Less than a year ago, my good friend Adam Kayce decided to change careers.
For years Adam was a successful intuitive healer and teacher who helped countless people work with and heal their personal issues and physical diseases. As a teacher, Adam could explain the most complex ideas about consciousness and healing to people in ways that were easy to understand.
It was as a teacher that Adam got his first experiences working with businesses. Soon, he was focusing more on bringing spirituality and personal development into the workplace. And he loved it.
So this past fall, Adam decided to close down his healing practice and begin working as a business coach. Now his focus is on helping people find the “purpose and meaning behind their work, so you can attract and serve the people who love what you do.” (his words).
And so was born, Monk at Work.
Why did I tell you this story (other than Adam being a close friend)? Well, in our latest one2one conversation, Liz Strauss asked me…
What do you do when your business is going well and close friend's is not?
My answer…YOU HELP!
What else could I possibly say?
Like most new business, Adam had to endure the early, lean stages of Monk at Work. All the pieces were in place – knowledge, experience, expertise, great service and products, and…great looking blog (if I do say so myself). What he lacked was clients.
That’s where I knew I could help. I knew that I could use my own success to help my friend get started toward his. Of course, it didn’t hurt that the core of my work is to help businesses go from where they are to where they want to be.
Adam consulted with me on blogging, marketing strategy and relationship building. We talked a bunch about how to use the conversations on his blog to create momentum around your business. We talked about blogging as a central marketing strategy. I helped him with solutions for increasing his website and product reach. I even introduced him to people who are now fans of his work.
More than anything, I think what I’ve done is help Adam understand how his website/blog are the foundation for his marketing efforts. And now, Monk at Work is building momentum. Am I responsible for that – not really. He still had to put what we talked about into practice. I simply filled in his gaps in knowledge and helped him focus his efforts using his website/blog.
Do you have a good friend who’s struggling with their business? What can you do to help them?
And Liz, since we’re having a one2one conversation,
What tips can you offer for writing quality, conversational blog posts and website copy?
A friend of mine has just decided he wants to sell his photographs. Creating a website is the natural way to go, so of course I plan to help him. That first step can be overwhelming if you haven’t done it before. Getting help from a friend is the easiest way to get started.
Hi Dawud
You’re very fortunate (and so is Adam of course ;-))
Fortunate in the way that your friend you’re willing and wanting to help not only listens to you, but also implements your tips, advice etc.
It can get very frustrating when a business friend wants your help, asks for your help, receives this help willingly given and doesn’t help himself afterwards.
Not just once, happened to me a few times (with the same business friend).
I still offer help, but now on the ‘jokingly’ condition that I only help when he really does something with it, not just nods and agrees with the ideas – even getting very excited and ‘all thrusters are go’ – but still…
(And on this occasion I’m not the impatience person I can normally by – this is going on for 1.5 years now – but I cannot not help him it seems ;-))
Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)
This may be off the subject but I’ll throw it in anyway.
I’ve personally worked with Adam and used his products.
He is incredibly insightful and has moved me forward in awesome ways.
If you haven’t experienced Adam’s work and you are looking for some sweet inspiration, check out his website!
He’s simply the best!
And thanks again, Dawud, for all your (continuing) help. I studied marketing before, albeit in a much more conventional/old-school sense, but that left me in the dark around the ways that conversational marketing (i.e. the blogosphere, social marketing, all the things you’re golden at) worked.
I think I’m starting to get the hang of it now… and in the words of a long-time friend of mine, “it’s great to see that I’ve found a way of marketing that really works with who I am.”
Hi,
This stuff gives the real information one needs. One can feel like reaching the destination.
Thanks.
Interesting post. I think providing help to someone is one of the most energizing experiences. When someone seeks me out for help, it gives me a high, especially if the help I give makes a positive difference. And when the help you provide is knowledge you actually gain more of it by giving.
Everybody,
Sorry I didn’t respond sooner to your comments. Due to the server issues I had last week, I was unable to get access to my blog at all.
Thanks for your support and your patience. Now, on to your comments.
Jean,
You’re right. What can you do to make it easy – and less scary – on him?
Karin,
I’ve definitely been there. It’s even better when clients do the same thing. I always wonder why people bother asking if they don’t plan on listening to what I have to offer.
Char,
Couldn’t agree more. Adam’s a hidden jewel. I’d love to see all of us help him get ‘uncovered.’
Adam,
It’s so important to find not only what works, but what works for you, your temperament, and your abilities when it comes to your business. There really is no formula that works for everyone. Every formula needs to be eaten, digested and nourishing to our own businesses.
Really great point. And I’m so happy to have helped you in every way I have/can.
Is there one thing you think I’ve shared with you that’s helped you the most?
Tom,
Obviously, I agree. Yet, everything is a journey.
Traveller,
Yes. I know what you mean. I love helping people. That’s why I do what I do.
Hmm, good question. A bit hard to sum up… but your “Three Halves of Blogging” has got to rank up there among the best of it all.
Can’t wait to see your book come out! 😉
Hi Dawud
I am a firm believer in ‘If you want to learn something teach it’. Its a great way to expand knowledge and really look at all the small details of how to do something that might otherwise escape notice. And of course just helping a friend is a reward in and of itself.
I’ve been throwing around ideas (in my head) for a post on innovation and the idea of sharing which I think your post ties nicely into. Another facet.
Adam,
Me too. When I get this kitchen remodel done (couple weeks), I can throw myself full-on into it.
Tom,
Me too. Whenever I really want to learn something I approach it as though I’m going to teach it – even if I don’t. That way, I learn as though I’m a student being taught myself. I find it a great approach.
wow, This really gave us the real information. really helpfull
Thanks
I think providing help to someone is one of the most amazing experiences.
I really enjoyed your blog.