Reach Out... Just Don't Be A Stalker

This is an email I sent to my list today. I thought it was a good message for a lot of Warriors, too...

I'll tell you a little about myself today because I think it will help you avoid a big mistake I've made over the years (until recently). See, I'm very much a loner when it comes to working. I've always been that way, even though in my personal life I'm gregarious and like to be around people.

Call me stubborn. But going it alone comes at a heavy price, I've since learned.

I think one of the biggest problems is that it keeps you from spotting mistakes you're making sooner. If you operate in an echo chamber (inside your own head), you miss out on the perspective that other minds can give you. I now think that's invaluable! Having someone else's thoughts on how you're doing things is almost never a bad idea.

Another reason to stop trying to do it all by yourself is that it really limits your reach in terms of potential customers. Just getting to know a few other marketers and staying in touch with them regularly can pay huge dividends. They'll recommend you to their own contacts. They'll talk you up among their own groups. And let me tell you... word-of-mouth is some of the best "advertising" you'll ever get!

I say reach out. The Warrior Forum is an excellent place to start. Read through some threads and see if some of the members there who post are on the same wavelength as you. Anyone who inspires you, motivates you, or makes you think about things in a different way - that's who you want to reach out to.

Don't be a stalker, of course, and don't badger anyone, but send one friendly PM. Ask them to tell you about themselves and their business. People love to talk about themselves! The point is simply to make some connections.

I can tell you from personal experience that doing this can eventually lead to some very lucrative collaborations. Or, at least, people who are in a position to help you will get to know you and (hopefully) like you. That's never a bad thing. But you need to be the one to extend your hand to them. Don't be nervous. Just reach out. You'll be pleasantly surprised. And don't be upset if some of those you reach out to ignore you. It just means they're busy and not interested. Don't take it personally.

OK, that's just something I had on my mind today. Hope it at least made you think a little.


Take Care,
John