Build your own dream

In past relationships, I’ve been told that when it came to their work and success, I have always been beyond supportive. My mother said I have some sort of midas touch with others because salaries seem to double on my watch. I think it’s because I see potential in people and find ways to help them monetize that. There’s nothing more frustrating to me than to see talent lost. But my generosity in this department is getting revamped. If I can be this anchor for others, I most certainly can be that for myself. 

For example, I played a pivotal role in the growth of the last company I worked at – except in that case – it went unnoticed. Others got the praise and I have since been questioning why I continue to put the dreams of others before mine. It finally reached a point where I said enough is enough. 

As they say, If you don’t work to build your own dream, someone else will happily hire you to build theirs.

Screw that. 

If you’re on the boat I once sailed on, here are a few things that played a big part in getting my business set up. 

Dream 

Dream (even on those days when it seems ridiculous). Think about all of things you have to offer and what you’d like to improve. Meditate on it. Believe it. Things will start to manifest. Signs will start appear. It will start to become real. But first you have to give yourself that permssion to dream. You have to believe that anything is possible if you work hard for it. 

Visualize 

Dreaming and visualizing are not the same. You don’t want to stay in the dream phase for too long. Start planning what this business will look like and figure out ways to make it work with your current situation. Who is it serving? Who are your ideal partners? Where would this business exist? How will you build it? When will you carve out the time to plan and execute? Write these down. Move your dream into a solid blueprint and start the process of planning it out. 

Related post: Work prep for the year 

Build

The building part is going to take time. Keep that in mind. A building doesn’t just go up, right? It starts as an idea, which later becomes a blueprint. A foundation needs to be built first. For business, this means possibly getting a lawyer, considering a partner, budgeting your expenses or perhaps getting a business coach. You want to make sure that you have as much done on your end before looking for clients. It’s a competitive world out there. You want to make sure you have it all together. If you don’t, someone else will and they will book that deal. 

When I first started, people assumed I was swimming in clients because of all the connections I made over the years. Turth was, I had a lot to do before I could even get to that place. What can I offer clients if I don’t have all my ducks in a row? It’s a process. Patience is your best friend right now. 

My agency has just become official as an s-corp and it’s been trademarked. We opened up our business bank account and now we are managing several clients. We’ve got our marketing materials lined up, contracts ready, proposal templates, you name it. All of this was done following the three steps above coupled with the strong desire to never work so hard to build someone else’s dream. Mine are just as important and valid in the world, and so are yours. 

Outfit: Bed to Brunch