I remember when I thought mistakes were terrible, and I’d allow myself to get mad whenever I made one.
But then I learned that mistakes have tremendous power if I took the time to learn the lesson that the mistake taught me.
Reflecting on 2022, I also think about the mistakes I made and learned from.
Mistake #1: Judging people based on their metrics.
I have come to dislike metrics: subscribers, followers, likes, comments, and shares, to name five.
Why?
Metrics can be faked or bought (got pods?).
A real-life example is that I have invested in numerous coaches since I was fired from my corporate job in July 2005. I’m embarrassed to share that I chose all but my current one based on their metrics. But I’m not blaming them. No one forced me to hire them.
Just because someone has a large following, has written a book, or has a popular podcast or video channel, doesn’t mean 1) they know what they’re doing or 2) they can help you.
The two best metrics would be their bank account and the client roster (and being able to talk to their clients). However, this is not a sensible thing to be able to do.
So, you have to do your due diligence.
How?
Take them out for a “test drive.” See if they offer a free/low-cost strategy call or are willing to hop on a call with you so you can see if they’re a fit for you. Or, if they are offering a low-cost training/boot camp, enroll in that. That’s how I discovered how much my current coach knows!
Mistake #2: Trying to grow a following everywhere.
When I became an entrepreneur in 2005, I came across something Pat Flynn said: There are three rules to building a business: 1) build your list, 2) build your list, and 3) build your list.
And I did that for a while.
But then, I’d get distracted by a new social media platform and stop building my list.
Then I would realize the error of my ways and get back to building my list. Only to get distracted again. It was a never-ending battle for me.
I believe in the power of being on every social media platform. But you also need to build your empire on your land: your website, your email list, your podcast, etc.
Today, my priorities are clear: 1) build my list, 2) grow my podcast (which, in turn, helps me build my list), and then social media (starting with LinkedIn and then other social media platforms as I have time).
A few months ago, I posted three daily videos on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and Snapchat. That’s a lot of content, but while I may have planted some seeds doing that, I’ve yet to see any indication that this did anything in building my business. Only time will tell.
Mistake #3: Not being more patient.
“To lose patience is to lose the battle.” —Mahatma Gandhi.
“I want it now, Daddy!” —Veruca Salt (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory).
I want more email subs, podcast listeners, and clients.
But growing an email list, podcast, social media channel, and client base takes time.
Do some people do it faster? Of course. But I’m not one of them.
Jeremiah 18, in the Bible, talks about the Potter (God) and the clay (Israel). I love this story because I feel God has been working on molding me into who He wants me to be. And I am so thankful that God is a very patient Person. Let me say that He’s had to do a lot of molding in my life – especially over the past 17 years! And He’s not done with me yet.
When I think I’ve got it and start to run off and do my own thing, SMASH! goes the clay, and the molding starts anew!
But as I look back on 2022, I notice that my patience has grown (but I still have a lot of work to do!).
Building a business and life takes time and intentionality.
I may want it all now, but that’s not how life works.
2023 and beyond.
Thanks to my new coach, I know 2023 will be my best year ever as long as I’m willing to connect and learn from the right people and stay focused and patient.