My life experience continues to be fabulous and recently a lesson was in store for me as well. I visited a local honey farm not far from where I live. Joined by a dozen friends and colleagues, this was a way for us to spend time together while safely outdoors. The motto of this farm is “from flower, to bee, to hive, to jar” and I like the simplicity of this, don’t you? This business is family-owned and operated and the couple met while they were working for NASA forty years ago! Little did I know I’d learn life lessons from the avocado grove on this day.
I met my group at the honey farm and we were escorted to a private tasting room one of my friends had arranged for us. Because of the safety protocols in place, we each had a private “table for one” where we were served a variety of scrumptious treats. Honey can be repurposed into so many food items that I wouldn’t have ever thought of on my own. Yes, I chose lots of items to be delivered to my home next week so I may share with my family members and close friends for many weeks to come.
After our honey tasting and a tour of their facilities, we went to an avocado ranch owned by two of my friends. Their ranch manager showed us around and educated us on the varieties of avocados and how they get from the trees in the grove to the guacamole and other dishes people create. Then we were given special bags and sent out into the grove to pick three different varieties of avocados and two types (one is so new they wouldn’t tell us its name!) of lemons to take home with us. It was there that I enjoyed a moment of serenity and learned some life lessons that will make a difference in my life and business…
We’ve had extreme wind conditions in southern California and on our Central Coast for several days now. I was fully prepared to be blown away while hiking through the groves, but it was so calm it was almost eerie. Standing in the middle of a row, flanked by trees on both sides and accompanied by the occasional bird, cat, or rodent, I sensed a calm that I did not expect.
The outside world was far away and I was alone with my thoughts. It was at that moment I realized that we get to choose our life experience in every step we take. It’s all a choice, and once we decide to choose a path that will bring us joy, it begins to unfold in front of our eyes. I floated back to the group and decided to share this experience with you before telling anyone else.
Each morning I go through a gratitude meditation (I started meditating about six weeks ago and love my results) and during my session I thought about two people I’ve come to know over the past two years who are making a difference for me and for so many others. One thing to note is that each of them use storytelling in their communications with their audiences and that’s why I feel such a strong connection with them and have become their raving fans.
Sharing Life Lessons Through Storytelling
Remember that we get to know, like, and trust people who speak to us in a way that feels warm and caring, as though they’re speaking to a friend. Storytelling is the way to do this and to build a business with raving fans and I want you to have a way to share your story and help your community to do the same…
I came of age with my online business in 2006, a time when social media was in its infancy, technology was for those who read and wrote HTML code, and the overwhelming majority of people did not trust online purchasing. It was still relatively easy for me to navigate the waters of online entrepreneurship, and looking back I will share the reasons I achieved early success, while keeping it all simple…
1) I refused to allow my lack of knowledge and skill with writing, technology, or marketing hold me back. I was willing to learn, and then implement what I’d learned as quickly as possible. It was messy, and that’s how I improved.
2) Even though I’m an introvert, I began reaching out to people I was buying from and in forums with to get to know them better. I humbled myself to them, no matter who they were, how old, or where they resided. Most of them are still my friends and colleagues to this day.
3) Every day I wrote a short (250 words) blog post, and the following day shared it to the article directories we used back then. This brought me visibility, credibility, a list, and income, even though it started out very small.
4) I put in the time to make this all happen and to get to six figures a year, knowing that as I became more experienced I could relax a little and have the time freedom and income goals I’d set for myself. These types of life lessons separate those who dream about a different life with those who achieve all of their goals.
Recently, I spent time with a woman who first joined my list several years ago and then attended the last in person event I hosted, in March of 2020. She’s now ready to come online on a more serious basis. Over a delicious al fresco lunch I asked her about her niche and business model and it turns out she has already begun earning income! She followed my recommendations for a few people, products, and programs and then recommended them to people she knew personally. This is by far the smartest way to get started, yet few of us take this type of action and initiative. It also signifies a level of resilience and mental toughness. She’s also had great success with intermittent fasting within the group I’m also a part of, so I recommended she share it through her affiliate link with people she knows. All she needs to do now is to be more active on social media, add an opt in box to her blog, and she’s officially an online entrepreneur. I believe most people make this far too complicated, when it’s truly a simple business to replicate.
What’s changed sixteen years later? Everything… and nothing at all. Online entrepreneurship continues to be the best opportunity for anyone seeking a lifestyle others dream of having for themselves. Don’t ever give up on your dream and reach out to me if you need some assistance.
I’m Connie Ragen Green, learning life lessons as I stroll through the avocado groves and other places of natural beauty in the universe. Let’s connect and see what we can achieve with our mutually Beneficial relationship.
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