Feather Problems
Anxiety, worry and emotional strain, which subsequently create headaches, sweaty palms and physical attacks? Yes, this is stress, in all of its glory. Not all stress is bad for us, some of it is actually good, in that it keeps us prepared, astute and ensures that we are out of harm. The physical response to tension is stress. When stressed our bodies release hormones, which make us quickly move into flight or fight mode. This serves us well in many instances. However, there are times, when stress can be very bad for us mentally, physically and emotionally, especially as we build our businesses. For us to understand what stress is, we must first identify what causes it. As we build our businesses we often face many stress-related situations. These situations will always remain, the key is to identify the root cause, i.e the problem and move quickly to find a solution. As an entrepreneur, you solve problems, this is what you do, so why not apply the same principle to managing stress. Moving from stress mode to problem solving mode not only makes you a better leader but it also makes those around you calm, trusting and confident to carry out their tasks. A leader who constantly loses control is not respected, therefore it is imperative that you solve problems in earnest, as they arise and with deliberation. Here are a few ways to achieve problem solving mode when under duress.
Identify the problem
Do you know what the problem is? Are you sure you are accurate as to what the problem is? What is creating this problem? Why does this problem exist and how are the best ways to solve it. One must be very emotionally intelligent to identify and solve problems. Understand what your objectives are. Are you identifying this problem to solve an even bigger problem or are you eradicating a problem that could develop into something bigger.By identifying the problem, you know how to find answers. In addition to this, you must also remember the various stakeholders involved and their interest. You will and cannot please everyone, however as long as you are fair, you will gain more allies and get more done!
Outline the Solutions
Now that you have identified the problem and it's source you can now outline all the possible solutions and decide which one works best in this particular situation. It is important to remember that in outlining solutions, it is not about you but rather about the people most affected by the problem. How will you decide upon which solution is best? What will be your process of elimination? List down each solution and the possible outcome of each, is it something that you would be proud of 5, 10 years from now?
Monitor
Identifying the problem and outlining the solutions but what about moving forward? How do you now ensure that this problem does not arise again? Implementing effective monitoring of some kind may be useful. Monitoring is important to ensure the problem is resolved and to ensure that all stakeholders involved are satisfied with the changes. Where there are gaps in the system, find ways to correct them.
The three areas above are helpful in moving from stress mode to solutions mode. Problems are often blown out of proportion, and emotions start running high when there isn't a clear opportunity to solve what is happening. Moving from stress mode to problem solving mode, will help you deliver on your goals and make your business more lean. Eliminating all unnecessary stress is good for your and your business. The next time you feel like you are in a position where your stress levels are high, remember that you are an entrepreneur and your business is solving problems.
Remember every Bird, has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success.
Identify the problem
Do you know what the problem is? Are you sure you are accurate as to what the problem is? What is creating this problem? Why does this problem exist and how are the best ways to solve it. One must be very emotionally intelligent to identify and solve problems. Understand what your objectives are. Are you identifying this problem to solve an even bigger problem or are you eradicating a problem that could develop into something bigger.By identifying the problem, you know how to find answers. In addition to this, you must also remember the various stakeholders involved and their interest. You will and cannot please everyone, however as long as you are fair, you will gain more allies and get more done!
Outline the Solutions
Now that you have identified the problem and it's source you can now outline all the possible solutions and decide which one works best in this particular situation. It is important to remember that in outlining solutions, it is not about you but rather about the people most affected by the problem. How will you decide upon which solution is best? What will be your process of elimination? List down each solution and the possible outcome of each, is it something that you would be proud of 5, 10 years from now?
Monitor
Identifying the problem and outlining the solutions but what about moving forward? How do you now ensure that this problem does not arise again? Implementing effective monitoring of some kind may be useful. Monitoring is important to ensure the problem is resolved and to ensure that all stakeholders involved are satisfied with the changes. Where there are gaps in the system, find ways to correct them.
The three areas above are helpful in moving from stress mode to solutions mode. Problems are often blown out of proportion, and emotions start running high when there isn't a clear opportunity to solve what is happening. Moving from stress mode to problem solving mode, will help you deliver on your goals and make your business more lean. Eliminating all unnecessary stress is good for your and your business. The next time you feel like you are in a position where your stress levels are high, remember that you are an entrepreneur and your business is solving problems.
Remember every Bird, has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success.
Centre of Gravity
Saying no is as equally as important as saying yes. There are a plethora of articles, resources and the like, which repeatedly reiterate the message of saying yes. We are told to say yes to life, say yes to experience and say yes to adventure. What about saying no! Do we deny ourselves the right to say no? Simply because we are too fixated on saying yes? Balance is a necessity to leading a fruitful and healthy life. Obviously, there are times in everyone's life where the pendulum has swung either too far right or too far left. This is a natural occurrence, particularly for the female founder. There is no such thing as "defined balance" because we all lead different lives, with different values and varied circumstances. What works for one, may not work for another and vice versa. Instead what we must first do is define balance on our own terms.
The Centre of Gravity is the place where we can rest comfortably knowing that we have reached an equilibrium, that satifies us. This middle point, this location of somewhere in the middle is where everything meets. We bend, we compromise, we give and take a little all so that we can arrive at this point.
In order to arrive at this middle point, we must learn to say no. I often wonder, as I am sure you do, why it is so difficult for us to say no. It is as if we have some embedded trait that says we must do everything, be everything and want everything. The fact is that this theme of everything is a misleading farce, which only leaves us all spinning hopelessly on the hampster wheel. As persuasion, conversation and style are all art forms, so is the ability to say no. A gentle no is much better than ignoring someone because you are afraid to be honest (which frankly speaking is both cowardly and immature) and it is 100 times more effective than saying yes and being miserable because you later realise you really should have said no. No, no, no and more no! What is our problem with no? Lets consider a few reasons why we think no is some form of evil curse.
Back to the art of saying no. This is a skill. It requires finesse. There are some who have not mastered this and as a result usually end up regretting that they said no. What we do not want are regrets, instead we aim for satisfaction and fulfillment. Here are a few options:
First begin with a compliment and show thankfulness and gratitude when approached. This shows that you are operating from an honest and open place and that you are seriously happy about whatever it is you need to say no to. Secondly, ask questions to ascertain whether this is something you may not have the ability to participate in at the moment or if it is simply just not for you. Third, depending on your position after point 2 above you can either suggest that you take up whatever it is you are saying no to at a later date or suggest that you have someone else that can potentially take your place. Suggesting someone is hugely important because it shows that you care, which you do! It may not be for you but how many other people would jump at the opportunity? Your no, is someone else's yes! Fourth and lastly, be kind. This is not the same as being nice which can appear insincere. Be genuinely kind to those who reach out to you. Relatonships begin and end with kindness and in business if you have no relationships, well, you have no business! None, whatsoever.
Here is the much more important part. How do we know what to say no to. Consider:
Time is currency as we all know. How much of it do you have to give away? Decide exactly how much of it you will give away and when. Once you commit to giving your time, changing you mind later on makes you look fickle, irresponsible and nondependable as well as indecisive. Unless you are content with these labels being ascribed to you, do ensure that you understand what time means to you and then articulate that propertly to others. Get comfortable with time and how precious it is.
Values are the foundation of everything we do. What are your values? The SecretBirds-London community values are clearly listed here. Sharing in particular is very important to us. We have stated that this is what and who we are and we are sticking to it. We want you to do the same with whatever matters to you. Understand in an in depth way what you value, so that when approached you will have no qualms with deciding on saying no. Be so clear with your values that it is apparent to everyone. Show it in your actions and in your speech. Ensure that no further questions are needed. You said no based on your values and there are no further queries needed.
Priorties, we all have them. They are the people and things in our lives that we have decided matter more than anything else in this world. Keep your priorities at the front of your mind, always. If whatever it is you need to say no to is not aligned with your priorities, then you know quickly where you allegiance is held. At the end of the day, our priorities matter to us, because they shape and define us, they are our relatives, friends, children, hobbies, partners and the like. Once we start compromising on our priorities we know that it's time to reevaluate!
