Why Was There An Overwhelming Response
This email was sent to my subscribers on the 29th of April 2013, it was a honest and heartfelt email that was sent on a whim that ended up generating a swell of reply emails and people telling me they had passed it on, so here it is on the website for all to access and read as well.
Why was it so popular? There are probably many reasons. The biggest I feel was because it spoke the truth and shared my personal vulnerability that you can relate to. Unlike many speakers, authors and coaches who focus only on their biggest achievements and how good they are at what they do, I chose to share my struggles not just old struggles but even current ones.
The Email – “A Personal Message” on Belief
Hey,
I’m writing to you today because I wanted to share something personal.
We all know that business is a rollercoaster, it has ups and it has downs, its both exciting and scary but not many people actually share their true warts and all journey.
This morning I woke up at 9:30 and jumped on skype to do one of my regular mastermind sessions with my friends and business advisors and during the call an interesting topic came up – BELIEF.
You see I have personally struggled to believe in myself for many years, I was a shy and extremely introverted kid. I only had a couple of friends and I didn’t talk much… Why?
Because I didn’t believe I had anything worth saying.
I was bullied throughout highschool, tormented, bashed, poked, had sharp objects put millimeters from my eye and I never fought back… Why?
Because I didn’t believe I could win.
At the age of 15, I saw my dad in his own business and he sat there in front of his computer all day and didn’t have to talk to anyone (at least that’s what I thought).
So I decided I wanted to start my own business… Why?
Because I believed that I was shy and that hiding behind a computer was the answer.
There was also this other little belief niggling in the back of my mind. A belief that was actually serving me… “I can OWN my tormentors, they’ll work for me one day!”
That business (an online costume shop) failed and I was stuck with costumes I’d borrowed money to buy that I couldn’t sell or rent, I believed I was a failure.
I was working at a pizza shop after school and one day the owner of the sporting memorabilia shop next door came in, he was quite successful, he had a partnership with Channel 9 and was selling stuff on the Nine MSN website and he came in for a pizza and we got chatting. He was telling me about how he needed a new website seperate from Channel 9 for a new market and what surprised me the most was he asked if I, this 15 year old shy kid, could help him.
So I started a new business… why?
Because HE believed in me, and helped me believe that I could actually help him.
Since then my struggles with belief have continued, and while over the last 12 years I’ve built and sold 3 businesses, generated over a million dollars in revenues, travelled the world, supported communities in need, had a #1 book, helped hundreds of entrepreneurs grow their business and received raving feedback and success stories from people I’ve helped… I still question myself… Why?
Because I still believe that maybe I’m not enough, maybe I’m not successful enough, maybe other people are better than me, maybe I won’t keep succeeding.
One of my friends and advisors today asked the question to us all “How has that served you?” … I thought for a moment and realised…
That questioning in my belief, is what has driven me to be better, to be constantly improving, to constantly learn new strategies and better, smarter and faster ways of doing things.
That questioning in my belief, has driven me to make mistakes that I learnt from and then been able to help my friends and clients avoid
That questioning in my belief, has driven me to understand my psychology and the psychology of success and results.
That questioning in my belief, has made me give up at things that actually were a waste of my time, and made me stick at others.
That questioning in my belief, has made me a better man and for that I am extremely grateful.
But what hit home today on this mastermind call was that every single person on the call had gone and continues to go through similar belief issues.
You and I are not alone. We are human, and being human is about realising we are not perfect.
I know that you also at times have beliefs that either serve you, or don’t serve you.
You might be struggling in your business right now, but thats ok. You won’t be strugging forever.
You might be stuck in a job you hate, but thats ok. You won’t be stuck forever.
You might be successful yet feel like you’re a fraud, but thats ok. You won’t feel that way forever.
I wanted to share this message with you, to let you know you’re not alone. That just like the man who believed in me, a shy 15 year old kid, I too believe in you!
— Carl
PS. If you are struggling or are looking for smarter ways to build your business empire then I encourage you to join me for a free online event tomorrow.
Those that have attended always tell me how it changed their mindset of business, how it opened their eyes and helped them believe there was a smarter way of getting the freedom they want in life.
P.P.S If you need more supportive and like-minded friends then join in on the conversations over on the BBA Facebook Page, or hit REPLY and ask me about our Business Builders ‘Insider’ Community.
The Key Take Aways
#1 The Entrepreneurial Journey Is A Big Game of Ups & D
owns – Expect it.
#2 Everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY struggles with believing in themselves
#3 People connect with People, don’t be afraid to show your vulnerabilities
#4 Your past does not have to equal your present
Carl is the Author of Red Means Go! and founder of Business Builders Academy. He invests in and runs a number of businesses, and regularly teaches business skills through online training and live speaking events.
