Hang on for me on this one, folks, because I’m about to compare virginity to being an entrepreneur.
Yes, you read that right.
There’s a thing that happens when you first delve into the land of the entrepreneur. You’re investing a ton of money and not seeing much in return, and suddenly there’s an idea of a side project. “Oh, that’ll give me a quick hit of a little cash. I’ll just go do that.”
I’ve been there. When starting my current business, I still allowed clients to book me in my old business. The money was too tempting, even though I knew it would split my focus. As bills started piling up, it seemed like a guilty sin to say no to a good offer.
And that’s where virginity comes in. Whether you’re currently practicing in a religion or not, you’ve surely heard that most require marriage before sex. At least in the US, that’s not as common as it once was. These days, there’s almost a reverse discrimination – “What, you’re actually a virgin?”
“What, you’re actually holding out for your perfect client?”
It’s not that far a jump. Somehow, as the entrepreneurial culture grew, “holding out” for a life that makes you come alive got buried.
There’s a quote I love.
[x_blockquote cite=”Howard Thurman” type=”left”]Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.[/x_blockquote]
I 100% believe you need to ask your audience what they need and then deliver that. But if what they need does not light you up, you’re doing that audience a disservice.
There’s a magic point where your best client’s needs overlap with your passions and that’s where your sweet spot is.
To live your life with purpose isn’t a luxury as an entrepreneur. It’s a necessity. There are too many other people out there with similar skills to you. If what you’re doing right now feels like phoning it in, you’re failing.
Here’s the beauty of this: what lights you up might not light up the next brand strategist down the road. What puts that spark in your eye makes the next nutritionist sigh dejectedly. And what makes you feel alive might just bore the crap out of the next business coach you see.
You have to be willing to take a stand to have a compelling brand. And that might just piss off a few people along the way. If you’re not making a few waves here and there, you’re so watered down you’ll render your business forgettable. And fast.
