My Secrets of Success: Tips on Entrepreneurship, Relationships, Motherhood and Living Adventurously. Part 1

I am often asked, “how do you do it, Allison? How do you create success in your life?” I had to really meditate on these questions when I began life and business coaching. Honestly, I had created a success system in my life through running 9 businesses, creating joy in my life, finding my soulmate and staying healthy and fit without much awareness of the steps or practices I was taking. They had become second nature, like an evolved rhythm that had caught it’s stride through time and experience. It’s kind of like driving a car. Once you master the basics and get some driving experience, you do not question where the gas peddle is, or how to find park on your stick shift. You just do it. (Parallel parking is another story!) But when I began teaching and mentoring, I couldn’t say, “I don’t know. I just do it.”  So I spent a great deal of time dissecting my unconscious thoughts, behaviors, actions, wins and losses, (yes, losses are a valuable part of the journey) to create my signature step-by-step strategies which are now a big part of my one-on-one coaching practice, my new book, Blast Off! and my online success software program, Blastation.

To offer further support, I have decided (5 minutes ago) to write a series of articles and posts on The Secrets of My Success, Ali’s Tips on Entrepreneurship, Relationships, Motherhood and Living Adventurously! Oh, yes. It has been an adventure, and I would not have it any other way.

Ali’s Success Tip #1: Say Yes. Then, always, always ask for support.

We often learn through example. I was blessed in that my father was (and still is at 80 years of age) a great businessman. He owned the largest privately run women’s clothing chain in the Midwest. And as a young woman who loved fashion, this was a very cool thing. He opened businesses like you and I open jars of peanut butter. (The smooth kind, not nutty at all).

One of the best pieces of advice he ever gave me in business was this. Say “yes” first, then figure out how to make it happen. So I did. In my early 20’s, I opened my 2^nd business, a full service advertising and public relations firm. One thing I should mention, I had no experience in advertising or public relations. I’m talking, “zero.”

My first real client was MCI. I met a young woman at a party in Atlanta. She mentioned she was assigned to order some thank you cards for her department at MCI and I impulsively said, “ I can do that for you.” (I honestly had no clue.) I took the $5000 order, walked into some small printing shop and said, “ I just got this job to produce thank you cards for MCI. I have no idea how to make them. Would you help me?” The southern gentleman behind the counter’s jaw dropped as he said, “How did you get this job, Ma’am? I spent the next 3 weeks hanging out at the printer. They walked me through all the steps of typography, paper, inks, proofs, (this is pre-internet) and I even learned some printing lingo. The skills I learned there have served me and my clients a thousand times over. All because I asked for support.

When my client, the president of Charlotte Russe clothing chain asked me if I knew how to buy radio and eventually television, what do you think I said? After saying ABSOLUTELY, I walked out of his office feeling out of my mind excited. And then when reality hit, and I realized I had no idea what to do next, I spent the next several weeks spending time at the radio and television stations, receiving media buying 101. All because I asked for guidance. Was I nervous? Sure I was. Yet once I learned, my fear dissolved.

Asking for support has been a huge secret of my success. I continued this practice over my 25 years in business. (Yes, I started at age 12.) When I began practicing homeopathy, even after I completed my education, I hired mentors. These were people that paved the trail before me. I did not want to practice good homeopathy. I wanted to practice great homeopathy. You see, mentors and coaches save you headaches, heartaches, lots of money and time. When I decided to sell the homeopathic college I had built to have more time for my clients,  I hired a mentor to support me through the process. When I began to write my book, I hired a writing coach. When I began doing motivational speeches, I hired a speaking coach. When I wanted to invent my Blastation software, I hired a software expert. When I wanted to launch my book, I asked a best selling author to teach me her successful strategy.

