Looking Back 

Looking back to 2016, I must say I really did get my soapbox out and roll up my sleeves and deliver the good news of self-employment to the cubicle farmers and the downtrodden of the 9-to-5 world. However, only to those who were unhappy and looking for an alternative for a better work and life balance. 

Most of this is what I learned about being self-employed was a result of a lot of sweat and while attending Hard Knocks University.   Then again, maybe it was in a support group–something like 12 Steps for Hard-Headed People.

Well, anyway I must say that in 2016 I did pour out my advice and passion when it came to business advice to small business owners.

What I Still Believe Is Relevant

While technology and social media have come a very long way since 2006, a few things have stayed the same and always will.  

One thing is that customers and clients will always be looking for more than just customer service or a product or service sold.  They are looking for customer experiences and customer engagement.  They are looking for that very personal touch.  While many of them will use technology and social media to accomplish this task, they are still looking for positive outcomes via soft skill sets.

Soft skills will always win over hard skills.  Hard skills are the learned skills and expertise and although important–soft skills win out.  Why?  Again, customers are looking for professional courtesy, integrity, honesty, pleasant phone manners, and things which cannot always be taught in our schools and universities.  Huge lesson to learn and take with you.

Enough, Now Here Is A List of Articles

The articles in alphabetical order are:

4 Strategies to Go From Stuck to Unstuck Today – It is easy to get stuck these days.  The secret is to get unstuck as fast as possible.

7 Secrets to Less Stress and Greater Problem Solving – Sometimes the greatest stress that we can have is the stress of indecision and just not knowing what to do next.  These seven secrets will help you with greater problem solving leaving less to chance and stress.

7 Tips to Recession Proof Your Business ASAP – This article will give you tips to get through any downturns in the economy.  These are things that you can start incorporating almost immediately.

Are You Really Lazy or One of These 5? – Many people mistakenly think that they are lazy, but they are not.  All of us will work hard and passionately when we find our purpose.

Don’t Give Up Too Soon Your Purpose Will Shine Through – Just because you have run into obstacles, does not mean that you are on the wrong path.  If you can persevere then your purpose will shine brighter than the Northern Star.

Get Back in Control Today – You may feel as if your life as spun out of control.  However, no matter how badly things seem, you can certainly start reclaiming the parts of your life that you are able.

Give Yourself and Your Business a Spring Break – Spring is a time for new beginnings.  You also need a break.  Why not combine the two?

Have You Lost Your Passion For Business? –It is easy to sometimes feel as if you no longer want to do our businesses.  The truth is that we have just temporarily misplaced our passion.

How to Defend Your Dreams Without Ruining Your Holiday Meal – This article told you how to still enjoy your meal, not have to reach for the Tums, and diplomatically avoid any uncomfortable conversations during the holiday.  You and The Sugar Plum Fairy don’t need to end up in the bathroom!

How to Get Business Through Volunteering – Even though you will not get paid for providing your services, volunteering opens the door for you to practice and showcase your skills.  It can also put you in touch with other business leaders in your community and possibly help land you a contract.

How Unpaid Time Off From Work Can Make You Richer – You may think that you will be losing money by taking unpaid time off.  However, if done correctly a Sabbatical can actually refresh you and your ideas to the point of making more money.

Is Your Business a Winter Wonderland or an Arctic Blizzard? – Being able to identify the “calm before the storm” is certainly helpful.  However, it takes more than that to see if you are on the right path.

Know the 4 Buying Signals From Your Customers – Not all customers are made the same, so not all sales messages will be delivered the same.  It is important to know when to move in and ask for the sale.

Start Thinking Like an Entrepreneur This Week – Whether you feel like a true-blue entrepreneur or not, just start thinking like one.  You must learn this mindset to succeed.

Why It is Okay to Fail in Your First Attempt at Self-Employment – It really is okay to fail as long as you learn something.  Self-employment is something that is definitely not taught in schools.

Why You Must Have Multiple Streams of Income – You don’t have to be a celebrity to be able to leverage your income using multiple streams of income.  Just know how to set up your “profit centers” and then juggle them is key.

My Coaching Two Cents’ Worth

So there you have it!  I’d love to hear from you.  Where you able to identify or incorporate any of this advice?  Please comment below.