I wanted to give you a glimpse behind the curtains of my business. First, I have to say I feel extremely blessed to be so supported in my community. I’m deeply grateful for all the amazing connections I’ve made over the past two years through Facebook and Twitter.
My business is absolutely exploding through the roof these days. I have a competent team of assistants and project managers. I’m in two powerful masterminds. I have mentors, advisors and role models. Plus, I recently hired a systems expert to help streamline all my processes this year.
And, some time ago, I had the idea to start an international association for social media specialists and to offer certification training programs for both coaches / consultants / marketers and for virtual assistants. I kept waiting for my ducks to be in a row, for everything to be perfect. But that day never comes. As a recovering perfectionist, I figured it was time to take imperfect action.
So, I recently quietly opened up MentorWithMari.com – my new protege program to certify social marketing specialists. The response has been astounding. Truly astounding.
I’m also about to embark on an intense two month speaking tour in the US and UK. I am so honored to speak on the stages of such accomplished leaders as Fabienne Fredrickson, Adam Urbanski, James Malinchak, Bernadette Doyle (in Belfast, Ireland!), Terry Wygal, Mike Lathigee, and more in the fall – Arielle Ford, Bill Glazer, Dan Kennedy and more. [See my public calendar of events here.]
(I should also mention part of my two months on the road includes a wonderful five-day cruise to Mexico with my Mastermind partners!)
[Update from Mari: due to my calendar of events and speaking schedule being uber squeezed, I made the bittersweet decision not to go on the mastermind cruise. I need this one week to laser focus on all the moving parts of my business, my team, and my new systems. I may take my whole team on a cruise in the fall, then!!]
Meantime, for many months, I had this week blocked off for a special retreat for myself, my team and my systems specialist to laser focus on tightening up all my company processes.
So, in order to truly focus, I’m also going to "go dark" on Twitter and Facebook. This will be a first for me in about two years.
[Update from Mari: Ha! Now I see where the misunderstanding came from - many people have been saying to me, "Mari, I thought you were retiring for two years?!" Um, what I mean was I've never once unplugged from Twitter or Facebook in the past two years!! And it was only ONE week that I was unplugging. I lasted a whole 72 hours, you know!]
I have to say, I have a sense of discomfort about unplugging! It’ll be an interesting experiment. But a very worthy and important one.
See, it really troubles me when an important email goes unanswered or direct messages are missed because I simply don’t have enough hours in the day to personally respond to all (even though one of my assistants spends four hours a day reading, managing and replying to much of my email for me).
It bothers me when I’m unable to reply to all @ messages that so many of my wonderful followers on Twitter send to me, or when I’m unable to reply to each friend who emails me on Facebook or writes on my wall… because there are just not enough hours in the day.
Such is the nature of social media. Suddenly, we open ourselves up to a multitude of touch points. There is a new expectation of availability. I love to engage and connect and I know you do too. Yet, where do you draw the line between being available and making sure you have enough focus time and personal time?
In any case, just know that if you’ve ever tried to contact me for any reason through any medium – whether Twitter, Facebook, regular email, Skype or phone – and I have not gotten back to you in a timely manner, it’s not personal. There’s a good chance I’ve read your message but it’s been very late at night or I’m rushing to a commitment so haven’t been able to reply.
Over the coming weeks and months, my systems will be so much more robust that I’ll be able to provide even better service to both my clients and community at large.
I’m happy to share with you what new systems I put in place over the coming weeks as a result of my retreat.
How about you? What do you find most overwhelming about managing a growing business? Are your follow-up systems solid? Where do you most need support? Though social media may have increased your business, have you still been able to maintain plenty time for your personal life? I’d love to know! Please share below:
Good for you for unplugging to recharge – as scary as it is. I’m a firm believer in taking care of yourself first so you’ll have the best of you to give to others.
Managing my growing business is like trying to dress a squirmy infant. (It was a long time ago, but some things remain fresh in your mind.) The constant change and evolution make it tough to get a firm hold of things at times. As you say, just when you think you’ve got those ducks nearly lined up, some delicious bread crumbs catch their attention and their off course again!
It’s challenging but at the same time exhilarating and I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else!
