Have you ever worked on something for a decade or more? Something so important to you that your dreams, hopes and wishes are one with the project. I have. It happened as we created and built Real Living Real Estate, and it's happening again, now, as I launch my debut novel into the world. Just like Real Living, my novel isn't for everybody. But I hope most people who pick it up and give it a read will like it. But all I can do is send it out to the world, knowing I did my best.
Real You: Top 5 business lessons learned from the new kid at school
It's official. Summer is over, a season has ended. And what makes that reality sink in even more is that the kids start school tomorrow - I know, it's late -but it has been a blast having them around longer than usual. The kids are starting at a new school, in a new town - heck, even a new time zone. When I think about that change, and the awkwardness they'll feel tomorrow, I remember that feeling. Being the new kid. Everyone trying to find out what you're like, what group you fit into.
It's the same when you launch your business. That fear of failure kicks in as you host your first event in your home, sit in the reception area on the first sales call, post your first blog or tweet, tell a potential client your hourly rate, or take that first real estate call.
Gulp.
But remember, surviving those awkward moments makes you stronger and ready to tackle the world! Here are the lessons learned from being the new kid at school:
Lesson 1. Much like a child's first day at a new school, figuring out where everything is located is key. Once you find the cafeteria, though, you still have to figure out who to sit with. Getting your bearings takes time, and as a new business owner, don't beat youself up if you're not feeling comfortable right away. Everybody finds the right lunch table eventually!
Lesson 2: If you don't ask, you'll never fit in/get in. Here's the thing - you need to be sure you don't keep your business a secret. Shy kids, like quiet non-networking business owners, don't get asked to play at recess, or get the orders, as quickly as outgoing folks do. It's a fact. If you're not putting yourself out there, no one will know you're in business. And that's not how you make money.
Lesson 3: There are bullies. Especially when you're new, you're a target. If you're entering a crowded entrepreneurial field, expect to face snark attacks from competitors who don't believe in abundance. It's a fact of life. Dust yourself off, and keep moving forward.
Lesson 4: Do one thing every day that scares you. For some kids, that means just getting up and going to school. For others, it's trying out for the play or a sport. If you are just starting out, push yourself to do one thing every day that scares you. You'll amaze yourself with all you can accomplish.
Lesson 5: You only have one first day. In business terms, you only have one chance to make a good first impression. It's true. People sum you up quickly, and you need to be sure you have bring the Real You to your business everyday, at every encounter. There is a potential client at every turn, so just make sure you don't turn her away!
This fall, tackle your business like you're the new kid at school. See how many new customers you can make. Oh, and don't forget to do your homework!
Real You: Are you marching forward on your purpose and vision?
If you are, you are stepping into your power. You are shining bright, sharing your vision with others and moving forward. You know who you are—The Real You—and you know where you are going. Your passions are defined (step 2 of the Real You process), and your personal brand is fully formed. You truly have found it within.
When you are following your purpose in life—and applying that purpose and passion to your business—your competitive advantage crystallizes. You are able to use your fully formed Real You competitive advantage to delight your customers. And when you’re in business, that’s the end game. Truly.
Whether you are a full-time entrepreneur, considering becoming one, or somewhere in between, your personal brand and your business brand are unstoppable as long as they are aligned with purpose and vision.
Remember the strength found in conviction, in confidence. Remember, you aren’t alone. You are the only one who can define your dream and go for it. So, as the summer begins to wind down, the only question that remains is: Why aren’t you moving forward?
“People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves, they have the first secret of success.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale
Real You: The Movie!
It’s been a summer of inspiration—speaking with women all over the country about how to put—and keep—the Real You in your business and your life. It made me realize certain themes pop up, no matter the audience, and those themes are the ones I want to share with you in The Real You Movie.
Grab your power, and shine! If you like the movie, please pass it on!
