The secret to 20k in 1 week

This week I’m celebrating 2 significant events in my life and business.  The first is the completion of the 1^st draft of my next graphic novel, The Kiss. I had that initial spark (of an idea) that would become this book back in September 2007!  Now almost 2 years later, it’s finally off to my editors for their feedback.  (The book will be available on Tor.com in 2010.)

A lot of writers get nervous about sending their work off to their editors and stay nervous until the edits come back.  There’s a whole section in Anne Lamont’s classic, Bird By Bird, where she describes this anxiety.  When I read that section, back when I did not have anything published, I consciously made a different decision: to always welcome feedback from people I trust (i.e. not just anyone), because it gives me the opportunity to serve the story and my readers.

Because I only work with people who know their stuff, I always learn something new, tips and tricks and techniques that I can take to the next project, that makes my stories better.  They’re always things I never would have seen on my own.  Working with smart collaborators on my stories is like Masterminding with mentors and colleagues in my business – an absolute must.

I’m also celebrating my first $20k week in my business - that is, the first week where I’ve brought in revenues of $20,000.  Yep, “in this economy.”  (Aren’t you just sick of that phrase? I know I am.)

I’ll reveal more of how I made it happen a little later on, but for now, here are the 2 critical pieces of the puzzle, which you can implement in your own business right now if you haven’t already.

One, I offered something that my clients really wanted, valued and were willing to pay for.

Two, I made a conscious decision and acted on it.

All too often in business we fall in love with our ideas.  Sometimes we try to juggle and balance multiple things when what we really need to do is let go.  (If that’s you, believe me you’re not alone! It’s a classic entrepreneurial bad habit and it used to be one of mine.)  Thing is, not letting go of ideas that don’t work is lack-based thinking. Yuck!

To be successful in your business, you MUST focus on serving your clients. What do your clients really want that you can provide?  If you don’t know, it’s time to find out.

Lastly, I want to point out that you don’t need a list of a zillion people to create this kind of success for yourself.  I made my offer to a group of about 35 people.  40% of them took me up on it. Why?  Because I saw a need and filled it.

I share this success with you not to brag, but because it so clearly demonstrates the simplicity of  success. All too often we want to make things complicated.  Making things complicated is a form of resistance, and resistance is just a form of hiding out. And when you’re hiding out, you’re not helping anyone.

What do your clients really want?  How can you help them with that? I invite you to revisit this question this week.  Let Spirit guide you to an answer… and then, take just one action to help more people in this way. As always, bright blessings and massive success to you…