We want you to fly so high that you do not have the time to ponder saying no. Your flight is hugely dependent on you being able to expand your wings with the right balance. At the centre of gravity there is no tension, all is perfectly situated. This is where we want you to be as you fly. Remember every Bird, has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success.
The Centre of Gravity is the place where we can rest comfortably knowing that we have reached an equilibrium, that satifies us. This middle point, this location of somewhere in the middle is where everything meets. We bend, we compromise, we give and take a little all so that we can arrive at this point.
In order to arrive at this middle point, we must learn to say no. I often wonder, as I am sure you do, why it is so difficult for us to say no. It is as if we have some embedded trait that says we must do everything, be everything and want everything. The fact is that this theme of everything is a misleading farce, which only leaves us all spinning hopelessly on the hampster wheel. As persuasion, conversation and style are all art forms, so is the ability to say no. A gentle no is much better than ignoring someone because you are afraid to be honest (which frankly speaking is both cowardly and immature) and it is 100 times more effective than saying yes and being miserable because you later realise you really should have said no. No, no, no and more no! What is our problem with no? Lets consider a few reasons why we think no is some form of evil curse.
- We think people will not like us. No, people will respect us for being honest and upfront.
- We think we have to save everyone. No, it is not our job to save anyone, however we can lead others in the right direction.
- We think the world will fall apart. No, the sun will rise and set tomorrow and life, people and things will carry on.
- We think we will make someone angry, let them down or hurt their feelings. No, it will open an honest discussion about the boundaries we have set for ourselves.
Back to the art of saying no. This is a skill. It requires finesse. There are some who have not mastered this and as a result usually end up regretting that they said no. What we do not want are regrets, instead we aim for satisfaction and fulfillment. Here are a few options:
First begin with a compliment and show thankfulness and gratitude when approached. This shows that you are operating from an honest and open place and that you are seriously happy about whatever it is you need to say no to. Secondly, ask questions to ascertain whether this is something you may not have the ability to participate in at the moment or if it is simply just not for you. Third, depending on your position after point 2 above you can either suggest that you take up whatever it is you are saying no to at a later date or suggest that you have someone else that can potentially take your place. Suggesting someone is hugely important because it shows that you care, which you do! It may not be for you but how many other people would jump at the opportunity? Your no, is someone else's yes! Fourth and lastly, be kind. This is not the same as being nice which can appear insincere. Be genuinely kind to those who reach out to you. Relatonships begin and end with kindness and in business if you have no relationships, well, you have no business! None, whatsoever.
Here is the much more important part. How do we know what to say no to. Consider:
- Time
- Values
- Priorities
Time is currency as we all know. How much of it do you have to give away? Decide exactly how much of it you will give away and when. Once you commit to giving your time, changing you mind later on makes you look fickle, irresponsible and nondependable as well as indecisive. Unless you are content with these labels being ascribed to you, do ensure that you understand what time means to you and then articulate that propertly to others. Get comfortable with time and how precious it is.
Values are the foundation of everything we do. What are your values? The SecretBirds-London community values are clearly listed here. Sharing in particular is very important to us. We have stated that this is what and who we are and we are sticking to it. We want you to do the same with whatever matters to you. Understand in an in depth way what you value, so that when approached you will have no qualms with deciding on saying no. Be so clear with your values that it is apparent to everyone. Show it in your actions and in your speech. Ensure that no further questions are needed. You said no based on your values and there are no further queries needed.
Priorties, we all have them. They are the people and things in our lives that we have decided matter more than anything else in this world. Keep your priorities at the front of your mind, always. If whatever it is you need to say no to is not aligned with your priorities, then you know quickly where you allegiance is held. At the end of the day, our priorities matter to us, because they shape and define us, they are our relatives, friends, children, hobbies, partners and the like. Once we start compromising on our priorities we know that it's time to reevaluate!
We want you to fly so high that you do not have the time to ponder saying no. Your flight is hugely dependent on you being able to expand your wings with the right balance. At the centre of gravity there is no tension, all is perfectly situated. This is where we want you to be as you fly. Remember every Bird, has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success.
Birds Break Down Barriers
At the other end of risk is possibility. If we want to break barriers we have to see the possibility beyond the risk. There is risk in everything in life. We risk it when we cross the street. We risk it when we take the lift. We risk it when we fly! But as Rare Birds this is what we do, we fly into the unknown. We can’t stand mediocrity, we abhor stagnancy and we refuse to accept average. So, we ascend, higher and higher beyond our wildest imagination. Into the depths of our deepest desires we immerse ourselves. We break barriers and lead a new way for ourselves and those around us. Birds break barriers and here’s why.
You set a new standard
There is a standard and you choose to go above and beyond it. This standard may go against the grain. Opposite to what the community, friends, family and others may think is best for you. You make your own choices. You set your own trend. You’ve made up your own mind about what you want in this life. And now you’re going for it. As you set this new standard, others take note and they too decide they want to fly higher. It only takes one to break the mould for others to follow suit.
You open doors for others
As Birds break barriers they open doors for others. When Birds set new standards others follow but they also open doors for new ideas to emerge. As these ideas emerge and more shifts are made, the possibilities are endless. When more women join in the better off we all are. We want to build and develop multiple Nests with many women aspiring, breaking down barriers and achieving new things.
You create a new legacy
What type of legacy will you create? This is a question our community focuses on often. Why? Because we aren’t simply making money. We are sustaining lives, developing futures and giving many people something to believe in. The legacies we leave behind with these ventures will have a lasting impact for many years to come. Creating a new legacy replaces outdated ways of working that were not beneficial to us.
Birds break down barriers all the time as they fly. Barriers were meant to be broken. New lines of communication are opened, different people are granted access to things which were at one point unheard of and everyone is happier. As we break down barriers we create a unified vision and we firm up our business goals. Accept the challenges ahead because your community depends on it. Remember every Bird has two wings, some to choose fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success.
You set a new standard
There is a standard and you choose to go above and beyond it. This standard may go against the grain. Opposite to what the community, friends, family and others may think is best for you. You make your own choices. You set your own trend. You’ve made up your own mind about what you want in this life. And now you’re going for it. As you set this new standard, others take note and they too decide they want to fly higher. It only takes one to break the mould for others to follow suit.
You open doors for others
As Birds break barriers they open doors for others. When Birds set new standards others follow but they also open doors for new ideas to emerge. As these ideas emerge and more shifts are made, the possibilities are endless. When more women join in the better off we all are. We want to build and develop multiple Nests with many women aspiring, breaking down barriers and achieving new things.
You create a new legacy
What type of legacy will you create? This is a question our community focuses on often. Why? Because we aren’t simply making money. We are sustaining lives, developing futures and giving many people something to believe in. The legacies we leave behind with these ventures will have a lasting impact for many years to come. Creating a new legacy replaces outdated ways of working that were not beneficial to us.
Birds break down barriers all the time as they fly. Barriers were meant to be broken. New lines of communication are opened, different people are granted access to things which were at one point unheard of and everyone is happier. As we break down barriers we create a unified vision and we firm up our business goals. Accept the challenges ahead because your community depends on it. Remember every Bird has two wings, some to choose fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success.
Flying Under the Radar
Everything in the outer world can be so overwhelming at times. We are constantly fed with images and ideas of who and what we should be. If you happen to be building a business, everything is magnified threefold. It can be very difficult doing all this work we do. With time we all come to understand that this process is transformational, because building a business is emotional. There are certain qualities that serve us well in the journey. Now, not everyone will agree that these qualities are beneficial to us as we plod along. And as we are a community that values pluralism this is all OK. Understatement is one of the most overlooked attributes in the entrepreneurial space. There is definitely something to be said for those who fly under the radar. Not because they are better but because they simply don’t receive enough praise.
Kindness
The ability to treat everyone with respect, particularly those you don’t like. It is when in those aggravated moments that you find yourself smiling, being patient and letting it pass. Letting it pass is your way of saying, “ I understand.” This type of kindness is always viewed as weakness but it requires a tremendous amount of patience to be kind. Kindness also stems from self control. The ability to control one’s emotions allows us to deliver regularly on the kindness tab. For the female founder who is kind, know that you appreciated for flying under the radar.
