What three things do you wish you had known when you started your business? I find this to be a surprisingly eye-opening question – and one you should ask yourself. Your answers will offer you a fresh perspective and clarity, as well as insight into how far you’ve come and the wisdom you’ve gained on your business journey.
Your first thought might be to answer this question from a tactical perspective. When we launch a business, we all learn plenty of things about tax planning, working with a team, investing wisely, or building an online presence.
I encourage you to think about this question from a more personal perspective. Give the question some deep consideration. Perhaps have a dialogue with your team, a colleague, or your family. What have you learned that has made a significant impact on how you run your business?
Here are the answers I came up with – I share them with you in the hope it will jump-start your thinking and create greater clarity for you in your business:
Mindset trumps skill set. I believed this for many years before I started my own business. Yet doing my vision work and seeing my vision manifest in this profoundly satisfying new business, regardless of the skill set I started with, has deepened my faith in this truth.
Success depends on self-development. My commitment to self-inquiry has created a sense of balance in my life. Not only can you include the search for meaning in your business life, it’s key to success in the biggest sense. I tell my audiences that if they were only allowed to incorporate one piece of advice from our time together … it would be their commitment to a daily personal development practice.
Good health is the foundation of everything. My commitment to a regular yoga practice set me on a path to prioritize physical fitness. Over the years I’ve enjoyed rock climbing, lawn bowling, target shooting – I’ve even gone sky-diving! I am stronger today than I was five years ago, and that’s why I can work long hours at home and travel frequently for speaking gigs, without burning out. My work/life balance has never been more in sync, and it’s reflected in everything I do.
Answering this question was a powerful exercise for me. It was fascinating to discover that the foundation of my business is an emotional rather than a tactical one. Yes, the tactical aspects of creating a successful international business are a high priority, but it’s clear that the pace and scope of my success was propelled and continues to be driven by my emotional foundation.
Regardless of your experience or length of time building your Direct Selling business, what three things do you wish you would have known when you started your business?
Some answers could be:
- “It’s way more fun to go fast.” Did you get off to a fast start or did you hesitate due to fear or lack of belief?
- “I can be authentic and effective on social media!” Were you consistent with your LIVES and posting and did you learn new skills to stay current?
- “I enjoy making a difference in people’s lives.” Were you driven by service?
- “Success comes from consistently talking to new people.” Were you consistent in talking to new people or did you only take action when it was easy, fun or convenient?
- “I really can build a successful business!” How big was your belief in yourself when you started?
- “When I follow the system, I see results in sales and sponsoring.” Were you coach-able when you started … or did you reinvent the wheel?
- “Scheduling time for my business is critical for success.” Did you actually calendar your hours of operation, or were you reactive to the whims of your business?
- “My commitment to personal development will push me through my fears.” How long did it take you to focus on yourself and your mindset?
- “Along with the title, I want the volume.” However your company tracks commissionable sales, did you focus on a title and neglect to build the volume that can create sustainability and achievement?
These are just some ideas. I’ll be interested to hear what you come up with as you give this question some thought and consideration. By looking back, you’ll gain confidence about your past experience and lean on it to support you in moving forward faster than ever before.
One thing I know for sure: Whether you are a new Direct Seller, an emerging leader or a top income earner, you can always shore up your foundation with a new outlook.