“Every person, and especially every entrepreneur should embrace failure with open arms. It is only through failure that we learn.” ~ Richard Branson
The Era of Mindful Balance
Building a brand and company during a time when words like “mindful”, “balance”, “clean”, “sustainable” and “healthy” are mainstream is something I have been facing head on this year and wanted to have a Behind the Scenes moment to reflect and share some insight on this journey of entrepreneurship so far. This will be my first blog in the Behind the Scenes theme, where I will discuss things on a more personal level. I hope to help inspire those entrepreneurs with a vision to take a leap of faith.
By no means am I a branding or entrepreneurial expert! I have learned a lot during the process of launching Much Love Interiors though. Being a solo business owner, or even in a partnership business, you have to learn fast and wear a lot of hats. Not only are you operating a business and need to have an understanding of the industry you work in, but there is also marketing, social media, networking, contracts, web development, customer service, and the list goes on. In all those responsibilities, where can a person find time for themself?
Before I get into answering that question, I want to talk about the process of developing a brand and not just starting a business. The brand gives business recognition and success over time. A strong brand needs a jumping-off point.
Take the Leap
- What is the Why?
- Brands need a purpose to survive. The stronger the purpose, the more likely the entrepreneur is to continue, even on the difficult days when motivation is lacking.
- Does the idea feed your soul?
- Lead with heart and integrity. An authentic brand is a successful brand.
- What are your goals?
- Establish them! Short and long term goals. Business and personal goals.
Along the way
- Take risks!
- Understanding your relationship to risk-taking is not always comfortable but it is essential to entrepreneurship.
- Evolve and learn from mistakes.
- When a business and brand take off not everything will be perfect but everything will provide a valuable lesson.
- Know when to ask for help.
- Knowing and owning limitations is part of being mindful. It is okay to seek help from a professional for any area of the business that is needed.
Circling Back – Learned Lessons
- The outward appearance does not always reflect what is going on behind the scenes.
- Social media only shows what is skin deep. I remind myself of this whenever I feel lack around where I am with my business.
- Know when to seek guidance from a professional and pay them their valued cost.
- Paying a professional to build a brand is an investment in the success of a business and one that I highly recommend. All professionals have value for the services they provide and it is important to honor that value.
- Network and collaborate!
- Talk about the business often. This has brought in support and interest from many around my brand and business.
- Listen with an open heart and mind.
- I have learned so much about growing a business just from listening to others about their experiences in branding. Even if the person offering advice does not know about your industry, they might still have a great nugget of advice around business ownership.
- Find less judgment in the results and yourself.
- Allowing a business to grow and develop takes patience with yourself and any team members involved. I am learning not to beat myself up when something is less than perfect. Brene Brown describes this transformation of self:
“I am a recovering perfectionist and an aspiring ‘good-enoughist’.” ~Brene Brown
Back to my initial question of how does an entrepreneur find time for themself? Balance is a tricky word, especially for a business owner. It is an ongoing learning process of being aware of your capabilities, knowledge, and energy levels. I am learning how to show myself and my brand compassion as it grows.
Thank you for taking the time to read my first Behind the Scenes Blog. I hope it has sparked the inspiration to take a leap of faith in whatever vision you see for yourself.