On any given day, it’s possible to hear the words “in this perfect world that I live in” followed by laughter and an occasional eye roll. Deep down I know that it is a natural response. But I also know that it’s a response brought on by those who dare to believe that– whatever idea has come my way – is possible. After all that is how we got here.
Just over two years ago, I was sitting at this very computer. I was frustrated, depressed, and at a loss. It was the first year for the business – just months into its official launch. I was on the hunt for new clients to grow our portfolio. I pressed forward until success was within our reach.
Recently, I was forced to slow down (a small detour thanks to a major surgery). And in the time I was supposed to be healing, I began to think about the year ahead. I found clarity. The last 2 years hasn’t been easy – it’s been more than I ever thought I could handle. And although we have had success, I feel like we are the verge of reaching our real potential. I wake up every morning with the motivation to make each day better than the next – - I strive to reach the next level. I can see clearly – although maybe not so clearly – the goal which in front of us.
And while others may shrug off the vision of my perfect world, those that really understand are already preparing for what is to come.
When I started my business, I knew I was entering a flooded marketplace so I adapted my business model to be different than others in my space. The first 18 months, it was me and my trusty computer alone in a 2500 square foot office. Days were long (often 14 hours) and lonely. I developed the strategy, I took the business to market, and I never gave up. And trust me, there were days when I wanted to. It’s been 3 years of triple digit growth. The days are still long but the office is no longer empty.
For the first time in 3 years, I stopped to look at the competition creeping into the marketplace. One competitor in particular not only used my business model but even incorporated one of my direct quotes into their marketing collateral. A direct quote. In most cases, I would chalk this up to a conincidence. But I knew otherwise. I spent a few hours stewing over the adacity that folks have in business today. I fumed. I stomped around. Dare I admit, I even swore under my breath.
But alas, there is a lesson to be learned here. (As there most always is.) Anyone can steal your words or your business model. However, it is the essence of my brand and my business that can’t be replicated. I trust and believe in the work that we continue to do for our clients. I believe that what we put in is what we receive back. I spent 18 month building the foundation. I layed every brick. And if a competitor wants to come in an steal my blueprints – let them.
Lesson #1: Success isn’t in the plans. It’s in the execution.
Lesson #2: Don’t waste time focusing on your competitors but rather how you will compete.
As I flipped through Bloomberg Businessweek, I came across the most interesting headline, “The rise of the CEO mom has created a new kind of trophy husband.” The article was as compelling as the title. The role of women in the workplace is continually evolving – despite the naysayers. Pew Research Center reported that 23% of wives out-earned their husbands in 2010 and 30-something women were making more than their male counterparts in nearly every city – all but three. The downturn in the economy might have been a factor in this new breed of trophy husbands but certainly not the only factor.
For me, the research represents a changing attitude in the board room and in the household. And it confirms what I have already known to be true – the opportunity is there. You just have to take it. And gender should be the reason why.
Alexander Graham Bell was known for many things. As we move in 2012, I am reminded of one of his most notable quotes, “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”
As 2011 drew to a close, without meaning to, I found myself staring at one door that I closed by choice. I struggled to move beyond it – as though if I stood long enough it would have changed the outcome. The door represented one of my biggest failures this year. Yet in some regards, it may prove to be one of my greatest successes. Only time will tell.
That’s the beauty of the New Year. It took me a week or so, but I now see that which has been opened for me…..and it’s pretty great.
With Thanksgiving just days away, I feel it necessary to reflect on the blessings (albeit some blessings in disguise) that have been bestowed upon me this last year. If you are are avid reader, you have certainly read about the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur is this fickle business environment.
Despite even the most challenging moments, I am thankful for the opportunities that my company has been afforded; the clients that trust us to drive impact for their businesses; and my team who helps make it all possible. I am thankful for those that provide support and encouragement – it motivates me to take action. I am thankful for the naysayers – I am more resilient because of it.