The Wisdom in Extraction
Bear with me as this blog post is being written as I’m taking care of my son who just had his wisdom teeth out. (Yes, everyone I know remembers that day, too!) And no, this blog post IS NOT about that! What I started thinking about this morning is that there is wisdom in extraction. One of my favorite definitions of Wisdom is “knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action”. Action is the important ingredient in that definition. We are all wise, and hopefully, learning every day. But true wisdom requires action. True wisdom can be found, and built, when we take action and remove ourselves from situations that are harmful, limiting or otherwise bad for our personal brands, for ourselves.
Are you in a situation in your business or personal life that you need to extract yourself from? Do it. Take action. Stop knowing you should, and just do it. Sure, it hurts but it’s worth it in the long run, because much like wisdom teeth, you didn’t need that situation or person in your life after all.
Real You: 8 Tips to Turn your Passion into Profit
Writing is one of my passions. Since you’re already familiar with Real You Incorporated, I’m excited to get another book into your hands. Be the first to get my new eBook, Turn your Passion into Profit: How to Create the Business of Your Dreams! It’s a 40-page, step-by-step guide to creating the business and lifestyle you’ve always wanted. It’s the perfect complement to Real You Incorporated—and it’s only $9.95!
Here are 8 tips from the eBook to get you in motion.
- Know your Vision. Being able to envision your business service or product, and how it is differentiated in your chosen industry, is crucial to your long-term success.
- Be Ready to Work—and Get Help. Are you willing to do a little bit of everything, yet ask for help when you need it? Don’t go it alone. You must have a strong enough personality to know where you excel and where you need help.
- Define your Brand. Try to define yourself in one word. This is the basis of your personal brand. Need help? Ask your friends, relatives, book club members, co-workers—anyone who knows the real you.
- Create a Brand Board Today. Creating your own brand board is a great YOU brainstorm session. Transform a poster board into a montage of pictures with things you love to do, places that make you happy, colors that brighten your day and aspirations—images that exemplify your personal brand.
- Name your Company. Naming your company matters. It’s part of your real brand; it’s your essence. Start by writing your company’s story—even if you don’t have one yet.
- Create an Online Presence. This is crucial. At the very least, you’ll want to create a website where people can find your contact information. Then take it to the next level by using social media, a blog and e-newsletter to stay in touch with your customers.
- Build Trust & Recognition through Social Media. Social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, allow businesses to build great relationships with present and future customers. A little bit of human interaction can go a long way.
- Stay Focused. As your business gets off the ground, it’s important to stay focused and keep working. Most businesses don’t take off overnight. Even if you don’t see immediate results, continue working to add value for your clients.
Are you ready to learn more great tips? Click here to purchase Turn your Passion into Profit: How to Create the Business of Your Dreams.
The eBook is ready for immediate download. You can start using these tips immediately!
Real You: Take the Leap
"If you're never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances."-Julia Sorel (Rosalyn Drexler), See How She Runs, 1978
You know the feeling. For me, it's sweaty palms. For you it may be a racing heart, or butterflies in the stomach—all those tell-tale signs that you're uncomfortable. Your body is triggering the flight sensors, and you're going to go along with it.
But then you take a deep breath, maybe have a little cry or call a friend, and realize this leap out of your comfort zone is what will propel you forward, get you to the next big thing. You realize that without the uneasy feeling of the unknown, it's easy to be stuck in the familiar and known. To grow a business, and for that matter, to grow a life, you need to keep pushing. To keep growing and moving forward. To face your fears and take that leap is uncomfortable—whether it's cold calling a prospect, public speaking, driving in a big city, moving to a new neighborhood, starting a business or being president of your civic association.
Remember, though, the more long-term discomfort in life comes from the regrets you have of challenges not taken, of opportunities missed.
So what's holding you back? Why are you stuck in the comfort zone? What would happen in your life if you took that chance? And what, if anything, will happen if you don't? Ten years from now, will you be glad you stayed in the zone, or sad you didn't take the leap when you could?
Remember: "To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself." -Soren Kierkegaard