Friday, November 9, 2012

Thank You Carrie Wilkerson -- The Barefoot Executive

Deb Bryan and Carrie Wilkerson
November 15, 2008
Today I am thankful for Carrie Wilkerson (the Barefoot Executive) because the path I am on now is a direct result of meeting her four years ago.

We first met at Blueprint to Financial Freedom in November 2008

This morning I was remembering the first time Carrie asked me what I do for a living.  At the time I couldn't answer her.  I did too many things in a dozen or more areas.

Over time, learning from her, I have slowly narrowed my specialization as a virtual assistant.  I continue to narrow and refine regularly (quarterly at the least).  Specialization makes my life more organized.  My days more enjoyable and best of all I am working from home 100% now.

I am grateful because I know without Carrie's  kindness and generous coaching I would still be unable to answer her question.  I would still be chasing every dollar and working for someone else just to survive week to week.

Now... I screen clients.   I remembered something Carrie said about working with people.  Something like "would you invite that person to sit with your family for dinner" Up until that point I hadn't even thought about it.  I was focused on chasing the clients, rather than choosing who I want to work with.  What a difference!!!

I'll admit the first time she mentioned screening clients I thought that would kill my business.  Who turns away clients?  Well... I did it.  And today I work with a handful of amazing clients who appreciate my work and are grateful to work with me.  They are my VIP clients.  Each one!!

Another difference is when a client asks "can you also do this or that" I know who to refer them to. I have screened those who I refer and I have worked with them.  This way I know who I am sending my VIP clients to. Thanks to another lesson Carrie taught us.  But, I'll let her tell you more about that.

There is no way I could list each of the wise and wonderful things Carrie has taught me over the years.  I can say each lesson has had a long lasting impact and my life will never be the same.

I wanted to say Thank You, Carrie!  For your patience, wisdom, coaching, and guidance.  It took me awhile... but, I made it!!! Thanks to you.
Today it is a simple question to answer:
I am an SEO Copywriter on Squidoo for Amazon Associates.

I can already imagine that answer being a bit more narrowed yet again.  The best thing about specialization is the 'time' I can spare to keep improving the service I provide.  Rather than having dozens of 'skills' I can focus on my strongest and most enjoyable skill and continue to improve until I am "THE SEO copywriter on Squidoo for Amazon Associates"

Carrie Wilkerson at Blueprint to Financial Freedom November 2008