photo credit: Alicia Beatrice

Article originally published in Pass/Fail 2020

Trust the process: I started and launched my budding business.  I wrote my first life changing book, sold many copies, did book reviews and spoke with groups of men, women, churches, fellowship groups, etc.  I was told it would take 2 years to see cash flow in my business if I “consistently showed up.”  So, I did.  I blogged like a mad woman, wrote emails to the folks I knew and met, vended with my books at every gig possible, attended all the networking events, was courteous and followed up with every person I collected phone numbers and emails from; consumed every program, course and book about entrepreneurship and online businesses as much as possible.  I even implemented a few things I learned, too.  So why hadn’t I transitioned from a full-time employee to full time entrepreneur after a few years?   That’s was the lingo all the six and seven figure business coaches were saying, right? What was I doing wrong or what was different about me that I didn’t reach my goal yet?  

As it has taken me several years to grow and heal on my journey, I realize it may take me a while to reach my creative and entrepreneurial goals. Social media has people fooled that success happens overnight.  Everyday we see people on social media selling a façade of what success should look like.  Some say, “Wake up, Pray, Slay.” Another saying that floods our social media feeds, “Work Hard, Grind, Hustle.”    But at what cost do you chase your dreams and lose your mind in the process while working one or more full/part time jobs, managing your personal life and/or family while building a business?  It’s not realistic to the unique experiences for every person.  My goal was to build a successful business in 2-3 years, but honestly, I am learning new mindsets and intentionally revisit my failures so I can learn from them and not repeat old habits. The biggest mistake anyone can make is to rush because you might miss some important detail.  Who knows, you might luck up, grow too fast and bust because you don’t have the systems in place to keep up. (uh oh!) Check out my podcast interview for more resources on systems

You might miss the moment to celebrate getting started or launching.  You might miss the moment to celebrate the first time you get your family on board with your crazy business ideas.  You might miss the moment to discover why it’s not everybody else’s fault that they don’t understand how your business meets their needs and why they’re not buying from you and how you can make a simple tweak to start making sales.  (One of my favorites)  You might miss the moment to celebrate when you finally learn that that your business is not about you and what an empathy map is; what your client/customer wants and how to actually find the people who want what you are selling! All that sales talk used to make me roll my eyes. Now I embrace the challenge wholeheartedly. What’s fear got to do with it anyway.

Hear me out and don’t get me wrong.  We all know a business must be profitable or it’s just an expensive hobby. Because the IRS says so.  You get 3 years and you strike out in the game of business if the business is not making money. We all get it. It’s happened to some of the wealthiest creatives and entrepreneurs of our time.  Some have gone bankrupt chasing their dreams. They failed several times, re-evaluated and started fresh again.  I’m guessing they had some pretty rough, late nights too. Some of them are just at the peak of their success at unconventional ages in their 40s, 50s and yes, 60s.  Didn’t you see the headline in the spring of a few years ago? “Rihanna Casts JoAni Johnson, a Stunning 68-Year-Old Model, in Her Fenty Campaign.”  CoverGirl followed suit a few months later: “CoverGirl’s Newest Face Is 69-Year-Old Maye Musk.”

 Then why are you rushing your success?  Don’t mistake not rushing with being complacent and not doing anything at all or complaining.  Trusting the process means being fully present every step along the way; to celebrate the successes and reflect on the failures.  One of my business coaches told me that it’s information to learn from. So who says you can’t end one chapter and start a new one in your life and business? Enjoy every moment and take your time. 

 

It’s Never Too Late to Fight for Your Life and Dreams…

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Alicia Beatrice teaches revolutionary Black and Brown creatives and entrepreneurs how to live their wildest dreams, honor God and build a legacy for their family and community at Black Family Business.

Alicia is a licensed mental health professional, book writing/spiritual/mindest coach, and author of From Exile to EMBRACE: 7 Secrets to Lead a Happier Life Through Love and Forgiveness; From Exile to EMBRACE: Confessions of Successful Women Leaders and Crazy Confessions: Defeat Depression, Dodge Suicide and Dare to Live.  When she’s not writing or teaching, Alicia is usually spending time with her family or finding ways to free her wild spirit and share radical love.

Connect with me 

www.blackfamilybusiness.com

 Facebook & IG @iamaliciabeatrice