I have learned a lot about myself since I launched Proposal Planning Academy. I started the academy knowing that I am an expert at creating a successful Proposal Planning business. I know that I can absolutely attract clients that are looking to propose to their partner’s and teach other people how to do the same. But what I didn’t realize, and what I have learned from my students, is that when it comes to my business – I truly am fearless.
What does being fearless in my business mean to me? Well, it means a few things. I want to share with you what I feel it means to be fearless in business in hopes that it may inspire even the slightest shift in your mindset to help you grow in your business.
1. Not Being Afraid To Take Risks
I say this a lot but it’s true, when I started The Heart Bandits, people used to laugh at me. They told me no one would ever hire a Proposal Planner and that what I was doing was ridiculous. 10 years later and 4000 proposals in, I can safely say I have proven them all wrong. But when I started the Proposal Planning Academy, more self doubt tried to creep in. “Am I crazy for teaching others how to compete with me?” “What if no one wants to learn how to be a Proposal Planner?” But instead of listening to the negative thoughts, I told them to go pound sand and defaulted to my motto, “the only true failure is never getting started.” I took the risk, I always do, and it is already paying off.
2. Not Being Afraid To Ask For What I Want
I never realized this about myself, but I ALWAYS ask for what I want. Though I am not a fan of rejection and it always stings a little, it doesn’t bother me enough to ever stop me from asking for what I want. In fact, my mom taught me when I was little, “What’s the worse anyone can do, say no?” I really believe this is something that sets me apart from the people that want to be successful but just can’t quite get there. And I believe it is something that a lot entrepreneurs possess that many others do not. This fearlessness gave me the courage to just outright ask the New York Times to feature me, it allows me to get deals with venues and vendors at rates that were not even offered to me because I am not afraid to negotiate, and so much more.
3. I Am True To Myself
How is this being fearless? Well, I think I am a little weird! I am very outspoken, I don’t have much of a filter, and I feel that I am 100% myself to everyone at all times. It is my downfall and my strength. It can turn off people and it can inspire people. I will talk about my messy hair on a Facebook Live. I will warn you that my son may chuck a truck at me during our conversation. I can’t help but keep it real. And I think it takes a certain level of fearlessness to be 100% real in business. I also believe it can also truly add value to your business when you just show up as your real, authentic self and build true, genuine connection.
I want to challenge you today to think of one thing in your business that you can try to work on being more “fearless” about. Is it adding a new service to your existing business like Proposal Planning? Is it charging that higher rate? Is it turning down jobs that don’t truly light you up? And think about how changing this one thing would it transform your business. I want to hear your one thing, so head over to my private group and let me know what is the one thing you can work on. I want to cheer you on!
Follow me on my journey from Proposal Planning expert to educator. I am learning a lot and you will too. Follow my journey here!