemic has allowed us to pause to take stock of what is working, what could be better, and what is no longer serving us.

As a result, re-evaluation and revolution have taken place in politics, social justice, business, and more.

This period of change is an inflection point for business owners, whether they are directly feeling the effects right now or not. Buyers’ needs are shifting. The way we do business is evolving at breakneck speed. What worked yesterday won’t work tomorrow.

Look no further than an online search for “pandemic business inflection point” to see how much this is a present concern for business owners.

While decisions made during inflection points can make or break a business, it’s also a time of immense opportunity.

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They’ve kept me from putting myself out there more times than I’d like to admit. I’m willing to bet it’s the same for you. We can’t let this happen.

The ego trap that can sink your business

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“What if I publish content and only hear crickets?”

“What if nobody comments on my post?”

“What if nobody listens to my podcast?”

Have any of these questions ever held you back?

They’ve kept me from putting myself out there more times than I’d like to admit.

I’m willing to bet it’s the same for you.

We can’t let this happen. The world needs your ideas.

That’s why I was thrilled recently to see that a former client and friend, Stu Swineford, had launched his podcast. But he almost didn’t and had already put it off for a while.

Then he had a shift in perspective that changed everything.

When he shared it with me in an email, I knew I had to share it with you.

Here’s what he had to say.

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The truth is, there’s plenty of room for your voice in the world. And your personal brand needs three things to lift you above the noise.

These 3 Things Will Lift You Above the Noise

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“How can I possibly stand out from all the other people saying and offering the same things I am?”

It’s a question worth asking given all the noise on the Internet. Just this morning, I was on the phone with a client who was concerned about starting a podcast when it seems like there are so many people with podcasts already.

The truth is, there’s plenty of room for your voice in the world. In fact, it’s desperately needed. The key is to develop a distinct voice that stands out and draws your ideal audience in.

To stand out in the marketplace, your personal brand needs three things.

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The Spotify approach to becoming a thought leader

The Spotify approach to becoming a thought leader

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The advent of the CD listening station was a life-changer for me. I’d sit at the music store (remember those) for a couple of hours sampling the latest album releases, looking for something new and exciting to add to my collection.

At the time, it was a big deal to be able to listen to before buying. This is how I first discovered The Cranberries in 1992.

Today, a $10-a-month subscription to Spotify or Apple Music gives you access to endless collections of genres, artists, and albums.

Want to hear some klezmer jazz fusion? It’s just a couple of clicks away. Whatever your need or desire, the Internet’s infinite shelf space will provide.

I often think about how this idea applies to thought leadership and making your expertise available online. When someone goes online looking for insight, help, and guidance, they don’t want to work with just any expert.

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