Big Stuff

We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves. – Lynn Hall

I just came back from an eleven day trip that took me to Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.  I spent some much needed time with family in San Francisco.  I had a chance to step back from my work and see where I was headed. I was getting frustrated not at my clients but with myself.

Each week I try to share a lesson learned. This week I learned the power of clarity.  When I stated my business a few years ago, I really had no clue in the direction I wanted to take.  I had this great notion that I wanted to be of service and basically that’s all I really understood.  I started managing social media sites for clients that needed help building their audience.  I did not have any set price or service plan in mind.  I worked hard on building a relationship with my clients and I can honestly say that it worked for me in the beginning.

I would say it took about a year for a frustration to set in.  I felt like the clients were taking advantage of my kindness, but I would never address this concern.  It wasn’t until recently that I realized, it wasn’t my clients that were taking advantage of me, it was that I didn’t value myself to raise the standard.

Lessons Learned:

1. Be clear about what you will or will not do.

People are not mind readers. They will not give you more of anything unless you ask.  In the same token, it’s their right whether they choose to continue to work with you or not once you.   It’s nothing personal, it’s just business.

2. It’s ok to say no.

Sometimes people will respect you more for being honest in what you won’t do instead of saying yes and botching it up.  If you know in your heart you don’t want to take on a particular project just say so. Don’t be surprised when you get frustrated or angry, you had the right to say no in the beginning.

3. You can change your mind.

It’s ok to change your mind. It truly means you are growing.  There is nothing that says you can’t change your mind. Figure out what works and make the change. Don’t beat yourself up!

Quote source: http://www.quotegarden.com/change.html