Enjoy your re-treat, Mari so you’ll be ready to re-tweet soon
Visit My Twitter PageHi Mari,
I can relate to what you’ve written, I love networking whether online or in person. However, there are times that I feel I’ve tipped the scales too much and forget what matters most! I look forward to learning more about your new systems.
Visit My Twitter PageGrowing pains are most welcome pains! Especially if you consider pain to be just the weakness leaving the body! So there you go! You are taking amazing brave actions and it’s so wonderful to see your true passion and enthusiasm every step of the way. I am so honored to be in your Mentor With Mari program and just hope that some of your greatness rubs off! You rock Mari Smith!
Visit My Twitter Page@kickofftopic
Mari, I’ve enjoyed interacting with you over the past few months. Although we haven’t so much as had a telephone chat, your warm and inviting spirit was more than enough to make for an easy connection. Enjoy the “unplugging” experiment. I’m sure you’ll come back feeling renewed and reinvigorated. I’ll be wishing you the best in your personal and professional lives.
Deon
Deontée Gordons last blog post..If he can be that passionate about pizza…
Visit My Twitter PageWay to go Mari on unplugging!
It’s a hard thing for me to do as well!
But getting the systems in place to make it possible is Key.
Enjoy your time off. You deserve it
-Christina Hills
Visit My Twitter PageShopping Cart Queen
Mari,
You have been such an illuminating force (I use that word for all meaning implied) in Social Networking/Media!
Countless many have learned and benefitted from your shared and show of expertise. Success brings with it so much more than what at first might seem apparent, ever anticipated in the quest, or through the process. I think ‘answers’ vary as much as individuals, scope and scale of their businesses.
Thank you for all you have done! To everything there is a season, and this is your time to do these things… Thank you for your update — look forward to our paths crossing again, Mari.
I wish for you only — all-ways the best!
Visit My Twitter PageMari… you’re doing the right thing. Stephen Covey speaks of “sharpening the saw.” At some point you have to do that so that you remain on top of your game. You have built such a credible business and people have to rely upon you.
BUT, you the personable Mari Smith canNOT respond personally to every single request made of you. Incredible as you may be, it can’t be done. So, the people will have to expect a different level of involvement with you than in the past. Your next steps will help establish that expectation and allow you to take your business to even greater heights.
Enjoy your “time away” and really sharpen that saw.
Cheers & Blessings.
Visit My Twitter Page~Jim Turner
Congratulations Mari! Sometimes the best thing you can do for your business is take a break. I commend you for taking the time to “pause”…I’ll look forward to hearing from a re-energized Mari! You deserve it!!!
Visit My Twitter PageGood luck with this endeavor, I wish you all the best! I think I’d get the DTs if I had to leave Twitter or Facebook behind for even a couple of weeks. Life was simpler and there was more time before social media, but, it’s like a house pet. You hate having to walk it, but you love the love.
Visit My Twitter PageThe internet is like a flood, the browser is like a fire hose and it takes a ruthless plan to be able to take a drink and not drown. It’s easy to pack rat links that you will probably never visit and so making a clearly defined plan is necessary. I always refine the focus, take breaks and “try” to work more on implementation rather than always seeking new input. We are all time deprived and as such priorities are more important than ever.
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Visit My Twitter PageHave a great time offline. Look forward to ’seeing’ you again Mari
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Visit My Twitter PageMari Makes perfect sense to me. Enjoy and I look forward to hearing back from you and your assistant to have you on Two Chicks Creating again in June.
Shazam and Enjoy!
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Visit My Twitter PageMari, Great posting today.
I dedicate one of my book chapters to the art of saying NO.
This is a huge challenge for owners of growth companies.
I applaud you for addressing it now.
You pave the way for people who are seeking excuses to stay addicted to work and social media.
Way to go!
Visit My Twitter PageLisa Nirell
http://blog.energizegrowth.com
Glad to hear you’re unplugging rather than overextending yourself, Mari. Here’s to keeping focused and looking forward to having you back when you return
Visit My Twitter PageMari;
You are setting a great example for all of us.
Sometimes we must unplug to make great things happen!
