IMM March/April 2021 Self-Care Issue

Page 1

MAGAZINE

Seven Self-Care Strategies for Every Entrepreneur

VALERY Whitfield: DISCOVERING YOUR

INNER TALENTS Golden Goudness with Bethany Robertson

March/April 2021

*Forming Her Foundation as an MUA

MAKING SPACE FOR THE CULTURE:

Sheba

Kamisri

innovativemindsmedia.com


AD

Valery Whitfield, Entrepreneur and Makeup Artist, smiles ahead at a bright future. Full interview on Page 12. 2 | IMM Magazine


TABLE OF CONTENTS

08

07 Editor's Note

12

08 Discovering Your Inner talents By Dominique Winfield 12 IMM Exclusive: Forming Her Foundation with Valery Whitfield, Entrepreneur & Makeup Artist By Matia Johnson-Buggs 16 Making Space for the Culture with Sheba Kamisri By IMM Magazine

16

20

28

20 Golden Goudness with Bethany Robertson By IMM Magazine 24 Seven Self-Care Strategies for Every Entrepreneur By Tiffany Poe 28

24 34

36

The Top Ten Fears of Entrepreneurs and How to Overcome Them By Micah Santiago

IMM Magazine | 3


Rest Rest your your body body the the yafana yafana spa spa way. way.

AD

4 | IMM Magazine

Yafana WELLNESS SPA WELLNESS SPA


Editor-in-Chief Matia Johnson-Buggs

Creative Director Executive Producer Contributing Editor Graphic Designer Art Director Design Editor Staff Writers Contributing Writers

Taylor Klein Marcus Daily Kelsey Carter Dayna Elefant Wesley Sherman Patti Lawrence Cassie O. Lopez, Tania Marshall, Tiffany Davis, Emilio Cruz, Derek Hough Tania Marshall, Dominique Winfield, Micah Santiago, Ashley Dapiaco, Monique Johnson, Tiffany Poe

Contributing Illustrator Dayna Elefant

E DITORIAL OFFICE 11411 Lake Arbor Way, #1111 Mitchelville, MD 20721 info@innovativemindsmedia.com IMM Magazine is published content created by Creative Expressions Group, Inc. www.innovativemindsmedia.com

IMM Magazine | 5


A L L O R A AUTUMN WINTER '21 IN STORE NOW 6 | IMM Magazine

ALLORA.COM


editor’s note

Are you tuned in? Innovative Minds Media has recently launched our podcast! Listen to us on Apple Podcast, Google, Spotify, and a plethora of other platforms. Join CEO Matia Johnson-Buggs as she brings motivational pieces, branding and marketing vibes, and special guests. Also follow us on our handles below:

Hey CEO! Welcome to our second issue of the year! This issue is super special to me for two major reasons: Reason #1: The beautiful Valery Whitfield is gracing the cover and I could not be more excited! I have known Valery since our days at Northwestern High School, circa 2001 (this is back in the day when JayZ’s song “Big Pimpin” was playing in rotation on the radio”) during our high school choir days. She is a Washington, DC based makeup-artist and has been a close friend of mine forever (and even was my makeup artist for my wedding in 2019), and I am floored when I think about her growth over these past 20 years. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the beauty industry, and in her exclusive cover girl interview, she dishes on what it took to start her brand and how she maintains a peace of mind daily. Reason #2: Self-care, self-care, SELF-CARE! How can entrepreneurs feel good while building their startups? How can we operate in the ultimate self-care package as a lifestyle, and not just a sometimey-thing? Our two featurettes can answer this question wholeheartedly. I had the pleasure of interviewing two beautiful entrepreneurs who address their need for self-care and how they are being empowered through their brands in the meantime. Sheba Kamisri of the podcast Afro Beat Woman, who has written for the magazine before, and Bethany Robertson, CEO of Goud Melanien, a beauty and fragrance self-care line. In this issue, we also address the importance of building a habit of self-awareness, tackling those habits that scare us, and ways to discover your inner talents. Your entrepreneurial journey, however many difficulties you encounter, is meant to be enjoyable, and that joy must first start with you. So cheers to you CEO, and enjoy our self-care issue! Best Regards,

