The need to reinvent oneself and / or one's business is one that nobody can ignore these days. People's circumstances, relationships and world economic climates are constantly changing. We have to reinvent ourselves and our businesses to keep up with these changes that often feel like a rug has been pulled out from under our feet.
We are living in a competitive society, where only those who stand out, or are the best, or those who engage in worthwhile reinvention strategies, will succeed. It is foolish for anyone to depend only on job security these days. Most individuals have realised the need for reinvention. Some enrol to study further, others follow their passion to become self-employed, and others discover and develop their niche.
As a small town girl I arrived in Gauteng a few years ago; dead afraid of the big city. I asked myself: “How do I, who at first glance, appear to not have that natural stand-out ability, get noticed for what I do?”
This question lead me to my passion: Self-esteem. I ensured I wore my Self-esteem Police-outfit to networking functions. People were drawn to me and were interested in what I was doing. This is exactly what I wanted. The media too became interested and ever since, I have been reinventing myself. Recently a journalist of a fabulous magazine told me she was instructed to contact me to do a beautiful article about the work that I do. I have a regular column in Kuier magazine. I have just completed a manuscript that the publisher had asked me to complete. A number of other fantastic things are in the pipeline. How did all this happen? The answer: The 7 P's and a little guts. You too can get to live your passion.
How you could re-invent yourself or your business
The first step is to recognise when it is time to make the change. Often times this step requires taking a leap of faith. The pleasure vs pain principle is often a huge motivating factor. Be informed. This way one could ensure one gains the knowledge and skills to ensure one is not left behind. Look around you. What are the trends? What are other people or industry leaders doing? What could you do? How could you improve yourself or your product?
The how-to on reinventing oneself or one's business requires Seven P's. These are:
- Planning.
- Passion and Positivity.
- People and their Purpose.
- Persistence.
- PR Power.
- Power of Networking.
- Power of Collaboration.
Planning
It is important to know exactly what it is you wish to change or accomplish. Jot down possible strategies on how to turn your desire into reality. Should you not have all the answers, you could speak to someone who has already walked the distance. Don't lose faith when one strategy doesn't work out. Evaluate why it hasn't, learn from it and do better next time.
Passion & Positivity
In order to reinvent oneself or one's business, it goes without saying that one has to be passionate about the dream one wishes to pursue. On tough days, you could remain positive by visualising your ideal circumstances. Cut pictures from magazines and make a collage. This could be a wonderful motivating tool.
People and their Purpose
We all need people in our lives. These people could be loved ones, clients, business associates or business prospects. It is important to recognise the role of each individual in various categories and to let go of those relationships that drain you and where the only thing that keeps it alive, is your hope that they eventually might support you. Don't waste time hoping. You could use that energy to get closer to your dream by focusing on the right people.
Persistence
Whether one quits a job to become self-employed or whether one would like to make changes in one's personal life, it will be challenging. It is important to have someone or something to inspire one to keep going and to stay focused on those days when you feel like quitting. Starting one's own business often means working all hours, without off days and without a salary. If you believe in your dream, are prepared to invest the hours and persist in spite of challenges, success will be inevitable.
PR Power
Perhaps you could reinvent yourself in such a way that the media would become interested in featuring you or your great idea. This could also assist with getting you to where you want to be sooner. Don't blend in. Stand out.
Power of networking
Networking should be less about business card grabbing, and more about making a connection with fewer, but more valuable contacts. How about wearing an interesting outfit, representing what you do, to the next networking function? Chances are, everybody would notice and be interested in who you are and what you do. Be creative and dare to be different. The downside of networking is that people often waste too much time recruiting individuals who do not like them. The art of deciphering non-verbal communication provides a wonderful time-saving tool. Make it your business to study body language. This could help you identify that a certain look, perhaps means: “buzz off.”
Power of collaboration
Whether your reinvention is on a personal level or in business, consider a possible collaboration. Working with someone else could serve as wonderful motivation, because it often inspires greater creativity. Collaborate with someone you trust and respect; someone who is as committed as you are. Trust your intuition. You were born with it for a very good reason.
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About Andeline
Andeline is an Inspirational Speaker & Trainer. She is CEO of Andeline's Motivational Training, and Creator of The Empathy Awareness Campaign, and co-developer of the new personal and small business development programme: Shine.
To book Andeline to speak at your next event, visit her website: http://www.andeline.co.za ; or contact her via email: selfesteem@mweb.co.za or Mobile: 072 856 0218. |
