live, love, design.
2020 so far: a pandemic, toxic politics, some serious nesting, a newfound green thumb, and a shiny new independent business. That last one is the kicker.
When I decided to go my own way in February, the looming crisis of the pandemic was just beginning to kick in. But I jumped anyway. There’s no need to say it’s been hard. Everyone’s had it rough. But for little introverted, perfectionist, anxious me, excruciating may be a better word.
I knew I needed help, so I decided some coaching was in order. It’s fantastic to feel that I have someone on my side. But while my coach is immeasurably helpful, I still struggle to find and use my own voice. It can be hard to stay true to yourself when faced with doing things in new, sometimes alien ways – like making sales calls.
Before my recent leap I worked in agencies for 20 years. I saw a lot of what works, but more importantly a lot of what doesn’t. Two decades was more than enough time to get crystal clear on what the core of my business must be and how my brand is given voice. Funny enough, it’s exactly what’s at the core of little ole me: integrity, empathy, curiosity and respect.
Sometimes the cliché is absolutely spot-on:
Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Weaving that into Lightdaughter Studio itself is the easy part. Finding comfort and confidence in talking with strangers. Slicing the imposter syndrome out of my head. Selling myself. Those are the hard parts.
So instead of pulling out some inauthentic sales speak, here’s what I’ve come up with:
Quite plainly, if you hear from me, I want to work for you more than I want a payday. If I’ve contacted you it’s because your product is interesting, your company is inspiring, your mission could have amazing impact… And I want to be a part of it.
It’s still scary and bizarre, but it’s slowly becoming more intuitive. The nesting and the green thumb, thankfully, are keeping my sanity in check.