facebook.com/InnovativeMindsMedia/ instagram.com/innovativemindsmedia/

IMM Magazine | 7


Inner TALENTS Discovering Your

BY DOMINIQUE WINFIELD

8 | IMM Magazine


Self-care is all about taking care of you, but how can we take care of “us” when we are too busy trying to be the perfect entrepreneur? We all feel pressure to be perfect at times. Whether that pressure is real or perceived, it can come from within us, or those we keep close in our circles. Although deep down we want to be successful, perform well, and be admired or respected, the reality is that there are some things we are just never going to be good at no matter how hard we try. In reality, the goal is to not be perfect, but to make progress. What is the definition of progress? Progress is described as forward and onward movement in a positive direction. Instead of fixating on what we aren’t great at, what if we shifted the focus to our strengths and unique skills and leveraged what we are good at to achieve real success?

FIND YOUR FORTE

Start mapping out your passion by asking yourself some thought-provoking questions. Make sure to write your answers down either in a journal or a dry erase board (so it’s visual). What do you love to do? What makes you feel the most

confident?

What is blocking you from living out your dreams? Describe a time when you know you inspired others? What are some of your short-term goals? What, or who, brings out the best in you? What are some of your long-term goals? Write a list of two things you can have completed at the end of every week. What tasks or activities do you get the most excited about? (continued on page 11)

IMM Magazine | 9


Alpha D E S I G N E R

S U I T E S

ALPHADESIGNERSUITES.COM

10 | IMM Magazine


Inner TALENTS Discovering Your

CONTINUED

Here are some of the advantages of embracing your inner abilities and finding hidden passions: THE THRILL OF DISCOVERY:

Ever have that rush feeling that comes with the joy of learning something new? That’s what the thrill of discovery is. Finding out new passions and talents can create a sense of wholeness.

THE THRILL OF RESEARCH

Have you ever channel surfed and come across a recipe that you absolutely have to try? You buy all the ingredients, you set your oven to 350, and that watermelon casserole comes out delicious. Okay, we don’t even know what watermelon casserole is, but you get the drift. By making that one dish, you realize, “Hey that was kind of cool. I need to try cooking recipes more often,” and you become one with past episodes of Top Chef. Then before you know it, you are on Instagram and Pinterest looking for new recipe ideas. A little research can jump-start your new talent right into gear.

THE THRILL OF ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR WORTH

Regularly feeling that you produce solid, meaningful work can lead to increased sense of pride for what you do and the ability to recognize just how valuable you are. Discovering new talents is like peeling an onion; you are made up of all these different layers and your talents are endless. Why not go deeper into what’s really at the core of you?

Happy Discovering! IMM Magazine | 11


Forming Her

Foundation A COVER INTERVIEW WITH ENTREPRENEUR, VALERY WHITFIELD By Matia Johnson-Buggs

12 | IMM Magazine


Valery Whitfield, with her love of all things beauty, is the premiere makeup artist for parties, events, and illustrious weddings in Washington, DC. The caliber

of her resume speaks volumes, as I am one of the clients who can vouch for her artistry during my wedding in 2019! Her platform continues to expand as she develops her crafts and talents, keeping God at the forefront of her life. Through two decades of knowing this incredibly driven entrepreneur, her passion for beauty, creativity, and maintaining mental health just keep growing, and I’m floored to be able to have a front row seat. Find out more about this ambitious makeup maven.

IMM: You’ve been in the MUA game for almost nine years. What was your experience with your first client? VW: I cannot believe it’s been that long and that I would still be doing makeup today! Starting off, eight years ago with my very first client, I was super excited, yet very unsure if I was doing the right thing with taking on clients. I became accustomed to only doing my own makeup, so I felt a lot of anxiety and self-pressure when it came to doing makeup for others. My fear was that I would not be able to deliver on the look they wanted. I can honestly tell you that while I did my first makeup application on that client, my hands were sweating and shaking. I was praying in my head, and I questioned everything I did from the eyebrows to the foundation. Thankfully, I began doing makeup at a time where the average girl was not wearing more than lip-gloss, mascara and eyeliner, so anything extra I did for them seemed amazing. Of course looking back on old photos I think to myself “Why Val?!” But it helps me to see that I have grown in my craft tremendously. IMM: How did Val’s Makeup Artistry begin? VW: Originally, I started my makeup career with “MakeupbyVal”, and then I switched to “BeatbyV” before I finally decided on “Val’s Makeup Artistry.”