Do you see a pattern here? I am not afraid to admit that I don’t know something, and I see the million dollar value in asking for support from someone who does. The knowledge I have gained from these amazing people launched me on a much more direct and fruitful path toward the attainment of my goals. And I always made my investment back hundreds of times over. Had I tried to figure it out on my own, I may have eventually reached my goals, but there would have been much more struggle and frustration. And I would not be living the wonderful life I am today.  In my coaching practice, people often confide in me that they feel it is a weakness to ask for help. They have it all wrong. The truth is, it takes courage.

I would love to hear from you. Your comments, questions and experiences are encouraged.

34 Comments

• By Mitch Ebie, March 9, 2010 @ 11:09 am Great article! I completely agree, people need to use the resources around them. In many cases the road has already been paved by people before us, and they have life experience to share. I rarely get embarrassed to ask a question and it has produced good results.

• By Robert McCurely, March 10, 2010 @ 10:03 am I agree. I do not believe it’s possible to figure out everything you need to know before you make the choice of starting a business. You make a decision to be an entrepreneur and then figure it out as you go by asking questions and finding the answers yourself. Experience helps but is not always necessary.

• By Tisha Morris, March 11, 2010 @ 7:08 am Thanks Allison for such a great reminder that we need to ask for help. This is something that I am really learning right now and so this article really hit home. Everyone is so talented in their own right and so why not lean on the talents of others in those areas that are not your expertise. Collaboration is the new Individuality!

• By Yvonne Perry, March 11, 2010 @ 8:44 am Just like Robert said, there’s no way to know everything before you start a business. Sometimes you don’t the question until you find the answer! Also, Mitch is right. Pose the questions to those who have paved the way! We didn’t earn those bumps and bruises for nothing! Ha! We can at least tell you what NOT to do.

• By Schall Adams, March 11, 2010 @ 9:24 am Allison, This is a fabulous article! It really embodies what we are doing at Girlfriend Mentors – I am going to place a link to your article from your mentor page. It’s so important for people to understand the value of mentors and role models. I am also an advocate for Say yes first and then figure it out. Great job Ali!

• By Nancy Kelly Allen, March 11, 2010 @ 9:59 am Much of what you say about starting a business can be applied to writing books. We learn through example. For writers, that means reading lots and lots of books and attending workshops led by those who have netted success. Accepting support from those who are experienced also follows through for writers. Great article.

• By Penny Ehrenkranz, March 11, 2010 @ 12:15 pm Thanks for sharing these excellent tips. My philosophy is there is no “dumb” question.

• By Karen Pierce Gonzalez, March 11, 2010 @ 1:25 pm Okay, this is a great blog!!! I really appreciate your perspective – primarily your ability to convey the realization that you are already doing many things. This greatly decreases the notion of an unhill battle. Also think your tips are very simple and very true. Definitely coming back here for more insights. Best, Karen

• By Linda Ballou, March 11, 2010 @ 8:55 pm A life unexamined is not worth living. You certainly have proven the point that taking a good look at yourself enables to bring intelligent decisions and actions into our lives. Onward! Linda

• By Denise, March 12, 2010 @ 9:34 am good points. I especially like – asking for help or admitting you don’t know it all is great advice for anyone wanting to build relationships that are honest, sincere and caring. Everyone likes to be part of the solution and everyone has their unique one too. I found you on a blog chain, glad I checked yours! Denise

• By Susanne Drazic, March 12, 2010 @ 11:08 am Hi Allison. Found your blog through a blog chain. Thank you for sharing all the great information in your post. I’ll have to add your book Blast Off! to my book reading list. I plan on checking out more of your site.

• By Beth Trissel, March 12, 2010 @ 1:12 pm Hello Allison. Excellent tips and your blog exudes can do positive energy.

• By Dennis Martin, March 12, 2010 @ 7:31 pm Where I work, the CEO always says, “Don’t tell me what we can’t do. Tell me what we can do and how we can make it happen.” I think he may have read your book. Good advice.

