We, Not Me
I received quite the lashing after yesterday's post. In short, I made the argument that the brutal statistics about how most businesses fail have less to do with the risk of owning a business and more to do with the business owner’s competency in running a business. We can be the most gifted person in the world at our craft, but if we don't know how to run a business, we're toast. One of the primary responses I received was that it's not easy for business owners to know how to do everything.
That's my point! Yes, thank you! Running a business is extremely difficult. However, instead of throwing our arms in the air and playing victim, we need to take accountability, show humility, and have a heart to grow. It's not about "just be better," but instead growing in the areas we need to grow.
There is another thing, though. Business owners often act as though they are on an island, and everything rides on their ability to individually figure it out. Business ownership can be lonely, but luckily, it doesn't have to be. While I've been hungry to grow in my skills as a business owner, I've also had the mindset that I need to bring people around me to fill in my gaps (of which I have many!).
So, today, I want to give you a little glimpse into my world and the people I've intentionally (and sometimes unintentionally) surrounded myself with to succeed (and hopefully thrive) in business:
Paige and Alyssa, my former and current assistants, who have helped me create structure in my days and have joyfully taken on many tasks that I'm frankly terrible at. These two changed my life!
Jordan, who has been my right-hand at all things graphic design for many years.
Tom, for being a trusted business mentor, willing to answer all my stupid questions in my early years.
Carlos, who taught me about pricing methodologies and helped me create a suitable work environment that's free from my most detrimental distractions.
Michael and Ashley, who helped me learn bookkeeping and standard business accounting practices.
Travis, who intensively taught and fueled my new passion for unit economics.
Cole, who brings his passion for audio and video to bring the Meaning Over Money Podcast to life. He's also the person who believed in me more than anyone.
TJ, who taught me the art and science of unreasonable hospitality.
Rebekah, who pushed (shoved!) me to be more professional in my marketing practices and relationship-building.
My corporate clients, who repeatedly push me out of my comfort zone and force me to view business concepts through different lenses.
Doug, who helps me understand and navigate the U.S. tax system in ways I never even imagined. This one changed my entire world.
Parker, who has excellently and creatively recorded dozens of hours of my professional speaking events.
It would have been lonely doing it alone, but luckily, I didn't have to. If you're like me, you have lots of gaps (the code word for things we suck at!). Yes, learn, develop, and grow. But while you're at it, don't be afraid to bring people into the fold that can help you bring your dream to life. Besides, road trips are more fun with someone in the other seat!
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