This name demonstrated that makeup is a form of art that evolves without any limits. It is an artistry that allows me to be creative. I found myself in the makeup industry due to my love for creating art and seeing the before and after process of my work. On my 25th birthday in 2012, I had went to the MAC Counter to get my makeup done. This was a time when hardly anyone was doing their own eyebrows or knew anything about highlighting and contouring. Pretty much, if you didn’t go to MAC to get your makeup done, you weren’t taken seriously, it was just the thing to do those days! I loved my makeup for my birthday so much, that I had to learn how to re-create the look, more specifically my eyebrows! Long story short, I learned and perfected everything until I knew how to do a full-face makeup look. The goal was to learn how to do my own makeup, but over time with the positive reinforcement of family, friends, and even strangers complimenting my makeup and asking me to do theirs, I felt compelled to take a leap of faith and just do it. As I grew in my craft and my business went through the name changes, I felt led to expand my brand to the bridal and print/editorial side of makeup. That is when I truly felt that the services I offered represented “Val’s Makeup Artistry.” (continued on page 15)

IMM Magazine | 13


LOOKING FOR A FELLOW WOMEN-BOSS LOOKING FOR A FELLOW WOMEN-BOSS TRIBE TO JOIN? TRIBE TO JOIN?

r u r o u o y y s ' t s ' I t I o t o t e e m i t m i t e n e i n h i s h s 14 |

INNOVATIVE MINDS MEDIA MEMBERSHIP INNOVATIVE MINDS MEDIA MEMBERSHIP OPENS SOON. STAY TUNED FOR MORE PENS SOON. STAY TUNED FOR MORE IMMO Magazine DETAILS! DETAILS!


IMM: What is your favorite television show and tell us why. VW: I love this question! Years ago, I would have had a million answers for you, but TV just isn’t the same anymore. So, these days I’m just excited to watch Married at First Sight or 90 Day Fiancée. I enjoy these shows because it takes so much courage to marry someone within 90 days or better yet, at first sight. I am someone that takes calculated risk, but these shows make me laugh, cringe, and admire them all at the same time. IMM: What social media systems have you set up in your business to help it grow? VW: Right now, my go-to social media system is Instagram. It is the best form of free marketing and promotion ever! I have a Facebook account; however, most of my clientele come from IG. A good hashtag will take you places. IMM: What is your biggest fear as an entrepreneur and how do you overcome it? VW: My biggest fear as an entrepreneur is not having passion for my craft and losing sight of why I started in the first place. There are some days I just don’t feel like doing makeup! However, I don’t want to be motivated by the money because it will begin to show in my work. To keep me focused and with ongoing excitement, I make sure that I continuously expose myself to “what’s new” in the industry and network with my fellow MUA’s. This keeps me motivated and excited to keep pushing through. It’s the support within the community for me. IMM: If you could work out with any celebrity, who would it be, and what would you ask them for advice? VW: I would work out with Rihanna! She’s not even someone that appears to go all in at the gym, but is still able to stay fit while eating whatever she wants while running several businesses, particularly her cosmetic and skin care line “Fenty Beauty.” I would ask her EVERYTHING! She would be sick of me! But I would really want advice on how she started her own cosmetic line, the motivation behind it, how does she balance everything from entrepreneurship to personal life and more.

