🌱 I fired my client

Last month I fired my client because it no longer felt aligned.

Whenever I create more space, amazing things happen. 

This time is no different.

Here’s your 3 insights in 3 minutes. 

🗺️ Google Local Guide

Last year I started learning about Google Business Profile optimizations and local seo. 

A few small tweaks can have a big impact on how customers find businesses through search. 

To learn, I signed up as Google Local Guide. (I’m now level 5 nbd!)

Which doesn’t really mean anything, but it’s a great way to learn what Google values in reviews and therefore shows in search results. 

This affects both traditional SEO and now LLM SEO. 

It’s super straightforward, Google tells you exactly what they value by their points system.

I also think it’s fun when I’m at at a restaurant to tell them “I’m a level 5 local guide, I’m going to give you guys a great review!”

🔥 Firing a Client

Last year, I started consulting for local business owners helping them optimize their Google Business Profiles and some traditional SEO. 

It was fun at first. 

But then I noticed a shift. 

I started dreading that time on my calendar. 

So I kept pushing and told myself: I have to do this. This is the work. 

JK. I just stopped. 

We got the client great results and he was excited. 

I was open and transparent with him every step of the way. 

The project had just grown in scope and was no longer feeling aligned for me. 

Transparency is something I value and gave them heads up a few months earlier that this might be coming.

We are still friends today and have a great relationship.

0️⃣ Zero-Based Budgeting

Unlike traditional budgeting, "zero-based budgeting" ignores last year's budget. 

It starts each year from $0 and only adds what you really value or need. 

I like to approach my life this way. 

Why?

Because inertia is a powerful force. 

When it comes to BIG decisions (careers, relationships, etc) most take the traditional budgeting approach. 

Aka, keep doing the same thing even if it no longer feels aligned. 

But really, whatever you have done up to this time is a sunk cost. 

So zero-based budgeting is a way to give yourself permission to do whatever now feels most aligned/exciting/interesting. 

Forget last year. Forget the last 10 years. 

What do you want to do now? (hit reply and let me know)

Salud,
Mitchell 

Ps. Miss Becky on the lake