Years ago, I signed up for a 5K fundraiser race.
I joined a small team which was led by my friend Justin. We all planned to run (or in my case, walk and wheezily shuffle-jog) together on the big day.
I was new to running at the time, and I was very slow. I worried I'd be the slowest one in the whole group and hold everybody back. I worried I didn't belong.
But Justin (an extremely fit, athletic person) made sure I didn't feel that way.
All throughout the race, I remember noticing how Justin would intentionally speed up and slow down at various points, making sure to spend a little time with each person, and making everyone feel welcome, appreciated, and part of the action.
He'd sprint to the front. Then he'd hang towards the back. He gave encouraging smiles and high fives to each person on the team. Through his words and his actions, he let each person know, "You matter. I'm grateful you're here. You're part of this, and no matter how fast or slowly you happen to be running today, you matter so much."
This left a deep impression on me.
I want to run my company like Justin ran that race.
I want to make sure that—when it comes to my business, and the various programs and services I offer—nobody feels left out.
Whether you've hired me or purchased my work ten times in the past, or twice, or once, or never, you're part of this community. You matter. You belong.
And, to the best of my abilities, I always want to provide positivity, hope, and encouragement, and make your day a little better than it was before.
If you would love to do one of my programs to boost your writing/communication skills—like the Ask and Receive Program—but it's just not financially possible at this time, here are some *free resources* that you might enjoy instead:
- The Courage to Ask. Free worksheet and video class. This class is a fundraiser for Crisis Text Line (we've raised over $5,884 so far) but making a donation is not required. You can do the class for free.
- Feel-Know-Do. Free worksheet and audiobook. Feel-Know-Do is my favorite writing technique, ever. It will change the way you write emails, blog posts, newsletters, pitches, proposals, books, everything.
- Marketing Ideas. Free checklist of 20 marketing ideas, most of which don't require using social media.
- Get More Clients. Free workbook with tips, plus a sample email, so you can contact friends, family, and colleagues and let people know, "Hey, I have space on my calendar for new clients right now."
- I have many other free audiobooks, workbooks, and checklists here to help you organize your thoughts, tackle projects, get things done, stay uplifted, and feel proud and accomplished.
I hope those resources help you feel powerful and confident, help you write clearly and communicate beautifully, and help you get more of whatever you want.
Feel free to share those resources with someone you love.
All humans welcome.
Nobody left out.
-Alex
PPS. You're doing a great job. xo.