Resistance is greatest at the finish line. Yep, feeling that.
Have you ever read anything by author and historian Steven Pressfield? When I was starting my own biz back in 2015, I came across his book, War of Art. One line has stayed with me ever since:
"Resistance is greatest just before the finish line".
We are only a couple of months away from 2020 coming to a close and —depending on what you sell in your business — you may also be on the cusp of one of the busiest periods of the last 12 months (#HelloGiftingSeason). I don’t know about you, but what I am hearing a lot from my clients and small biz friends, is that there’s this feeling right now that we are staring down a fork in the road.
The two opposing options battling for attention?
1. I'm exhausted / frustrated / sad and I want to just hide until this year is done, and
2. I want to finish this year on a positive note, knowing I did what I could to help my business in 2021.
Which path you choose will depend on so many variables and there is no right or wrong way to go. I do know, however, that when I've found myself staring at a similar set of options, what helped me most was hearing from other business owners. Reminding myself, through their stories, that everyone has obstacles to overcome, that even the most seemingly "successful" people have their own hang ups, their own fears, their own moments when everything turns to sh**. I know when I have sought out these stories, I have been able to clear a little of my mind fog and dial down the stress, letting inspiration and energy take its place.
· How did they begin?
· What have they overcome?
· What do they wish they had done differently?
· What tools, tactics and platforms are pulling them through, even in 2020?
· What legacy do they want to have with their business?
These are just some of the questions I ask my guests for the interview episodes of my podcast (I have a mix of tip episodes, coaching episodes and interviews with small biz owners). In case you’re finding that resistance building in your biz or you just need some inspiration to make it through the last quarter of 2020, I thought I’d share six of these stories, all from everyday real small biz owners who have managed to make it work despite obstacles and set backs.
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In no particular order...
1. Josh Rubin, co-founder Cool Hunting: Almost two decades ago Josh and his partner Even Orensten started a blog with the sole purpose of capturing cool things they were discovering in their day jobs. Flash forward and Cool Hunting has become the go-to resource for the latest in design, tech, travel (#WeWillGetBackThere), style and culture. Listen to Josh's interview.
2. Marawa Ibrahim, founder Paradise, Marawa's Majorettes: What does it take to move a mainly physical business (think record-breaking hula-hoop performances, live workshops and events) online during a pandemic? Based between LA and London, Marawa discusses what 2020 has been like and how she even create a global business based on hula hooping. Listen to Marawa's interview.
3. Phoebe Bell, founder Sage x Clare: Anyone who loves interiors will know of adored homeware brand, Sage x Clare. In this interview Phoebe shares how a random holiday in India gave her the courage to begin her own business, what made her leave a more secure and stable career in law and what drives her to continue, especially during a year when she has had her own health challenges, welcomed a new baby and had to manage supply chain issues due to Coronavirus. Packed full of honesty, insights and tips. Listen to Phoebe's interview.
4. Nick Shelton, founder Broadsheet: At 24 Nick Shelton had an idea for a brand. He has since created one of the most recognised brands and go-to resources in Australia. In this interview Nick discusses the steps he took to make this happen, without any investment, and how he mentally prepared to hear from people who said it couldn't be done. Listen to Nick's interview.
5. Laurinda & Fatuma Ndenzako, founders Collective Closets: For many of choosing to build a business with a sibling would be a challenge in itself. Add to that the idea of opening a retail store months before a global pandemic, having your first baby and working with a range of suppliers on the other side of the globe and you come close to what's been going on this year for sisters Laurinda and Fatuma Ndenzako, the brilliant duo behind Melbourne's Collective Closet. As inspiring and motivating as they are honest and warm, these sisters pack so many tips and insights into this episode. Listen to Laurinda and Fatuma's interview.
6. Julia Busuttil Nishimura, founder Ostro: What's it like to put out your first cook book and have it become an international success, with everyone from Nigella Lawson to Jamie Oliver singing its praises? What's more, how do you follow this up? In this honest chat, Julia goes deep into how she dealt with the fears that come when following up a huge success and writing your second book, what it's like to get praise from your idols and what it took for her to leave the security of her teaching career and begin her own business. Listen to Julia's interview.
7. Chris Crouch, founder Happy Valley: What's it like to run a retail shop in the midst of a pandemic? In this interview Chris Crouch, who previously owned Polyester Records, Candle Records and The Tramway pub, discusses the challenges he's been able to overcome to run one successful retail business after another. He also chats through what he looks for in the brands he stocks (super helpful if you're looking to get stocked in a retail store), how he has been able to build a community for his business and what he did to get online when he was forced to shut down his physical store earlier this year. Listen to Chris' interview.
8. Dinzi Amobi, founder ULO Australia: This interview was just published a few days ago and already has had so much great feedback (thank you!). In this chat with Dinzi, we discuss what it's like to run a business with twin toddlers and the challenges and struggles she had to overcome to even become a mother. We also discuss the impact 2020 has had on her business from production through to the Black Lives Matter movement, and why she felt able to move from a legal career into homeware, kid's apparel and women's clothing. A super honest chat about business with a super lovely biz owner. Listen to Dinzi's interview.
We are all feeling it right now. As someone in Melbourne, where we are into our 7th month of serious restrictions, I've definitely faced my own forks in the road from time to time. And while I'm all for taking rest and getting your downtime, I also hope this blog helps you find inspiration and a little motivation to keep on going. 2021 is in sight and let's hope it's far less challenging than this year!