I have a question for you. How many templates, checklists or blueprints have you downloaded in the past 6 months?
And of those, how many have you fully implemented with successful results?
Now, if you know the answer to either of these, I congratulate you!
It seems every other post or promotion we see promises us the next perfect solution on how to create or market our business. In a world full of unknowns, we jump at the chance of just being told what to do.
But are these tasty blueprints all they’re cracked up to be?
The Beauty of Blueprints
Blueprints offer the silver bullet we’ve been looking for, the know-how to get a job done or save us hours of research or time.
They can often be quick to implement and easy to replicate.
And yes, sometimes they even get results!
The Problem with Blueprints
The problem is that they are often a one-size-fits-all approach and do not always suit your individual needs.
What works perfectly for one person may not work in the same way for the next.
Not only that, you can also end up looking like everyone else and diluting who you really are.
Blueprints Should Guide, Not Dictate
If you treat your blueprint as a guide, you’re more likely to find the success you’re looking for.
You’re not a failure if it doesn’t work for you. It’s simply a sign that you need to rethink how you’ve been using it.
Ever Thought of Creating a You-Print Instead?
Rather than feeling flat or uninspired by the blueprint in front of you, take the parts that feel right and ditch the parts that don’t.
Think about how you naturally like the show up and communicate in business and life.
Podcasts are all the rage, but if talking for hours on end is not something you feel comfortable doing, then they may not be the best way for you to communicate your message.
However if you love to talk but hate to write, then a podcast or Facebook lives may be better for you than blogging.
If you love working behind the scenes and getting into the detail of things, then creating a business based around live workshops and coaching may not be your best option. Strategy or consulting work could be a better fit for you.
These are just some simplified examples of how you can start to take ideas that are out there and find the right option for you.
Your You-Print Is a Stronger Reflection of Who You Really Are
I’m all for being guided and inspired by others, but we must still stay true to who we are and our natural style.
People are a little over the hype and polish and want to see a truer version of you. That’s what they will connect with. Not you following a script or blueprint that doesn’t allow for the best parts of you to shine.
Audience and Impact Is Key
You’re in business to make an impact, in your life and the life of your clients. Think about how they want to hear from you. Think about how you can best serve them, in a way that feels just as awesome to you as it does for them.
Then go do that!
So next time to go to download the latest blueprint and promise of success, be OK with finding the parts you can use to build upon your You-print. It may take a few iterations to create, but it will be worth it in the end.
