In business, and in life, it is easy to become susceptible to the notion that the way it has always been is the right way. This notion is an unfortunate symptom of the conformist nature of our society. As long as there have been rulers, there have been rules. And, every ruler in our documented history has considered their rules to be absolute. Because of this, as a society, we have been conditioned to conform for centuries. 

Fast-forward to the modern day of business, and we can see the evolution of that conformist behavior, in what most people would label as a corporate environment. Being a corporation does not automatically classify your work environment or practices as corporate. In this instance, a corporate environment refers to a semi-soulless, cookie-cutter approach to business. There are a strict set of rules, regulations, policies and procedures in place that everyone is expected to adhere to. While structure in business is a must, it also must be adaptable and ever-evolving. This type of environment does not allow for the creativity, open-dialogue, or out-of-the-box thinking required for such adaptability.

It is this narrow-minded way of thinking and practice that is responsible for so many tenacious individuals to stand up and say, “This needs to be done better”. Those individuals dare to stand up to the status quo, to challenge the way it's always been and make room for the way it should be. Those individuals that break away from the mold to create a better way through their own business. Yet, even then, it is easy to succumb to the way it's always been, by allowing external influences to creep into your process.

~You have to give up your personal life to own a business.~

~You’ll always be burnt out if you own a business.~

~You’re on your own when you venture out on your own.~

As a business owner, there is no shortage of external opinions and influences. It is all too easy to allow those opinions and influences to put you and your business into a box; restricting your growth, expansion, and even conceptualization. When you allow yourself to be put into a box, you have conceded any chance of being truly successful, because you have conceded your biggest unique; you. Having a product or service that fills a greater need is only half the battle. Anyone can come up with sellable ideas. What makes a successful business these days is the brand image and the story behind it; what you stand for, how you stand out above the crowd, what makes your business special. The answer to all of these questions is you. By honoring yourself, you provide yourself the capability to honor your business by considering how you can make space for the way it should be. 

I have worked with countless business owners throughout my career, and some of my fondest moments are those in which a client says, “Wait, I can do that?”. These moments can vary in catalysts, but all stem from the client receiving permission or encouragement to do something completely opposite of what they view as the way it’s always been. I relish in these teachable moments, not only for the joy it brings my clients to be empowered, but also because I know they will then pay that knowledge forward, affecting real change.

In the interest of affecting real change, I want to share the top 10 “Wait, I can do that?” moments I have experienced over my career:

1) “Wait, I can put my phone down?”

• Absolutely, you can, and should, put your phone down. Set up DND hours. Replace your social media breaks with nature breaks. Turn your phone screen down so you don’t feel obligated to pick it up every time it lights up. Break the dependencies. 

2) “Wait, I can take a day off in the middle of the week?”

• You betcha! As an owner, your freedoms aren’t limited to creative liberties regarding your business. You’re the boss, and a responsible one at that. It is okay to take a day off whenever you need it. Don’t worry, you’ll still get done what needs to get done. You’ll just do it more efficiently, because you will be rested and rejuvenated. 

3) “Wait, I can change my mind?”

• I would honestly be concerned if you didn’t! Continuous improvement and feedback require us to challenge our present reality by considering different perspectives. If you never change your mind, you’ll never grow!

4) “Wait, I can delegate my tasks?”

• You sure can! In fact, the most successful leaders frequently delegate to regulate; delegate, or outsource, tasks in order to regulate workload. Employees and contractors are one of the most important tools in an owner’s toolbox. Use them.

5) “Wait, I can prioritize my individual needs?”

• It is actually your responsibility, as an owner, to do so. Your business can only be as strong as its leader. If you don’t prioritize your physical and mental health, your business will suffer as much, if not more than, you.

6) “Wait, I can take a vacation?”

• This falls under prioritizing your individual needs, so yes! Everyone needs to take a break, unplug and unwind from time to time. It is essential to our overall health, and therefore, essential to your role as an owner. 

7) “Wait, I can charge my worth?”

• To do otherwise would be a disservice to you, your customers, and your business. Devaluing your worth through service or product pricing or discounts is counterproductive; it devalues the worth to your customer making it a deterrent, it causes your business to forfeit healthy margins, and it turns your business from a passion to a stress-point. Charge your worth, every time. 

8) “Wait, I can monetize my experience?”

• Knowledge is power, and your business is already selling your experience; whether as an advisor, provider, manufacturer, or inventor. Your knowledge is what allowed your business to come to fruition. Everything can be monetized, so long as it fills a need.

9) “Wait, there’s a solution for everything?”

• Of course there is. It may not always be the one we like, or originally considered, but it exists. Finding a solution to an issue or need, requires complex problem solving, open ears, and an open mind. Listen, learn, adapt, and grow.

10) “Wait, I can ask for help?”

• This is likely the most important moment of all to highlight - YES, please ask for help. Being a business owner does not mean you’re expected to know it all from the start. It means you are a passionate, driven, tenacious individual brave enough to break the mold and provide a solution to a greater need. The most successful people in the world got there by asking for help from trusted advisors and professionals in the fields that their knowledge lacked. You are not meant to take this journey alone. You are meant to explore the road less traveled; the path of partnership and support.

Regardless of where you are as a business owner, it is important to continuously challenge the way it’s always been. If you find yourself in an internal conflict about a decision in your business, take a moment to pause and reflect on the conflicting viewpoints. Ask yourself, “Am I conflicted because I’m falling prey to external influences, or is there merit to this concern?”. Remember, you didn’t become an owner to fit in. So, stand out.

When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here for you.