10 years sounds like a long time, but it flew by in what feels like no-time. I’m not one to stop and smell the roses. I’m typically running a zillion steps ahead to what’s next. But, this milestone hit differently.
10 years ago, my kids were 6 and 9. I was newly divorced. My life was kind of a hot mess. I was completely burned out from climbing the ladder and pushing thru the glass ceiling as one of very few women executives. I spent decades at Fortune 500 businesses + two start-ups. I started a non-profit, shared my time teaching and advising. I had given my heart and soul and was ready to apply that passion and expertise to build a business of my own.
But then the fear crept in. Could I really do this? What if I fail? What if…My mind was constantly spinning. The self-doubt and imposter syndrome were like little gremlins on my shoulders. I contemplated going back in-house. It was so tempting – the money, the benefits. It was all there for the taking. It felt like the “safe” choice at the moment. (Hindsight is 20/20 – nothing is “safe.”) But, I’ve never taken it easy or played it safe. The road less traveled has always been more my speed. That constant pit in your stomach – like when you realize you’re on a double-black diamond and have no clue how to ski. The challenge fuels us as entrepreneurs.
In 2013, followed my dream to start my own business. I had big ideas, but no clue what I was doing. I couldn’t see the path forward. I didn’t have funding or a big master plan. I just knew the problem I wanted to solve and who I wanted to solve it for. Over time, I learned… a lot. I fell down, I got up, I kept going. I am forever grateful to my husband, kids, business partner, A Team, LinkedIn and Instagram communities and everyone who has supported this hella crazy journey. I have never felt more inspired, motivated and optimistic. I live in a growth mindset – curious, listening, testing, observing, refining, evolving. I have learned so much. Here are some “truths” I’ve learned along the way.
10 TRUTHS OF GROWING A BUSINESS
- You can only change an open mind.
- Your brand is your business and your business is your brand.
- Know your value.
- Your North Star vision is the rally cry that gets you to your destination.
- Focus on what matters most to the customers that need you the most.
- Relentless optimism is a gift.
- Building emotional connections creates customers for life.
- What you don’t know is more important than what you do know.
- Being the unrivaled market leader is the most efficient way to grow.
- Speed is the ultimate competitive advantage. Giddy up!
What would you add to the list?
Thanks for being part of the Growth Street mission to make every business unrivaled.
Here’s to the next 10 years…GIDDY UP!