by Kirby Hasseman
As humans, we have a very specific problem. Well maybe not ALL humans. This just applies to the ones that want to evolve and grow and change. And the fact that you are reading a blog, tells me you are one of “those people.” The problem has to do with Certainty and unCertainty.
As humans we are constantly looking to create certainty in our lives. We want to create the airtight plans. We want to select the “best” way to do something. We really want to know the outcome of any endeavor before we actually take the leap. If we can’t know and predict success (with certainty), many of us don’t want to take action at all.
The problem, of course, starts with this; there is no certainty. In no area of life is there really certainty. We cannot predict the future. We don’t know how long we are going to live. We can’t ensure the gamble will work. We can’t ever be totally certain…of anything. We are chasing a ghost.
Ironically the only thing that is really certain…is uncertainty.
Here’s the other thing, uncertainty is where the magic happens. If you want to learn anything new, that comes in the land of uncertainty. If you want to level up at work, there is no specific path that guarantees success. If you want to create a business, write a book, run a marathon, or date the person of your dreams, you are going to have to willingly and earnestly lean into an area that will be completely uncertain.
So that’s the paradox. We seek a level of certainty that is unattainable. We avoid the uncertainty, because it makes us uncomfortable. But our personal and professional growth comes when we embrace the uncertainty of life…and lean in.
Take the leap. Make the call. Put in the work. It might not work. The outcome is not certain. And that, my friends, is perfect.
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by Kirby Hasseman
There is a simple business strategy that helps you; *Grow your business. *Keep more customers. *Be happier. *Have better employees. *Create better culture. This strategy works (at least over the long term) almost every time. Your customers and prospects can see it…and they appreciate it. As a matter of fact, they seek it out. It’s a rarity, so it stands out. But it’s really hard to measure and quantify. It’s impossible to find it in a spreadsheet. It’s a strategy that is simple…but not easy. What is this magic strategy? Care. More. A Care More strategy will help you create better work that matters more. It will help you finish what you started. It will help you listen with empathy to those you want to serve. Caring more will help your team rally around the mission. As you begin this New Year, try to Care More. Make sure you never miss an update update. Join our VIP list! You can do that here.
by Kirby Hasseman
If you are like a lot of people, the New Year means there is a special feeling in the air. It’s not just the feeling of being tired and hung over. I mean, it’s that too. But in addition, there is a feeling of hope. It’s a new page, a new year, a new day full of new possibilities. I talked a bit about why this matters here. But for some of us, it can be overwhelming too. Sure, we can start over and have a great new year. But where do I start? How do I get the ball rolling? What can I do to get 2019 started off better than 2018? That challenge is real. When I feel a bit overwhelmed, I like to try and fill my brain with good and inspirational stuff. It often helps get me in the right mindset, so I can take action toward whatever goal I am working on. With that in mind, I wanted to share a few pieces of content that I enjoy that might help you! Dr. Mark Powell on Delivering Marketing Joy: I really enjoy doing Delivering Marketing Joy. I get to talk to some amazing and smart folks. So each episode is fun for me. But this one is perfect for this time of year. Dr. Powell has a new book called “Clutch” and he spends some time talking about that with me here. I love the idea of creating “rituals” in your life to create a happier and more productive you. My YouTube Channel: One of my goals for 2019 is to increase the amount of value I deliver through video…and I want to increase my subscribers! You can help me with that by clicking here and subscribing. Oh, and here is a recent video that went sideways when we “misplaced” our drone. Watch that here. Akimbo Podcast: If you know me at all, you know that I really enjoy the work of Seth Godin. He is smart and thoughtful and he brings that to his podcast. For me, this is “must listen” content. So that’s a short list to get you started today. And of course if you have some great content that I should check out, let me know! Happy New Year everyone! Let’s make it a great one! Make sure you never miss an update! Sign up for our VIP newsletter here.
