The Self-Employed Life

About the Author

Jeffrey Shaw, a lifelong entrepreneur, started his journey in self-employment selling eggs door-to-door at the age of fourteen. He has never worked for anyone else, embodying the self-employed spirit throughout his career. As a renowned portrait photographer and now a small-business consultant and speaker, Shaw helps self-employed individuals and small-business owners gain control over their businesses amidst seemingly uncontrollable circumstances. Drawing on his unique perspective from his photography career, he provides strategies for creating sustainable success by integrating personal development with business strategies.

Main Idea

In "The Self-Employed Life: Business and Personal Development Strategies That Create Sustainable Success," Jeffrey Shaw presents a holistic approach to self-employment, combining personal development, business strategies, and daily habits into what he calls the Self-Employed Ecosystem. This ecosystem integrates the various aspects of self-employed life to create a sustainable path to success. Shaw emphasizes that self-employment requires constant growth, adaptability, and the integration of personal and professional lives. The book aims to provide self-employed individuals with the tools and mindset necessary to thrive in their careers and personal lives.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Self-Employed Ecosystem
3. Get Out of Your Own Way
4. What Moves You Forward
5. Embrace Hug Marketing
6. Create an Emotional Journey
7. Build a Business Model of Multiples
8. Set Up Systems for Success
9. Create a Steady Foundation
10. Create a What’s Going Right Journal
11. Expand Your Thinking
12. Switch It Up
13. Conclusion

Introduction

Jeffrey Shaw begins by acknowledging the unique challenges and rewards of self-employment. He calls for self-employed individuals to come together as a community, advocating for their recognition and respect in the broader business world. Shaw introduces the Self-Employed Ecosystem as a comprehensive approach to managing both personal and professional aspects of self-employed life, emphasizing that the integration of these elements is crucial for sustainable success.

The Self-Employed Ecosystem

Shaw's Self-Employed Ecosystem is built on the integration of personal development, business strategies, and daily habits. He argues that self-employed individuals cannot afford to separate their personal lives from their businesses. Instead, they must create a harmonious balance where both areas support and enhance each other. Shaw compares this ecosystem to natural ecosystems, where all elements must work in harmony for overall health and success.

This ecosystem includes multiple interconnected elements, such as:

• Personal Development: Continual self-improvement and emotional resilience.
• Business Strategies: Effective marketing, customer engagement, and adaptable business models.
• Daily Habits: Consistent routines that foster productivity and stability.

Shaw emphasizes that maintaining this balance requires ongoing effort and adaptability, akin to tending a garden where each element affects the whole. When these components work together, they create a thriving environment for self-employed success.

Get Out of Your Own Way

One of the first steps to success, according to Shaw, is removing self-imposed obstacles. He introduces the concept of setting intentions in a "From-To" format, helping individuals clearly define what they want to move away from and what they aspire to achieve. Shaw emphasizes the importance of recognizing and overcoming personal barriers, which can hinder the health of the Self-Employed Ecosystem.

“Getting clear about what you want to get away from sets you in a positive direction, away from what you don’t want in your life anymore.” - Jeffrey Shaw

In this chapter, Shaw provides practical advice on identifying and overcoming these obstacles. He likens the journey of self-employment to a road trip, where obstacles such as traffic or fallen trees must be navigated. The key is to stay focused on the destination and not be discouraged by temporary setbacks.

Shaw also introduces techniques for setting effective intentions, which involve:

• Clarity: Clearly defining what you want to achieve.
• Direction: Establishing a positive path away from what you don't want.
• Action: Taking concrete steps towards your goals.

These techniques help create a clear direction and keep individuals motivated, even when faced with challenges. Shaw's approach emphasizes the importance of mindset and self-awareness in achieving long-term success.

What Moves You Forward

Shaw highlights two key practices for moving towards success: setting effective intentions and maintaining a clear vision for the future. These practices help shift the mindset and focus necessary for achieving significant changes in both personal and professional realms. Shaw believes that even small adjustments in thinking or business practices can lead to substantial progress.