Hi, Stephen!

Thanks for your comment!

I think you answered your own question – you work with clients because you like it!

People will ask me the same thing, “If you’re so good, why aren’t you hanging out on a beach somewhere.” The thing is, I enjoy working with writers and taking some writing gigs. In fact, I think it’s important to work with clients – how do you learn about the latest issues if you’re not keeping yourself in the game?

I did have someone tell me recently that my hourly rate was more than most attorneys. I wrote back and said that after being in the SEO industry since the very beginning, I can “see” opportunities that less expensive consultants can’t. People either accept that, or they don’t. I have the case studies and testimonials to back me up. I’d rather work with a client who truly understands the value (and is excited about working with me,) than someone who will challenge everything I say and cost themselves a lot of time (and cash, too!) :)

My favorite question as a domain investing consultant is:

“If you’re so smart, why aren’t you spending your time applying your own principles and making big bucks instead of charging people $100 an hour to show them how?”

My answer usually is: “Because I get requests for help – and my own domain portfolio is selling itself.”

That doesn’t always work though, so what do you tell people who, not wanting to “invest in expertise”, question your knowledge and success doing what you’re selling?

I’m not doing consulting except for one major client, but I am applying my own studied processes to my portfolio and working on my own projects. However, I enjoyed advising others… so what’s a good response?

thanks, and nice site!

Thanks for your comment, Sarah!

What makes it more challenging is that, as entrepreneurs, we’re in our own heads *all the time.* It’s not like a corporate environment where you have a mentor who guides you. No wonder we get stuck with our own stuff. There’s no-one to bounce ideas/challenges off of or chat with.

I’m actually thinking of starting a SEO copywriting mastermind group for that very reason. Your comment just re-sparked (if that can be a word) that idea!…

Words of wisdom. How often does it seem that the things we are the most reluctant to do are the things we really need to do to move forward.

I’m trying to learn how to “bite the bullet” and take on things that I’ve avoided because it’s new, expensive, hard, etc. Most helpful is to really create a plan so you can see the reason why (and the potential consequences if you don’t)

BTW, I love your hint about exercising. It’s the best way to get fired up to get something done, clear your head. And I’ve come up with so much clarity, creative solutions when exercising that I swear by it.

“Once bitten, twice shy” is a construct of fear and your acronym for FEAR is absolutely right on! It is a universal truth that we tend to FEAR change, and I suspect there is a thread of fear of success woven into that self-defeating rationale: If you’ve convinced yourself you’ll fail, then guess what?

Thanks for this reminder that we all deserve to be better to ourselves by investing in ourselves, believing in ourselves, and taking the road less travelled by…