Calmness
Those moments when the easiest thing to do is crumble to pieces. Nothing is working, the choices you make seem to be taking you into all the wrong directions. You remain composed no matter what, not because you refuse to show emotions but because things must keep on moving. Often described as grace under pressure, you face adversity with a cool head and tempered spirit. Your composure makes others feel at ease and creates a sense of assurance that no matter what, all will be well. For the female founder who is calm, know that you are appreciated for flying under the radar.
Standards
What is usually unstated about the understated is that they have standards. They decide which rules they will live by and then behave accordingly. They exercise discipline over their mind and mood. They train themselves to bypass and see beyond the short term pain in order to gain a long term reward. Their standards at times conflict with what the outer world values but despite the odds they hold on. For the female founder who has standards and refuses to compromise to fit the mould, know that you are appreciate for flying under the radar.
You do many things for the mission. You work diligently towards your goals. You have a mission, which with time gain in momentum and strength. You have lost and gained. You have suffered and grown. You have experienced and lived. Through it all you went unnoticed. You have been doing it all under the radar. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success.
Kindness
The ability to treat everyone with respect, particularly those you don’t like. It is when in those aggravated moments that you find yourself smiling, being patient and letting it pass. Letting it pass is your way of saying, “ I understand.” This type of kindness is always viewed as weakness but it requires a tremendous amount of patience to be kind. Kindness also stems from self control. The ability to control one’s emotions allows us to deliver regularly on the kindness tab. For the female founder who is kind, know that you appreciated for flying under the radar.
Calmness
Those moments when the easiest thing to do is crumble to pieces. Nothing is working, the choices you make seem to be taking you into all the wrong directions. You remain composed no matter what, not because you refuse to show emotions but because things must keep on moving. Often described as grace under pressure, you face adversity with a cool head and tempered spirit. Your composure makes others feel at ease and creates a sense of assurance that no matter what, all will be well. For the female founder who is calm, know that you are appreciated for flying under the radar.
Standards
What is usually unstated about the understated is that they have standards. They decide which rules they will live by and then behave accordingly. They exercise discipline over their mind and mood. They train themselves to bypass and see beyond the short term pain in order to gain a long term reward. Their standards at times conflict with what the outer world values but despite the odds they hold on. For the female founder who has standards and refuses to compromise to fit the mould, know that you are appreciate for flying under the radar.
You do many things for the mission. You work diligently towards your goals. You have a mission, which with time gain in momentum and strength. You have lost and gained. You have suffered and grown. You have experienced and lived. Through it all you went unnoticed. You have been doing it all under the radar. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success.
The Civility of Birds
To empathise is to be aware of other people’s emotions. It is a key component of emotional intelligence. As we build our businesses’ it is important that we feel with others and with ourselves. Many entrepreneurs can become so enthralled in the process of building a business that they forget to feel, connect and imagine, what it’s like for others. Empathy seems to come more naturally to some than it does to others. Ever wonder why this is the case? It could be due to one's upbringing. For example, if an individual was raised in a household where they were never allowed to experience their emotions they probably don’t know how. As a female founder you will be pushed to your limitations. You will need to engage with others, understand others and develop others. You will need a certain heightened awareness, which will help you to leverage skills, emotions and ideas to manage and solve problems. Here are few things that empathetic female founders do.
They challenge the status quo and false assumptions. This woman does not believe in hyperboles or stereotypes. She looks beyond what is in front of her and possesses the uncanny ability to see what others don’t. She is interested in finding common ground, meeting half way and challenging her own notions of right and wrong. She is continuously evolving and growing as she works to develop her business.
They are focused on being good listeners. The woman who listens carefully and intently has an unparalleled depth to her empathy. By listening really well, she can respond even better to problems and seek out solutions. As a good listener people will open up to you more. Your good listening skills will also engender much more openness as well as create opportunities for others to be vulnerable around you.
They have a fertile imagination. In order to effectively lead and manage empathy is required. An imagination is useful when trying to empathise. An imagination helps you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Imagine what it is like to be that person or be in that situation. An imagination allows for alternative scenarios in the mind. It is an opportunity to once again feel which is essentially what empathy is.
Empathy matters when building a business. As human beings we are wired for empathy. However, as we go through life and gain experiences we tend to become jaded. We develop prejudices which make it easy to be in denial about the common humanity that exists amongst all human beings. Scientific research suggests that Birds possess a moral compass. They have the ability to connect and feel the way we do. As you fly don’t forget to incorporate empathy. It is an often neglected and at times avoidable emotion in business. But let’s not forget that other people’s pain matters just as much as our own.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success.
They challenge the status quo and false assumptions. This woman does not believe in hyperboles or stereotypes. She looks beyond what is in front of her and possesses the uncanny ability to see what others don’t. She is interested in finding common ground, meeting half way and challenging her own notions of right and wrong. She is continuously evolving and growing as she works to develop her business.
They are focused on being good listeners. The woman who listens carefully and intently has an unparalleled depth to her empathy. By listening really well, she can respond even better to problems and seek out solutions. As a good listener people will open up to you more. Your good listening skills will also engender much more openness as well as create opportunities for others to be vulnerable around you.
They have a fertile imagination. In order to effectively lead and manage empathy is required. An imagination is useful when trying to empathise. An imagination helps you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Imagine what it is like to be that person or be in that situation. An imagination allows for alternative scenarios in the mind. It is an opportunity to once again feel which is essentially what empathy is.
Empathy matters when building a business. As human beings we are wired for empathy. However, as we go through life and gain experiences we tend to become jaded. We develop prejudices which make it easy to be in denial about the common humanity that exists amongst all human beings. Scientific research suggests that Birds possess a moral compass. They have the ability to connect and feel the way we do. As you fly don’t forget to incorporate empathy. It is an often neglected and at times avoidable emotion in business. But let’s not forget that other people’s pain matters just as much as our own.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success.
"Reversing the Flight"
Setbacks are inevitable, especially when building a business. First, when starting out there are the usual setbacks related to the general idea. Then there’s the daily stresses of getting things off the ground. So much uncertainty, not to mention those moments when you feel like you are clueless about everything. Other setbacks when building a business include financial constraints, family, friendship or relationship problems and sometimes there are health scares due to stress. As soon as you get one thing going, it seems as though other things come crashing down. Once you’ve successfully sorted one thing, the next thing pops up. What’s your view on setbacks? Do you see them as opportunities to learn and grow? Do you think they help to guide you towards your destiny or do you see them as constant burdens weighing you down?
Firstly, understand and appreciate that everyone has setbacks. You are not alone, you are not special, you are not cursed. You are simply experiencing life. At times it may appear as though others are further along and doing so much better but that’s just you victimizing yourself. Always remember that people deal with their problems differently. Some people wear their problems on their sleeves, others choose to be motivated by them. That person that you think has no problems, trust me, she has problems just like everyone else. Whether her problem is big or small is irrelevant but she has them. She is no different to you. The key is to focus on your own journey and stay true to your own path. And you really should stop being so hard on yourself. Lighten up, these things happen, so give yourself a break.
Second, setbacks are successes’ in reverse. Ever feel like sometimes you’re pushing for things and they just aren’t happening for you? Then one day as soon as you stop and take a different approach, things start working? Or better yet when you stop all together, suddenly something lands on your lap? This is success in reverse. It is the kind of success that happens when you stop pushing so hard. It is the type of success that comes in that round about way. It is not tangent, it does not come in well structured steps, it comes when you stop trying to control everything. Good things are happening as you build your business and they sometimes come in reverse.
Third, remember that you are experiencing a setback based on the fact that you have taken action. Action, is what matters most. Before you started the journey to flight, you were talking, thinking and perhaps even procrastinating, but then you did something. You took action, and this action is what made you experience the setback in the first place. Remember what it was like before you started? Now think about what it is like now? All the things you have done. All the tiny achievements along the way. This is what you should be celebrating! You have been wired to think that setback is the outcome of not doing something right. Focus more on the process and less on the outcome, this in turn will help you to realise, just how much you have grown throughout the process of flight.
