Successful Women Made Here
Our January guest speaker, Ambre Crockett shared with us how she simply was a massage therapist when she realized how unsatisfied she was with the products to use on her clients. Through experimentation she created her own oil blend – not with the intention of going global. But, as her products popularity spread, she had to weigh the risk of taking the next step – and she continues to do so today. She’s now global in 3 countries with her organic essential oil product line expanding into the maternity, baby, and dog arenas in the coming year. WOW! All from a woman who was simply mixing oils in her bathroom and hand labeling her bottles. Not being one to speak in public, Ambre agreed to be our speaker at the January event of Successful Women Made Here in front of attendees. In attendance, Todd Connor of rtv6 who was captivated with her story, then asked her to be his first series piece of “MADE in INDIANA” on ABC The Indy Channel rtv6 airing Feb. 13th at 7:00 pm. Her risk of putting herself out there paid off to now an audience of thousands. What risks are you and/or your business taking to move to the next level? As in life, every decision contains some element of risk. No matter what you do, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong. What’s the risk of your not taking action? Some decisions may appear riskier than others, but those are usually the decisions where you’ll gain the most reward. Making a profit, gaining positive press coverage, increasing clients and/or sales, are all about knowing how much risk to take. It’s plain and simple – if you don’t take much risk, you’re probably not going to have a lot to gain. What are you doing to stand out? And, know that to stand out most likely involves taking a risk – possibly delving into unchartered territory for you. Where others may want to run due to fear of failure – the smart risk-taker keeps their focus on what’s to be gained. But, being a risk taker in business is not the same as being reckless. Why does the word “risk” have such a negative connotation to most of us, implying danger and possible loss? Risk involves learning how to manage decisions and outcomes properly, confronting your fears, and creating strategies for success.
Here are a few strategies to turn risky business into a smart action plan. Take the RISK!
Make your business a niche market: Even huge corporations can’t offer everything for everyone. Go after the market that others failed to spot. There are more people in a niche than you can imagine. Play directly to them. Spot a new trend: Change in a market, economy, community can be viewed as risky or a wonderful opportunity for new entrepreneurial endeavors. The action is to recognize the shift early on, and act on it. This is what’s referred to as a “first mover” or “early adaptor” and will have you viewed as the LEADER in that arena. Make your competitor’s weakness your strength. Smart entrepreneurs connect with their customers’ desires and needs; and build relationships. That quality can help you capitalize on your competitors’ shortcomings and gain you raving fans. List what scares you and then make a plan to do it: For instance, if you’re nervous speaking in front of others – I challenge you to put a speaking engagement of any kind on your calendar NOW. Confront your fears and you will be amazed at the incredible leaps your business will take in the coming months when you no longer let fear dictate how far you’ll go.