Today I wanted to share a little bit about a fear of mine. Although I'm not in the place yet with my business where a branding experience is necessary or even financially feasible, I have invested a little money, time and effort into a few branding webinars hosted by the Making Brands Happen ladies, Emily & Lara. To say they struck a cord with me is a vast understatement. They've taught me to be my authentic self, to examine what fires me up and then to translate that to business. Choosing my business name was a big step for me. Sincerely, Ginger Weddings represents my story authentically and I hope it shines a light on the type of service I provide.
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One step in the process of designing my own brand, encouraged by MBH is to list your biggest fears in business. Well let me be the first to say that I have a lot of fears. I'm afraid of letting down clients, of not serving them to my best ability, of missing the mark somewhere. I'm fearful of being unhappy, of not making enough money to support my family or of dissapointing myself. I'm scared of putting myself out there in my community. While I was writing down these fears last night I wrote something down that didn't surprise me at all. I'm afraid of starting before everything is perfect.
I've written about this before but it still scares me because it's such a paralyzing fear. It actually stops be from making things happen and doing what I need to do to more forward. So I decided to get over it and do the hard work.
Obstacles are a natural part of life, and definitely expected in business. It's clear to see what's working against you and so difficult to focus on your abilities and strengths. To get over my obstacle and fear of perfectionism, here are a few things I'm going to do.
I'm saying NO to focusing on what I don't have. I don't have a brand new iMac, an office, photoshop, a gazzilion airline miles, 5 years of experience, 60 hours a week, a finished website, newly designed logo, business cards, collateral, vendor relationships, legality.
Most of these are a work in process, and I am saying YES to optimism and positive thinking. I do have a great attitude, brides who love and respect my work, a strong business education, a laptop that functions, a new opportunity to design florals starting this month, the ability to priorotize, ideas up the wazoo and passion. Boy do I have passion. Instead of staying home and pouting about my office not being finished I'm choosing to head to the local coffeeshop and set up camp for 4 hours and dream big for my clients. That's what matters.
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So that's a lesson I've learned and I know I'll have to learn it again. Choose to focus on what you do have, and not what you don't. Say yes to your future and it'll unfold right before your eyes.
And a note to myself... nothing will ever be perfect. There will always be new technology to buy, trips to lust after and people doing bigger and seemingly better things. It doesn't matter. Keep dreaming big and putting on your big girl pants every day. Work hard and authentic, true, lasting success will follow. Don't let your fears paralyze you.
With a sigh of relief,
Rachel
p.s. How amazing is Lara Casey? When I saw these downloads I immediately pimped out my phone, iPad and desktop with this inspiring image. What a positive message to look at several times a day. Thank you, Lara! You encourage so many of us with your wisdom and ability to sense what we're going through as creative entrepeneurs, moms, and women with hearts for dreaming big. xoxo
You are so right about things never being perfect. I read a lot of business books and one of the quotes that I love is to build your plane while you fly it. People aren't buying your plane - people are buying the destination. In your case, clients are buying gorgeous, seamless events. They are buying an amazing wedding day. The details like branding, client experience and more can be perfected WHILE you're on the journey :)
ReplyDeleteMargaret, thank you SO MUCH. This is just the encouragement I need. :) That's a great quote and so important to remember. Most of the time my clients don't care about my logo or website, but they want to see how I work it! And that's something that can't really be taught. Thank you!
DeleteThe wedding reception planning and organizing was fantastic and full credit goes to the person. By sharing the reception experience by the respective people, this might be useful for the newly engaged couples. The wedding app is an assistant role of wedding planning for your dream wedding planning. It helps you to save the wedding planning time and can plan the wedding easily.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing post! I feel like I needed to read this because it really lifted my spirits! I can relate with so many of the things that you are feeling and it is nice to know that I am not the only one. It is also nice to see how others deal with the same feelings. This business is more than just business. It's art in the making and you only get one shot to make it right with each client. I have so many fears as well, but you have inspired me to keep moving and not let it patalyze me! Keep it up, lady!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Keep moving forward and doing the hard work. It will pay off! xoxo
DeleteMy dear Rachel (yes, after spending all morning doing nothing but reading your blog and pouring through your tumblr, I do indeed feel like you are indeed "my" Rachel) - I've fallen in love with your voice, your authenticity and your incredible sense of style (hello tumblr). You have a new fan, sweet woman, who will be cheering you on from the sidelines!!
ReplyDeleteOkay, just stop! You honestly just gave me tears. Thank you!!! I'm so glad my blog was able to reach you, even in some small way. I checked out your blog-- wow, amazing photos! I'll be cheering you on as well!
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