Finding Your Own Success in Another's Success - Day 19

I did not write my blog yesterday.

I must admit, I was wiped out after the New York photography summit. Throughout the day, I would catch myself just staring into space. I even took a nap – something I almost never do.

I must still be catching up because even today, I almost skipped my daily writing assignment. I read a lot… walked another 10k on the treadmill… reviewed all my notes... and watched much of Eben Pagan’s “Get Altitude” DVD series… but felt my eyelids dropping before I could get clear on the topic of today’s post.

But just before I dragged myself up to bed, I read an email from a past student that was encouraging and inspiring. She told me how she is doing in each of the main areas we've been exploring. Simply by relaying her struggles and triumphs in the arenas of confidence, focus, fitness, happiness, improvement, etc., she inspired me. I felt a burst of energy… enough to get me to today’s finish line.

We all need a helping hand from time to time. Life is not a do-it-yourself project. There is no such thing as a “self-made” millionaire. You help me; I help you… together we climb higher and higher.

The success of my business, BetterPhoto.com, can be attributed to this principle of people helping other people succeed. Instead of taking the educational path, I could have posted my best photos and left it at that. But, thank God, I was inspired to try to help others take better pictures too. Posting my Top Ten Tips, I immediately began receiving emails from people all around the world. The inspiration began to multiply.

Later, as BetterPhoto.com grew, the BP community grew stronger and larger. People began a habit of kindly and constructively helping each other with the art and craft of photography. That is one of the qualities many people talk about when they tell me what they love about BetterPhoto – the encouraging community, staff, and instructors.

If you’re enjoying photography and want to make a big success of it, keep this principle in mind. Each day, think of ways you can help others - your prospects, your customers, your fellow photographers. Each time you greet a person, whether in person or online, ask yourself “How can I love this person more? How can I help him meet his goals? Who can I put her in touch with so she can excel and take herself up to the next level?”

This will undoubtedly bring about your own success as well.

And a lot faster than you think.

Comments

[E.]

Hi Jim: I met your blog through your Facebook post. I'm Doug Fine, a friend of your brother Jeff. I met you at Sharon's memorial time in Arlington a few years ago. I like your blog a lot. I wanted to share with you a blog and gentleman who I know you will appreciate. He's kind of like my blogger-guru. His name is Nicolas Bate:

http://www.nicholasbate.typepad.com/

Let me know what you think of him.

I have a blog too, but it has no focus or purpose except to have fun:
www.eclectipundit.com. I will put your blog as one of my favorites. It's very good and positive.

My business website is: www.dougjfine.com

Keep up the good work. Say hello to Jeff when yo talk to him. Best, Doug Fine

[Sharon Hinze]

Jim as a MM member, I want to tell you that you are highly successful at helping others grow. I may not have had a masterpiece yet but I find myself thinking about new things to try....new experiments with my camera. That is exciting to me. BP classes, your inspiration, are also pushing me in new directions! YAAy, Thank you for being you and doing what you do!

[Sharon Hinze]

Enjoying very much following this series/blog.
Had to add this. Not an after thought, my first thought that did not get into my first comment.

[Jim Miotke]

Hi Doug - thanks for your kind comments. I remember meeting you in Arlington. Thanks also for the reference to Nicholas Bate - his site looks awesome! I will dig in and check out what he's sharing - both online and in print.

Thanks again and I will definitely say hello... unless you beat me to it. :)

Sharon, thank you so much for your lovely and encouraging feedback. I really appreciate you mentioning that about the Masterpiece Membership and this blog. THANK YOU! :)