How to Be the Unique You in Business
By the book, still no results – now what?
The other day on the phone another transport broker was asking me how to increase business. They were doing everything according to the book – making sure they ran the mileage, looked at the route, calculated the quote right. Yet they were not happy with their results. They wanted to increase the number of sales from the leads and prospects they were quoting.
That day I was particularly full of it, feeling my oats and replied,”this anti-aging, fiery grandma of four is exposing how to turn back the clock”. Having not a clue what I was talking about he asked what I meant.
This was my way of sharing an example of being whom we are, bringing our personality into our business. When I started my first network marketing home business over twenty years ago, I did not know that my biggest asset would be “me”. After working with many leaders, business coaches and business partners, I have learned that people buy us, not our products.
Who am I?
Do you know who you are, what your strengths are and why people like you? To tell you the truth I never did, ever. Back in 1997 when I started my second network marketing home business, my husband and I attended a training seminar called First Steps to Success.
The second day of the seminar we broke into small groups. Each person had a time limit of one minute to share with the person beside them the positive traits admired about him or her. There were no menial comments allowed, as if your blouse is pretty, I like your hair, etc. Instead, they wrote comments like – you are a strong leader, you are an awesome wife, you are tenacious and a hard worker – on a piece of paper.
By the time, each person in the group had their turn sharing with their partner we all brought home a handful of positive traits others saw in us. To this day I remember holding those notes close and re-reading them daily to let myself know others saw strengths in me that I did not know I possessed.
Want to know what your strengths are? Ask your best friend what they are; ask your spouse and children. Be prepared for their answers and receive them with open arms. Trust me, comments like those are sincere, empowering…and sometimes not easy to receive.
Know your product but sell your uniqueness
When the conversation with the transport broker ended, they knew this one secret. Sometimes people can be building a brick and mortar business, a network marketing home business or selling fruit at the local farmers market and all have one thing in common. When each of them serves their customers with passion, purpose and all they have, they shine like the northern stars at night or not. Business want to bring in their customers and feel a connection with them, that may mean they focus a lot on their business design, and could go onto sites such as vinylcuttingmachineguide.com to see what type of design equipment they could get to promote their business.
Have you ever witnessed that in your business? Sit back, watch another business owner in your niche, and see how he or she interacts with his or her customers. Learn from them, think outside the box and step up to the plate as if you are the only one playing the game. Pay attention to what that one businessperson is doing that sets them apart from their competition and work on that one skill.
When this anti-aging, fiery grandma finally discovered whom she is, what her strengths are and what people like her for, her network marketing home business and auto transport business took off like a wildfire.
Is that something you would like to see in your business too? Join in the fun as we learn “how to be the unique you in business” together. I have found it is always more fun to learn with friends than all alone, do you agree?
Join us won't you? This anti-aging, fiery grandma of four found out how to turn back the clock. She found the youth of her twenties. Ask her she will share her secret with you, too.
Leave your comment below and join the discussion. Friends help friends, share by clicking the “Like” button at the top of the page, be sure to “tweet”, too. We can not do what we do without you. Thanks for all you do
Here to Serve,
Carla J Gardiner
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Carla J Gardiner is an ex-banker turned entrepreneur who built an auto transport brokerage and dispatch center from the ground up. With half a days training and little else Carla learned the business inside and out the hard way…by doing it. Her passion and purpose lies with the people she works with daily; the client, dispatcher, broker and truck driver. Her frustration within the industry has birthed a new division of her company; a part-time business to to properly train, encourage and mentor others in turning back the clock and regaining youthful health. What did you think?
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"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."