Don’t waste time in your flight paying too much attention to regrets. Most people do that and end up getting stuck. It is important to remain resilient and keep your wings in motion. It is all a learning curve, so keep those wings moving and don’t start reversing the flight. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success.
Firstly, understand and appreciate that everyone has setbacks. You are not alone, you are not special, you are not cursed. You are simply experiencing life. At times it may appear as though others are further along and doing so much better but that’s just you victimizing yourself. Always remember that people deal with their problems differently. Some people wear their problems on their sleeves, others choose to be motivated by them. That person that you think has no problems, trust me, she has problems just like everyone else. Whether her problem is big or small is irrelevant but she has them. She is no different to you. The key is to focus on your own journey and stay true to your own path. And you really should stop being so hard on yourself. Lighten up, these things happen, so give yourself a break.
Second, setbacks are successes’ in reverse. Ever feel like sometimes you’re pushing for things and they just aren’t happening for you? Then one day as soon as you stop and take a different approach, things start working? Or better yet when you stop all together, suddenly something lands on your lap? This is success in reverse. It is the kind of success that happens when you stop pushing so hard. It is the type of success that comes in that round about way. It is not tangent, it does not come in well structured steps, it comes when you stop trying to control everything. Good things are happening as you build your business and they sometimes come in reverse.
Third, remember that you are experiencing a setback based on the fact that you have taken action. Action, is what matters most. Before you started the journey to flight, you were talking, thinking and perhaps even procrastinating, but then you did something. You took action, and this action is what made you experience the setback in the first place. Remember what it was like before you started? Now think about what it is like now? All the things you have done. All the tiny achievements along the way. This is what you should be celebrating! You have been wired to think that setback is the outcome of not doing something right. Focus more on the process and less on the outcome, this in turn will help you to realise, just how much you have grown throughout the process of flight.
Don’t waste time in your flight paying too much attention to regrets. Most people do that and end up getting stuck. It is important to remain resilient and keep your wings in motion. It is all a learning curve, so keep those wings moving and don’t start reversing the flight. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success.
6 Flyways
What routes are you using to build your business? As Birds migrate they use particular paths. What path are you on? How will you fly? What will your journey look like? There are so many things to consider, so much to think about. As you fly along there are 6 pathways, these are the 6 crucial flyways that you must consider whilst in flight.
Pathway 1: Who
Who are you building this business for? Are you building this business to serve yourself or are you building this business to serve others? The who matters. because depending on your answer you may need to shift directions. Building a business for yourself requires a different approach to building a business for others. This pathway sets the pace for the rest of your flight.
Pathway 2: What
What is your business about? What does it mean? What are you doing it for? The what is much more important than most people think. What may seem redundant is actually very important. For example, what you may be doing is building a business in food but what exactly is it about? Is it about creating fresher food, bringing people together or something else? Whatever it is, the what is an important pathway in flight.
Pathway 3: Where
Where is this business taking you in flight? What are your bigger plans? Perhaps you are on a five year plan, which is focussed and deliberate. Or maybe you are going with the flow and building the business intuitively. Whatever it is you are doing, you have to know where because if you do not know where it means you are flying without purpose and direction.
Pathway 4: How
How are you going to build this business? Funding, resources, friends, family, etc. Who will you bring on board to help you take your business to the next level? How will you execute it? How will you scale it? Are you surrounded by the right people, with the right mindset to guide you? How you plan to execute doesn’t have to be complicated but it must be clear enough for you to be able to do it.
Pathway 5: When
Exactly when do you plan to bring your idea to life? Will you do it as soon as you graduate from secondary school? Will you launch it in university? Will you do it whilst you work a full time job? What are the factors contributing to this? How will you determine when you are ready? When will you know if you are? Taking the leap may be calculated but whether now or later it is unpredictable, so if not now then when?
Pathway 6: Why
And in the end why? Why are you doing this? What is your biggest motivator? What is your purpose? As we say in the SecretBirds community, what is your why? Every business has a why, it is never just about building a profitable venture, there is also a why. Understand your why; and in doing so, you will save yourself much heartache and stress whilst in flight.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success with SecretBirds-London.
Pathway 1: Who
Who are you building this business for? Are you building this business to serve yourself or are you building this business to serve others? The who matters. because depending on your answer you may need to shift directions. Building a business for yourself requires a different approach to building a business for others. This pathway sets the pace for the rest of your flight.
Pathway 2: What
What is your business about? What does it mean? What are you doing it for? The what is much more important than most people think. What may seem redundant is actually very important. For example, what you may be doing is building a business in food but what exactly is it about? Is it about creating fresher food, bringing people together or something else? Whatever it is, the what is an important pathway in flight.
Pathway 3: Where
Where is this business taking you in flight? What are your bigger plans? Perhaps you are on a five year plan, which is focussed and deliberate. Or maybe you are going with the flow and building the business intuitively. Whatever it is you are doing, you have to know where because if you do not know where it means you are flying without purpose and direction.
Pathway 4: How
How are you going to build this business? Funding, resources, friends, family, etc. Who will you bring on board to help you take your business to the next level? How will you execute it? How will you scale it? Are you surrounded by the right people, with the right mindset to guide you? How you plan to execute doesn’t have to be complicated but it must be clear enough for you to be able to do it.
Pathway 5: When
Exactly when do you plan to bring your idea to life? Will you do it as soon as you graduate from secondary school? Will you launch it in university? Will you do it whilst you work a full time job? What are the factors contributing to this? How will you determine when you are ready? When will you know if you are? Taking the leap may be calculated but whether now or later it is unpredictable, so if not now then when?
Pathway 6: Why
And in the end why? Why are you doing this? What is your biggest motivator? What is your purpose? As we say in the SecretBirds community, what is your why? Every business has a why, it is never just about building a profitable venture, there is also a why. Understand your why; and in doing so, you will save yourself much heartache and stress whilst in flight.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success with SecretBirds-London.
Flying Into New Horizons
When building a business from scratch there are many things to consider. We would be remiss if we failed to recognise the importance of personality. In this instance we should look inward and assess our own personalities. So, what of our personalities? What role do they play in business building? Your personality affects the bottom line. Here’s why!
Interactions with People
You will interact with many different stakeholders as you build your business. Customers, supporters, those indirectly in your supply chain, collaborators, partners, investors and many more. As you foster and develop relationships you will begin to notice the various personalities and the different ways to manage them. Conversely, “they” in turn will gain a better understanding of your personality. That said, how will they manage your personality? Are you an intensely focussed and driven individual who micromanages right down to the minute detail? Or maybe you have a laid back approach? However you carry yourself and conduct your business are directly connected to your personality. The way you interact with everyone is a clear indicator of the type of personality you possess. In summary, those interactions affect the bottom line. They affect the bottom line because your personality will also impact your business values. Your business values are embedded throughout all aspects of your business. With each interaction your business value either increases or decreases. Consider this: What is the correlation between how you interact with people and your sales revenue? The answer will be able to provide you with deeper insight.
How You Run Your Business
How you run your business from day-to-day is a reflection of your personality. Think of companies, for example, where leaders micro-manage. Micro-management is the result of a controlling personality. Depending on your take, you may see this as a good or a bad thing. Generally speaking, however, controlling personalities don’t create an atmosphere that is good for business, at least not in the long run. Looking to build a sustainable business? Check your personality. A personality is developed early, but don’t discount flexibility. Once we are aware of the kind of personality we have, we are in a position to make adjustments.
Knowing who we are (Step 1 in flight) helps us to further understand our personality. As a matter of fact, knowing who we are is crucial to taking an idea from our head space to the real space. Your personality should not be underestimated when taking flight. Whilst in-flight your personality will penetrate everything that you do. Introspective wings will take you into new horizons. Why limit your flight? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success with SecretBirds-London.
Flight Disabler
You’ve got a great business idea, it has been in your mind for some time now. You really think you are on to something special. What do you do next? You keep reading through the startup websites, courses, and the like. Your mind and heart however, are not in harmony. You are off balance. To be honest, you are frozen. Why have you stalled? Self-doubt has crept into your psyche. Your heart says everything is perfect. Your mind says, “I am going to fail.” Self-doubt is keeping you back, it’s slowing you down, it’s beginning to put a hold on your progress. Why is this happening and what can you do to make it go away?
