Toby Martini

Better Business & Better Speaking through Improv!

Building a Cathedral

by 12 Comments

A traveler came upon a group of three hard-at-work stonemasons, and asked each in turn what he was doing.

The first said, “I am sanding down this block of marble.”

The second said, “I am preparing a foundation.”

The third said, “I am building a cathedral.”

This story has been repeated thousands of times, each with it’s own twist on the details. But, the main point is always the same: It’s not the work you have to do. It’s your perspective on it that makes it either a trudge, just some work, or a visionary creation.

Before I tell you why I bring that up in relation to your website or blog, I offer another 2-paragraph viewpoint.

Stop looking for other people to handle things. Don’t believe that someone will swoop in and get it all done for you. Of course you can delegate tasks that need to be done. But, expecting others to fix your business, your website, or your life is a self-defeating mistake.

Successful people in the world realized that if something needed changing, they would have to change it.

“The reasonable man adapts himself to the conditions that surround him… The unreasonable man adapts surrounding conditions to himself…
All progress depends on the unreasonable man.” – George Bernard Shaw

How does these things apply to you, someone that lives to be a contribution to the world?

If you need a website, you could take some time everyday complaining about how it’s not done, how you can’t find a good person to do it cheaply, or you are computer illiterate. Of course, none of those things get a website built.

Go read a book about either How to Pick a Good Web Developer OR How to Create a Site with WordPress. Learn enough to get it handled. Get it done!

Grrrr!

With your site complete, you can be confident when you give people your business card. No more excuses about how, “It’s under construction” or “It’s only 2 pages now, but maybe next week I’ll get more posts up.”

You won’t be able to enroll people into your coaching or your event if you are waffling about your website.

It’s one less thing for you to be spending brain power on. You would just know that it works and that they will get to know you and your message by visiting your site.

Pet Peeve: I’m Computer Iliterate.

Nobody expects that you go learn how to be a programmer. But, don’t wear it like a badge, either. Do not argue FOR your limitations!

If someone told you that they were illiterate, you’d would most likely champion them to go learn to read in order to make their life easier. In the world of the future (meaning today) you need to know how to get around on your machine and how to talk to people about common computer and internet terms.

Don’t hobble yourself on purpose. Take a class, get a consultant or coach (Like me!) that will help you learn the basics so that you get these things out of the way of your message.

You want to be a contribution to the world and you’re letting little things get in your way. Get educated enough that you can get your message out there!

Focus on your end result, on your message and your contribution. Get your technology handled, whatever it takes. It’s a small block keeping you from creating your masterpiece, your cathedral.

You don’t have to learn everything about technology. Nobody knows it all. Even those of us that have spent 20 years in the guts of computers and code don’t know it all.

You don’t have to know it all. You just need to know enough to get IT started!

You won’t break it

by Leave a Comment

I had just posted on Facebook about how sometimes people are afraid of doing things on their computers; about how often they’re afraid to push a button because they think they’ll blow it up somehow or wipe the hard drive in one click.

I wrote advising people to stop being so afraid. It won’t bite you and you will not destroy it just like that.

NothingHappens_Dilbert

Then the next day I saw this Dilbert cartoon.

It cracked me up because I spend a lot of time and effort getting people over this fear.

Often people claim, “I’m just not computer literate” in much the same way that otherwise smart people will proudly trumpet their lack of math skills.

They can do that because it’s popular that both math and computers are Hard. And so, no matter how smart you may be, not knowing those things is quite OK. Society understands. Those things are HARD!

Well, can we all just give that up?

Computers are not hard. Math is elegant. (I swear that I used to be one of those proudly “innumerate”)

And, like I tell my kids, “Everything is easy if you know how.”

So, forget about, “Oh. it’s hard,” and just get it done!

I PROMISE that you won’t burn your hair off!

You already know

by Leave a Comment

“What do I want to do with my life?”

It’s a really common question that I hear. And, people ask it as if someone else knows the answer. That perhaps it’s “out there” somewhere.

Well, I am here to tell you, my friend…. You already know.

It might not be on the tip of your tongue and you may even be frustrated because you’ve been looking for sooo long, and taking so many quizzes, and asking so many people. But, who else could possibly know what You want to do with Your life?

That’s like asking someone else how You should feel about them. It’s kind of nuts, really.

The truth is that only You can answer what’s right for you. And, the funny thing is that it’s not like a big secret or hidden away somewhere.

What you should do is what you’re good at and not necessarily what you’re good at because you’ve done it for 10 years and you hate it. No, what you should do is what you’re just great at and what you really enjoy doing.

Don’t get caught up on the “How can I make money doing that?” Please, let’s leave the How until later. For know let’s just get to the What.

Ever hear of the Thirsty Traveller? Here’s a guy that wanted to do only two things. He wanted to see the world (Don’t we all?) and he loved beer. He’s now the host of a show called the Thirsty Traveller, where all he does is visit various cities around the world sampling their fine lagers and ales. Can’t make money doing what you love… look at that guy!

So, take a little time and write down literally every skill you have, every talent, ability, or just plain Thing You Like To Do.

And then put them in order; favorite at the top, least favorite at the bottom. Don’t get hung up on the ordering. If you are struggling with putting “Painting on Eggs” higher than “Clog Dancing,” take a moment, don’t struggle. Really, which one do you like more? It’s not hard and it is OK if they are somewhat out of order. (Nobody is going to grade you!)

See those top 5 things? I bet that some combination of 2-4 of them would make you joyous and excited about everyday.

Can you find some way to make sure at least of them get worked in Every Day? Would that be great for you?

And now, what if you could wake up everyday knowing that today you get to play at a few of your top favorite things in the world.

And Now… what if you could do 2-4 of your favorite things in the world everyday… and get paid for it? And paid well. No starving artists here.

People that love what they do and put their love and energy into it are well rewarded. Others recognize the spark, the joy, the energy that goes into something done well and passionately.

So, trust me. You already know.

Just ask yourself.

Rock Your Day!

by Leave a Comment

Dave Navarro writes a blog that you might want to check out.
http://www.rockyourday.com/
I find him to be inspirational, readable, and really worth your time.

His new project is called The Launch Coach and he’s giving away a really fantastic tool for you. It’s completely free and has no links or selling in it. Just a great tool for you to work out your crap and go after your dreams.
7 Ways To Play A Much Bigger Game

And the third thing I want to tell you about is Dave’s More Time Now.

This little book moved me and got me off my ass, writing to bloggers, creating community, and really working on my business. Go Get it. Now.
(It’s free and contains no sales, links, or weasely junk.)

So, check out Dave Navarro, download his stuff, and get to work in creating your future!

Welcome the Challenges

by Leave a Comment

A strong desire is a great attractor.
It attracts both challenge and support

Having a money challenge is just a push, an incentive, to create what you want. “Thank you, money challenge!”
All the growth comes out of the challlenge
The challenge ultimately serves you more than the support.
It’s who you become in overcoming those challenges that matters.
 
“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.” — Joseph Campbell