As a kid, did anyone ever ask you want you wanted to be when you grew up? When I was really young I wanted to be a ballerina, then I wanted to be a doctor, and then finally I wanted to be a merger and acquisition lawyer. You can blame John Grisham’s books on that. With each choice my parents were very supportive of my ambitions. When I qualified for Jeopardy tryouts as a kid, my dad drove all the way to Houston for me.
Now, as you look back on your life, are you building a company that reflects your interest? See, we live in a world/society where it’s very easy to get caught up with what the jones are doing instead of what we need to be doing. I remember when everyone wanted to be real estate agents, insurance agents, boutique owners, jewelry store owners, hairstylist, MUA’s, and everything else under the sun because it was and is trendy. Here is the thing about trendy things, the only people who thrive from doing trendy things already have a passion for them. Their interest are reflected in the company they have built.
Looking back on my journey, I always wanted to be a boutique owner and then I was one for a few years. I eventually became really passionate about small business and women business owners. That then led to blogging and finally to creating digital products and consulting under ICB Consults.
Who Are You?
I know society says you need to focus on being one thing, but who are you? We don’t need a politically correct person who stays in the lines. Who are you as a person? What makes your heart sing? What could you not live without? What are your favorite things to do? When you talk, what do people say your extremely passionate about? What is your favorite food? What movie could you watch over and over? If you want a company that truly reflects your interest, even as you grow as a business owner, you need to know who you are.
Business Models
Know who you are and where your passion lies. It’s important to find a proven business model that has worked; then adapt it to your business. I’m not advising you to copy it verbatim it terms of launching, website, social media, and product style. It means there is a proven track record in that industry and you need to learn from it. People are buying what you want to sell but from other people. You need to figure out how you can get that same audience and others to support you.
It Takes Time
No business is an overnight billion dollar sensation. It may seem like a company appeared out of the blue and just started winning; it prevailed throughout the years in the garage, spare bedroom, and the countless rough nights. When your business reflects your interest and it’s not just trendy be patient.
If you’re thinking of launching a business or re-branding your current business, make sure it truly reflects your interest as a person before you become consumed with the money aspect.