Remember you have to start someplace.
Feel the fear and do it away! Self-doubt is one of the ugly sides of fear. Fear is truly the root cause of so many problems in our lives. You are scared that you will fail. As a result you start to doubt yourself. Doubting your capabilities to act, move forward and deliver. The best way to counteract this fear is to embrace it. It’s normal to feel like this when embarking upon something new, particularly in unchartered territory. You have never started a business. You don’t have any experience in business. Here is something to consider: The work you are currently doing was once something you also never knew. However with time, patience and experience you learned the job and you are now practically an expert. This applies to everything in our lives. We all have to learn to crawl before we walk and once we do begin walking there will be many stumbles, trips, falls and bruises along the way. Keep in mind that self doubt is the beginning of a journey to discovery.
Remember you control your flight.
You’ve decided to ignore the fear. All the little voices in your head say, “Just do it.” So, you begin to do just that. There is however, another problem: As you make errors you are not entirely sure as to whether you are doing the right thing. Because you haven’t a clue, there is more self-doubt. When building a business from scratch there are no defined rules. Just as in life, no two paths are the same. What works for someone else will not necessarily work for you. You have to be willing to take risks and make decisions based on your own standards and benchmarks. It takes time to get used to being your own boss. As you get more comfortable with the idea, matters regarding direction will come with ease.
Self doubt is your concerned best friend. She is really trying to protect you from harming yourself. She plays off of past experiences. She knows what you have been through and she just wants to make sure you are making the right decisions. We all appreciate this about our best friends but we understand that ultimately, we have to make our own decisions. Don’t completely ignore self-doubt, just understand why it exists and use it as motivation. Let your self-doubt challenge you to be your very best. Self-doubt can disable your flight, but only if you let it. She only does what you allow. Keep your self-doubt in check, so that she doesn’t ruin your journey in flight. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled?
Remember you have to start someplace.
Feel the fear and do it away! Self-doubt is one of the ugly sides of fear. Fear is truly the root cause of so many problems in our lives. You are scared that you will fail. As a result you start to doubt yourself. Doubting your capabilities to act, move forward and deliver. The best way to counteract this fear is to embrace it. It’s normal to feel like this when embarking upon something new, particularly in unchartered territory. You have never started a business. You don’t have any experience in business. Here is something to consider: The work you are currently doing was once something you also never knew. However with time, patience and experience you learned the job and you are now practically an expert. This applies to everything in our lives. We all have to learn to crawl before we walk and once we do begin walking there will be many stumbles, trips, falls and bruises along the way. Keep in mind that self doubt is the beginning of a journey to discovery.
Remember you control your flight.
You’ve decided to ignore the fear. All the little voices in your head say, “Just do it.” So, you begin to do just that. There is however, another problem: As you make errors you are not entirely sure as to whether you are doing the right thing. Because you haven’t a clue, there is more self-doubt. When building a business from scratch there are no defined rules. Just as in life, no two paths are the same. What works for someone else will not necessarily work for you. You have to be willing to take risks and make decisions based on your own standards and benchmarks. It takes time to get used to being your own boss. As you get more comfortable with the idea, matters regarding direction will come with ease.
Self doubt is your concerned best friend. She is really trying to protect you from harming yourself. She plays off of past experiences. She knows what you have been through and she just wants to make sure you are making the right decisions. We all appreciate this about our best friends but we understand that ultimately, we have to make our own decisions. Don’t completely ignore self-doubt, just understand why it exists and use it as motivation. Let your self-doubt challenge you to be your very best. Self-doubt can disable your flight, but only if you let it. She only does what you allow. Keep your self-doubt in check, so that she doesn’t ruin your journey in flight. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled?
Heavy Wings
Some may argue that greed is a good thing and that as entrepreneurs it is required to feed ambition and drive success. If you believe entrepreneurship is motivated by ruthless capitalism and driven merely by profit, then this argument carries much weight for you. Entrepreneurship does involve wealth creation, as well as making a profit but that isn’t all of it. Social entrepreneurs for example, are interested in profit but also in solving problems. Greed isn’t just an entrepreneurial problem, it is a human problem, but strangely enough we seem to associate it more with business than any other profession or discipline. Greed is counterproductive to the entrepreneurial journey and in the long run will not work well in your favour.
Greed like most things in life is driven by fear. Fear of losing, fear of not having enough, fear of not being accepted, fear, fear and more fear. Then there are the feelings of self-doubt and low self worth. All of the above are not a good combination for any entrepreneurial venture. If you are driven by fear you will build a business based on fear. As a result you will micromanage, be obsessed with controlling everything and everyone. In the end no one will like you and your business will struggle both financially and culturally.
Greed often results in disaster. Corporations are a perfect example of this-Enron, Lehman Brothers and the subsequent 2008 financial crash-to name a few man-made greed driven disasters. Albeit, these occurrences have happened in the corporate space they have and continue to happen in entrepreneurial spaces as well and the impact is equally as high. The entrepreneur wants to change the game, not participate in it.The entrepreneurs desire is to turn against the tide not ride the wave. Participate in problem solving that has a positive impact on others lives. Don’t create disasters that ruin the lives of those around you. You owe a responsibility to the people your serve, those you work with and those you employ. An abuse of power is a no-no!
Greed is not a force for good. There are many articles on the web which state greed has a bad reputation and that greed is a force for good. Greed they say is what creates ambition. Perhaps overly ambitious misdirected behaviour is correlated with greed. The overly ambitious don’t make good entrepreneurs because their ego underpins all that they do. Some would say, “ I know many ego-driven entrepreneurs that do well.” What do these people mean by doing well? If we take a look at the world’s most successful entrepreneurs they are driven by a strong purpose that has nothing to do with their egos. Greed has never been and will never be a force for good. All we have to do is study the history books for further confirmation of this.
If your wings are heavy with feelings of fear, let it go. If you refuse to let this go, you will find yourself journeying down a path, which is dangerous for your wings. Flying with heavy wings don’t propel you in flight. Heavy wings are a burden, they make your journey unnecessarily stressful. Heavy wings derail your mission. Are your flying heavy? It is time to lighten up those wings. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled?
Greed like most things in life is driven by fear. Fear of losing, fear of not having enough, fear of not being accepted, fear, fear and more fear. Then there are the feelings of self-doubt and low self worth. All of the above are not a good combination for any entrepreneurial venture. If you are driven by fear you will build a business based on fear. As a result you will micromanage, be obsessed with controlling everything and everyone. In the end no one will like you and your business will struggle both financially and culturally.
Greed often results in disaster. Corporations are a perfect example of this-Enron, Lehman Brothers and the subsequent 2008 financial crash-to name a few man-made greed driven disasters. Albeit, these occurrences have happened in the corporate space they have and continue to happen in entrepreneurial spaces as well and the impact is equally as high. The entrepreneur wants to change the game, not participate in it.The entrepreneurs desire is to turn against the tide not ride the wave. Participate in problem solving that has a positive impact on others lives. Don’t create disasters that ruin the lives of those around you. You owe a responsibility to the people your serve, those you work with and those you employ. An abuse of power is a no-no!
Greed is not a force for good. There are many articles on the web which state greed has a bad reputation and that greed is a force for good. Greed they say is what creates ambition. Perhaps overly ambitious misdirected behaviour is correlated with greed. The overly ambitious don’t make good entrepreneurs because their ego underpins all that they do. Some would say, “ I know many ego-driven entrepreneurs that do well.” What do these people mean by doing well? If we take a look at the world’s most successful entrepreneurs they are driven by a strong purpose that has nothing to do with their egos. Greed has never been and will never be a force for good. All we have to do is study the history books for further confirmation of this.
If your wings are heavy with feelings of fear, let it go. If you refuse to let this go, you will find yourself journeying down a path, which is dangerous for your wings. Flying with heavy wings don’t propel you in flight. Heavy wings are a burden, they make your journey unnecessarily stressful. Heavy wings derail your mission. Are your flying heavy? It is time to lighten up those wings. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled?
