7 Ways To Keep Your Hustle On Point in 2011

Sit down and get ready, because I’m in the mood to write like nobodies business!

Sure – the average person thinks of a hustler as being some 5 foot 2, shady black dude with greasy hair and suede shoes.  Though this “character” brings me tons of joy in the form of Snoop Dog and Premium Pimp Suits – I’m referring to the mindset of a hustler and how important it is to keep the “do or die” survival attitude, especially when times are not so great.

I’d like to remind everyone reading this (especially those of you who are still struggling to get things popping online) that in 2011, if you don’t hustle like your home is about to be foreclosed, you will never make it in the years that lie ahead.  As much as I am writing this to you, and am repeating this to myself as well.

Why is 2011 the year to HUSTLE your HARDEST?

Because EVERYONE and there mother is hustling.  Your aunt is on Facebook running a group about arts and crafts while you’re little nephew is raising money online for his school’s theater program.  This is a fast paced, technology infused world we live in – and if you’re game isn’t on point, you’re money situation will blow goats and you’ll be a loser just like me (sometimes).

I figured to stay on top of things I should make a list of reminders or “best practices” to follow when my hustle juice is running low – so why not put it up on the blog and share it with the best readers in the world (that would be you)?

7 Things You Need to Hustle in 2011

1. Hustle the living crap out of your passions.  I know the whole “hustle” and “passion” thing is quite popular with guys like Gary V, but those who know Veronica and I know that passion has been the name of the game for us since day one.  I’m passionate about music, business, ideas and technology.  She’s is passionate about architecture, design, crafts and functionality.  These are the areas where our hustle juice should flow 80% of the time moving forward.
2. Keep yourself looking pimp at all times.  The truth is, the better you look, the more confident you will be the better you will feel.  This includes weekly shaving (men and women), showers and clean clothes.  If you hate doing laundry like me, keep your outfits clean enough that you can rotate effectively and where each item a little longer.  If something starts to smell – wash it.  If a shirt is only “decent” – iron it so it looks fresh.
3. Purchase nothing without finding a deal first. Perfect example, we’re taking a road trip soon and need to replace our tires.  Veronica hustled online, made a bunch of phone calls, and found a great deal – saving over $100 compared to a major tire installation package.  That hundred dollars can now be put back into the hustle machine and used for something else.  Goal scored for the home team.
4. What you put in, you will get out. Pretty self explanatory.  The better you eat, the better you feel and the more “regular” you are.  What you read, watch and absorb through your senses will directly reflect in your behavior – so stay away from CNN and Halo Reach every now and then – because violence and fear, as much as it makes for great entertainment, is not good for your soul.
5. Surround yourself by other hustlers. My good friend and skype buddy SuiteJ reminded me of this in a convo last night – if you’re always hanging out with negative, broke people – you’ll always be negative and broke (something like that).  Surround yourself with people who have just as much drive as you do.  Spend time with those who love and support you as well as those who you can directly benefit from – and don’t be ashamed of this.
6. Stay on the low down, when permitting. A huge part of having a good hustle is the ability speak with your actions, and only get into details when absolutely necessary.  Don’t go around telling people how great your business is doing and what you’re working on – I have a bad habit of always talking work, and it’s time that became more strategic.  Speak by getting shit done – period.
7. You are your most valuable asset. If you are not in the game of branding yourself, then it’s time to step things up.  Get your online accounts in check and up to date.  Always have business cards – even if you work for the man in some cubicle – print out some cards with your name, current job title and personal email etc.  If you don’t have a blog, start one – because you never know who is looking you up on or off line.

What are some things you feel is CRUCIAL for the ultimate HUSTLE?

Do the comment thing below – let’s take this list to 50!

Cheers,

Elijah