For some reason in the biz world of women entrepreneurs, there is this negative thought pattern around having “tried” one too many businesses. Now, I am not sure where this was born from or why we have it in our heads that it is unacceptable to have had more than one business or that by trying different things means you’re a failure, but it just isn’t true.
And, because I recently had lunch with one of my favorite long time business girlfriend’s who was thinking of starting a new venture herself and made the comment… “I don’t want to be that girl who has had one too many businesses,” I knew I needed to do a post on it.
This comment really struck a nerve for me. I am sure it did, because I have struggled with this same thought myself in the past.
So, lets clear a few things up, shall we. Who cares what anyone thinks in the first place… I know we all want to be professional and be perceived as “successful,” but if you are authentically following your heart, who in the world can put that down? I mean seriously.
You’re successful because you tried! If you don’t follow your heart and do what you really want to do… that is failure!
Is there something in the rule book that says you are not allowed to try things? Is there something that says you have to know exactly what you want to do and stick to it?
As entrepreneurs we have an exceptional gift… we get to discover what we love and don’t love, along the way.
When it comes to being an entrepreneur, you have to be willing to get out their, launch your ideas and give it try. It’s like the sayings goes… you don’t know, unless you try.
The next time you are fearful of trying a new biz idea or venture, for fear of being labeled that “girl” who has tried one to many ideas or businesses, let it go. Focus on the possibilities of following your heart and be grateful for the lessons that will be learned in jumping forward.
I have been an entrepreneur for a very long time, somewhere around 17 years. Yikes… ok that was scary just typing… feeling old right now. Anyway, I have learned some very valuable lessons from each venture or idea. And to be honest, these lessons have made me the marketing and business strategist superstar I am today.
Had I not ran an Errand Service, Bookkeeping Business, Women’s Networking Organization, and Marketing and Website Business, my business coaching would not have the impact it does today… not to mention I am a licensed Life Coach and can teach Yoga.
Am I going to go hide this information and feel guilty about my amazing life and business ventures… NO. This is what makes me so successful today. My experiences directly impact my coaching and consulting clients.
This is the same for you! Stand strong in your experiences and ventures. We don’t need permission from anyone but ourselves to follow our dreams and go after what we crave. And guess what, we get to change our minds whenever we want.
So, when your next idea hits or you find yourself wanting to steer your path another way, because what you currently doing, just isn’t feeling you up on the inside, go for it… the worse thing that could happen, is not going for it!!
Now, who wants to join – The Girl Who Had One Too Many Businesses Club? It’s awesome here. 🙂
Very good article Amy! I have heard others label people like this and it was almost as if to say, “well, here she goes again” with the implication that she was destined to fail because she had not succeeded yet. As you said, the only failure is in not trying. Thanks for the reminder not to put any conditions upon your success!
Thanks Dawn!
Totally needed this today… I have had my business for 8 years and I am feeling the pull to do something else but everyone else has their “2 cents” to put in and then I second guess my decision to move on.
Listen within Rebecca… I have been in your shoes and remember getting everyone’s two cents… some would be for it and there were always some who thought I was crazy for even thinking about it. Give yourself permission to play and test this something new, it doesn’t mean you are giving up or walking away from what you have already built. Wishing you great joy in whatever you chose! Smiles, Amy
Wow! So glad I found this post! This me to a “T”. I am on my 5th (yes, 5th!)direct sales biz and that’s exactly how I feel. I just have yet to find my perfect fit, but I have been so worried about what I am perceived as. NO MORE! I have learned so much from every company I have been a part of, and that will ultimately make me a success in my perfect company! Appreciate your words.
Thank for this post! I too suffer from being concerned that I’m not being creative and innovative just unfocused and fickle because there is this unwritten rule that you should start a business and stay there forever. I’m work on choking out those thoughts and your post helps!
Follow your dream Darlene… your intuition never guides you wrong and when you’re being called a different direction, I say follow it! The beauty of being an entrepreneur is we get to play with all aspects of what we love! 🙂