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Business Conundrum #35
Q. One of the reasons I started to read your stuff more seriously is because you admit that you sometimes didn’t know what you were doing in running your business, and that you’ve felt like a fraud at times. I really resonate with that — but I find it so difficult to talk about it.
I’m in a very competitive industry where it could damage my business to admit that sort of thing, and even though it hit me between the eyes when I read your words, I often don’t even admit it to myself. I need to take risks, but how can I get past the fear and isolation that sometimes creeps up on me, that “Oh my God, what did I get myself into? I hope I can pull this off,” fever I sometimes get when putting myself out there?
PowerSmarts #35
A. This question is actually a combination of questions I’ve heard from several people this past month. And each time it’s come up, in very confidential conversations, I can tell the person I’m talking to is revealing something so personal, and they’re positive there must be something wrong with them for feeling this way. That they’re “less than” or lacking in some way.
And when I tell them how often I hear what they’ve just told me — which is quite a bit — they’re dumbstruck, and thankful to know they’re not alone.
Far from it. There are a lot of us out there who have felt exactly the same way.
I’ve learned a lot about small business owners by working with you, talking with you, supporting you, and being one of you — but most of all by being honest with you. Sharing my fears and failures, as well as my successes, and what I learned from them is the only way I know to answer your questions and teach you what I’ve learned. And because I know that no one can know everything, I also know that you probably know quite a bit — you just may have a few gaps here and there to fill in. It’s really not a big deal. But let’s look at what is a big deal.
Here’s what is really important:
You started a business. You had an idea, and you ran with it. Against the odds, and against the advice of probably quite a few people, you stuck your neck out to do something you believed in — and you made it work. That’s really something! Not everyone will or can do that. You did.
You are a business owner. You made something out of nothing. You’re making commerce! It’s the ultimate creative act. (Well, it’s at least one of them.) Do you know how many people have great ideas and then never do anything with them? But you, you did something with your ideas.
I know, you have some bugs to work out, but you’re working on it, right? If you’re reading this, chances are you’re working on your business. So that’s more points for you.
Dang, you’re good.
So now back to the question: how can you deal with the fear and isolation that sometimes creeps up on you, that “Oh my God, what did I get myself into? I hope I can pull this off,” fever you sometimes get when putting yourself out there?
First, you say to yourself, “Dang, I’m good.”
Then, you remember that Marcia told you you’re not that unusual, and all business owners feel like that at one time or another.
And then you buckle down and work like heck to do the best job you can, learning and growing from each new experience. So that the next time you say to yourself, “Oh my God, what did I get myself into?” it will be a bigger stretch, a bigger opportunity, with bigger rewards.
And you will do just fine. Because you are a business owner. And you know how to make something out of nothing.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, thank you for this, Marcia. As always, you nailed it! I’m uplifted for the day. Thanks
Yay, Bonnie! I love that you’re uplifted for the day. And it’s true — you DO know how to make something out of nothing, for sure.
M