• By Janet Riehl, March 14, 2010 @ 7:08 am Allison, Wow! Nine businesses & driving a stick shift. I’m impressed. Clearly you’ve absorbed the lessons of leading in whatever you do. As Maya Angelou would say,”You’re a phenomenal woman.” Happy Women’s month. Janet Riehl

• By Donna B. Russell, March 14, 2010 @ 11:03 pm It is important for people to understand that asking for help is a strength, rather than a weakness. Far better to get advice and support and do a job right, than try to bluff your way through and make a total mess of it. It’s in the same category as the old saying, “The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.” Great article, Allison. I look forward to the rest of your series, and glad to have found you through the WITS Blog Chain. — Donna

• By Allison Maslan, March 14, 2010 @ 11:49 pm Thanks so much, everyone, for all your awesome comments. It seems that you all see the importance of asking for support when needed, even if you don’t think you need it!. Your comments are lovely and very thought provoking. Happy Successing! Allison

• By Tom Vancel, March 15, 2010 @ 3:54 am I love your website. It is colorful and expressive. Your questions of breakfing-free and soaring high should impact us all.

• By LEE Design, March 16, 2010 @ 11:08 am Thank you so much for the wonderful knowledge & such helpful, uplifting ideas for us to go forward & better ourselves, our lives & our businesses! Jess

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:24 pm Thanks, Lee. I am glad to have uplifted your day. I will do my best to continue!

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:25 pm Thanks, Tom. I have put a lot of energy into my website and it is coming together. It is an evolutionary thing! Glad you enjoyed my post on breaking- free. It is a necessary step in reaching our goals and dreams.

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:26 pm I agree, Donna. So may people struggle with that concept. We make it much harder on ourselves than need be.

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:27 pm Thanks, Janet. I have been a busy girl. As you know, life is a a constant teacher and I plan to be a learning and growing until the journey ends.

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:30 pm Thanks, Donna, for visiting my blog and commenting. I really appreciate it! I agree. Learn the wheel from someone that has done it. And then add your own voice and twist to set yourself apart.

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:32 pm Thanks, Dennis, for your comment. I love the advice of your CEO. Yes, don’t take no for an answer. There is always a solution. You may just need to look a little further behind another doorway. So many people just give up because they feel that task is impossible or just too hard. They miss out on so much!

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:33 pm Thanks, Beth. I put myself on the page. That is the best way I know how to connect with my readers. So glad you are enjoying my blog.

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:36 pm Hi Susanne. Glad you found my blog! Please e-mail me and let me know what you think of my new book, Blast Off! The best part of writing my book has been the response from the readers.

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:39 pm Thanks, Denise, for your comment. We all have ideas to share, lessons to learn and share, once again. I have been blessed to have great mentors in my life and I derive great joy in mentoring others as well.

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:40 pm Thanks, Linda. Yes. Onward. So much more life to examine and enjoy. I am the first to admit that I do not know everything. However, what I have learned from others sets me miles ahead of the game.

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:44 pm Hi Karen. Thank you for commenting. So glad you are enjoying my blog. Who wants to live an uphill battle? That feels exhausting just thinking about it. It is all in our perspective and how we choose to look at a situation. Have I experienced difficult challenges? Yes. Will I have more? I am convinced I will. Because I am risk taker and that comes with the territory. So much fun!

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:45 pm HI Penny. I love your philosophy. Questions are very healthy!

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:48 pm Hi Nancy. Yes, I totally agree. Books have been a huge source of inspiration and education for me. Holding a great book is like holding the ‘wisdom of the greats’ right in the palm of your hands!

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:50 pm Thanks, Schall! I love being a part of http://www.girlfriendmentors.com What a fabulous res ource and meeting place you have developed for women that want to find a boost, a friend,and amazing support in life, love and work!

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:52 pm This is so true, Yvonne. We learn a lot from our mistakes, too. Would I do some things differently? Yes, of course. And now I have valuable information to share so that others don’t make the same mistakes I did! Still trying to get my daughter to understand that concept!

• By Allison Maslan, March 28, 2010 @ 11:54 pm Glad to hear my post on asking for support hit home for you, Tisha. I love your statement: Collaboration is the new individuality! I will have to quote you on that!

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