Go Where You Grow, Quoyah

It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you. Sigh...neglecting this newsletter is truly my bad. I have a nasty little habit of starting fires and forgetting to either grow them or put them out. However, through therapy, friendship, and deep introspection, I've found that I am so used to fighting and surviving that I've brought that habit into entrepreneurialism, too.

The good news is that habits can be built or broken at any point; but, keep in mind that it's easier to build a habit than there is to break one, so choose wisely.

This article was inspired by my mom Clara Brown who always knew to go where she could grow. Now, I can't tell all my momma's business, but what I will say is that she's made some very hard career decisions based on where she could grow. Growing up, I sometimes questioned her approach to her career, but when she retired right as planned (for the second time at 60 years old), there was a level of restored respect and admiration for her career.

Y'all know me, I'm fluid, creative, spunky, and crass. My mom, for those that don't know her, is structured, logistical minded, whitty, and serious. None of what makes us who we are are good or bad, it's just who we are. She showed me the power of choices, passion, and grit..plus understanding that if something has to be forced or done in haste, it's probably not good for you or you should think through it with a clear mind.

So this article is to my ole' girl, who taught me to go where I grow and that change is really ok (even if it's uncomfortable).

What I've been up to? Ha, I'm so glad you asked (is this me talking to myself now?). I'm going to highlight my top 5 happenings here and then elaborate on my top 2 box below (LOL researcher funny) - you know, just a lil' transferrable skills from abandoned cart marketing LOL!

1. Business is finally consistent, but I'm still trying to find my ideal client.
2. I'm learning how to be a student again, but it's overwhelming when you're still a teacher.
3. I can finally pay my bills on time again and have begun addressing, organizing, and strategizing start-up debt repayment in the meantime.
4. I'm so happy to be traveling for work again and speaking to the people! It's so fulfilling, truly.
5. Life is truly beautiful.

1. Business is finally consistent, but I'm still trying to find my ideal client.

So, #solopreneurship is great, and the original model I had is cool - but I'm learning that consistent business requires consistent systems. There's a few gaps in my business that I've identified and hoping some #grant money comes through in 2024 (or big bag clients, of course). I've ranted about it a few times on my timeline and I really do need a virtual assistant and a few databases. In fact, check out my pitch (that never happened - story for later) if you'd like to learn more about my businesses' needs and what types of funding I need.

It's crazy because I really I've been really in my spiritual bag and God had a conversation with me last year about asking for what I want and only taking what I need. Well, I was slightly disobedient and opened up a line of business that I'd really love to stay away from: individual marketing coaching. Y'all, I love my small business coaching clients, but Lord knows their needs are particular and their investments are super important to them. I think this is something we don't talk about enough in #consulting , especially as a solopreneur.

You only have so many hours in a day and you have to work with clients that either fulfill your wallets, fullfill your purpose, or in my case: boffum ! Small business clients are amazing because you can truly change their lives through your services, but you also have to check you motives, energy levels, and what you can give in that season if you're juggling large clients too (and if your style better fits them - know thyself).

Above is a successful brand launch party here in Atlanta for my client Sunnita Blount, Esq. of Creative EsquiHe r. We had a timeeeee celebrating my client graduating from her coaching program - it took us a year to really understand her needs as a newly solo-practitioner and I couldn't be more proud of how she enriched the businesses of entrepreneurs at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs ! We ate brunch, we laughed a lot, and then had some deep Q&A on how to protect our businesses through her legal services. With 2 client graduations in Atlanta and another coaching client's graduation in San Diego, I had some deep work I needed to do in an effort to sustain myself and pour from a full cup.

I believe it's time to launch my online and on-demand courses that can enrich the lives of small businesses, but also free up my time and energy. So, stay tuned to what that looks like - I think we call it (Un)Limited Beliefs: Marketing Coaching & More! Let me know what y'all think!

2. I'm learning how to be a student again, but it's overwhelming when you're still a teacher.

I'm not sure why we don't have to have CEU's (continuing education units) but I kind of wish we had it in the #marketresearch industry. It's so much change happening in our world, our industry, and with technology that sometimes I feel like I can't keep up. Going to conferences have been the most efficient way for me to learn and to network with other student-teachers of our industry. For marketing, it's a little easier for me to stay up to date because it's my first baby. However...baby 2 is a handful and I'm learning!

Last week, I hosted MRMW North America where I learned so much about the future of #mrx and met leaders from around the globe. I left the conference super tired - after all, hosting for 2 days is a LOT of energy, unless you're boring LOL - but so fulfilled. My colleagues from CultureMRx showed up, and we left with more members than we came with #goals . Also, thankful to Women In Research (WIRe) and Insights Association: South Atlantic for allowing us to collaborate on the pre-conference happy hour and give our our culture guides! I'm learning from the best, and teaching the rest!

All in all, life is really good. I don't have many complaints, if any at all.

My #foundersjourney has taught me that change is inevitable - I can either do it out of choice, passion, and grit - or out of force and with haste.

I am looking forward to the evolution of my business and can already tell it means that I have to focus and approach my decisions with vigor. I'm ready for the challenge - are you?

Sound off in the comments and per usual: thanks for reading #unlimitedbeliefs !