09/16/2022
Dear Potential Small Business Owner,
I'm practicing a few things of late, and renewing my commitment to my own business. As I track down this elusive feeling / knowledge / experience / goal and somehow capture it into manageable actionable items (read: bit-sized/"baby steps", aka: "things I can wrap my muddled brain around accomplishing, one. at. a. time"), I realize that I could get a lot of benefit out of "hanging" many of these "concepts" on the framework of a blank business plan... And, I thought of you.
Last week I was surprised with a hug out of nowhere from a dear friend who spied me - while I fumbled with my umbrella, bag, cash, and produce - and as usual delighted me by her thoughtful conversation style. In just mere moments, she'd authentically shared about her day and highlights of her life since we'd last connected, as well as the obstacles and struggles that were part of it all, that also make anything worthwhile possible. And then, just as efficiently, asked me great questions and listened intently to my full answers. I left feeling "seen", "heard", and all the other wonderful ways a dear friend - and good conversationalist - makes one feel. *This concise, generous, authentic, confidence is what we need to distill our message as small business owners.*
And all of this made me realize that I have something to offer, and how will they know if I don't offer it? They'll never know if I don't do the work to clarify, streamline, and share about what I have to offer. Of course I'm riffing off the social media sound-byte trend: "How will they know? They'll never know." - in a complete other direction. But still. I've been in business for almost 10 years now, by myself, starting from nothing and with nothing, and am still doing the work, and getting paid, and paying myself, and paying others for the things I delegate, and paying my overhead to "keep the lights on" in this business. And even I need to write a new business plan, and do whatever it takes to "get this thing off the ground" let alone to keep on "keeping the lights on".
Besides, what about "what light me up?" That may not be the same thing as it was all those years ago. And I'm certainly not the same person, nor is my energy, nor my willingness to spend my energy in certain ways. Reminder to self - and to you: Whomever, wherever, and whatever you are, YOU ARE VALID.
"Here goes everything!!!" As an old friend once encouraged me to consider when I embarked on something that I worked hard for... Instead of "here goes nothing", he reminded me to consider that I could replace my anxiety with confidence by simply remembering all that I am, and all that I'd put into where I'd gotten, would not become moot, or be in any way invalidated by my simply choosing to move into another direction. That rather, everything leading up to that point was not insignificant at all - in fact it ALL was going with me into that new direction. That I deserved to feel good and confident about taking whatever step I chose, because I chose to. And that's one piece of advice I'll never forget.
1) Here is a note of encouragement: "Yay! I'm so excited for you! You can do it!"
2) Also, if AOTA/all of the above was TLDR/too long didn't read, then:
* Write it in a business plan and on your calendar in small steps
* Do your thing and confidently own your contribution
* Best of luck and don't forget to reach out to others
I sign off, diving head first into my own "DIY Business" and I'm "Fillin'-In-The-Blanks of MY Business Plan (again)!"
Cheers, happy weekend! May you not live for them much longer, and rather feel enriched and fulfilled in your new path and what you ask of yourself and enjoy along the way!
All my best to you in your endeavors,
Joy
Joy of Living, Co. | Professional Muse | Owner
