When I first ventured into the world of entrepreneurship (to be honest that still sounds weird saying that I am an entrepreneur as I always associated that title with invention or something completely knew), I had visions of everything falling seamlessly into place. I pictured my business flourishing effortlessly, and I couldn't wait to bask in the glory of my newfound success. I look back now and realise how naive I was because, reality paints a different picture.
The journey of a small business owner is far from the straightforward path I'd imagined. It can be, and often is, a vulnerable space. It’s a bit like a rollercoaster ride – filled with exhilarating highs and daunting lows. There are days when I toil way, feeling like I am breaking through, only to be met with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I'd be lying if I said there aren’t many moments of frustration and impatience.
Perhaps one of the most exasperating aspects of this rollercoaster ride is hearing others in a similar situation or industry share insights and knowledge that I have too. We are speaking the same words, sharing the same valuable information, yet, while they are or have experienced growth and success, I still feel like I am searching for that turning point. It's a good thing I don't give up easily!
If you don’t already know I have a speaking event coming up. One of my hustling ways to get my name out there, grow the business and pursue my passion for mindset and life coaching. I had grand visions of lots of attendees, and tickets selling like hot cakes. But as the event draws near I’ve realised this isn’t the case and a more intimate gathering is what I am expecting (which I am actually ok about now). I’ve always known that getting your name, brand and business out there is difficult, especially when you are selling a service, but doing something about it is the first step.
What my event has highlighted for me though, is the importance of multipliers in my life. A friend introduced me to this term recently and it makes complete sense to me and my journey (and I'm sure for some of you also). For those new to this concept, multipliers are the people in your network who go beyond the surface-level support. They don't just attend your events or casually nod in agreement with your ideas. They are the driving force behind your journey, the ones who actively push your brand and business forward. Multipliers possess a unique ability to transform your vision into reality. They are the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. Through their unwavering support, these individuals play a pivotal role in helping you reach new heights and achieve your entrepreneurial dreams. These are the extraordinary individuals who not only show up at my events or support my endeavors but also bring along the crucial extra people who help propel my brand forward.
Multipliers don't just attend your events or purchase your products – they actively participate in your journey. They share your work on social media, introduce your business to others in various settings, and help it reach an audience you might not have access to otherwise. Their role is not merely supportive; it's transformative.
From a social perspective, I've also come to appreciate the magic of multipliers when it comes to making new connections. Think about children in a playground – they effortlessly approach each other, make friends, and forge connections without the baggage of skepticism or competition. Yet, as adults, it's almost as if we build walls around ourselves, closing ranks and guarding our connections. Social multipliers enhance lives and friendships, they are the connectors, effortlessly introducing you to like-minded individuals who can bring immense joy and enrichment to your life. They don't hoard their connections; instead, they willingly bridge gaps and unite people from different walks of life, recognizing the beauty in diversity and the potential for synergy.
The world needs more people who are willing to be multipliers, breaking down these barriers and actively supporting one another. I've found that females, in particular, thrive on connection. We need these connections not just for personal fulfilment, but to succeed in the business world. By being multipliers, we can uplift each other and pave the way for more women to succeed.
In my own journey, I've encountered extraordinary women who have been and continue to be my multipliers. They've not only shared my work but have actively promoted and championed my business. It's a testament to the incredible potential that lies in women (and men) supporting women. To my multipliers, I hope you know how incredibly grateful I am for you.
To those who have ever doubted themselves or felt the weight of vulnerability in the world of business, I want to emphasize that multipliers can be your greatest allies. Embrace the support, reach out to others, and don't be afraid to ask for help. I also want you to think about how you can be a multiplier for other women in business. It could be sharing a social media post, tagging someone in an article, recommending someone to a position or just simply giving someone a chance when they are trying to break into a certain environment.
Pride aside and selfless plug here, if you want to come along to my speaker series, (it’s not just for females either) here’s the info - https://events.humanitix.com/connect-female-speaker-series
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