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| Deb Bryan and Carrie Wilkerson November 15, 2008 |
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
