It’s the decade of the entrepreneur! It’s true. Today’s U.S. economy is fueled by 29.6 million small businesses, led by people just like you, people who are entrepreneurs who made their dreams into reality. Truth is, the only way to begin the journey of entrepreneurship is to start. And start today. Each one of us is in a unique position to approach our work in a fresh new way. One that’s real and authentic to each of us as individuals. What compelled me to write my book, Real You Incorporated and to create the 8-step Real You Process, is the last few years as I’ve watched people not satisfied doing things the same way. I’ve spent the last 20 years of my life as a leader in business, as the vice president of several companies, and always, as an entrepreneur. When I created my most recent company, Real Living, 8 years ago, it was just an idea. That for me wasn’t different. What was different was the chance to begin working with 4,000 entrepreneurs. Our real estate agents. That is the spark that led to my book. And to the step-by-step approach I’ll walk you through to get you started. No matter your background, everyone can become an entrepreneur as long as you believe in yourself and what you do. That’s why it’s time to be real. It’s time to put the real you in your business – to define your own personal brand and bring it to the world as a unique competitive advantage. You no longer need to try to fit in. The key to being successful in your work today is in being your SELF. If you’re working for someone else, and worried – especially given today’s economic realities – to jump into creating the business of your dreams, that’s ok! Start slowly. You can begin to make your dreams come true while you’re working at your 9 to 5. One of my favorite stories is a woman accountant who dreamed of becoming a voice-over artist. At one of my speeches she came up to me worried she’d never make her dreams come true. I asked her what stopped her from pursuing voice over work on the weekends or after work. The answer? Nothing. So she went for it and today is fulfilling her dreams. Here’s the point: whether you’re starting your career or have years of experience, your work life – from here on out – needs to be built on your own personal uniqueness. Your brand. And your brand is both business and personal. And guess what? It’s uniquely yours. Once it is defined you can leverage it as your unique competitive advantage. It’s time to become a member of the Entrepreneur Decade, either by starting your own business or by growing your already entrepreneurial pursuits to a new level. You can do it. The first step is realizing it all starts with you. It’s time to seize your decade and make your dreams come true.
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: 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!
Real You: The passion problem
Yep, it's true. It's tough out there. The economy is forcing layoffs, businesses aren't hiring. More people than ever are out of work. But what about the people who are still employed. Are they grateful? Happy even? It turns out, more than half aren't. According to an Adecco North America survey, 54 percent of employed Americans say they will look for a new job once the recession ends. Among 18 to 29 year olds, the number jumps to 71 percent. Almost 3/4ths of the under 30 crowd will leap at the chance to leave you once the recovery begins. This is a problem. It's a passion problem. If you're the leader of a team with these folks working for you, how are you going to rev up the passion? How will you build a culture that makes your team want to be there when times get better? And times will get better.
If you are one of the disenchanted, hanging on paycheck to paycheck because it's better than joining the ranks of the unemployed, have you considered the entrepreneurial route? You could start by becoming what Deborah Bailey calls a moonlighting entrepreneur, building a business that sparks your passions while you're still doing your day job.
Or, you could try becoming an intrapreneur. An intrapreneur takes this opportunity to change the way she looks at her current job. She looks for ways to make work fun again, and brings her passion back to her position. With that passion comes new solutions and new ideas - and perhaps - a new respect from the boss. Think about it. You aren't stuck unless you think you are. Fear freezes.
Turn your passion into action. Make that change now and your own personal recovery will start long before the recession ends. For some creative ways to get your passion flowing check out my new ebook: Turn Your Passion Into Profits, available now!