Friendly Friday: Let Go of Fear

February 3, 2012

don't give up

(Image via Jenna Kaspari)

Every Friday I feature a reader comment from earlier in the week. Today’s comment comes from Courtney Fontenot, who owns Alpha Prosperity Events and responded to yesterday’s post about taking risks. Here’s what Courtney had to say:

“What an amazing post. Thank you for sharing. I struggle with this topic all the time — knowing when to take a risk and trusting that God has given me a talent or specific wisdom about something. I really want to take the risk of doing my business full-time, but I keep waiting for something – a sign – I don’t know. Thanks for the inspiring words. I will create my Faith confession using your words. Thanks for the post. It helps more than you know.”

Courtney, I chose to highlight your comment today, because I think so many of us have been in exactly your shoes. In fact, some of the other commenters on yesterday’s post had some words of wisdom just for you.

Melanie of Luxur Weddings and Events wrote, “As for what Courtney said, I thought that too at the beginning when I started my company: ‘What if something goes wrong? What if I don’t get enough clients and can’t pay my rent?’ And many more such thoughts that stopped me from running my own company full-time… thank god I did take the chance and the risk! It’s not as easy to do as it is to write, though. It takes time, sacrifice and loads of work to make things happen. But if you love what you do, it will be worth it!”

And Teri of Ready Set Wow wrote, “Fear is not a good reason to do or not do anything. If the only thing keeping you from doing something is fear, move forward and do it anyway. Love and much success to you all!”

Wonderful words of wisdom! I have the best readers. And, Courtney, I hope you’ll see that this blog post and the encouraging comments from other readers can be just the sign you’re looking for. Take the leap!

Happy Friday, folks. Have a great weekend. See you on Monday!

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Taking Worthy Risks

February 2, 2012

taking a leap of faith Preston Bailey business advice

(Image via bippity boppity boo)

 

This should be a prayer: God, grand me the ability to know the difference between taking a risk with the talent you gave me and being reckless with it.

As most of you probably know, I created an online event design and planning course, which is taught at colleges across America. But this year, for the first time, I’ll be launching two floral design courses — one for beginners and one for experienced florists.

My inspiration for these courses comes straight from the many emails folks have sent me sharing the same story: they hated their jobs, and so they took a risk and became a florist like me. They write that it was a very scary leap of faith, but that they’ve never felt more alive or happier.

I, too, took a big risk when I decided to pursue floral and event design. Fortunately, that risk has paid off. I believe I owe some of my success to my willingness to let God guide my soul journey. I always knew there were going to be lots of ups and downs and that the journey would be bumpy, but I trusted in God to help me distinguish between good risk and recklessness.

And, of course, I always remember the motivational quote, “When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the things you did do.” That sage advice has helped me take many enriching leaps.

Dear Readers, what risks have you taken that have paid off? Please share your stories. I can’t wait to read them.

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How Do You Know When You’ve Crossed the Line?

February 1, 2012

Preston Bailey business advice don't cross the line

(Image via hpnvsn)

Everyone is a beginner once. And we all have to start somewhere.

Let’s say you hire a beginner to work for you. You take this person under your wing and teach him everything you know. After awhile, though, he decides he’s ready to leave and open his own business. You’re hurt but supportive. That is, until you discover he’s taken a few of your clients with him.

In my case, I’ve never worked for anyone else in the event design business, so I’ve never been in a position to take clients from a former boss. And, technically, there’s no law against it. But it’s definitely a gray area. How do you know when you’ve crossed the line? In your opinion, what’s okay, and what’s stealing? I think this is something a lot of us struggle with — both as employers and as employees.

Dear Readers, have you ever lost clients to an ex-employee? Did you do anything about it? Have you ever taken clients from a former boss? What happened?

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Dear Preston: My Former Boss Is Spreading Lies About Me

January 31, 2012

preston bailey business advice

(Image via Rob Peterson)

Dear Preston,

I am in a horrible situation and don’t know what to do. I am begging you for your wisdom and advice!

I was employed by a wedding planner four years ago, and I realized this was my dream job. I was only taken on for maternity cover and then dismissed as the company wasn’t expanding and couldn’t afford to keep me on. I left on good terms with my former boss — or so I thought.

I had a couple of other jobs at the time as I needed to support my kids (I am a single mum), but all the time I dreamed of having my own wedding planning business. I spent so many nights remembering how happy my hard work made my former brides and how elated I was to be doing that as my job.

So, two years ago I decided that I couldn’t deny myself this dream; I took the plunge and set up my own planning business. It’s been a long road and still is, but I am thrilled to bits at the way it’s going. All of my clients — past and present — have been so happy. I cannot express how good my job makes me feel and how happy my brides are.

Recently, I discovered that my former boss has been contacting all the vendors and suppliers in our area saying that I am stalking her, stealing her clients, etc… This could not be further from the truth. Her business practice leaves a lot to be desired, but I wouldn’t dream of telling the world how she works. I have morals and values.

What do I do? Please help me!

Thank you,
A Sad (but on the way to being a successful) Planner

Dear Planner,

I love your story. Not everyone understands that once you get the planning and event bug, it’s not easy to let go.

My advice to you is to do nothing.

I once had a manager who I had to let go, because he was very abusive not only to my employees but also to my vendors. He proceeded to bad mouth me and my company every single chance he got. I was hurt, and, on many occasions, I thought about calling him out on his behavior. But I didn’t. Most of the folks he spoke to knew me as well, and they didn’t believe his lies. Eventually, it blew over.

You’re not guilty of any of the things your former boss is accusing you. Better still, your brides are happy, and you are happy. This is all that matters. It takes a lot of energy to get involved with hearsay nonsense: why bother? Your former boss will lose steam, and this will blow over.

I want to add, though, that it sounds a bit like you still carry some contempt for your former boss. I understand. I’d feel the same way. But please work on letting go. You’re only hurting yourself. Follow your dreams, and be the best planner you know how to be.

Dear Readers, has someone in your industry every badmouthed you and your work? How did you handle the situation? Please share.

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You Are Your Greatest Asset

January 30, 2012

Marilyn Monroe Inspirational Quote

(Image via Susan Savage)

“Step outside the box.”

I hear this expression over and over again from many of my colleagues. And it always makes me a little nervous.  It feels forced — as if we have to make an effort to be different; we don’t. Let your own individual uniqueness express itself naturally.

I grew up very poor in Panama, and I was forever captivated by all the beautiful things around me that I could not have. This gave me a keen eye for beauty, and this early appreciation has turned out to be a significant part of my work today. Your own life experience is always your greatest asset. Don’t work against it; just be who you are.

And forget about trends! Want to be different? Look within. You’ll be amazed at the many hidden treasures you’re storing.

Dear Readers, what part of your history has helped define your craft and your business?

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