20 years ago, October 1st 1998, I started a new job.
Founder of Michael Heppell Ltd.
I was stoked. Totally clueless … but stoked.
My own business, first day of trading and loads of people said they would book me.
But, as many entrepreneurs know, someone saying they will buy your services and someone actually buying your services are two very different things.
Everyone who has started a business, large or small, knows it’s a scrap.
For the first ten years I worked 7 days a week.
I was ripped off, let down and shafted more times than I care to mention.
My wife begged me to throw in the towel and apply for a ‘proper job’.
She was right. I should have. But I’m glad I didn’t.
Because front and centre, I had a goal.
When I set that goal, it seemed like a distant dream.
The Michael Heppell Ltd goal was:
To positively influence one million lives
Every decision was made by asking the question ‘How many people will this positively influence?’
If we could make a big impact we’d do it. If not, we wouldn’t.
Not an exact science – but it worked.
A few years ago, we hit the magic million target.
A big chunk of that number came from book and audio sales, which was never part of the original plan but became a huge part of my life.
I want to thank you for being a part of what we do.
Just by getting this far in today’s newsletter I’m humbled that you want to read my thoughts.
I’m 51 and have never had more energy.
My goal now is:
To positively influence the life of everyone I connect with
How am I doing? Please leave a comment below.
Be Brilliant!
Michael
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Loved reading this Michael! So true – never give up! 💪🏻
Thank you Collette. Lots more left here!
You are brilliant Michael, any chance i could have my surfboard?? 🙂
Thank you George. Surf Board was in the post 😉
I enjoyed listening to your podcast on Food for Fitness regarding morning routines and meditation recently, great advice. When I am stuck with a problem, I always use your Flip It routines, it really helps! Keep on inspiring!
Thank you Jackie. Delighted Flip It helps.
Brilliant in How to be Brilliant. Have attended some of your events and have read many books from you. These surely have made BRILLIANT positive impact on my personal and professional growth. Keep up the BRILLIANT WORK!
Hi Hasnain. I promise to keep going!
Thank you Michael! I have been rereading ‘The Edge’ and ‘How to be brilliant’ again. Am already finding nuggets that I’d forgotten or not needed before. Keep up the day job — happy birthday!
Hi Heidi. I reread The Edge the other week too. I know I shouldn’t really say this as the author but I really enjoyed it too!
I’m glad you didn’t give up Michael! For purely selfish reasons as I enjoy your stuff.
Will never give up Yvonne!
I’m always happy to receive your messages. Whenever I read them they have a positive, encouraging effect on me and my work – as an artist. Thanks!
http://www.christopherwkent.com
Hi Chris
That’s why I do what I do.
Looking forward to checking out your art. M
Michael you are such an inspiration!
Thank you Raji
Simply brilliant. Loved listening to you speak a few weeks ago at the Blakemore conference. A lot of what you said resonated and I feel brilliant every day. Congratulations on living your dream
That’s so good to hear Craig. We met so many wonderful people at your event.
Michael I enjoy receiving your pause for thought type e-mails as a welcome reminder of the key goals to strive for!
Thank you Andrew. I promise to keep writing them.
Happy anniversary Michael. Fair dos, you done good. And we’ll done Mrs H!
Hi Michael, your presentation at BEF earlier this year, and your book, How to be Brilliant, have influenced me every single day since. Keep being Brilliant !!
Paul
ActionCOACH
http://www.actioncoach.co.uk/paullimb
I’m happy to say that your regular emails positively influence me and i share with my teams.
Many thanks
Totally bloody inspiring! From another 51 year old, but just 9 months in to my own venture…
Sunshine Corporate & Personal Development!
Happy Business Birthday wonderful man! 😁
Happy Birthday Michael! I remember being on the phone with you as 911 was happening. Can’t make up my mind if that feels like 5 minutes ago or a lifetime. Either way its been great to know you. Much love, James
I always read your emails as I know it will hold a positive message for me and my colleagues, there is always a simple message from you which seems small but sometimes practicing it is the bigger job!
Hi Michael. Happy anniversary. I moved to Australia 9 years ago and was going through a challenging time when I came across ‘Flip It’ at my local library. Your book has had a fantastic positive influence on me and the ‘Flip It’ strategy has become a key part of my every day PMA. Thank you Michael.
Congratulations – what a great target and achievement! I always read your messages, delighting in your refreshingly positive thought provoking approach.
Keep being brilliant! 🙂
Michael,
Hearty Congratulations. It’s great to read your story.
I have to speak to an audience soon and was thinking that our young people want to be the next Cheryl, Alan Shearer or appear on Geordie Shore.
We don’t have young people wanting to be entrepreneurs and we need people like you to excite and encourage our next generations.
Well done. Keep on positively influencing
You are a star !!!!
Thank you Sir Peter.
And thank you for your support and encouragement especially during my early years. You have always been and great mentor and inspiration.
Congratulations Michael, 30 years ago today I walked into an office and saw for the first time someone who is now my wife … You never know where things will take you ! Saw you present at the Emirates stadium a few years ago and bought a book or two so maybe count as more than 1 of your first million !
Wow what a great story. Here’s to October 1st.
BRILLIANT as ever Michael, You make and leave a positive legacy so……. Keep on Keepin On! 🙂
I’ll keep keeping on, so long as you keep reading on Jim 🙂
Congratulations. You have certainly influenced me and I am truly grateful. Thanks a million.
Thank you Mike. Really appreciate those kind words.
When we met you 2 years ago, our business was in dire straits. Two years on and we’ve had 2 years of growth and just won an industry award. I’d say your influence was v positive! Thank you!
Hi Ali
I don’t know where to start. The project we did with you really was one of the most fulfilling (and fun) we have ever undertaken. You were a pleasure to work with.
Thank you for being so brilliant M & C xx
Happy anniversary . Thank you for inspiring me and making me believe that I am not just excellent, I am Brilliant.
Yes you are Maggie, yes you are!!
I remember picking up a copy of How to be Brilliant at the airport many years ago, and it had an amazing impact on my life and I have enjoyed all your books and audio since. Thank you for making a difference.
Thank you Barry. It makes my day reading your comments.
Simply MAGIC
You know some people call me Magic Michael 😉
Thank you for all your inspiration, I have so enjoyed reading your books and now I believe that I can transform my life. And Happy Birthday!
Thank you Sarah. This is why we do what we do.
Always positively uplifting thank you !!
Keep up the amazing work
🙂
Thank you Simon. We’ve had so many super comments. We promise to keep going.
Well done and many are glad you did!!
Thank you Tony
So glad you didn’t give up Michael. You are truly inspirational and totally BRILLIANT. Here’s to your next million 🙂
Thank you Heather. Hope things are going fab for you.
Dear Michael,
thank you for your activities and the inspirations in it 🙂 🙂 🙂
Great job, you are brilliant !!!
Thank you Peter. I really appreciate your kind words.
Congratulations on 20 years Michael. Thank you for your always positive take on life; it helps 😊
Thank you Helen. I’m taking in life!!
Hi Michael, I used to live close to you in Rothbury. I now live Twain Harte California, (much better) and guess what, I’ve read a couple of your books of yours and they helped. So in return I’d like to offer you a free guided tour and lunch at the Awhanee in Yosemite. Are you up for it? Next spring? It would my wife and I’s pleasure. Cheers Chris Bjornmose.
Wow. An all expenses paid trip to Yosemite! That’s very kind. Thank you.
PS Still love your action hero video 🙂