I really liked “Respect Yourself First” lesson and I hope it is at the top of your list for a reason. I cannot agree with you more on this. It is such a simple concept and so difficult to execute.

Having been a consultant for 10 years, I always try to be helpful and make time for everyone who asks for my help. I have technical background and work with clients who do not. Therefore, I am often summoned for consults on all topics because everything web related is becoming somewhat technical. It is very hard for me to say “no” to people if I see that I can help them. I realize, however, that often they do not really want my help. They want to chat and to vent their frustrations. Spending most of my time chatting and not doing anything is not my style (and I do not charge by the hour).

I found a way to say “no” by not saying it. I ask the client to research the problem more. I request information on what they want to accomplish, how others deal with similar issues, what the possible solutions are, how this issue impacts their business (ask for numbers and stats), etc. If my client feels strongly about resolving the problem, they will come back with results. Frequently, in the process of gathering the information, they find their answer. If the client is not willing to do the leg work, then the issue is not important to them and I am “off the hook”. I can sleep well, knowing that I did not let them down.

Lyena.

It’s obvious you’re passionate about what you do – and explains why you’re as happy as you are in that. And the fact that you’re humble, (to the disbelief of haters, of course) just reinforces why you’re so well respected in the industry by others who are themselves successful.

So I’ll offer this more an expansion/reinforcement of what you’ve already stated than something different… Truly worthwhile success – the kind that results in untold happiness as well as the rewards that come from that success, comes from being humble while being confident in your strengths.

The more you focus on what you’re passionate about, the more your strengths will shine through. And the more you honor those limitations you learn about yourself and your business, the sooner you’ll seek out others who are passionate about things you’ve got limitations with. Whether it’s co-owners of the business, employees, or outside partners.

I think that reality is what makes my clients so loyal to me. When I don’t screw up, that is. :-)

Couldn’t agree more…hence the reason I haven’t expanded beyond a one-man consulting shop. It just seems like so much energy to find people that you get along with well enough personally, that have the energy and inclination towards what you’re doing, and that are willing to accept what to you/me seems like a reasonable intro wage.

Really glad to see that you guys have been able to do it & I am looking forward to seeing who else you hire in the next year!

But you’re right. It’s also really important to know what you do well and how to leverage those most effectively. Thanks for the comment! :)

Seriously though, nice post. You make good points about weaknesses, which you talk about a lot, which is great. But I wonder if you think enough about your strengths. For example, you’re a fantastic writer. I assume you’d advise a brand to think a lot about their strengths and the different opportunities they open. An entrepreneur needs to do the same. I think people often think “this method works” when the truth is “I’m very good at X and therefore this method works for me.” The advice about owning your weaknesses, finding your joy, leaving the pack, etc. is great. But people should remember another key part of individuality, their strengths.