IMM: How do you think being an entrepreneur has developed you? VW: It’s developed me into being a risk taker as well as leaning more on my faith with Jesus. In any business you will learn by trial and error but you must learn to keep going even when things don’t look promising or in your favor. I have learned that fear will not take me anywhere, so taking risk and leaning on my faith is the only way for me to obtain any growth and success. IMM: What does self-care mean to you, and how do you put Valery first? VW: Self-care is MAJOR for me! I’m also a licensed mental health therapist, so I am an advocate of prioritizing your well-being. Although I use cosmetics and makeup brushes to do my work, my most important tool is me. If I am not fully functional or in good shape, I am useless to my clients. Therefore, I put myself first so that I will be useful to everyone I come in contact with. My self-care routine includes massages, facials, eating my favorite food, listening to music, traveling, exercising, and organizing my space. IMM: What is next in store for Val’s MUA? VW: Up next, I plan to incorporate my skills as a therapist into my makeup sessions. With clients, I find myself talking to them about life, relationships, or whatever is presently on their minds. I have found that as makeup is a self-care routine for many of my clients, it is also revitalizing for them to decompress and talk about what they are going through while they are in my makeup chair. Both fields of work go hand in hand, so it is my hope to incorporate the two and offer a service that will include life coaching with their makeup application. It’s different, but much needed I believe for the times that we are living in right now. Book your next glam session with Valery at valsmakeupartistry.com, and follow her on IG at @valsmakeupartistry.

IMM Magazine | 15


Podcast episodes of Sheba’s podcast, Afro Beat Woman.

16 | IMM Magazine

CULTURE:

Making Space for the


Entrepreneur Highlight with SHEBA KAMISRI of Afro Beat Woman By Innovative Minds Media Magazine IMM: What is your definition of a Media Cultural Strategist? SK: A media cultural strategist to me is a person that builds the table they want to take a seat on. Before outrightly proclaiming this title as a passion project through my media pursuits, I now use the missing pieces mainstream media often gets wrong about people who look like me as my anchor in each professional task. IMM: You are no stranger to hard work! You have a podcast, Afro Beat Woman. How do you come up with content? SK: Each podcast production is a therapeutic process for me and most importantly, it’s informative. The topics are easy to come up with if the guest is well informed on a particular topic. I also ensure my guest that I provide resources about a subject through links and

much more so that the podcast isn’t just an analysis of social or business issues. IMM: How do you stay true to your culture? SK: Through my contributions professionally and privately, I trust I am doing the right thing; however, I am open to criticism.

Staying true to my culture has been a process of unlearning to learn, and, most importantly, I implement the lessons I have learned over the years. (continued on page 19) IMM Magazine | 17


French Connection 18 | IMM Magazine

C'EST LA VIE, MON CHERIE | FRENCHCONNECTION.COM | MONMACARONS


IMM: With juggling entrepreneurship, how do you promote self-care and beauty? SK: For me, self-care is a

IMM: What does it look like for you when “women support women”? SK: I think of maturity when I think about women supportterm I recently became ing women. With maturity, comfortable using. I once there’s always going to be a believed it was a term used significant level of progress. In only by the uber-wealthy and my opinion, I believe the presout-of-touch people. Now I ence of egos stunt all forms of know it’s a necessary lifestyle real progress. However, not for everyone. I listen to busieveryone will get along, and ness podcasts like Innovative that is okay, but to tackle tasks Minds Media with Matia Johnprofessionally, I think it is esson-Buggs and The Business sential for continued success, Tool Workshop with Paula which is the overall message Mugisa. I listen to audiobooks concerning “women supportand most recently have started ing women.” implementing what I learn. My self-care involves learning and IMM: You have written for implementing, and when I’m IMM Magazine before. How not doing that, I’m catching up do you come up with ideas for with family and friends. magazine content? SK: I use my personal page as IMM: Make yourself a listener a test for content ideas I post for a moment. What would on my business page. I use the you say stands out the most strategies that have worked on about your podcast? my business page and impleSK: Each episode is different ment content strategy ideas and tackles social and business from professionals that have issues. It’s unpredictable, and been in the industry for years. that’s what I like about it as a listener. I tackle social issues, but I also tackle business issues and provide resources.

