The hardest part of running a business is starting it.
It takes courage to put your work (and yourself) out there and say: this is who I am, and this is what I’ve created!
You know what they say about courage, right?
Courageous people aren’t without fear – they feel the fear, but they do the scary thing anyway.
You might find yourself looking at me, or anyone else who’s been running a creative business for a while – who has attained some modicum of ‘success’ – and you may think ‘sure, it’s easy for you to put your work and yourself out there – you know you’re going to kill it!’.
The truth is far different. Every single one of us feels fear and uncertainty – no matter what stage we’re at in our business and creative journey. Yes, it might lessen somewhat, once you’ve had a number of wins (and plenty of losses, let me assure you!) but that self-doubt never goes away totally.
I think that’s what keeps us real – what keeps us honest, and driven, and vital.
And that’s what today’s podcast is all about.
I sit down to chat with my friend, colleague, and all-around awesome lady Kirsten Devitt of Each To Own about her business and creative journey – about creativity and courage – about fear and self-doubt. We delve deep into the murk of our minds, and we touch on some profound truths about creativity and fear.
Oh, and we laugh a lot, too. My gal K is one funny lady!
If you’ve ever thought ‘my work isn’t good enough’ – or, even ‘I’m not ready or good enough’ – this episode is for you.
Quotes and highlights from this Episode:
- As creative entrepreneurs we all have face that nagging worry of ‘are we good enough’ and ‘can I do this??’.
- Sharing your work, and in essence yourself, with the world is is terrifying.
- Don’t feel that you can’t open your shop because it isn’t perfect.
- Share it with the world, and revise along the way.
- ‘You’ve got to be brave enough to just put things out there.’ – Kirsten
- You’ll make mistakes along the way, it’s part of the process.
- There will be times you graduate to the ‘next level’ of success. Celebrate those moments!
- Also, celebrate those around you. Don’t expect anything back. Just be nice, give someone the opportunity to savour some positive feedback.
- Take the time to show customers you care. Handwritten notes will go a long way.
- Take the time to create personal connections with customers.
- Ignore the pressure social media puts on you to create and cull the perfect life.
- ‘Don’t compare your inside, to someone else’s outside.’ – Jess
- Be genuine in your social media interactions. People can tell if you aren’t be authentic.
- Displaying your life and brand as totally without flaws will not allow for people to feel connected to you.
- Strive to stay positive in your social media presence. Without being phoney, create a nice pleasant environment for fans and customers.
- Don’t be afraid to ask people for help when you need it!
- “It’s nice to be important, but its important to be nice!” – Kirsten
- To see more of Kirsten’s amazing work visit her website or Instagram.
- How do you maintain confidence as a creative in a world that likes to compare?
Download/Listen to this Episode
(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)
P.S. There are a few minor swears in this one! You have been warned 🙂
