10 Skills All Business Babes Need to Master
When I first decided I wanted to have a business I thought all I needed was passion, good intention and the skill sets I would use with clients. I was an independent, purpose-driven girl with high hopes and a bag full of tools & certifications.
Oh how little did I know.
I failed. Epically.
Then, as I got more into the online world of business and marketing, I quickly got overwhelmed by all the things I “needed” to know in order to be successful.
I had officially experienced both extremes. Blissful ignorance and overstimulated need-to-know-everything overwhelm.
So, when Kimberley asked me to share what it took for me to step into being the bosslady I am now, as part of her Bosslady Blog Tour, I was more than happy to share (I know I'm not the ONLY one who has experienced these extremes!).
P.S. In case you’re wondering what her definition of a bosslady is (I know I was curious, especially since it originally gave me an image of someone I am not) …allow me to share:
Bossladies…
Are never catty or bitchy
Give more than they take
Love unconditionally
Always listen to their gut
Keep an open mind
Practice fearlessness every single day
Don’t compete, but collaborate
Connect with other fellow bossladies
Find beauty in the imperfections
As someone who avoided girls like the plague growing up (after being left out, made fun of and judged far too many times) and yet longed to be a part of a group, it’s been an important part of my mission to create a safe space for women to really be themselves.
I believe very strongly that it’s only when we are truly being ourselves that we can fully connect with and express our deepest purpose.
So, without further ado, here are the 10 things I’ve had to master in order to be a bosslady. Ultimately, I think anyone who wants to have a joyful and sustainable business really needs to master each of these.
My hope in sharing these with you is that you'll have some shifts in perspectives and/or an insight into which area you may need to cultivate more mastery around next. I also hope you see a few areas in which you are already well on your way in mastering.
*There is and always will be room for more growth, but be sure to check out #10 (wink).
10 Skills I’ve Had To (and All Business Babes Will Need To) Master In Order To Build A Successful Business
Each of these are big parts of the work I do with clients today.
Tuning into and following YOUR desires & dreams...and creating a sustainable business foundation from there.
This means designing and building the business that you want, not what someone else wants or thinks you should do/be/have. This is essential for joy & ease...and that's what I'm all about. Check in and make sure you're spending your time focusing on things you enjoy doing (at least primarily), with people you love. Not that you need it, but...
Taking imperfect action.
I used to have perfectionist tendencies. Running a business got me over that…fast. Luckily one of the early things I learned while starting my business was that if I waited for things to be perfect I would never put anything out there … and I wouldn’t see any results for myself, my business or my clients. I’ve found that those who identify as artists tend to have the hardest time with this (sorry ladies!).
It’s important to identify which things you need to cultivate a little longer & refine a little more and which you just need to put out there and try, test, and get feedback on in order for them to be refined, or for clarity to be gained. Put this through your own filters and don’t hesitate to reach out for #3 to get some outside perspective when you need it.
Asking for and receiving support.
This might mean asking for support from a friend, family member, coach, mentor, assistant, freelancer, or another boss babe. It also means being open to receiving support when it's offered. If you’re saying “I’ll see how far I can get on my own first” or "I don't want to put you out" or "I should be able to do this on my own" consider this your smack (with love) to the back the head. Quit it. You know everyone you see having big successes that you wish you were having? Yah, they got there because they weren’t trying to do it all on their own.
Don't worry, you're not alone here. I had to get a few of those loving reminders myself (and still do).
Getting visible.
Being seen can be terrifying. The more people that see you the more you can be judged and disliked. But guess what?
The more people that see you, your business and how you can help them - the more raving fans you'll have, the more clients you'll have and the more people you will be helping. You don’t have to promote yourself but if you want to have an impact you’ve got to get comfortable sharing the results that you can help others get and you’ve got to be visible in doing it.
This one is equally as much an inner game as an outer game. All the outward business action in the world isn't going to make a difference if you've got beliefs and barriers around being seen.
Charging $ amounts that will support you, your business and your clients.
If you aren’t creating a financially sustainable business then … what’s the point in having it a business vs. a volunteer job or a hobby. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with charging what you really want to charge or even need to charge in order to support yourself (just make sure you are creating value that makes it seem like a steal!). When you stretch yourself by charging an amount that’s just a smidge uncomfortable, you are giving your clients a safe space to step into a decision that will stretch them as well.
Stretching is good. And, it’s NOT about charging “what you’re worth”… that’s bs.
I used to think marketing was this big corporate, yucky thing. Now it’s one of my favorite things. It’s a tool that allows you to reach, educate, and love up your Soul Mate Clients. There isn’t anything yucky about that, and it’s absolutely essential in order to build a bosslady biz.
Good marketing is all about meeting your Soul Mate Clients where they are at and taking them through a journey, leaving them ready and excited to take their next step (working with you).
Being yourself.
This should be #1, really. If you aren't being yourself 2 things will happen; 1) You will feel unfulfilled. 2) You'll attract others (if anyone) that aren't really the perfect fit for who you truly are. More than likely though people will feel you holding back and won't reach out at all.
Being yourself is non-negotiable in my books (but don’t feel bad if you need help with this. It’s HUGE and not always easy, I needed help with it and so many of my clients). Want to learn more about how to feel confident being yourself (and not care what anyone thinks)? Read this.
Scheduling & Time Management.
There's a big difference between working for someone else and working for yourself. You've got complete free reign (which can be a blessing and a curse). In order for this freedom to be a blessing you've got to create a schedule that's in alignment with your ideal lifestyle (and see #1) and that ensures you're prioritizing your activities and time. Here's 3 ways to get in a productive flow with your schedule + a few behind the scenes of some business babes schedules. This is your time, your life. Make sure you are spending it how you really want. It's possible if you plan for it.
Self Care.
You don’t have to go get a mani pedi in order to “take care of yourself” – self care can look like a variety of different practices and what it comes down to is ensuring you are incorporating time for YOU in your life to do things that support your health (your emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing), whatever those might be for you. *Evaluate your practices regularly. Sometimes something that used to serve you may not be anymore. Switch things up. If you're lucky, it might even look like a trip here.
Dance parties are recommended.
Getting out of your comfort zone.
Notice how this one was last (it’s not you, it’s me). I hate being uncomfortable. But, without getting uncomfortable I wouldn't be where I am now and neither would any other person out there doing what they are truly meant to be doing. It's when you step out of your comfort zone that big (exciting!) changes start to happen.
If you want to learn more about how you can step out of your comfort zone, come join us in the Soulful Success Tribe here.
