I’m Not a Businessman, I’m a Business…Man…
Having recently read an interview in a magazine about Jay Z, one of the most successful hip hop artists ever with a net worth of a reported over $500 million, revealed some interesting aspects of his business philosophy and mindset.
What Jay Z is doing is doing in his business is very similiar to what we do in internet marketing. Infact, it’s almost the same……….
Of course I don’t have the talent and would not attempt to start rapping in front of a packed stadium……although I secretly do that sometimes when I’m driving in the car…….
But when you see what is behind the music and the concerts, it all makes sense.
When he said his famous quote “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business…..Man.” I thought about it for the past few days continuously.
Then it hit me. What Alex has been telling us to do: Building traffic to our blog, giving value and talking about building a reputation, building “Google wealth” is all about building our brand.
Yes, that’s YOU Inc.
I’ve shifted from the old mentality (which a lot of newbies fall into) of being a “businessman” (or business woman for the ladies) making fast cash. The old self of trying to put some affiliate links up here and there, doing a deal to make money. The old businessman thinking of doing the deal here and there and seeing it as a “role” or hobby to do in my spare time on the computer to make some dosh.
Yes some money can be made, but it’s nowhere like what the “real” business is about.
The new me: “I’m a business. Man.” Yes, its all about being real, putting my personality out there and connecting to people. Its about BEING. Living and breathing the business, practising what I preach.
Of course it’s not ALL my life is about, because we work so that we can spend time with our families and give to our communities. But this new me is about being congruent or in line with who I am. Starting from that place gives so much more energy and passion to really give your best.
So…………..
If you’ve been struggling online for ages and haven’t hit your goals, ask yourself “Am I a businessman or business. Man”? (insert woman for man for the ladies).
If you’re already putting yourself out there, establishing yourself and putting 100% behind what you believe in then well done! Keep it up, because its a matter of time before you’re the next Jay Z of the internet marketing world.
I’d love to hear how you are establishing your business too. Please share your comments with us!
p.s. If you’re wondering what the nuts and bolts are behind a successful internet business and how you can do it too, grab this video produced by the high flyer Alex Jeffreys. It’s my thank you! to you for reading my blog 
Hey Bailey, how you doing? Love the reference to Jay Z he has a business mindset for sure! Need to get a video of you rapping your car onto you tube, never know it might be a hit. I am glad you included the insert woman part for us ladies or there might have been a riot, great post, really honest, your one to keep an eye on, Sally
Hey Sally,
I think if I did a rap video on Youtube, it would be a hit- for the wrong reason! lol
Thanks for your support, am so thankful for such a great group of friends here at MWA
Bailey
Hi Bailey,
I have only recently become aware of the importance of branding. This was a result of looking at a new label design for my bodycare line. I showed the design to some of my clients, and the comments were overwhelmingly “this doesn’t represent your brand”. The new design was commercial, young and pretty, however, the image my clients have of my brand is “rain-forests and waterfalls” eco friendly, natural and honest. I could have made a huge mistake trying to commercialize my brand.
This has to be true of our personal brand too. I am a business…man, so let’s take that to heart and stay true to our own brands.
Hi Bailey.
It looks like you are both destined and determined to succeed!
A great combination together with your “I’m a business- Man”
mind set spells “SUCCESS”.
Great post and a good reminder on what to focus on…
Kind regards.
Rod
@Rod
Thanks for the support Rod. I’ve been hitting so many hurdles already in the past 2 weeks that I’ve had to try very hard to stick to the basics of planning every day out properly.
I must say I have lost track a few times, but having guys like you as part of the community really helps me along. So thanks man! Most appreciated.
Great entertaining and engaging post Bailey. Let us know when you get the rapping video out there.
You are so right though. The new marketer “markets” but does not sell. At least not directly in a pushy manner. Selling comes about as a result of giving value first.
@Joanne
Great story about your branding there. Yes, it’s so easy to “copy” or try to be something that we think is cool or something we’d like to emulate. But when it comes to our own branding, the best way is always to bring out our own very best and show that to everyone.
p.s your brand rocks!
@Sandy
100% agree with you Sandy. Selling to people turns people off and is not the way to go. Creating trust and building relationships are so important. I believe this is a good thing as it weeds out the cowboys of the industry and people who really care and deliver the best get rewarded too!
Hey Bailey,
Love the post mate it is really you that you are putting out there and lot of people think that people wont be interested but there are alot of people in the position that I was in for the 18 months that I was online before I got a mentor and the learning curve that we are taking now will make use people that know about internet marketing.
Great stuff
Glyn
@Glyn
Thanks Glyn. Yeah, it takes some courage to get out there be show your real self. But great to connect to your readers and build up real relationships with people. Hope to be seeing your brand out there in the hall of fame soon!
Bailey, I love the power of blogging. I found Sally so that you could find me so that I could find you! Fantastic blog you have here mate, I’m really starting to become a fan of this Alex Jeffrey’s character and I don’t even know who he is!
I really love the title of this post, drew me in for sure and I love the lesson here. Eloquently put, and that line is now up on my wall at home. No man is an island – unless they’re a business.
Nice one Bailey (I think I will RSS right back at you!)