Putting More You in Your Business

You are the single largest asset to your company. I don’t care how much you have invested into a building or inventory or staffing, you are the reason you started your business and that is a HUGE DEAL.

Unfortunately in society today there are so many stigmas about the kind of people we need to be, how we need to look, what we should eat, what to wear, how to act. And even worse these same sort of judgments come into play in business; how to run your social media, who to hire, what your brand should look like, the story you should tell, how to sell, when to sell, where to sell. The list could go on forever. Today, if all you do is add a sprinkle more of you back into your business, it will be the best thing you did all day.

When selling a product or service we are categorized. You might be the local boutique or the boxed name brand, but those are categories. And once in a category people compare you to others in the same category. Instead of making yourself or your business like what you “think” you are supposed to be like, make it more you. You and you alone are the unique selling proposition. I can sell you a web design and so can a million other people, but if I am constantly trying to blend in, why would anyone utilize my services?

Inspiration Comes in All Shapes, All Sizes and at Anytime

This week has been a wild ride of coffee dates, emails, social media, phone calls, design and blogging. However, along the way I have discovered the people I meet are the reason I do this. I have met boutique owners, a photographer, an event planner, 3 small marketing agencies, another designer, a fashion blogger, a printer, an insurance agent, a banker, someone in manufacturing and the list just goes on. And that was just this week. But if all I do you is tell you the “category” they are in you instantly make judgments. And heck, that is exactly the opposite of what I want to do. I want to draw you out of your business, make you the highlight, the front page and the reason people should come back for more. 

All of these people were special in their own way, with unique gifts, creative communication styles and voices that are all their own. They aren’t cookie cutter and they are genuine. Unfortunately, some of them don’t show those qualities online or in the way they show their business to the world. Some of these businesses hide behind who they think they need to be, when really they should just drop the mask.

The Commandments

Sometimes you just have an experience where you get upset because you just wish everyone you know had just witnessed what you had. Well that definitely happened this week when I met and heard Vicki Clark speak. Vicki is an Organizational Development Consultant and Trainer and she spoke at the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri meeting on Wednesday evening. If I could bottle her up and give you each a dose of her I know you could all use it. She is warm, bubbly, kind, brilliant and funny as hell. 

She spoke a lot about what it means to be a volunteer and even more what it is to be involved in a mission. And I could not capture her enthusiasm if I tried. But, if I can give you one thing that she gave me it was these awesome commandments to live by. I think they are true whether they are guiding your life, your civic work or your career. I hope you enjoy.

1. One size does not fit all – create YOUR own definition of success in life.
2. Take responsibility for your work, your life and your volunteer and civic engagement experiences.
3. Change your thinking: change your life. The average person generates 25,000 to 50,000 thoughts a day. Change your negative thoughts to positive ones and you’d have a happier and healthier life.
4. Fantasize your future but create your game plan for how to maximize the experiences in your life. 
5. Get ready, get set, RISK! Try something new. Step out of your comfort zone.
6. When someone says “you can’t” say “WATCH ME!” 
7. Become financially savvy. Strive to understand finances and prepare for your future. Be involved in philanthropy and learn how to develop resources for issues and organizations important to you.
8. See mistakes as road signs, not roadblocks. If it was good, remember it happily. If it was bad, remember it as a learning experience. Never regret: always improve.
9. Enjoy your LIFE! Have fun. 
10. Give back to others, your family, and your community. Be a force for helping others. You can’t get down when you’re leading others up.