To my readers, I give thanks to each of you. May you each reflect on your blessings whether in business or in life.
Fashion houses set trends that consumers will fawn over and eventually buy. Some bag, borrow, or steal to have the most coveted designer duds. Yves Saint Laurent, Miuccia Prada, and Giorgio Armani captivate the runways at Fashion Week. The latest trends are a tribute to the designers who have passed before. The craft is a homage.
In the last few weeks, the world has been captivated by the trends set by a difference kind of designer – Steve Jobs- known for wearing a basic black turtleneck. The simplicity of his style was the irony of his craft. Jobs was a great visionary with an artful elegance found in each one of his creations. The impact of Job’s loss remains to be seen. Other artists and innovators will, no doubt, pay homage. As consumers, we are still trying to understand the depth of his reach. As a business owner, my appreciation for his leadership, his failure, and his success only grows. Jobs was an example of the possibilities that lie within.
Fashion can be replicated but I wonder….. is it possible to recreate the inventor wearing a black turtleneck and worn jeans?
RIP Steve Jobs.
Filed under: Mary Jane |
Tags: black turtlenecks, business motivation, entrepreneurs, fashion houase, fashion trends, Steve Job's death, Steve Jobs, visionarys, women CEO, women entrepreneurs, women in business
As I took off my Nicole Miller pumps, I realized that the perfect gray canvas was covered with scuff marks. Even leather cleaner couldn’t restore the perfect complexion. Although disappointing, it was almost symbolic. The shoes reflected how I was feeling.
As much as I would like to be perfect, unblemished by the day to day business environment. I am starting to show signs of wear, the marks left by making tough decisions.
But despite the remnants of the day, Nicole Miller makes a great pair of shoes…..And despite the effects of business, I am still the very best that I can be.
By nature (I’m a Virgo), I am the type of person who collects mental notes for pretty much everything. I like to refer to it as mental post-its. The good news is that I can remember all of those pesky details so that I can sleep at night. The bad news is that I can remember all of those pesky details that often keep me up at night.
In order to clear up some space, I am working through the stack of note and filing away to the proper place. It’s become quite a challenge but as I move through the process, I am starting to feel relieved. It’s a lot to carry but I am beginning to realize the value of letting go and moving forward.
As the Fall breeze blows in, let yourself become un-stuck….
As I geared up for the second half of an already long day (getting a mani/pedi to re-energize), I overheard a conversation that reset my perspective a bit. The recent college graduate to my left was detailing her worries about her current job, the re-organization of the company, and how she was going to even find a new job in this economy. She went on to say that she was the first one to be let go because she is young and has little experience.
For the last 2 weeks, I have been caught up on my P&L, quotas, and retooling strategies. It’s not what I call satisfying. It all comes with a fair amount of pressure. To be honest, I have been marginally disgruntled. But as I listened to the conversation, I scolded myself for losing my positive outlook.
My business has grown 300% in revenue to date, the pipeline is filling up again, and I have a solid career experience…and her was this young professional with limited opportunity in this fickle market. And although I remember being in her shoes, the place that I’m in is looking a whole lot better.
I feel a little like Dorothy….There’s no place like here.
A client (and successful entrepreneur) was sharing her struggles in securing investors and was feeling shaken by the process. A few rejections in a row had rattled her. Instead of telling her all of the cliches in the business like “hang in there,” “it will happen,” or “it’s just a few, there are more out there,” I opted to share my own experiences. I told her about the 6 proposals for new business that were turned down for one reason on another. 6 in a row. I too was feeling a little worn and honestly dejected. She looked at me and said “I am so glad to hear that things aren’t perfect for you either.” It was as if my own challenges had suddenly made her feel better just knowing that someone else was in her shoes.
Regardless of the successes, there are times when it’s hard not to get rattled or shaken. Sometimes sharing in the angst can feed the soul and if nothing else it reminds us that the journey is never perfect in the other person’s shoes.
