Have You Built A Velvet Prison?

“I learned to always take on things I'd never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.” – Ginni Rometty, First woman CEO of IBM, systems engineer, business executive

I get that – growth and comfort don’t coexist – but what about those of us who take on challenges in order to find comfort?

Can you handle the anxiety and internal disturbance of learning new things – and more importantly, figuring out which of those things align with your character and business goals?

I learned those skills early in life, making all my own clothes, scaling down adult patterns, and happily creating my own designs at the age of ten…

After writing over 100 original long-form articles, I noticed some patterns in the questions women business owners are asking me.

Many women don’t think they can sell their company and will have to settle for closing the doors someday. If that’s your thinking, you’re missing out on building wealth and leaving a legacy. If you’re not even thinking about your business exit, it is highly unlikely you can make it happen!

I am posing real questions from real women and highlighting the articles that address that question.

Today’s BlockbustHER BrainteasHER:

Theresa was intrigued by my question about ‘hiding in your business’. She owns a seven-figure communications consulting firm and says “I, too, have gotten scarily comfortable in my business. Now, I’m beginning to feel like I’m just waiting for something bad to happen. Is this a real thing or am I just imagining it?”

Here’s the Twist . . .?

Your negative feelings are trying to tell you something, but it’s often hard to trust that signal when your business is running well. You’re making good, steady money, you’ve built a great team, you’re providing an extremely valuable service, and your clients are happy.

You may be feeling successful – and stuck. It can feel like you’ve created your own velvet prison.

In life – and business – we are either moving toward or away from something. Are you moving toward comfort and the status quo, or are you ready for the discomfort of change? ?

It may seem counterintuitive, but the uneasiness that comes with learning new things and moving forward in a new way may lead to a new kind of comfort - one that lets you stop hiding and break out of your velvet prison.

For some perspective, read on…

• Do you sometimes feel ‘just done’ with your business?
• How can you effectively reorient yourself to something new, especially if you consider the transition that created this situation to be ‘bad’, like an illness or business setback?
• What is easy for you but difficult for your clients? Are you highlighting that value or discounting it because that difficult thing seems easy for you?

Now What?

Are you stuck in your Second Act?

Have you built a profitable and valuable business but instead of feeling like there's something missing, you’re feeling like there's something more?

If you’ve built an accounting firm, a law firm, a financial services firm, a psychology practice, or a specialty consulting firm that is generating $1 million to $10 million in annual revenue, you are in a prime market.

Larger firms and companies are growing by buying other firms. This has long been the case, but we’re seeing a higher rate than ever.

I wish it wasn’t the case, but I see too many women who actually lose their company instead of exiting on their own terms. The exit process is filled with pitfalls and complex issues – especially for women.

I’ve built my business as an advocate, and I specialize in helping women founders transition to their Third Act – when you’re ready to do the work you’ve always longed to do.

Work that lights you up… work that is your purpose instead of just a paycheck. ?

Often, to get to your Third Act, you need to exit from your Second Act, preferably with funds from a sale that turns your business into a wealth-building tool.

As your advocate, by definition, I’m looking out for your best interests. I am not taking a brokerage fee, commission, or equity. I am not motivated by how quickly the exit moves or the final dollar amounts. I want what you want – and will help you get it.

In my experience, women don't retire; they transition into a new stage of purpose and impact. Whether you are 40 or 60, the idea of retirement may not appeal to you. Just because you can retire doesn’t mean you’ll want to.

Are you ready to escape your velvet prison??

That requires a new way of thinking, new skills, a simple and elegant design, and an advocate by your side. Contact me to learn more.?

How exit-ready are you? Find out at:?https://she-exits.com/

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? The Block Group Inc.