The Hard Truth About Success

Every entrepreneur loves a good hype moment—the thrill of a product launch, the excitement of a record-breaking sales month, or the praise from friends and family who say, “You’re killing it!”

But here’s the reality: Hype doesn’t build businesses. Strategy and accountability do.

In business—just like in sports—you’ll encounter two types of people:

Cheerleaders – They stand on the sidelines, waving pom-poms, shouting encouragement, and telling you you’re doing great—whether or not you actually are.

Champions – They’re in the trenches with you. They push you to be better, hold you accountable, and demand more from you—even when it’s uncomfortable.

One group makes you feel good. The other makes you great.

The Turning Point in My Career

Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I had plenty of cheerleaders.

Friends admired the fact that I had my own business. Colleagues reassured me I was on the right path—without ever questioning my strategy. Family members celebrated every small win as if I had already “made it.”

It felt good. But it didn’t help me grow.

The real shift happened when I started surrounding myself with champions—people who:

• Challenged my thinking—forcing me to justify my decisions.
• Called me out on my excuses—refusing to let me play small.
• Pushed me beyond my comfort zone—even when I resisted.

And guess what? That’s when I actually started winning.

That shift led me to:

• Building and scaling multi-seven-figure businesses.
• Writing two international bestselling books.
• Becoming the kind of entrepreneur who doesn’t just dream—but executes.

None of that happened because someone stood on the sidelines telling me I was doing great.

Why Champions Matter More Than Ever

We live in a world obsessed with motivation. Scroll through social media, and you’ll find endless posts about “grinding,” “hustling,” and “believing in yourself.”

But motivation alone doesn’t create results. Execution does. And execution requires accountability.

• You have to be willing to be challenged.
• You have to be open to hearing when you’re wrong.
• You have to be ready to push beyond where you’d normally stop.

That’s the difference between entrepreneurs who stay stuck and those who build something truly great.

Why Systems Matter More Than Motivation

Many entrepreneurs find themselves stuck in a cycle of excitement and burnout.

You start with a brilliant idea, launch your marketing campaign with passion, and gain early traction. But then… things stall. Sales slow. The initial excitement fades.

The problem? You're relying on motivation instead of strategy.

Once you shift your focus to systemizing your marketing instead of guessing, you will:

As a result, you'll see measurable growth—not because you're working harder, but because you're working smarter with the right champions in your corner.

How to Build a Network That Actually Helps You Grow

If you’re serious about leveling up your business and mindset, here’s your challenge:

1. Audit Your Circle

Look at the five people you talk to most about business.

Ask yourself:
❌ Are they just cheering you on, telling you what you want to hear?
✅ Or are they pushing you to be better, to think bigger, and to act smarter?

2. Expand Your Network

Success is about proximity. If you want to scale to 7-figures, you need to be around people who have already done it.

🔹 Join a mastermind.
🔹 Seek out mentors.
🔹 Hire experts who don’t just give advice—but hold you accountable for executing it.

Business is a team sport—you don’t have to do it alone.

For deeper insights into how big investments lead to big wins, check The Mindset Shift Every Entrepreneur Needs: Invest Big, Win Big

Want to learn how visionary leaders pair with the right executors? Read How a Visionary-Integrator Duo Fuels Growth

3. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Real growth happens when you’re:

Challenged on your ideas.
Forced to refine your strategy.
Held accountable to higher standards.

If that sounds tough, good—that’s the whole point.

Need Champions in Your Corner? Let’s Talk.

At Lean Marketing, we don’t just hand you a strategy and wish you luck. We act as your champions.

• We challenge you when you’re playing small.
• We hold you accountable for the goals you set.
• We ask the hard questions when something isn’t working.

Our Client Success Manager, Sarah, is relentless in keeping clients on track.
Our team of advisors and experts work alongside you—not just to teach, but to make sure you execute.

If you’re ready to surround yourself with champions, book a free Lean Marketing audit today.

—Allan