Here we are nearly two months into this new endeavor and things are off to a great start!
There is a lot happening that you can’t see here like the branding projects, naming projects, and design projects I’m currently working on. Eventually when they are all finished, they’ll be shared at least in part here on the blog + instagram. For now, I’m deep in the throes of creation.
I suspect that this will be worth WAY more to you if I cover the things I’m learning, the mistakes I’ve made, and the realizations that come with all of that. This week instead of giving you a numbers catch up (though some metrics are growing nicely!), I’m going to share a few things I’ve learned-and screwed up.
First up-a HUGE mistake. One I haven’t yet corrected so you can see it for yourself though it will be fixed within a few days.
Curious? It’s my navigation.
When I labeled the navigation menu items, I was feeling quirky and like I wanted the names to catch your attention. Dumb idea #1. For one, I ALWAYS tell my clients to AVOID doing this exact thing and yet…here I was doing it. Honestly, I have no idea why it seemed so appealing but I can tell you that they will be quickly changed to straight forward, sensible, CLEAR, names so that you can easily navigate things.
Dumb Idea #2
List everything I’m capable of doing ALL on the “roadmap to profit”. A sea of words, too overwhelming for anyone to make it through. This is a result of my feeling a little adrift and not 100% sure exactly what direction I’m going to be taking. One thing I DO know is that my goal is to HELP creative entrepreneurs wade through everything so they can finally conquer the overwhelm that surrounds them creating a business that truly supports them. What I want to do for you is EXACTLY what I’m working on doing for me which is why I’m openly sharing the process and growth, however slow.
What I’m learning…
I still have a LONG ways to go to get over my attraction to Shiny Objects, or in this case, shiny online courses + ebooks. Use some brilliant emotionally charged words, throw in some eye catching images, make it look like you know what the heck you’re doing, and I’m drooling to sign up.
This year, I’m finally getting a grip on this, even if I have more room to grow.
How I overcome Shiny Object Syndrome
- Remind myself that NO ONE knows everything
- THEY learned from SOMEONE ELSE
- I read a TON so chances are, I’m already familiar with the content, even if it calls to me (I just need to be more intentional around digging in and finding out WHY this stuff is still appealing)
- REPEAT over and over again: There will ALWAYS be another class/ebook/whatever. ALWAYS. I am NOT missing an opportunity no matter how hard they try to convince me. It doesn’t mean I won’t miss their particular class (I might) but if I need the info, I will find it again, somewhere, someway, when it’s time.
- Remind myself that I have a business + marketing degree and bookshelves FULL of business books. What on earth do I think they know that I don’t? (My real problem here is that I firmly believe we always have more to learn so it’s so hard to convince myself that they probably don’t know more than me unless they are really, truly, an expert.)
- Remind myself of my goals and ask “Is this what I need to learn NOW?” 99.99% of the time, it’s not. I’m only going to hit “BUY” if it really will get me closer to achieving my current goals.
- Research, research, research. Really read the descriptions and promises-is it just fluffy marketing words that makes me want to know what they know that I don’t? Probably time to walk away. I need PRACTICAL guidance, not lures to meaningless content, which most of it is.
It’s so easy to get caught up in thinking that we don’t have the answers, we don’t know what the heck we’re doing, and that someone else has what we need.
The journey of an Entrepreneur is never ending.
You’ll never know all the answers, you’ll always have something to learn. I know this from personal experience. I think that’s why I’m so easily attracted to enticing offers to transform my business. I just have to keep reminding myself to trust my instincts because they’ve always been good to me in the past.
I know that I CAN DO THIS. I will need help from time to time, but I am confident that I’ve got the skills to do what needs doing. I know that I can help creative entrepreneurs stop spinning their wheels and find traction. It’s time for me to really step into that calling.
** Need some help, encouragement, or a little advice on a project you’re working on? I’d love to help! Want to pick my brain? I’m an open book! You’ll find I’m easily bribed with lunch so let’s get together!