Bird Preservation
What type of legacy will your business have? If you were to leave your business today what type of legacy would it have? You are probably thinking but I just started?! It is never too early to start thinking about your legacy. How would others define your business? What would you like others to say about your business in 5 or even 10 years from now? Starting a business is an opportunity to create something new. Created by, cultivated and nurtured by us. It is our idea, our concept and our vision coming to life. It is a perfect example of who we were at the very moment when we decided it was something we wanted to pursue: ambitious, motivated, determined and resilient. Here are a few types of legacies you can potentially consider creating for your business.
Family Legacy
If you have children, a spouse, partner or other relatives you may be thinking about how you would like them to carry on your legacy. Starting a business is a great way to create a family legacy. Some family businesses have been around for generations, serving their communities and enhancing the lives of many. The best way to get the family involved in the business is to start engaging with everyone early. Make sure your children, in particular, are involved as young and as early as possible. Don’t wait until your kids are teenagers to start giving them business knowledge and tasks. Motivate them to participate, make sure they understand why the business is important not just to the people you serve but to the family. Ask them for their opinions, implement their ideas and give a sense of ownership. Many businesses fail to move on with the next generation because of a lack of interest. If you would like your business to become a family legacy the key is to involve the entire family and to create a sense of togetherness and cohesion, so that thebusiness is the family and the family is the business.
Cultural Legacy
Every business has a culture. Some business cultures are aggressive, others are competitive, some are nurturing, there are open cultures and secretive cultures too. Your company culture reflects your values and beliefs in the workplace. It also has a significant bearing on the success of the business. Whatever culture you choose to create must be done at the outset because its effects are ever lasting. Once the culture has been embedded throughout the organisation it is almost impossible to change it. The people you hire must also reflect the attitudes and behaviours of the culture you are trying to create. A good culture will guarantee success and conversely a poor culture will guarantee the opposite. The good thing about starting a business from scratch is that you have complete control over the culture you are aiming to create. In a few years do you want your business to be known for its fantastic culture which sets it apart from the rest? If the answer is yes , then work cleverly and assiduously towards creating your cultural legacy.
Impact Legacy
What matters to you? Remember why you created your business in the first place? An impact legacy is one where the business is known for having a high impact. This type of legacy is strongly connected with your business philosophy and to some extent your life mission. This type of business is purpose driven and hopes to have a massive impact on everyone it benefits. As an example, it usually has a social purpose and innovates along the lines of improving lives through economic, environmental or social justice. As the leader of this type of business, your example is extremely important. You literally must walk the talk. The expectations are high because this legacy you are creating is for the long time, not a fleeting moment. It is difficult to create this type of legacy if you do not believe in what you are doing. The operations of this kind of business are underpinned by a bigger mission.
Our grandparents, great-grandparents, great-great grandparents and all of our relatives that came before us, left a legacy. In our communities our leaders leave a legacy. In our countries, the founders of our nations left behind a legacy. Everywhere we look around us, legacies are being left behind and created. Everyday at your business is an opportunity to create your legacy. Although the above three legacies have been outlined, don’t limit yourself to these. Your behaviours and actions as you build your business will all contribute to the legacy you will leave behind. When your wings eventually expire what will your epitaph say about your flight?
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you
A Clipped Wing
So many of us make excuses and as a result we never start our businesses. These are the things we tell ourselves. We rationalise them in our heads and turn them into beliefs. These false beliefs then form our reality. A reality, which never truly actualises the possibilities of making our dreams a reality. Some of us make excuses for not pursuing it. Some of us pursue it and when a problem arises we make excuses as to why we can’t move on. Telling ourselves we can’t do something, before at least giving ourselves a chance is one of the biggest mistakes we make as humans. Excuses are also a way to remove the blame away from ourselves and onto others. I can’t move forward with this business idea because no one will support. Or I can’t do it because I do not have the resources. There are so many reasons why we make excuses. We are afraid of failing, of making changes or of taking risks. Below I focus on two main reasons why we make excuses and in the end never start our businesses.
Not Up to Par
We think we are not up to par. We believe that all those other people that start their businesses and run them well have some kind of special gene. Or they have rich relatives and loads of family support. After all there must be some reason why they can do it and you can’t right? Wrong! The reason why they are doing it is because they simply took the risk. There are loads of people out there who start businesses with menial resources and without the support of family and friends. If you don’t challenge yourself you will never know your true potential. If you don’t push yourself you will never know how far you can go. We are all responsible for our own growth. Building a business will force you to grow. You will be stretched in ways unimaginable. You will do things you never thought you could and you will become the person you are destined to be. In many ways, a business is an enabler forcing you to deconstruct your own self-limiting beliefs. You are up to par but first you have to do it, because if you don’t you will always regret never having tried and never knowing if that idea ever really stood a chance.
Holding on to Past Failures
Maybe you did take that step and it didn’t work out. So your first business failed? Or perhaps you have tried at other things outside of a business venture and those failed too? This shouldn’t stop you from trying again. Some of the most successful people in our world today failed several times over before making their mark. See past failures as an opportunity to build up your resilience tank. The past is preparation for the future. All those mishaps along the way, some were good judgements and some were bad judgements and this is the way it should be. Celebrate the good and learn from the bad. You pushed through imaginary walls and broke out of your comfort zone. There are no more mental blocks just you beating yourself up over past failures. Is your life more fulfilling now? Would things be different for you now had you not made those failures? Let go of past failures and allow yourself to be open to the new experiences awaiting on the other side.
Excuses are the reason why so many people settle, despite knowing they could do so much better. If building a business is in your destiny, then you should be out there making it a reality. Why are you intentionally clipping your wings? Not only is this shortening the distance of your flight but it is also making it unbalanced. Be that Bird that flies full throttle ascending into the sky with full power.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Not Up to Par
We think we are not up to par. We believe that all those other people that start their businesses and run them well have some kind of special gene. Or they have rich relatives and loads of family support. After all there must be some reason why they can do it and you can’t right? Wrong! The reason why they are doing it is because they simply took the risk. There are loads of people out there who start businesses with menial resources and without the support of family and friends. If you don’t challenge yourself you will never know your true potential. If you don’t push yourself you will never know how far you can go. We are all responsible for our own growth. Building a business will force you to grow. You will be stretched in ways unimaginable. You will do things you never thought you could and you will become the person you are destined to be. In many ways, a business is an enabler forcing you to deconstruct your own self-limiting beliefs. You are up to par but first you have to do it, because if you don’t you will always regret never having tried and never knowing if that idea ever really stood a chance.
Holding on to Past Failures
Maybe you did take that step and it didn’t work out. So your first business failed? Or perhaps you have tried at other things outside of a business venture and those failed too? This shouldn’t stop you from trying again. Some of the most successful people in our world today failed several times over before making their mark. See past failures as an opportunity to build up your resilience tank. The past is preparation for the future. All those mishaps along the way, some were good judgements and some were bad judgements and this is the way it should be. Celebrate the good and learn from the bad. You pushed through imaginary walls and broke out of your comfort zone. There are no more mental blocks just you beating yourself up over past failures. Is your life more fulfilling now? Would things be different for you now had you not made those failures? Let go of past failures and allow yourself to be open to the new experiences awaiting on the other side.
Excuses are the reason why so many people settle, despite knowing they could do so much better. If building a business is in your destiny, then you should be out there making it a reality. Why are you intentionally clipping your wings? Not only is this shortening the distance of your flight but it is also making it unbalanced. Be that Bird that flies full throttle ascending into the sky with full power.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Bird Engineering
Are you working to earn or working to learn? Most of us see jobs as a means to an end. It is something that we have to do to survive in the world. Translation? Pay bills, buy the essentials, go on holiday (if we are lucky) and the like. Very few of us embrace the mindset of a job being a mechanism for learning just as much as it is for earning. Even those who have a career will tell you that they have done so much and made a great life out of their career but sadly they never mention the learning aspect.