The critical thing to remember is that the content you create is to inform humans, not some random algorithm that changes too often. I stick to what I know will work from the people that support me through engagement and ignore trends because they never last. (View Sheba’s article in the November/December 2020 Holiday issue, “5 Easy Steps on Gaining Social Media Followers). IMM: What do you want your audience to know the most about you? SK: I am very old school in that I believe great conversations should lead to action, not just great content for social media because it defeats the platform’s purpose. That’s what I love about supporting Innovative Minds Media; not only does this platform inform, but it also engages through events and highlights similar women also making waves, and together they are powerfully intentional about the spaces they create.

To keep tabs on Sheba, follow her podcast on Instagram at @AfroBeatWoman. IMM Magazine | 19


Entrepreneur Highlight with

Bethany Robertson of Goud Melanien By Innovative Minds Media Magazine

20 | IMM Magazine


Golden Goudness: IMM: HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME FOR

GOOD MELANIEN?

BR: Goud Melanien is inspired by African and Black Americans

and the way our melanin is vital and golden. I wanted to highlight and honor my origin. With Goud Melanin flowing through our veins, and with our ancestors from Africa, I wanted to translate my brand into African languages.

IMM: HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTO BEAUTY AND

SELF-CARE?

BR: Like any young girl, naturally I have always been interested

in beauty and cosmetics. My recent inspiration has come from today’s cultural shift into social media. I have always been in tune with self-care as it is beyond crucial in regards to taking care of our mental health!

IMM: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OWN BEAUTY AND SELF-CARE PRACTICES? BR: My personal beauty and self-care practices consists of taking bubble baths with lit candles and listening to music. I style my hair and do my makeup even when I’m not going anywhere! I do love a good nap too! I travel often to take a few days away from everything so I can clear my thoughts and reboot.

IMM Magazine | 21


CEO and Founder, Bethany Robertson, with her must-have scent.

IMM: TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. WHO IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE AND WHY? BR: Goud Melanien targets melanated men

and women between the ages of 25-44 who love to smell fresh and can appreciate a good quality fragrance!

IMM: CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU

COME UP WITH YOUR PRODUCTS?

BR: Several things inspire me. I take inspiration from nature, fruit, and flowers. I blend different oils to get a hint of different scent profiles in each fragrance.

IMM: OUT OF ALL OF YOUR PRODUCTS,

WHICH ONE IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVE?

BR: My personal favorite would be the Olori fragrance! It’s a date night fragrance that I would love to just bathe in! It is luxurious, bold, and sensual.

IMM: AS A LAST WORD, IS THERE ANY BEAUTY OR WELLNESS ADVICE YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? BR: I would tell people to take time to immerse

themselves with the fragrance wheel. Scent composition is different for everyone and it is important to know which key notes blends with your natural chemistry!

The lovely smell-goods of Goud Melanien. Take your pick, or pick them all. 22 | IMM Magazine

From massage oils to fragrances, visit Goud Melanien at www.goudmelanien.com to purchase something special today! And keep tabs on Bethany and her brand on Instagram at @goudmelanien.


MON DAY• O C . Y A D N

CHOCO

O M E T T A L .

LATTE

W W W

ICE CREAM

IMM Magazine | 23


Seven Self-Care Strategies for Every Entrepreneur By Tiffany Poe

AS AN ENTREPRENEUR, YOU ARE ALWAYS ON THE GO. You barely make time to take your lunch break, especially if you are already working a 9-5 job. Therefore, what do you do when you are too busy being stretched between your real job and your passion project? It is very easy when you are in the thick of your business to neglect yourself. Do not let this be the norm though. Use these seven self-care tips to help jumpstart your personal self-care routine: 24 | IMM Magazine


1 2 3

Shower and Get Dressed: This seems weird since we are now living in the constant state of working from home, but why not? Getting up in the morning, taking a steamy shower, and getting dressed actually boosts your mental activity and gets your brain ready to take on the day. So trade those pajamas in for a comfy sweater or some jeans.