Mike
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Visit My Twitter PageMari,
I often say that in order to exist online unless you must exist offline. I think that this is what many who market in the online world one day aspire to do, find balance and go out and play in person as much as they do in their e-world.
On your journey may you continue to inspire and empower others to find that balance through building strong community both online and offline.
Congratulations on your continuing evolving journey.
Wishing you continued success.
Warmly,
Shonika
@teenbizcoach
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Visit My Twitter PageMari,
I actually applaud you for taking time away and for yourself. Even if you love what you do for work, we still need time away to just BE. Be by ourselves and in the moment, so I hope you will carve that time out.
Personally, I tend to get overwhelmed with the magnitude of information…it is non-stop and I have to carefully decide where to spend my time. As much fun as social networking can be, it is also VERY time consuming. In addition as a newby to the internet marketing world I find I need to spend the time finding reliable people to outsource and knowing the right questions to get the job done and at the end of the day I need to STOP and get back in connection with the people I love and the reason I am so happy to be alive. Please ENJOY.
JoAnne Funch
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Visit My Twitter PageGood stuff Mari. This move is healthy. Your business, followers, and loved ones will benefit. Take all the time you need. I vacation from social media nearly every weekend (and even 3 day weekends)… Your example of *announcing* it to your peeps is a great one. Keep up the great work.
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Visit My Twitter PageGood for you Mari!
You’ve done such an amazing job being responsive. I too, took a brief break a few weeks ago and came back so much more refreshed.
Dulcita
Visit My Twitter Page@dulcitalove
What a great example you are.
Visit My Twitter PageMari,
Just wanted to add my “You go, Girl!” to the chorus of support you’ve already gotten.
Can’t wait to see what’s next for you (and us, your loyal followers).
-Helen
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Visit My Twitter PageCongratulations, Mari! Time to re-charge, re-fresh, re-start, and be the more awesome you that you’ll become.
You have been a fountain of wisdom, leadership and tons of fun along the way.
I can’t wait to see the new version of what you and your business will become to stay in “superb” service of the folks you love to serve.
I’ll “see” you soon.
Big hugs,
Ali
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Visit My Twitter PageGood for you Mari. Sometimes the most meaningful moments in life are when one takes time to stop doing and just BE.
I wish you the best.
Tomas
Visit My Twitter PageHey! Have fun!
One have to have a break from all the excesive amount of communications and information pour on you, otherwise you might drown. Taking a break gives a refreshed point of view.
I know that at least I need to do it more often. What about you?
Visit My Twitter PageWow…I sure notice you not being around this week. It is such a pleasure to get your tweets and they are definitely missed….although of course us mentees are glad you are taking the week to get ready for us. So thrilled to be a part of the Mentor with Mari program. It is going to rock! Look forward to hearing from you when you are ready
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Visit My Twitter PageWow…..Mari, I love you! You are such an incredible woman. You’re authenticity, brilliance, attitude and professionalism stands among the some of the greatest leaders in the world of technology….thank you so much for your genius gifts and being such a lovey person in the world.
I certainly appreciate your open letter to all your followers.
Enjoy your retreat and I will look forward to reconnecting in different ways…I am sure.
Love and light,
Visit My Twitter PageJen
Mari, what a great lesson you are teaching. Thank you! I always tell people they can’t pour from an empty cup and how they need to pamper themselves, yet I take my laptop on vacation. Thank you for setting a great example for others to follow.
Visit My Twitter PageEnjoy!
Jeanette
I hope you enjoy your time “unplugged.” Know that you will be missed.
Visit My Twitter Page[...] Mari Smith announced last week that she was embarking on a 2 month speaking tour and unplugging herself from facebook, twitter and her inbox. And I greatly admire her for her brave and bold decision to do this. Her business will no doubt flourish even further than it has done already as she will have the opportunity to embrace new opportunities and perhaps, even turn her business on its head. [...]
Greetings Mari!
I totally agree with you about unplugging. I personally many hours answering emails, facebook messages, wall posts and phone calls. It gets very overwhelming at times. We have to all unplug at one point to rejuvenate ourselves.
Enjoy your retreat.
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