Majority of aspiring entrepreneurs are not in a position to jump full time into their ventures. Most will work a full time job either before starting to build up a savings or build their businesses’ alongside working. It is important that these jobs be seen as an opportunity to learn. Before accepting a job one of the main questions to be asked is,” How will this job help me build my business? What will it teach me? What will I learn? How will it help bring my vision to life?” Your job is an opportunity to grow. Once you start working on your startup full time, you will quickly realise how useful jobs are to the bigger picture. If you have had many jobs in different sectors, this is also an asset. Below I will explore the importance of jobs as a learning tool and why being a “job jumper” is good preparation for the entrepreneurial path.
Learning Tool
Before you apply for a job, do you consider your business idea? If you are about to start a business in the retail sector, sure one of the most practical things to do is find a job in this sector. Sensible right? Yes it is sensible but what you do when working in that sector is much more important than simply working in the sector itself. Approach each job with a learning mindset. See each task as an opportunity to learn and each project as a unique challenge. In each role see yourself as an entrepreneur and once you have mastered each role move on to a new one. If you reach at a point in your job where you’re bored, it is time to move on. If there are no opportunities within your organisation, that’s a sign that the time has arrived to seek opportunities elsewhere. If you are provided with opportunities to move around the business this will help in developing you as a generalist. Generalist tend to know a little about everything and when you first start your business guess what? You will be doing everything!
Whilst working in these companies it is important to take note of all of the things that work well and those that don’t. Challenge yourself by thinking about what you would do differently. Would you manage your business in the same way? What changes would you make to ensure your systems were effective. There are many who take jobs because the salary is high. There are many who chase money. I wouldn’t dare imply that you turn down a decent paying job when you have bills to pay and/or a family to support. Clearly priorities matter and one should take precedent over all else. That said, if you are an aspiring entrepreneur your main goal should not be to make as much money as possible. Your main goal should be to learn as much as possible. Remember you have not taken this job to lead a comfortable life as an employee, your long-term plans are to build your own business. If you are offered a low salaried position with the potential to acquire new skills which will serve your business, then consider this a part of your big vision. Don’t settle for a high paying job that won’t involve you gleaning skills that have nothing to do with your future plans. The key here is to develop!
Job Jumper
As an aspiring entrepreneur your main goal is to avoid the rat race not get caught up in it. Most people take jobs with an aim to climb the corporate ladder. They work in one firm either for the majority of their lives or for an extended period of time. This is a very good thing for those who do not plan to own their own business. This does not mean that a corporate executive who has spent 30 years working in one firm cannot start their own business. However, you are not planning on being a corporate executive, so there is no need to get one’s self mired in the trappings of the corporate “melee” surrounding promotions. As mentioned above if the company you work for is giving you a chance to work in different positions then take it. However if you are stuck in the same role, bored and unchallenged then find a new job, which is line with some new skills you need to acquire.
There will be people who will call you a “job jumper.” This is a most scathing term, meant to make you feel guilty for not knowing what you want. Well, here’s some news: Rare Birds know exactly what they want. Having a job is a part of that bigger plan. Job hopping may be considered career suicide for those who want to be in the job pipeline for the rest of their lives and that’s OK. For you, job hopping presents you with new challenges and the opportunity to meet new people. Job hopping is also a way to learn about new industries. All of which provide you with a fresh and new perspective for operating your own business.
Don’t just get a job where you end up coping and struggling your way through the misery until you can work on your business full time. Get a job, so that you can learn new skills, meet new people, challenge yourself and to develop as a professional. Don’t work hard on the job to get noticed, work smart on the job to develop yourself. Despite what you may have been taught by your family, friends and community “getting a job” isn’t for everyone. Much of the learning in today’s educational system is set up to teach you to be a good employee. If you know this isn’t you, then learn quickly to see jobs as an opportunity to learn as well as earn. Make sure to save some of those earnings for your business purposes. Then when you have acquired as much as you can don’t be afraid to “job hop” into a new industry. Some of the best types of innovation is created when ideas from different industries are brought together. Your future rests in owning a company, creating jobs and contributing to your society. Think of it as Bird Engineering: the application and combination of many useful skills to aid you in flight.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Majority of aspiring entrepreneurs are not in a position to jump full time into their ventures. Most will work a full time job either before starting to build up a savings or build their businesses’ alongside working. It is important that these jobs be seen as an opportunity to learn. Before accepting a job one of the main questions to be asked is,” How will this job help me build my business? What will it teach me? What will I learn? How will it help bring my vision to life?” Your job is an opportunity to grow. Once you start working on your startup full time, you will quickly realise how useful jobs are to the bigger picture. If you have had many jobs in different sectors, this is also an asset. Below I will explore the importance of jobs as a learning tool and why being a “job jumper” is good preparation for the entrepreneurial path.
Learning Tool
Before you apply for a job, do you consider your business idea? If you are about to start a business in the retail sector, sure one of the most practical things to do is find a job in this sector. Sensible right? Yes it is sensible but what you do when working in that sector is much more important than simply working in the sector itself. Approach each job with a learning mindset. See each task as an opportunity to learn and each project as a unique challenge. In each role see yourself as an entrepreneur and once you have mastered each role move on to a new one. If you reach at a point in your job where you’re bored, it is time to move on. If there are no opportunities within your organisation, that’s a sign that the time has arrived to seek opportunities elsewhere. If you are provided with opportunities to move around the business this will help in developing you as a generalist. Generalist tend to know a little about everything and when you first start your business guess what? You will be doing everything!
Whilst working in these companies it is important to take note of all of the things that work well and those that don’t. Challenge yourself by thinking about what you would do differently. Would you manage your business in the same way? What changes would you make to ensure your systems were effective. There are many who take jobs because the salary is high. There are many who chase money. I wouldn’t dare imply that you turn down a decent paying job when you have bills to pay and/or a family to support. Clearly priorities matter and one should take precedent over all else. That said, if you are an aspiring entrepreneur your main goal should not be to make as much money as possible. Your main goal should be to learn as much as possible. Remember you have not taken this job to lead a comfortable life as an employee, your long-term plans are to build your own business. If you are offered a low salaried position with the potential to acquire new skills which will serve your business, then consider this a part of your big vision. Don’t settle for a high paying job that won’t involve you gleaning skills that have nothing to do with your future plans. The key here is to develop!
Job Jumper
As an aspiring entrepreneur your main goal is to avoid the rat race not get caught up in it. Most people take jobs with an aim to climb the corporate ladder. They work in one firm either for the majority of their lives or for an extended period of time. This is a very good thing for those who do not plan to own their own business. This does not mean that a corporate executive who has spent 30 years working in one firm cannot start their own business. However, you are not planning on being a corporate executive, so there is no need to get one’s self mired in the trappings of the corporate “melee” surrounding promotions. As mentioned above if the company you work for is giving you a chance to work in different positions then take it. However if you are stuck in the same role, bored and unchallenged then find a new job, which is line with some new skills you need to acquire.
There will be people who will call you a “job jumper.” This is a most scathing term, meant to make you feel guilty for not knowing what you want. Well, here’s some news: Rare Birds know exactly what they want. Having a job is a part of that bigger plan. Job hopping may be considered career suicide for those who want to be in the job pipeline for the rest of their lives and that’s OK. For you, job hopping presents you with new challenges and the opportunity to meet new people. Job hopping is also a way to learn about new industries. All of which provide you with a fresh and new perspective for operating your own business.
Don’t just get a job where you end up coping and struggling your way through the misery until you can work on your business full time. Get a job, so that you can learn new skills, meet new people, challenge yourself and to develop as a professional. Don’t work hard on the job to get noticed, work smart on the job to develop yourself. Despite what you may have been taught by your family, friends and community “getting a job” isn’t for everyone. Much of the learning in today’s educational system is set up to teach you to be a good employee. If you know this isn’t you, then learn quickly to see jobs as an opportunity to learn as well as earn. Make sure to save some of those earnings for your business purposes. Then when you have acquired as much as you can don’t be afraid to “job hop” into a new industry. Some of the best types of innovation is created when ideas from different industries are brought together. Your future rests in owning a company, creating jobs and contributing to your society. Think of it as Bird Engineering: the application and combination of many useful skills to aid you in flight.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The Migratory Programme
Once in flight, there will invariably be mistakes. Mistakes are important for the entrepreneur. The female founder must make mistakes in order to improve and enhance her migratory programme. The migratory programme has been devised to provide a vision and lay the foundation for what is to come. Despite having a perfectly set out programme there will be diversions. Things will happen and at times one will go astray. There are a myriad of reasons for straying whilst in flight. What matters most is embracing that mistakes will happen and that they are meant to teach valuable lessons. Not allowing mistakes to occur and constantly striving for perfection is actually counterproductive and won’t aid in your development as an entrepreneur. So why make mistakes?
