How to Get Unstuck... Part 2 (the solution is inside)

Isn't it funny how we find ourselves sharing the very message that we need to hear? In my last article I talked honestly about how easily we can get stuck. - Stuck in relationships - Stuck with our finances - Stuck in a job that we don't like - Stuck with how to grow our own business I just got back from Washington, D.C., where I experienced the good, the bad and the very ugly of humanity. It was emotionally draining and by the time I turned out my lights last night I was exhausted. And today? Well, I felt stuck. In fact, I felt so stuck that I almost didn't write this email for you. Then I remembered what it was I wanted to say... and I had no alternative. I promised you that I would provide you with the solution for getting unstuck. You're about to discover what I did that you must apply to your own circumstances if you want to get unstuck.  It's not a pill you can swallow that will take care of your problems. It's not a new year's resolution. It's already getting into late January. We're over it, right? And it's not a book with 7 easy steps that will have you on your way faster than you can microwave popcorn. In fact, it's harder but less complicated than all that.  And every change in your life that you make comes down to this one simple solution. It comes down to your choices. With the exception of things that are beyond your control, you are where you are today because of the choices you have made. And with the exception of those who have actually been victimized at the hands of someone else, you don't have an excuse. You don't get to play victim. The decisions that you and I make set the trajectory for our destination. The trajectory doesn't mean we'll always hit the mark, but the odds of getting close to that goal are sure much better if we aim for that goal. So why are you stuck? You made a choice to be stuck. That horrible relationship you are in?  Unless you are a prisoner shackled to the door, you have choices. That "American dream" which has eaten up your finances? There is always a way out. That job which you absolutely hate? You are there because you choose to be there. And I can tell you why the majority of you are still there. You are afraid.  What will happen if I choose to change things? I may be alone. I may end up homeless. I may be unemployed. Yes, all of those things CAN happen. But one thing is for sure... If you stay stuck, you'll never know. And you'll never get to experience what you REALLY want out of life. It's said that real change happens when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing. Go read that sentence again if it didn't sink in. We are pain averse. We do whatever we can to avoid pain, be it physical, emotional or financial. You may feel the pain of smoking.... ... but the pain of quitting and going without feels like it would be worse. You may experience the pain of being financially overextended... ... but it's better than risking losing it all. You may feel the pain of your job... ... but that doesn't feel as bad as the perceived pain of starting your own business.  Pain is a motivator. It is an indicator there to tell us that something is wrong. When you have pain in your body, you see a medical professional. When your taxes are out of whack, you see an accountant. Pain is there to alert us that something needs attention. But avoiding pain can put the spotlight on a greater pain... the pain of being stuck. The pain of not living up to our full potential.  The pain of asking ourselves, "is that all there is?" That pain sucks. Because it is filled with regret. It is a life unlived. Are you stuck in that horrible relationship? Make the choice to not tolerate it a moment longer. Have honest conversations with your spouse, partner or friend. Be real. Be honest. Try to find a solution. Try to make it work.  If it doesn't, you may have to make another really tough choice. Are you stuck with the big house that you can't afford the mortgage for?  Make the choice to find a way out. Take a second job. Start a business. Downsize to a smaller place. Get rid of the extraneous "stuff" that you don't really need anyhow. The stress isn't worth it. And are you stuck in a career that drains the life out of you? Or is your business stagnant? It may be time to make a choice. To take a leap of faith in the direction of your dreams and see what happens. I don't want to minimize those who are having an extra difficult time. There may be circumstances you have absolutely no control over. But you still have a choice as to how you will navigate the hand life has dealt you. I was stuck today. I didn't feel like writing this email. But I remembered my commitment to you, and I made a choice.  Sure, it was a small thing. But I can point to small choices and major life choices that I've made which have helped me get where I want to be. It's not about the size of the choice. It's that in those moments where we feel stuck, we recognize that we are fully empowered to change things. It's up to you. And it all begins with a choice. Once you know you are all-in and ready to make that choice, you'll be prepared for the next step. Recognizing that there is a problem and committing to make a change is the essential choice we call "decision." The question then becomes this: What do I need to do to execute that decision? And that, my friends, will be the subject of my next email. Please let me know your thoughts on what you've read! Click here to comment on my blog.  I read every comment as your feedback is very important to me. Until later this week... Do good stuff, Joel . . . .

