Recently I was speaking at an event in Toronto about living your passion and, more specifically, monetizing your passion. Before I traveled to the event I had occasion to speak with a friend and colleague, Steve Lowell, who helps authors create impactful messages from their books to the stage. One of the things he reminded me of was the importance of anticipating where your audience or reader will get stuck and addressing those questions and doubts in advance.
When I speak about monetizing your passions online, I anticipate the most common belief which centers around these thoughts: "Sure, you've done it before. It's easy for you. It's worked for you, but you are different. I can't do that." In the end, people will find every reason why you can do something and they can't.
Back in 1995, I remember being at a Tony Robbins event and hearing him say that he has achieved a lot of success in his life and he is no different from the rest of us, so if he can do it, so can we. I remember it struck me in a good way because I thought -- there is no difference? He is very passionate about what he does, he's taken action and he communicates very effectively. It was one of my a-ha moments, believing I could do the same thing.
This is a good lesson to remember for all of us. I sometimes assume that because I've done well online or have created a successful business or best sellers that not only can anyone else do it, but I assume they know they can. Many people don't have that belief and it is our job to help them see it and experience it.
So what does it take to be successful, and why do some people make it while others don't? Dr. Wayne Dyer said it well, "It's Never Crowded Along the Extra Mile." The thing that separates the people who are doing well in their lives and businesses from the rest of the world is they are willing to do the things others aren't willing to do, like work a little harder, make some extra phone calls, have a conference call after hours. Not everyone is willing to do that, which is why it's not crowded on the extra mile.
You don't have to work twelve hour days, seven days a week just to feel like you are putting in the time required to be successful, nor do I recommend or encourage it. However, there may be times you have to put in the extra effort. You may have to drive six hours to meet with a client, or work through a weekend to get a project completed. The extra mile could mean finding ways to add more value than what's expected or being more creative in your delivery and approach. It always comes down to choice.
You can be successful at different levels without working 60-80 hours a week. The questions to ask yourself are, "Does my effort match my desire? Am I doing what I need to do to have what I want to have?" To be successful on whichever level you desire requires you to have the mindset and the willingness to be more creative and bring more to your prospect.
Everyone in that room during my event in Toronto, and everyone reading this article, has the ability to build a multi-million dollar business online. All it takes is the decision to do what it takes and get on that extra mile. It is not crowded, which is a pleasant surprise.
For anyone who is interested in being along the extra mile of creating and enjoying a profitable revenue producing business online, check out my Online to Riches Program.
Peggy McColl is a New York Times best-selling author and an internationally recognized expert in the field of personal and professional development and Internet marketing. As an entrepreneur, business owner, mentor and professional speaker, Peggy has been inspiring individuals to pursue their personal and business objectives and achieve ultimate success. She provides effective Internet marketing solutions for entrepreneurs, authors, publishers, professionals and business owners who want to establish an online presence, achieve best seller status, build their brand, grow and/or expand their business online. You can find out more about Peggy at her website, Destinies.com.