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Grow Your Business by Being Yourself

Have you ever felt like you were doing everything right, but it just didn't feel like authentic?
This is exactly how I felt in my business for few months.
 
Let me explain, I have spent TONS of time researching business techniques and methods for doing "all the things" I thought I was supposed to be doing to grow my business. Then I started to realize that somewhere my personality and my style got lost in madness. I found myself trying so hard to be like other successful designers and business owners that I forgot about what makes me.......ME! 

One time, I was talking to a friend about her branding colors, and she told me, "I don't really like these colors, but they are popular." As someone who specializes in helping soloprenures build their personal brands, I know this a red flag. If you don't like your brand, if you are not inspired by your brand...it's going to be REALLY tough to work everyday. If your brand doesn't speak to you on personal level it will be almost impossible to speak to others.
 
This is the same way I felt a few months ago. I had lost that connection to my business/brand because I was trying too hard to emulate the successful biz women that inspired me.
 
Now that I'm on the other side of this little situation I can see the changes I made to fix the problem. So, I thought I'd share with you, in case you find yourself in the same situation.

1| KEEP YOUR EYES ON YOUR OWN LANE.

We all do it, and we all know it's ugly. You start looking at others in your field and then we start comparing ourselves, and it never ends in our favor. We end up sitting at our desk feeling miserable because so&so is better at their biz. And it's just silly. They are DIFFERENT, not better. So just knock that shiz off and stay in your own lane!

2| PLAY UP YOUR STRENGTHS.

Business is way more fun when you are working within your strengths. For example, if you don't like writing blog posts try making videos. A lot of times people tend to try fix things they are not good at, instead of showing off the things they are really great at doing. Wouldn't you rather spend your time doing things you are good at?

3| INFUSE YOUR STYLE WITH YOUR BIZ

I've been planning to get updated headshots and branded photos done for my business and I started pinning some super professional outfits with heels and skirts. YOU GUYS.... I wear jeans and TOMS every single day of my life. I don't even own heels or a pencil skirt. Heck, I don't even have a pair of slacks. I would be miserable in those outfits. 
 
The point here is be YOU! Don't wear shoes you hate. Don't use colors because they are trendy. YOU are the face of your biz, make sure it looks like you.

4| GIVE YOURSELF GRACE.

Listen, you might not know everything there is to know about email marketing or building your following. And, that's ok! Stop beating yourself over not having all the answers yet. Take one step today and one tomorrow, and remember that EVERYONE started at the bottom. 

I love Emily Ley's blog and her book, Grace Not Perfection.  It's about celebrating joy, and giving ourselves a break! 

5| GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO CHANGE YOUR JOURNEY

Sometimes we get so caught up in our vision for the next year or five years that we lose the joy in our work. Have you ever thought, "that sounds fun but it's not in my plan." I know, I have.

When you start to lose the joy that comes with your work, then you know you are not following your true passions. 
 
Don't be afraid to adjust your sails, there is more than one way to get from point A to point B.

Since I've made these changes in my perspective, I've seen tremendous growth in my business. Not only do I feel better about my business and myself, for that matter. I have also produced some of my best work and attracted the most amazing clients.

 

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