by Kirby Hasseman
With all of my talk of goal-setting on this blog (and there is plenty of it), I thought it would be only fair for me to share my goals for 2019 here. This is always a bit of a scary exercise for me. On the other hand, it’s sort of a “practice what I preach” moment as well. In the interest of transparency, there are a few I have left off. They are a bit more specific and personal. Either way, here are quite a few of my goals, with a bit of information about them! 1. Increase Hasseman Marketing Sales 45%: This is a lofty goal. But we sent a firm foundation in 2018. We finished the 2nd half of the year with nearly 25% growth. My hope is this will be a year that we take it to the next level. 2. Increase Youtube Subscribers to 1000. I plan to do more vlogs this year and I think this makes sense. You can help by subscribing here! Please do. 3. Run/Walk 15 Miles Per Week: This one is pretty straight forward and falls under the Fitness category. (Read about the 5 F’s of Goal Setting here). 4. Take 3 Cool Trips with Amy: We have one scheduled, so I am on my way. But anytime when we get to hang out…is very good. 5. Write New Book: This one has been hanging out there for me for a while. I have the title and the idea. I just need to put in the work. 6. Sell 500 Copies of Books: I have two books out there now that I think are worthy of purchase. I need to do a much better job of promoting. Again, you can help with this one. Delivering Marketing Joy (about doing promo better) is here. In addition, the book Fan of Happy (personal development lessons I wrote for my daughters) is here. 7. Pay off Credit Card Debt: Though it’s not a huge number, it’s one that I need to fix. 8. Increase Personal Savings: This is not a mountainous number…I would like for it to be! 9. Be a better Father and Husband: Here is where I make the case for “non-measurable” goals. I don’t how to quantify this. But I do know that I need to continue to improve and focus on this. Having this on my list every year helps me do that. So that’s my goal list for 2019. What are your thoughts? What am I missing? Thanks for reading along and lending your support. I truly appreciate it. Feel free to become a VIP. You can do that by signing up here.
by Kirby Hasseman
The week between Christmas and New Years is always tough for me. Why? Because it’a s transition week. I am not completely “off work.” I don’t go on vacation, so I go to the office on days we are open. There are usually some things that need attending to. There are calls that need returned. On the other hand, I am not really “on” either. Many, if not most, of my clients are off. The HMC team is mostly taking the time off. So even if I wanted to be working “full speed ahead,” it would be tough to do that. So while I get some things done, I am never working at a pace that feels productive or satisfying. It’s a transition week. Most of us are just waiting for the New Year to put the hammer down. Seasons of transition can be challenging in life. We spend a big portion of our life working to create one reality. Then when it goes away, it come be tough to adjust. You hear about it a lot from people that retire. Studies show this can be one of the most challenging transitions in life (believe it or not). Frank goes to work for 30 years to the same job. He reports to the same area and makes the same widget. He has a purpose. That is who he is. When retirement comes, and no one is telling him where to be and what to do, he loses his meaning. Though I have heard many people say “that will never happen to me,” it happens more than you think. Transitions are tough. Parents understand this all too well. You work to raise the child (or children) so they can become independent. Then they become teenagers. That is a season all it’s own. Then they grow out of that…and enter a new season of their own. If you are in a season of transition (as I am in a few areas), I think a few things help. Be Patient: These times are challenging. But remind yourself that it’s only a season. Sometimes these seasons last longer than others, but on the other side of this week comes the New Year. Be Grateful: Times of transition give me a great deal of stress. I am a person that wants things “yesterday.” So when I find myself waking up in the morning with that anxiety, I take a deep breath and mentally list the things in my life I am thankful for. It sounds simple. But it helps me reconnect my day. Be Joyful in the Process: If you are in a season of transition, then you have the chance to create the next season. Be intentional about creating it. Spend some time thinking about the life you want to create. Take the time to make it something you are excited about. In a sense, it’s like creating goals for the year. Do it on purpose. If you are living through one of these seasons, understand that you are not alone. Many of us go through them at different times and in different areas of your life. But get ready, the next season is coming. Thanks so much for reading! Make sure you never miss an update. Sign up for our VIP list here.
