I was reading Mark Manson's - author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - newsletter last week when I found this gem, which aligned perfectly with Rob's question - what does it take to build a successful business?
"The older I get, the more I realize that success at most things isn't about finding the one trick or secret nobody knows about.
It's consistently doing the boring, mundane things everyone knows about but is too unfocused/undisciplined to do.
Get good at boring."
Get good at boring - Words worth repeating.
I can tell you they are true. I can also tell you they are hard words to swallow.
Doing the sexy stuff is way more fun...on the surface.
For example, I had a sales conversation with a consultant who had been in business for over three years. She was stuck at a certain revenue mark and was looking for something to get her over the "hump."
She was considering joining The Brand Messaging OS™ and another program and wasn't sure which to choose. Instead of pitching her like the other program did, we had a frank discussion about each program.
As we chatted, I asked her what her typical day looked like. She told me about her daily activities, which were scattered and unprioritized.
I asked when she fits in time for sales and marketing.
She looked at me, slightly ashamed, and said, "Well, that's where I need help because I'm not a marketer."
I'm not a marketer - Words that hold you back.
I knew right away the other program wouldn't help her. Why? Because the other program was all tactics with no strategy, it was all #sexystuff.
The program would only add to the overwhelm she was already experiencing. How'd I know? Because her business wasn't boring enough.
If you want to get good at anything, you need to get good at doing the boring. And what is "boring" in a business?
- Email
- Sales
- Content
- Marketing
- Messaging
Until you can execute these things consistently, you shouldn't consider programs that are all flash and take your cash.
Malcon Gladwell's 10,000-hour rule states that 10,000 hours of deliberate practice is required to become world-class in any field.
Deliberate practice. You must practice writing emails, taking sales calls, publishing content, marketing, and repeating your messaging.
Yes. These things feel boring, but as Mark states, "Success in most things isn't about finding the one trick or secret nobody knows about.
It's consistently doing the boring, mundane things everyone knows about but is too unfocused/undisciplined to do."
Creating a boring business sounds easy. It isn't. If it was, every business would be boring. But the truth is building a boring business isn't for everyone.
It requires you to roll up your sleeves and embrace the boring by creating a business that is clear, focused, and aligned with your goals.
That's why clients love The Brand Messaging OS™ - it's a step-by-step process that removes uncertainty and reduces the overwhelm from the complexities that most founders face when growing a business.
And no. The Brand Messaging OS™ doesn’t take 10,000 hours to complete.
But it does take a desire to move beyond where you are so you can discover what you can do. If that's you, take the bold step to schedule a call, and let's chat.
Here are a few other reasons to consider being boring.
Mastering Your Craft
The more you execute your signature offer with clients, the better it gets. Repetition sharpens your understanding of your audience, offer, and the nitty-gritty of running your one-person empire.
Developing Your Rhythm
Successful entrepreneurs groove to their rhythm, not the rhythm of others, and they do this through repetition. Repetition forms the habits that become the drumbeat to their daily hustle, ensuring every day is a step towards their goals.
Getting Efficient and Productive
Ever notice how bartenders get faster and better with each cocktail they mix? That’s repetition at work. By consistently tackling essential tasks, such as email, sales, content, and marketing, you’ll find efficiencies to boost productivity and results; this doesn’t come from a business-in-a-box program.
Build Your Brand - Not Someone Else’s
A strong brand is like a classic drink – consistent, reliable, and BORING. Through repetitive actions and consistent messaging, you create a brand experience your customers trust and will return to repeatedly.
Achieve Your Goals - The Turtle Always Wins
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful business. Success is often a series of small, repetitive steps – like pouring, stirring, and shaking contribute to the perfect drink. Repetition ensures you’re constantly moving, step by step, towards your goals, which is why I help clients implement Personal Board Reviews to stay on track and stay boring.
Last Call: Embrace the Boring
So, there you have it – success isn’t hidden in some secret formula or a handful of new shiny tactics disguised as a must-do program.
Instead, success comes from repeatedly doing the essential, sometimes mundane, tasks, like your favorite band that has played the same chords, notes, and songs for years.