Last week at a business mastermind retreat, I participated in an interesting experiment and discovered something simple, but profound.

If you want to make headway through challenging circumstances, decide to make one small, intentional step at a time. Put your whole weight on it, and you can actually walk on broken glass without harm. 

Reasoning that no organization would allow it’s members to get hurt, I watched as others crossed through the broken wine bottles without incident — though much seriousness, and even tears. I knew this glass walk would be a cake walk if I just followed the instructions. 

The key instructional phrase for me (a distractible type) was to put your whole weight on it. Something about the pressure causes air pockets underneath to collapse, while holding firm at the top. That’s the one thing you need to remember to avoid cutting your feet. Once your foot is gently placed, you simply allow your center of gravity to drop in. 

Then you carefully lift your back foot up and do it again. Easy peasy. 

It’s been a week since my glass walk. While at first I thought it was no big deal, last week I found myself reflecting on the activity as I went about my daily routine, and I started to get point. (‘Scuze the pun).

• Imagine if we put our “whole weight” into every task, every message, every opportunity to connect with others, and our spirit?
• If we conversed with our customers, family and friends with the whole weight of our attention.
• Savored a cup of coffee with the whole weight of our senses.
• Sent email that advanced the whole weight of our intention to make a singular helpful point, or request for action.

The secret to doing more with less

Large agencies and huge corporations (Coca-Cola, GE) are churning out content, and hiring hundreds of reporters, journalists, and other creative people to contribute their voices and points of view. While still producing their products, some traditional corporations are tactically evolving into media companies and strengthening their brands.

They are touching lives, informing customers and non-customers alike, transitioning into “lifestyle brands” and generating revenue through nontraditional channels with the speed and reach of digital technology.

Now the question is this… Can a small company do the same thing? Can we replicate and multiply our own efforts to build a unique brand and reach thousands or millions of people?

Yes, we can, if we put our whole weight into what we know best, and take the time to share it.  

Think about why you’re in business. You developed the ideas, methods and products to advance the success (i.e. comfort, safely, mojo, efficiency, etc.) of your clients and to create a prosperous business with an income and lifestyle to achieve your personal goals.

For example, my dream for MyTeamConnects is to help happy companies grow, by showing entrepreneurs how to produce content that builds relationships and brings customers — so they can focus on what they do best.

Starting from there, with that mission clearly in mind, I’m able to choose the best next step I can take to allow me to do that. (While I’m still a fast moving, curious gal, at least I have a plan!)

You have a mission for your business, too.

Digital marketing is all about spreading those great ideas that profoundly impact people. Each piece of your content contributes to a story. Steps taken with movement and direction produce results. It’s kind of like that walk on broken glass. 

Whether it’s an email or a blog post, or a Facebook share, or a LinkedIn update; one thing is all most people can digest at a time. If the one thing inspires them at the moment, then your connection holds long-lasting value…and enables them to take that next step.

Some readers will move closer to becoming fans. Some fans will move closer to becoming customers. And you will build your business.

One small thing done with your whole weight has more impact than dozens of thoughtless, small movements. 

What is the one thing your customer needs from you next week?

Bring it forward with focus and generosity.

Drop in with your whole weight, intention and trust.