InfoMedia, Inc., 1151 Eagle Dr. Ste. 325, Loveland, CO 80537, USA

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How to Get Unstuck.... Part 1

We've all been stuck. Stuck with a physical illness. Stuck in a difficult relationship. Stuck in a job we don't like (or hate). Stuck. Stuck. Stuck. And let's face it.  Stuck sucks. It's uncomfortable. It's painful. And sometimes, it can feel hopeless. I get it. I've been there. Stuck sucks.  Sometime we are stuck because of circumstances beyond our control.  But sometimes we are stuck because of our own decisions. And sometimes it APPEARS we can't do anything... .. but we actually can. Perhaps it's time for a self-evaluation. If you feel stuck, why are you there? Is it because of someone or something else?  You might be in a tough relationship that you are fully committed to in spite of your circumstances.  All you can control is how you will respond. Did you dig a hole that you feel you can't escape from? You might have gone to school for a degree, bought the "American dream" of a big house in an expensive neighborhood and all the accessories necessary to keep up with the fictional Joneses. Is it all in your head?   That is, are you seeing and perceiving your reality in a limiting way. Maybe you've heard people tell you that you can't do something. And maybe it's been easier to internalize it than to overcome and do that thing. Just be honest with yourself.  Why are you stuck? And once you come to terms with the real, gut-level, honest reasons for being stuck, that's when it gets really challenging. Because once you identify the problem (hint: in most cases it's NOT because of other people or your circumstances), the really tough question surfaces... What are you going to do about it? More... in my next email (Hint: There is hope!) Do Good Stuff, Joel ​​​​​​​ . . . . .

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The Most Important Key to Your Success... Open up...

Congratulations. You opened the email. Now the fun part... Let's see what I say... In my previous messages, I pointed out how important it is to have vision. You have to see where it is you want to go with your business. I've also discussed how essential it is to have stamina. If you aren't prepared for the difficult times, you won't be able to keep a business afloat. Now we get to the nitty gritty. This is where I share what I believe is the most important key to your success. Any guesses? I see some hands going up. It's okay. Just shout out your answer. No really... go ahead. (Besides, if someone else is in the room you'll confuse them... that would be fun!) Ok, someone said "money." Money is important. But many businesses have started with nothing and achieved great success.  Personally, I've never gone in debt to finance a business. If I don't have the money to do it, I'll do something else that costs less. (I've nothing against raising capital.... I just don't want to do it.) I heard someone else say "take action!" Taking action is very important. Nothing happens unless you do something. Whether it's writing copy, hiring a consultant, designing a logo or hanging a shingle, action is most certainly a requirement for your business success. But action in and of itself is not always productive. In fact, I can't count the number of times I took action that was counter-productive. So while taking action is important, it's not the answer I'm looking for. There's a guy in the back of the room who is jumping up and down waving his arm. He reminds me of Arnold Horshack from Welcome Back, Kotter.  "Ooh ooh! Mr. Kotter! Pick me!"  (I've really dated myself now, haven't I?) Yes, what's your answer? "A great product or service!" Absolutely. If we aren't selling a great product or service, I wonder why bother at all. And yet, there are plenty of sub-par products and services which have become very successful due to fantastic branding and mindshare. Oh, so branding is the answer? Nope. Branding is very important. But it's just a piece of the bigger puzzle. Give up? Well, many of you may have guessed just based on the photo that appears with this piece. See those people? They are the answer.  Whether or not it's those specific people I am referring to, I'm speaking in a broader sense.  And there are two reasons that PEOPLE are the most important key to your success: 1) You are NOT in the business of selling a product or service I just saw some of you do a double-take.  What? Let me say it again. You are NOT in the business of selling a product or service. You are in the business of SERVING PEOPLE with the value that your product or service delivers. Without people whose problems are solved with your product or service, you have no business.   None. Zip. Zilch. Zero. Nada. Donut. Bupkis. When you put your attention on the people you are serving and how their lives will be enriched by giving you their money, your priorities are in the right place. 2) Relationships are EVERYTHING The axiom "it's not what you know, it's WHO you know" still reigns true. Your business can offer a great product or service with fantastic branding. You could have venture capital coming out your ears. You may be the greatest action-taker since Batman. But with few exceptions and outliers, the relationships you have with others will determine how successful you are in your business. I'm not talking about "using" people to build your business. Fair exchange of value is important in the transactions you negotiate. I'm talking about treating your vendors, your employees, your contractors, your associates and your customers as human beings. Because surprise, surprise... that's what we all are. Human beings with hopes, dreams, wishes and desires paired with our own share of failure, fear, guilt and loss. It's why I believe that even though people can be radically different in their political or religious views, there is more that makes us alike than that which separates us. And it is when we connect with other people AS real people that the magic happens. That person that you met at the networking event eight years ago may wander back into your life as a key supplier. The guy you bumped into at the coffee shop could become a great customer. The woman sitting next to you on your next flight might be the buyer for a big department store. The person you judged because of their shorts and t-shirt could be the CEO of the next Silicon Valley Cinderella story. And the time you spent freely sharing your expertise and knowledge with them might land you a first class ticket to their office for a high-dollar consulting gig one day. It's all about people. It's all about relationships. Have I made my point clear? How will that affect what you do and how you do it? I've got more to say on this topic. When I look back on my past successes there is a common theme. In my next article, I'm going to share that theme with you. I think you'll be able to apply it to your life. If you've been inspired by this piece, please forward it to someone you think would benefit from it. Anyone can subscribe to my newsletter for free by sending a blank email to joelcomm@aweber.com Of course, I'd love to hear your comments. Please visit my blog and let me know your thoughts! Do Good Stuff, Joel P.S. - I'm proud to call all the people in the photo my friends.  They are left to right, Michael Stelzer, Brian Solis, Amy Schmittauer and Vincenzo Landino.  This was taken at last year's Social Media Marketing World in San Diego.   P.P.S - At the beginning of the email I said "Let's see what I say..."   - That's actually completely true. When I sit down to share with you, I usually don't know what is going to come out.  I let it flow.  Hopefully it flowed in a direction that was helpful!

