Entrepreneurs start their business with all good intentions, doing something they're exceptionally good at or passionate about – but they don't realize that it's not enough to WANT to succeed. You have to know the “business” of running a business! And that leads to the second reason your past success may be hurting your future success.
Entrepreneurs start their business with all good intentions, doing something they're exceptionally good at or passionate about – but they don't realize that it's not enough to WANT to succeed. You have to know the “business” of running a business! And that leads to the second reason your past success is hurting your future success.
Reason #2 - “In the past, you didn't need to invest your own money – or even time – in the growth and management of owning a business.”
This was a huge finding last year that came out of about 50 interviews I did for candidates for the Divine Juice Inner Circle. I found that people had done a ton of investing in themselves, in their craft, or specialized training related to their industry. They may have even taken a leadership course, or time management tips. But they never had to worry about how to run a business, because that part was outside their scope of responsibility. All they had to do was their own part. Well now, guess what? It's all you, baby! You need to invest in how to launch your business, and how to be successful in business. You have all this knowledge about your industry, great credentials, etc... but look at the areas where you need help- areas that are not necessarily your strengths.
So here is Divine Juice Principle #2 – You must invest in yourself and in your dream, especially if it feels scary.
If it feels like you're taking a risk, and panic bells are ringing, that's a good sign that you really do need to invest in yourself. In 2008 I was making a decent living, making $70-80k a year, and it was fine for me – at that time. And then it wasn't ok anymore, and I was ready for that quantum leap. My business didn't fit me anymore, and I needed to get help.
OK, so here's your homework question for the day – Stand back like you're looking at your business through someone else's eyes and ask, “Where do I need help?”
I know you're comfortable in your area of expertise, but what is important for you to learn now to get you to where you want to go? It's important to diagnose this, and so illuminating! It's also very scary, especially if you don't have the money yet to get the help you need. The entrepreneurs that I know that have achieved peace and prosperity have reached that point of humility where they know when they need to ask for help. It's a skill that's critical for them. Because if you get the help you need, you will leap forward.
Marketing, selling, packaging my product – these were the areas I knew I needed assistance in. This was in 2009, and when I took this leap and got the help I needed - I actually tripled my income! If you are willing to ask for help and invest in yourself and your business, it will separate you from the pack.
Entrepreneurship – The Road Less Traveled
I believe that life is a journey, and just like any journey, it has some bumps in the road along the way. For me, those “bumps” came in the form of three layoffs in two years. I thought, “This is my life. I need to create a way for it to support me and bring me freedom and joy.” So… I started on that journey of entrepreneurship.
What I Learned From A Glitch – And A Rabbit
How did I learn how vital it is to be conscious about your marketing? By working with entrepreneurs! In fact, it's the core strategy behind what I teach, and it’s why I named my business Conscious Marketing. But here's where my head got in the way of my heart: I had an extensive marketing background. I played hardball with some of the top advertising agencies. I thought I had it going on! I didn't think I needed any help from a coach or a mentor, because I already had all the answers. I was wrong.
Everyone Needs a Soapbox!
I was kicked out of corporate America. Literally. I was let go three times in two years! It was difficult at the time, but now I see - the struggle had a purpose. Because of that trial, I found my true calling: helping business owners find their voice, get on that soapbox, and attract in their ideal clients like moths to light.
