Who Did You Learn Most From and Why?

[mphcoach]

We all have someone, or something that gave us an 'aha' moment in our lives or careers.

I wonder who 'did it' for you. Was it...

• A book someone wrote
• A friend
• A schoolteacher
• A business partner

...whatever or whoever - what was one moment of inspiration that got you where you are right now?

Regards

Martin
http://www.HowToLandYourDreamJob.com

[Evan]

One of the people who helped me out was Joel Comm. When I first started the site it was very different than it is today. I didn't know you could really make any sort of money from selling advertising.

I put a few AdSense ads up when the program launched in Canada and I got a few dollars but nothing to write home about. Then by reading Joel's information on AdSense placement and optimization my numbers tripled overnight.

The second thing that helped me was learning about SEO. This was not just from one person but rather a number of people through blogs, forums, and articles. I learned that by optimizing my pages I could drive more traffic. Combine that with what I learned from Joel and I had the beginnings of an online business!

Great topic Martin!

[JWDesignCenter]

I have a few people for my list...
My grandmother - she taught me to be passionate about the things i love. That having passion would help me succeed...and it always has.

Paul Cutler - A graphic designer for celine dion and prince... he helped me have the courage and self confidence i needed in order to make my business succeed. He took me under his wing and helped me understand better ways to tap into creativity and talent.

My husband - he taught me to have faith... in myself. Being a business owner is rough.. .it's easy to be harder on yourself than you need to. And Tim taught me to really look at all the successes.

Because of all of this... I have just recently landed my biggest client and biggest project ever. Not going to count my chickens until I get paid, but I couldn't have done it without these people in my life. And it's an honor to even be considered... It's so important to remember to look at how far you've come.. all the while, remembering that there's still so much to learn and so far left to go.

[negotiations]

Hi Martin,

You missed out on the most essential community that helps you grow - Your Clients. Well, I believe that my Initial Clients have been the ones who have given me the moments of 'aha' in my business. They have stood by me even when I was a starter and that has helped me shape and build my stand. They have helped me grow as an entrepreneur, learn to have loads of patience and make the most of what comes across. They have also helped me to strengthen me as a person.

btw, personally speaking, my Grandfather always kept me on track and lent me emotional support when I was down in any matter - be it business or otherwise.

[mphcoach]

I like the one about clients/customers!

In fact with them it's always of huge value to listen very carefully and change.

In Ken Blanchard's great little book, 'Raving Fans', he talks about your clients being your marketing. I'd go a little further.

Welcome complaints! In fact those who complain not only do you a great service, but they also are redeemable and if you get it right (by showing them extraordinary attention), they will become a raving fan.

Personally I continue to learn a lot all the time. My biggest shift was when I read 'The Artists Way' by Julia Cameron, which helped me realize that after 25 years in business I had a creative side..

Regards

Martin
http://www.HowToLandYourDreamJob.com

[Kevin Lee]

Hi Martin,

Here are some of the people and things that have given me "aha" moments in my life and career:

1.) Reading "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom was the catalyst for my jump into entrepreneurship. It made me realize that everyday is an opportunity for change and happiness.

2.) My business coach Roger Pierce of http://www.bizlaunch.ca/ helped me to focus my web idea and understand that while having a lot of self-confidence can be great, it can also blind a person from making the right decisions or actions. Life is a marathon, not a race.

3.) My Marketing II instructor Alex Sgroi taught me the importance of "branding" with the use of creative case studies.

[litekepr]

My paternal grandfather and my maternal grandmother were my biggest inspiration in business. My paternal grandmother gave me many talks about giving a full day's work and treating my customers well. My maternal grandmother also showed me what a woman could accomplish and the value of giving a full day's work to your employer. I actually dedicated each of my non fiction/business books to them

Shri