InfoMedia, Inc., 1151 Eagle Dr. Ste. 325, Loveland, CO 80537, USA

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The dirty little secret successful people don't tell you... but I will

Come in closer, My... i want to tell you a secret... It's about that guy on Facebook who always posts how he is "killing it" with his business. It's about that gal bragging about her new super-exotic car and vacations on the beach. It's about that person who never seems to have a bad day because their business is so amazing. That guy may be killing it. That gal may have the fast car. And that person may have an amazing business. But here's what they aren't tell you... The rest of the story. Why not? Because no one wants to live the rest of the story. Trust me... you don't want to. It's ugly. And I'm going to share 3 points from that side of the story. 1) Don't confuse appearances with success. It doesn't take much to give the appearance that you are successful. Rent an expensive mansion. Rent an expensive car. Hire some professional models. Dress nice and shoot a video where you speak with great authority. Bam. Instant appearance of success. Don't believe everything you see. Because even if  all of that "beautiful" show really is that great, it comes with a pricetag. Sometimes, a very hefty pricetag. 2) When someone brags about how much money there are making, they often frame it in a way that is most favorable to them. In 2015, Amazon.com processed about $107 BILLION in sales. That's $107,000,000,000! Would you be surprised to discover that their NET income was just shy of $600 million? That's because once you take away the cost of goods sold, staffing, support,  affiliates and all other expenses, there's not always much left. On a scale that is more relatable to you and I, be wary of the marketer who says he made $1,000,000 with his sale. After expenses, that marketer is fortunate if he walks away with 25% of that as net income.  Still, it's a nice payday. But it's not as large as it is being sold. 3) And the real hard truth is this... Have you heard of the guy who had his most trusted employee embezzle from him, not only costing him time and money, but also emotional anguish? How about the guy who hired a smooth-talker to run his business, only to discover it was being run into the ground? And what about the guy who invested six figures into a new technology only to fail miserably at marketing the product and having to flush his investment down the drain? You actually know that guy, because that guy is me!  It's not all sunshine and rainbows, my friends. It's not all money and fast cars. It's the reality of doing business. And it can be hard. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying to you. They just want your money. RUN from those people! While I would definitely alter some of my choices if I could (and I can't), I wouldn't trade running my own business for anything. In my last email I asked if you had "vision" for what your life would look like with your own business? Now I'm going to ask you another question. Do you have the stamina to fight for what you want? Will you push through the difficult times and make a decision to continue pursuing your dream even when an employee steals from you... when a friend betrays you... when you fail at a task that you were certain would succeed?   If so, then you may indeed be prepared to break free of the chains that bind you and live your dreams. But in my next email, I'm going to tell you how YOU are going to do it. I'll reveal what is selling like hotcakes RIGHT NOW, and how you are prepared to take advantage of it. Stay tuned.... Do good stuff! Joel

InfoMedia, Inc., 1151 Eagle Dr. Ste. 325, Loveland, CO 80537, USA

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It's time to check your vision My... Is this clear?

Hey My,

I warned you.

In my last email I said that it was going to get real.

And we're going to find out if you have what it takes you run your own business.

The first indicator will be whether or not you are willing to go on a little journey with me.

No, you don't have to pack your bags to go anywhere. But you do need to read what I'm going to share with you in the emails that follow.

Some of it isn't pretty.

But some of it is wonderful!

It's a journey that will pull back the kimono on the things that matter to you. I know because I've heard your questions again and again...

- Can I really make money on the internet?
- How do I position myself as an expert in my field?
- Are the "gurus" really doing as well as they say?
- What kinds of products and services are people buying?
- Can I do this while I am working at my job?
- Is it all for real or just pie-in-the-sky?

These questions will be answered, but not in the way you expect.

We're going on a journey... and at the end of the journey, you will know if you have what it takes.

