I don't care what industry you work in, you're going to encounter others who don't want you to succeed. There are going to be cliques at every stage trying to prevent you from succeeding. People will promise you one thing and do another behind your back. There will be competitors hoping you fail. There are going to be the industry power-houses or celebrities, who you think have it all.

But they don't have it all. And you can have whatever you want if you're willing to work for it.

I know I'm not one to usually write fluffy, motivational stuff. It's not really my style. My motto is if you work for it, you'll get it. End of story.

This is how I've lived my entire life. If I wanted something. I got it. It wasn't easy. I worked my ass off (and I still do). But when I want something, it's up to me - not someone else - to make it happen. This isn't to say others won't help you along the way. No one succeeds without some help from others. But don't rely on others. Rely on yourself.

I read this article from Mark Schaefer on his Grow blog last week and it inspired this post today. Please take a minute to read his post (it's not too long) and come back here when you're done. I'll wait 😉 Especially if you work in social media, read his post! But, anyone in any business can relate to what he's talking about.

Ok, welcome back! Good article, right?

Here's the thing, in social media, and any other industry, there's a world that existed before you. These people have created the industry dynamics they want to see - and they serve them, not you necessarily.

But that's ok! Stop trying to fit into their mold. Fit into your own mold!

The world they've created is only one world, serving one type of client. You were meant to be different and to serve different audiences. Standing out may seem like the hard way to the top, but it is the most courageous and rewarding way to the top.

I'll be the first to admit that it's intoxicating when you meet the industry celebrities. I've met a few of the social media ones along my journey.  And in various capacities.

I'm not saying anything specifically against any one of them. A few of them have been very supportive, actually. And a few of them may even help along my journey. But the vast majority of them are worried about themselves and their businesses, not mine.

Fortunately, though, I am extremely blessed to have surrounded myself with a great "clique" of talented, supportive, helpful, kind, generous, and amazing people in this industry.

These are the people who agree to read my content when I need feedback, offer resources (often without being asked), step up when I need help, and send the occasional note just to check in and see how things are going with me.

Now, I have no idea where my career will take me. None of us do for sure. But I know damn well where I want it to go. And I can promise you that I am working to make that happen. It might take me longer than others. Or maybe it won't. I may stumble along the way and get knocked down. I may encounter obstacles that seem insurmountable. But I will push through and when I get there, YOU will be one of the first people I thank.

YOU have been here since the early days, fighting to help me grow. Sharing my blog posts with others. Offering your support and words of encouragement. Listening to me as I share my experiences. YOU have stood by me. And YOU are the one I am grateful to have in my "clique".

But, I also want you to think about your business. I know you've probably encountered the same things I'm talking about in your industry as well. Maybe you're going through something right now.

I want you to know that I'm behind you. You have others in your industry behind you. You have friends and family behind you. There are countless people waiting to see you succeed at your dreams.

So don't worry about the obstacles that pop up. They're gonna happen. But you can overcome them. You can succeed in and industry that doesn't seem to want you to.