You know why lots of us struggle to become self-employed? Because we get stuck in our own heads. We don’t experiment nearly enough. Heidi Massey has created a business around her habit of experimentation. Her business is constantly evolving has she hears about new problems to solve.
She’s the founder and chief connector of Community Connective. She helps small business and nonprofits manage their GoogleAd Words and Facebook ad campaigns, but her focus is now turning more toward strategic planning and diversity.
A few lessons from our conversation include:
- How listening to the needs of others turned into business opportunities for Heidi.
- If you work for a nonprofit or want to start one, did you know Google Ad Words provides grants up to $10,000/month in ad spending?
- We discuss why almost everything is business is both a science and art. Sometimes we focus more heavily on one or the other.
Life Skills That Matter In This Episode
- Telling your story.
- Align your habits with your purpose.
- Reframe your mindset.
- Purge your life.
- Make a habit of experimentation.
How Heidi Works and Thinks
- Wake up time: 7:00 – 8:00am
- Definition of success: Have enough money to comfortably pay bills and travel a couple times per year. Also, make enough to do work for free for those who can’t afford it.
- Book recommendations:
Death By Meeting by Pat Lencioni
Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
- Regains focus by: Take a break, go for a walk or quit for the day.
Inspirational Quotes
“I love choosing the kind of work I get to do with who I want to do it. I love that as I change as a person, my work changes.”
“I didn’t know that, that it’s typical for people to keep changing their business. In fact, it’s part of survival.”
“What are your real necessities in life? Because if you don’t really need it, when you’re first starting out, cut it out.”
Coaching Advice
If you’re figuring out how to start working on your business, Heidi offers the following advice.
1) Start telling people what you want to do. Whether posting on Facebook or blogging and also help people doing that kind of work.
2) Fake it until you make it. Research, learn, discover, ask questions, and just do it.
Resources + Bonus Materials
Beginners Guide to Facebook Advertising