Do you believe me? I hope so because if there's one thing I have developed over the past 22 years of doing business online, it's a reputation for telling the truth and helping people.

Let's get started back in 1994.

What were you doing?

I was several years into my first entrepreneurial venture as the owner of a mobile DJ business.

That's right. I played music and emcee'd at wedding receptions, pool parties, bar-mitzvahs and class reunions. Can you see me wearing a tuxedo and holding a microphone in my hand?

Yeah, that was me.

But along came the Internet... and I saw something... I had a vision of the future.

The vision revealed a time when everyone would use the world wide web to retrieve information, interact with others and be entertained.

In hindsight, I think I was right about that one.

So it was in 1995 that I launched my first website... WorldVillage.com. Yes, it's still there. Like the vintage classic car that has only been driven by one person, I've had this site for almost 22 years now.

But the year it was launched there were only 18,000 sites in the whole world!

It's not the last time that I accurately predicted the future... and it won't be the last.

What I really want you to take from this is the characteristic of "vision."

Entrepreneurs see what their future can look like if they follow through on their dreams. The form a mental picture of how things COULD be... if only they had the opportunity to do something different.

"If only I could quit my job and pursue my passion to ______"

"If only I made enough money to _______"


"If only I could live my dream of ______"

Is this you? Do you have vision... or at least A vision?

If the answer is yes, you pass the test for the first thing you need to run your own business.

In my next email I'll discuss the next thing you need to have in order to succeed.

Stay tuned...

Do good stuff,

Joel

P.S. - are you following me on Facebook?

Follow me here! ==> http://facebook.com/joelcomm

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InfoMedia, Inc., 1151 Eagle Dr. Ste. 325, Loveland, CO 80537, USA

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Your life is about to change... if you are ready.

Hi My,

Change.

The very word can inspire hope or bring a wave of fear.

Both are good because strong emotions means you are closer than you think.

More about that in a moment...

Now you're probably on some lists that hammer you with offer after offer after offer. (ugh)

You might be on some others than email you every. single. day. (double ugh)

Me? I'm sporadic. I don't send you email unless I have something to say.

Well, I just got off the phone with my friend, legendary copywriter John Carlton. (If you don't know John, you should. In fact, I'm going to interview him next week so you can glean from his decades of wisdom.)

Anyhow, John says to me, "Stay in touch with your list!"

I asked, "what should I tell them?"

He said, "You have SO much they need to know! Teach them. Tell them how you have succeeded in various projects. Give them actionable steps that will inspire them to go succeed."

I said, "Done. I will start this year by doing a better job at sharing knowledge and powerful information with my subscribers."

So here we are. You and me.

Over the coming weeks, I'm going to share some VERy important things with you. Life-changing things.

I'm going to tell you where I've been. I'm going to spill the beans on the REAL story behind my various successes.

And I'm going to reveal some of the DEVASTATING things that have happened to me in business. I want you to know that you are not alone.

For anyone who has ever wanted to own their own business, but was unsure if they have what it takes...

For anyone who has ever tried and failed, and wasn't sure they could get back up to try again...

For anyone who has ever failed at a marriage or other relationship and doesn't have the confidence to find hope...

It all changes starting Monday.

Watch your email. It's about to get real in here.

And it will change your life. I can't wait to get started.

Do good stuff,

Joel

P.S. - Thanks to all of you who shared your story with me this week.

If I've helped you in any way and you want access to my private Live Video Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook, you can still go here to share your story:

http://joelcomm.com/how-have-i-helped-you


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InfoMedia, Inc., 1151 Eagle Dr. Ste. 325, Loveland, CO 80537, USA

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Have I Helped You My? Here's Free Access to My Live Video Mastermind!

Hey My,

Thank you SO much for taking the time to read my emails and engage with me.

Over the past 22 years, I've taught on a number of topics, including Internet marketing, blogging, video production, product creation, affiliate marketing, app creation, book authoring, public speaking, software development, building websites, selling sites, social media, and most recently, live video.

Whether Facebook Live, Periscope / Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or any other number of live video / storytelling apps, I believe that live video is the most significant thing to happen in social media since the invention of the iPhone!

I've got BIG plans for the live video space, and they revolve around helping YOU get more customers and make more sales!

Sound good?

To that end, I've created a private group on Facebook that is now over 6200 members strong.

It's called The Live Video Marketing Mastermind… and I'd like to invite you to join for free as my guest!

Here's all I ask of you...

Would you please take a moment to tell me how I have helped you with your business?

http://joelcomm.com/how-have-i-helped-you

Again, it is so important that I receive your feedback My.

I look forward to reading your thoughts and approving your free membership to the Live Video Marketing Mastermind group!

Do good stuff,

Joel


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InfoMedia, Inc., 1151 Eagle Dr. Ste. 325, Loveland, CO 80537, USA

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