I've stumbled upon some unexpected nuggets of insight for new wahms while immersing myself in the music of Johnny Cash. I figured I’d share a few of these gems from the Rockabilly icon.
1) Know Your Man ahem, target market
Indeed! Do you have a clear grasp of your target market? Are you tuned in to her needs, aspirations, and motivating goals? Does your website resonate with your intended audience? If it falls short, consider making some adjustments or your website visitor or client will be 'as gone as a wild goose in winter' too!
2) A Boy Named Sue
Navigating life isn’t easy for a boy named Sue…and it’s no walk in the park for a wahm either. In your entrepreneurial journey, you'll encounter those confidence dampeners, dream stealers, joy suckers…whatever label you prefer. You’ll face individuals who will try to convince you that your ambitions are unrealistic, that what you're pursuing is futile. Don't let them dampen your spirits!
Sue’s father advised him, 'This world is tough, and if you're going to thrive, you've got to be resilient.'
How can you cultivate toughness in your business?
3) Man In Black- or Branding Fundamentals
J.R. Cash didn’t cloak himself in black because he lacked other options. It was his signature look.
What about you? Are you cultivating your brand? In a sea of Elvis Presleys and Jerry Lee Lewises, how will you differentiate yourself? Keep in mind, your target demographic doesn’t have to mirror your persona- Johnny Cash penned Folsom Prison Blues and struck a chord with inmates even before he ever stepped inside a jail!
4) The Legend of John Henry's Hammer
This tune offers two valuable lessons:
a) Understand your business and you will flourish.
John Henry's father advised him: 'Learn to turn a jack, learn to lay a track, learn to pick and shovel too.' Are you absorbing every bit of knowledge you can about Internet Marketing to ensure your business prospers? Do you invest in eBooks, coaching, and mentoring, and software like John Henry’s hammer?
b) Technology has its merits, but it can’t replace the human element.
When the steam engine posed a threat to jobs, Johnny demonstrated that ultimately, humans hold superior value. Embrace technology (like autoresponders) but remember, your website visitor is a person—infuse some personality into your marketing endeavors.
5) One Piece at a Time
This ballad narrates the story of a man determined to assemble a Cadillac. He 'borrows' pieces one at a time from the assembly line 'and it didn't cost him a dime.' But ultimately, things didn’t go quite as he envisioned!
Does your website appear to be a hodgepodge of parts? Are you reluctant to invest in your own domain and hosting, settling for a free site adorned with ads?
6) In The Jailhouse Now
Please don’t jeopardize your hard work by engaging in any of the following:
- Spamming
- Plagiarizing others' articles or content
- Stealing graphics
- Clicking on your Adsense ads
- Failing to maintain records and neglecting tax duties
It’s simply not worth it, and you might find yourself behind bars. Much wiser to Walk the Line so you can rest easy at night.
7) Ring of Fire
Perhaps you’ve made a misguided choice…entered into a hasty entanglement with a business that doesn’t suit you. Don’t hesitate to recognize this, toss everything aside, and start anew! Don’t bang your head against the wall if, after toiling on a project, you conclude it’s just not lucrative. Better to discover the right fit and invest your efforts there.
In this song, June Carter Cash expresses her burgeoning affection for John. Though both were involved with others, their undeniable connection led them to create music and grow old together over the next 40 years.
May you create harmonious melodies with your business!