By Dr. Farah Laurent, founder of Farah Laurent International Nurse Coach LLC and a New Jersey-based member serving on NAWBO’s National NextGen Subcommittee
Starting and growing a business is risky, however, it is also the pathway to innovation, opportunity and success. A growth mindset, which embraces challenges and learns from failure, is essential. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or thriving business owner, there is sometimes a tendency to overthink, which can keep you stagnant. Sometimes we must take the leap and just start making moves!
Here are five ways to move boldly in business:
Embracing Risk for Business Growth
1. Building a Strong Brand
Risk-taking often involves making bold branding decisions that differentiate your business from competitors. Whether it’s choosing a unique brand name, developing an unconventional logo or adopting a distinctive brand voice, these decisions can set your business apart.
A strong brand resonates with customers, creating loyalty and driving long-term success. Yes, you can be authentic, but sometimes that can be a bit too safe! When everyone is going right, please just go left. People want something fresh and different!
Remember, a strong brand is essentially what people perceive your brand to be! You are the brand! Whether you are the CEO or founder, you need to take the lead of being the face of your brand. You cannot hide behind the scenes and delegate the branding efforts to just your marketing department.
If you are a solopreneur, then you are it! Yes, you can be a bit overwhelmed with wearing all the hats, but branding doesn’t have to be complicated. People do business with people and want to see the real person and human side of the brand for connection. Whether you are selling a product or service, people want to be part of a tribe! They want to belong and support something the aligns with what they value!
You can build a brand even on a small budget. You just need the courage to show up and show out!
2. Enhancing Online Social Presence
In today’s digital age, having a robust online presence is non-negotiable. This means taking risks by investing in social media marketing, engaging with audiences on new platforms and even addressing controversial topics that align with your brand values. These actions can attract a larger, more engaged audience, leading to greater brand awareness and customer loyalty.
Get your phone out and start recording videos, making social media content. Stop with the excuses! You do have time to create content, it is a choice! Challenge yourself to a 21-day LinkedIn daily video post and see what traction you get. Remember, if people do not know about your product or service, they cannot buy it. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, you better work that room at those networking events, and stop holding up that wall!
Be known as the authority in your specific industry by being a thought leader, writing articles and appearing on podcasts. You want to create your digital imprint, so you stay top of mind, and you are well known. As Gary Vaynerchuk says, it is all about Day Trading Attention! If people see you consistently, then you will create the “know, like and trust factor” that makes it easier for people to do business with you.
3. Increasing Visibility
Visibility goes far beyond online presence; it includes participating in industry events, speaking at conferences and collaborating with other businesses. Volunteer to serve on a board! These activities can be daunting, but they place your brand in front of new audiences, increasing your reach and potential customer base.
4. Networking Effectively
Networking is a powerful tool for business growth, but it often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Building relationships with industry leaders, potential partners and customers can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations that can drive your business forward. Be BOLD and be memorable!
5. Promoting Yourself
Self-promotion can feel uncomfortable, especially for those who fear being judged. However, it’s essential for business growth. You must be your own cheerleader and articulate your value! Shift the focus onto your purpose and why your service and or product can help make an impact. If you believe that your business can transform lives, and that you are providing such an irresistible offer, then you won’t feel salesly!
By showcasing your expertise, sharing your success stories and highlighting your business’s achievements, you can build credibility and attract more customers. Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with your audience. So please go out there and tell your story.
The Importance of a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is crucial for entrepreneurs because it allows them to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Instead of fearing failure, they embrace it as a steppingstone to success. This mindset is essential for risk-taking because it fosters resilience, creativity and perseverance.
Obsess Over Success
Fear of judgment and failure can paralyze an entrepreneur, preventing them from taking necessary risks. However, it’s important to remember that every successful business has faced setbacks and criticism. Stay in a positive space and continue to envision success and nothing but abundance.
By focusing on your goals and learning from every experience, you can overcome these fears and continue to push your business forward. Surround yourself with positive people who belong to the “what if it works” crew and who will continue to support you on your entrepreneurial journey!
Taking risks is an integral part of business growth. It requires courage, a growth mindset and a willingness to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. By building a strong brand, enhancing your online presence, increasing visibility, networking effectively and promoting yourself, you can position your business for long-term success. Remember, the most successful entrepreneurs are those who dare to take bold risks and learn from every experience.
Have the audacity to move boldly because remember “Fortune favors the bold!”
About the Author…
Dr. Farah Laurent is THE Nurse Career Coach, author, entrepreneur and speaker who is passionate about empowering nurses to achieve their career goals and start up their business. With a background as a former emergency nurse, educator, leader and professional development expert, Farah is a true trailblazer in the nursing industry. As the proud founder of Farah Laurent International Nurse Coach LLC, she provides unparalleled career guidance that forces nurses to level up, transform their confidence and land their dream role! Check out her website here. Also, tune in to “The Nursing Dose with Farah” on LinkedIn, YouTube and Spotify where she interviews guests on various nursing and business topics!