Get Up and Get Outside: During these pandemic days, we get so used to staying indoors. Do yourself a favor and cut off the computer, cut off the phone, and go outside to get some fresh air? Not really a winter fan? If you have a balcony, take a chair out there and get big whiffs of the outside air. Increasing the amount of fresh air you have can provide greater clarity to the brain, promoting optimal function whilst helping you to think, focus and concentrate better.

Develop a “Me-Only” Routine: Normally when the alarm clock goes off, we are already on the go. We reach over and grab our phones without even a mere breath to thank God that we woke up or even a chance to be silent amongst our surrounding. We have to put the brakes on being so busy. Carve out necessary time for yourself throughout the day. Make it an appointment on your calendar, just as you do with scheduling your creative content. IMM Magazine | 25



4 5 6 7

Use Your Community: Many entrepreneurs abandon dreams prematurely because they become stressed due to primarily working by themselves. Don’t come to the party solo or suffer in silence. Reach out to other entrepreneurs on social media platforms, or even start a self-care/ self-help mental group for entrepreneurs. You’ll be thankful for the community amidst the pandemic, and also the collaboration opportunities!

“Am I Okay?” Have you asked yourself this question lately? Take those moments throughout the day to access what you have been through. Ask yourself, “Am I Okay?” When we take a moment to decompress from the day, our minds are able to tackle any tough decisions or emotional turmoil we might have missed from being too busy. Make a habit of journaling the answers, so when the same problem arises in the future, you have a log where you can look back at the solution.

Take A Vacation: We’re so busy working for our 9-5 and brands, that we often times forget to incorporate some vacation time into our regularly programmed schedule! Puerto Rico, Tahiti, or the Dominican Republic? Take your pick, grab your girls, and head over to your nearest travel agent to set something up. There’s nothing like a little Vitamin D and some blue waves to uplift your spirits.

Say No More Often: When business is booming and we are making all the right connections, it’s hard to maintain the quality of our personal lives. We often take too many things on when we’re “on a roll.” But learn how to revisit the why and ask yourself, “Should I be taking this on?” If you can’t find a clear cut reason as to why you should be adding something extra to your plate, dump it. Your well-being is more important than being busy! For more wellness and self-care tips, go to www.innovativemindsmedia.com.


28 | IMM Magazine


The TOP TEN FEARS of ENTREPRENEURS and how to OVERCOME THEM By Micah Santiago AS A RISING ENTREPRENEUR, you are faced every day with unpredictable and unfamiliar situations that can take over your mind. “To leave your job, or not leave the job?” That is the major question. But did you know there are other major fears that plague entrepreneurs from reaching their fullest potential? According to www.dictionary.com, Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Below are just a few fears that rising entrepreneurs have, and some innovative advice on how to overcome them:

IMM Magazine | 29


1. Fear of Not Knowing the Business Rome was not built in a day, and neither are successful businesses. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs limit themselves by trying to be experts on Day One, or what’s worse, imitating others without learning the business. This fear, however minor it may seem, has a way of limiting your potential as an entrepreneur. Give yourself the time to do as much research as possible, meaning, taking a seminar or webinar, finding a business consultant, studying other likeminded businesses, joining the Entrepreneur’s Organization, and reading books on how to develop successful businesses. Being as knowledgeable as possible will help you in the long run. 2. Fear of Failing This goes hand in hand with #1. Among not knowing the business, a lot of rising entrepreneurs are afraid of failing. Three simple words can release this anxiety: Don’t Give Up. According to an article in FastCompany, “Why Most Venture Backed Companies Fail,” 75 percent of venture-backed startups fail. If ever you do experience a setback, do some soul searching to see what exactly went wrong, and how you can improve on those mishaps going forward. You may discover a new passion for a project as you go along. 3. Fear of Missing Your Opportunity Anything worth having takes time. It’s important not to rush the moment, and to 30 | IMM Magazine

