Hello everyone, Sam Carlson here. Today, I want to address a critical issue that’s often overlooked when it comes to entrepreneurial success in the digital marketing world – your mind function. I believe that it’s not your mindset but rather the way your brain functions that may be holding you back from thriving in your entrepreneurial journey. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the concept of divergent thinking and how it can help you transform your business and overcome challenges.
The Problem with Mindset Pep Talks
Before we jump into the core of this topic, I want to highlight a common issue in the digital marketing industry. Many people focus on mindset pep talks and motivational speeches, which can be helpful in the short term but often lose their impact soon after. More often than not, those who only offer motivation without understanding the root causes of why people struggle in their entrepreneurial journey are not genuine experts in the field. They lack the knowledge and experience required to guide others to success.
So, let’s dive into a more profound understanding of how your brain works and how you can leverage that knowledge to succeed in your business.
Convergent vs. Divergent Thinking
There are two primary thought processes that we need to discuss: convergent and divergent thinking. Convergent thinking focuses on finding one well-defined solution to a problem, while divergent thinking is open to various creative solutions when solving a problem.
Most people spend their entire lives learning to think convergently. They follow a set of predefined rules and structured patterns. However, when it comes to entrepreneurship and business, divergent thinking is crucial. It enables you to create unique solutions, adapt to changing situations, and continuously innovate.
An Illustrative Example
To better understand the power of divergent thinking, let’s look at an example from my own experience. When I was a struggling loan officer, I was advised to go to real estate offices, take agents to lunch, and show up consistently to build relationships. However, this approach didn’t work for me.
Instead, I used divergent thinking to identify a niche opportunity. I noticed a bilingual agent named Christina who worked with Spanish-speaking clients buying homes for the first time. I realized that my language skills and knowledge of government programs for first-time homebuyers could help me stand out and cater to an underserved market. By taking this divergent approach, I quickly secured business and kickstarted my career.
Identifying Symptoms of Convergent Thinking
If you’re struggling to get started in your digital marketing or SaaS business, it’s essential to recognize the signs of convergent thinking. These symptoms may include:
- Looking for others to solve your problems
- Believing there must be a perfect way to do things
- Waiting for things to be perfect before taking action
- Being afraid to take the first step due to uncertainty
Adopting Divergent Thinking
To start thinking divergently, you can:
- Observe what others are doing, engage in discussions, and ask yourself how their strategies might apply to your niche or situation.
- Understand that perfection will reveal itself with time and effort, and focus on adaptability as your greatest strength.
- Embrace the principle that done beats perfect every time. Consistent imperfect action will lead to more significant success in the long run.
- Overcome the fear of doing nothing by taking action, learning from your mistakes, and adapting your approach.
Taking the Next Steps
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how your brain functions and the power of divergent thinking, it’s time to create a plan, focus on principles and best practices, and take action with confidence. By doing so, you’ll
unlock your entrepreneurial potential and set yourself up for success in the digital marketing world. Here are some steps to help you along the way:
- Embrace continuous learning: Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in digital marketing and your industry. Read books, attend webinars, or participate in online courses to expand your knowledge and skillset.
- Find your unique selling proposition (USP): Identify what sets you apart from your competitors and leverage that to your advantage. Whether it’s your expertise, innovative ideas, or unique services, focus on your USP to differentiate yourself in the market.
- Develop a strong online presence: In the digital marketing world, having a robust online presence is crucial. Create a professional website, engage with your audience on social media, and utilize search engine optimization (SEO) to increase your visibility.
- Network with other professionals: Connect with other entrepreneurs and digital marketers, both online and offline. Networking can provide you with valuable insights, partnerships, and opportunities for growth.
- Test and iterate: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies and tactics. Analyze the results of your efforts, learn from your mistakes, and refine your approach as needed.
- Delegate and outsource: As your business grows, it’s essential to delegate tasks and outsource specific functions. This will allow you to focus on your core competencies and continue to drive growth.
- Maintain a healthy work-life balance: Don’t let your business consume your entire life. Prioritize self-care, maintain a balance between your personal and professional life, and remember to enjoy the journey.
In conclusion, understanding your brain function and harnessing the power of divergent thinking can significantly impact your entrepreneurial success in the digital marketing world. By implementing these principles and best practices, you’ll be well-equipped to overcome challenges, innovate, and excel in your business.
Remember, the path to success is not always linear or predictable, but with the right mindset and approach, you can achieve your goals and create a thriving digital marketing or SaaS business. So, embrace your unique abilities, believe in your potential, and be prepared to adapt and grow on your journey to success.
