EP27: [Marketing Mindset] What does mean to be an Online Marketer - Part 3?

Welcome back, friends.

If you missed Part 2 - Click HERE to go through it first. And if you missed Part 1 - Start off HERE.

OK - Let's move on...

Many times the struggle of online marketing gets to the point where you get so frustrated that you either pull your hair out, give up, or, re-group and come back to fight another day.

I hope you’re in the third Option.

Re-grouping!

For Me...?

I compromised.

I pulled my hair out … and then I came back, re-grouped, and lived to fight another day.

Jab

Jab

Punch

Punch

Upper-cut

Fighting until I finally got it.

Today, I wanted to end this little sojourn we’ve been on with the conclusion of the Parable André Chaperon of TinyLittleBusinesses.com sent out and I shared with you, last week [in internet weeks :)]

Last week it ended like this ...

"The promise of The Easy Way is excitement. But that excitement is at the expense of real progress. There's always something new, bright, and shiny to pursue, but eventually, no matter how far you think you travel, you always end up right back here where you started."

"But...if that's true, is my only option the hard way?" you ask, already knowing the answer.

"Correct," the Oracle says.

Then, leaning in, he whispers just loud enough for you to hear: "The Hard Way doesn't have to be so hard if you're willing to learn how to climb mountains..."

I know…

I know - I left you there with that Cliff Hanger, not really knowing what is meant by “if you're willing to learn to climb mountains…”.

Right?

Sure, I did hint at the fact that as marketers we do need to keep learning our craft.

And YES, we do!

But really, it’s even more than that.

Much more!

Why don't we let André Chaperon fill you in, as we conclude the parable?

So, here it is …

Ignorance was bliss, you think. But now, you can't unsee what the Oracle has shown you.

The iconic scene from The Matrix between Morpheus and Neo appears in your mind, fully formed, as you gaze up at the looming mountains:

"This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember, all I'm offering is the truth—nothing more."

Sensing your hesitation, the Oracle says, "If you want to make real progress in life, there is no Easy Way, friend. There will be many obstacles and constant challenges. That is reality.

"The Hard Way is hard because it needs to be. Iron sharpens iron. Experience, and eventually expertise, come from doing hard things."

You consider his words as you internalize the implications.

"I need to go now," you say, buoyed by the Oracle's encouragement and wisdom. There's a feeling of nervous — yet confident — anticipation of embarking on this new adventure.

"I think I'm ready to climb the first mountain."

"Good," says the Oracle, still smiling. "Remember, friend, the path ahead is not just the mountain you can see. Behind that mountain is another mountain, and another mountain after that. And each new mountain you'll climb will be taller than the last."

"Behind mountains are more mountains," you say, as much to yourself as to the Oracle. "Does that mean I'll never get to rest if I want to succeed?"

"Quite the contrary," says the Oracle. "Every time you reach a peak, you'll see a larger, more exciting view. You'll choose the mountains you want to climb with excitement, not fear because you will have learned how to enjoy climbing mountains..."

The Oracle's words wash over you, and a new sense of steely resolve begins to emerge. You know that is your new guiding star. "Thank you, old man," are the only words that seem appropriate.

"Engage, take responsibility, and do the hard work. This is how to shape your life. This is the game, the adventure, the dance of Life."

With that, The Oracle leans back against the pine tree, blows a few more smoke rings, and waits patiently for the next traveler who may be enticed by the illusion of The Easy Way...

I truly hope this parable means as much to you, as it does to me.

This was my way of life for many years.

Taking that "Easy Path" ...

over

and

over

again,

never

learning,

always

looking,

but, that changed for the better, for me, and I hope it will for you as well.

All I can say is ...

Keep coming back!

Thank you ALL for joining me today.

If you think you know of some improvements that could be made, let me know. Click on the link here.

Keep coming back for more great content next week.

Take care and be well.

James Brown

P.S. - In the event, you DO find that once an episode has been produced and posted, that YOU really would like more information, just let me know. Use the Podcast Questions link, click on the link here. Or you can just leave a voice message here.