find grace in where you are currently. That being said, you should never quit your fulltime unless you can match (or overmatch) the salary with another opportunity. 4. Fear of Being Overwhelmed Entrepreneurs always make the mistake of taking on too many projects when first opening up a business. The entrepreneur is not only the CEO & Founder, but also the Social Media Manager, Finance Operations Manager, Blogger, Business Consultant, and Communications Outreach Manager. Basically, a Jack of All Trades, but a Master of Nothing! The easiest way to take some of the hats off is by outsourcing help, whether if it’s through friends, family members, co-workers, or putting an advertisement on Craigslist. Also, getting in touch with local colleges and universities’ career centers to scout for interns is a Godsend! Let them help you do the work! 5. Fear of Not Making Enough Money We all want to quit our 9-5 full-time jobs and immediately make money. In a perfect world, this would be a simple task. However, when you are first starting out, it’s important to have a major passion for what you are doing, because if the money doesn’t automatically come as quick as you want, you will need that same interest to carry on and attract customers until you can make a profit. The key is to budget as soon as you have an idea. If you set aside $50-$100 every pay period, then you have


enough to develop a foundation. Also, consider developing a Price List for your customers, advertise discounts on social media, and network, network, network! At some point, you can barter with another local startup to exchange services. 6. Fear of Not Knowing Where to Begin This fear can sink an entrepreneur from the very beginning. When you have so many ideas going on in your head, it can be hard to develop a clear and concise plan of direction. Never fear. Develop a timeline that can work for you. Most often, drafting up a business plan is the best way to go. Additionally, find someone who achieved success in the business you are setting up. Make plans to connect with the more seasoned entrepreneur and have them explain the ropes to you. That extra set of advice can be lifesaving!

you will attract the right customers to your business. The best way to overcome this fear is to research your market and industry in advance, scout for customer feedback, and orchestrate polls on social media. Approach your business with determination and confidence, while constantly delivering your services in line with industry standards.

9. Fear of Losing Interest This fear happens more often than not. Let’s say you’ve done everything for your business. You developed an awesome business plan, connected with great people, and even brought in a ton of money, but slowly you feel your passion for your dream is dwindling. What is this feeling? It’s known as burnout, and can be the number one killer of dreams for entrepreneurs. The remedy? Take some time off and set up your “out of office” reply. You need to take 7. Fear of Copying some time away for yourself. Go on vacation A successful film director once said, “There’s or take up another hobby while you figure no such thing as an original idea.” This is not some things out. If you come back to the table what any entrepreneur wants to hear, but sadly, and still feel like breaking up with your busiit is true. Almost every new product, service, ness, then there’s a deeper, underlining issue or business model owes inspiration to someand it’s time to do what’s best for you. Seek thing that came before. However, it is NEVER advice from business partners. okay to downright steal another company’s idea. If an idea from another successful busi10. Fear of Going Back to a 9-5 ness sticks out to you, then great, let it serve No one likes to return to something old unless as inspiration for you to brainstorm your own they have no choice. The bright side? Taking magical twist, ultimately developing your own what you learned and making notes of what strategies. worked and what didn’t. If you have to return back to a 9-5 don’t take it as a failure move, 8. Fear of Not Attracting Clients take it as a temporary moment in time to colPart of your main goal as a business owner is lect your thoughts and build up more income, to offer your products and services to people as well as a lesson learned. You can always who are in need of it. It’s a scary thought to return to what you feel the most passionate offer your products and services to the world about, once you collect your head and gather and wonder if they will be valued or whether your ideas!

In closing, whether if it’s fear of failure or being overwhelmed, or of letting other people down along with yourself, it is crucial to overcome these feelings if you want to become a successful entrepreneur. Take ease in knowing that with every change there is a Day One, and in order to move into your destiny, you must simply take one step forward and the rest will come along! IMM Magazine | 31


r o f s d ip n T a n r o i B t c y A M g n i n e an d h t a i w ro

B

32 | IMM Magazine

p gu n i r tne er tics gs, r y l a 1. P luenc g ana hta s a h inf ragin nd a e ds ev l 2. L e tren cia s o y s l U l 3. efu o new r a c int k o o r 4. L ds use nt n e e tr rag conte u o nc ed 5. E nerat mail ge to e n i et ing 6. G arket t! m en ati p e 7. B


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.