Either you decide to go in the shallow end of the pool or you drive into the ocean. Christopher Reeves
Talking with my business buddy, Paula, today I said I’m not a ‘woo woo’ kinda girl. You know woo woo. It’s new age-y, metaphysical stuff that feels, frankly, far out and icky. Although I don’t practice law anymore, I still think like a lawyer at times. I’m a fan of logic and reason, not woo woo. But that’s not to say I don’t believe in the grace of the universe or the power of intention. No one can tell me I didn’t manifest my husband (granted, I should’ve been a little more specific about the details 
)
I believe in the power of thoughts. Words have meaning that is deeper and more magical than we care to admit. Just think of what happens when someones says ‘I love you’. My world glows brighter when my kids say that to me. Probably every mom would say the same. Words matter. because they have the ability to shape reality. Yep, this is kinda woo woo thinking yet it applies to running a business, which is why I bring it up.
What did you want your wedding business to grow up to be?
What I love about the wedding community is there are so many interesting, strong, kind women following their passion and starting businesses. What troubled me is how many are underperforming or struggling to stay afloat. I’m talking wedding planners, consultants and designers who run solo shops. Lord knows, I know from experience, it’s tough to be a solopreneur. So, I wonder why more wedding folks don’t join forces, merge and grow their businesses together.
Pondering, I came to an answer of sorts that I’m testing with you now. There are two reasons closely related to each other: lack of vision and failure to believe.
See your vision realized
Honestly, what do you want your wedding business to grow into? Do you want to stay small? Have you ever thought about growing through merger? How will you know when you’ve succeeded? Visions don’t have to be grand, although the most vibrant ones typically are. Once upon a time I dreamed of seeing my face grace the cover of Inc magazine with the title ‘best innovator’ scrolled across the bottom. Very ambitious vision because, well, they just don’t feature everyone.
Having that dream helped me to do so many things I was afraid of like cold calling corporations early in my business or presenting to a venture capitalist (scariest 10 mins of my life to date). It stretched me for the better. Nope, I didn’t make the cover. I guess there’s still time. I’m happy enough that my hard work was recognized on the pages of Inc and Entrepreneur magazines. You know the old saying, right. No guts, no glory. Well, no vision, no reward. Not a new thought. It just bears repeating.
Pam Slim of Escape Cubicle Nation wrote a thought-provoking post about creating your own standard for leadership. It really got me to challenge myself. While I have a vision for Positively Wed, I still suffer from wanting to be a success in the conventional way. Pam’s provoking question- how to you want to lead your life- got me to puzzle out what success on a very personal, Dina level would look like.
So now, I’m challenging you. Read the article. Answer the question as honestly as possible. Not what your family needs. Not what your husband wants. How do you want to lead your wedding business?
Ya Gotta Believe!
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. And, feel free to call me on this. I tend to believe that women like to be more practical in our thinking. We’ll forgo our vision if it doesn’t seem like it can be reality. Others can dream but we need to keep grounded. Am I wrong? I admit that I’ve thought this way in the past. And, that is crazy because I’m all about empowering others to dream BIG. So, as usual, I’m talking to me as much as you.
Ladies, we just have to believe, and I can’t say it better than that. To borrow an Obama-ism, yes, we can.
Ok, now shoo! Go read the article and come back and share how you’re gonna lead your life and business.
PS Once you get your leadership list, the Power of 100 challenge will help you realize it. Come back next Monday, the 29th, will ya?