Fear
Fear is the reason why many don’t take risks, refuse to go a little further or try something new. The stereotype is that entrepreneurs are fearless and willing to do whatever it takes to make their business work. This isn’t the case for everyone. The truth is the fear is also a problem for the female founder. Making mistakes helps with letting go of fear. With every chance taken, fear is reduced and as a result confidence is gained. There are many joys to be experienced as a part of the entrepreneurial journey. Granted there will be many challenges but it’s meant to be fun, empowering, enabling and much more. By making mistakes we give fear a space to dwindle.
Improvement
There is always room for growth. There is always something to learn. Mistakes facilitate the learning process. Every time a mistake is made we are presented with new wisdom. This kind of wisdom is the best as it is based on one’s own lived experience. Lived experience is the best way to learn and through our failures we are allowed to do so. The obsession with perfection as a badge of honour or as a form of prestige is completely flawed. Perfection isn’t realistic because no one is perfect and aiming for that ideal only leads to disappointment. Trying one’s best should be the aim. When we try our best we acknowledge that we are limited in our awareness. We give way for new lessons which help us improve as we build our businesses. We become better at our craft and more innovative by making mistakes.
Humility
To err is human. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily motions of life, assuming the entire world revolves around us and our businesses. It doesn’t. As we build our businesses, the world continues to turn. Mistakes remind of us our humanity. They keep us grounded and focussed. They help us remember why we are doing what we are doing. They keep us in check. Many people fear making mistakes because they think it makes them appear incompetent. If you have mastered something and are no longer making mistakes, this means you are no longer being challenged. This is a signal that it’s now time to up the ante and pursue new things. Remaining humble is important for building a business. It teaches us to take responsibility for our actions. It also teaches us to forgive ourselves and others for making errors.
As Birds migrate they are at times blown off course. Other times they just make an error in their migratory programme. They may go in the wrong direction but they always go the distance; and somehow in the end they always find their way to their final destination. Building a business from scratch involves making mistakes. Just as Birds stray in their migration so do female founders. It is by going down the wrong path that we all somehow ending up finding our way.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Fear
Fear is the reason why many don’t take risks, refuse to go a little further or try something new. The stereotype is that entrepreneurs are fearless and willing to do whatever it takes to make their business work. This isn’t the case for everyone. The truth is the fear is also a problem for the female founder. Making mistakes helps with letting go of fear. With every chance taken, fear is reduced and as a result confidence is gained. There are many joys to be experienced as a part of the entrepreneurial journey. Granted there will be many challenges but it’s meant to be fun, empowering, enabling and much more. By making mistakes we give fear a space to dwindle.
Improvement
There is always room for growth. There is always something to learn. Mistakes facilitate the learning process. Every time a mistake is made we are presented with new wisdom. This kind of wisdom is the best as it is based on one’s own lived experience. Lived experience is the best way to learn and through our failures we are allowed to do so. The obsession with perfection as a badge of honour or as a form of prestige is completely flawed. Perfection isn’t realistic because no one is perfect and aiming for that ideal only leads to disappointment. Trying one’s best should be the aim. When we try our best we acknowledge that we are limited in our awareness. We give way for new lessons which help us improve as we build our businesses. We become better at our craft and more innovative by making mistakes.
Humility
To err is human. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily motions of life, assuming the entire world revolves around us and our businesses. It doesn’t. As we build our businesses, the world continues to turn. Mistakes remind of us our humanity. They keep us grounded and focussed. They help us remember why we are doing what we are doing. They keep us in check. Many people fear making mistakes because they think it makes them appear incompetent. If you have mastered something and are no longer making mistakes, this means you are no longer being challenged. This is a signal that it’s now time to up the ante and pursue new things. Remaining humble is important for building a business. It teaches us to take responsibility for our actions. It also teaches us to forgive ourselves and others for making errors.
As Birds migrate they are at times blown off course. Other times they just make an error in their migratory programme. They may go in the wrong direction but they always go the distance; and somehow in the end they always find their way to their final destination. Building a business from scratch involves making mistakes. Just as Birds stray in their migration so do female founders. It is by going down the wrong path that we all somehow ending up finding our way.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Clever Crows
There are different types of intelligence required to survive daily life. In addition to this, there are specific types of intelligence required for entrepreneurship. A number of intellectual skills are needed to see a vision through from beginning to end. The ability to observe, listen and react quickly whilst at the same time not compromising integrity, is a skill. The ability to make decisions in earnest as well as to balance lateral and vertical thinking are equally important. One must be pragmatic yet innovative. While the below are not exhaustive, they are essential to building a business from scratch.
Cultural Intelligence
We live in a global village, connected by the click of a button. We see into each others lives over social media. Our mobile phones make it easy for us to speak across borders and live stream information across the airwaves within seconds. We no longer build businesses locally, we build them globally. The thought of operating within the limitations of a confined space no longer exist. Therefore the female founder must be able to relate and work effectively across cultures. She must be adept at understanding that what may be the norm in one culture, may be outrageous in another. She should be understanding of the nuances that culture bring to everyone that she does business with.
Social Intelligence
The socially inclined tend to be very successful at business. Business is about relationships. There is no business if there are no relationships. Relationships are the foundation on which businesses thrive. Let’s ask ourselves the question: What is a business? A complex web? A well designed system? A business is merely a vehicle to facilitate relationships. It is a space for the relationship(s) to blossom. The capacity to initiate, develop and maintain relationships is a skill, which does not come naturally to everyone. The female founder is an effective navigator of social intelligence.
Creative Intelligence
Creativity is required throughout all aspects of business. From concept to implementation the idea must be infused with creativity. Creative intelligence isn’t just about making something new, but it is also about re-purposing the old into something new. Using innovation and imagination to develop new ways of thinking. The creative process equips the female founder with the third eye needed to approach all aspects of business.
Emotional Intelligence
Understanding our own emotions, knowing what triggers them and being able to identify these triggers are all important. Being self aware and being aware of how our actions affect others is a necessary skill to have. There will be many bad situations and instances where you will feel like giving up. Harnessing these emotions and understanding that they are all a part of the natural flow of things is very important. Emotional intelligence is particularly important when building a team. The female founder uses emotional intelligence to simply put, build a happy business.
The crow is said to be one of the most clever birds in the animal kingdom. They are exceptionally intelligent. They have a memory bank, that gives them the ability to remember the most minute of details. They have a special dialect that allows them to speak to each other. They forage for food and store for a “rainy day.” Crows are also observational learners. They learn by watching! Who are they watching? Humans. When it’s all said and done intelligence helps the Bird take flight. Use your intelligence to support your mission.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Share Your Success
Our motto: Share Your Secrets. Share Your Success.
Last week we discussed the importance of sharing secrets. This week we shift our focus to success. What is success? The answer to this question varies with each individual. For some it is the opposite of failure. For others it is the pinnacle of achievement, a position or thing obtained through hard work. Depending on one’s perspective success can also be a journey. In order to build community, we must share success. The sharing of success helps others achieve. Our stories act as a source of inspiration to others. Each story complete with its own special narrative, providing hope for those along the way. Entrepreneurship is about doing but as we know it is also about observing and listening. Storytelling is a powerful tool and here are a few reasons why we share our stories of success.
It Brings People Together
Sharing success brings people together. Through our stories of experience we help others thrive. Sharing builds a community of awareness and empathy which creates an environment of understanding. And with understanding comes more tolerance. A dynamic, inclusive community allows for different types of people to come together with a united vision. Sharing success helps to solidify the vision, whatever it may be. Instead of deliberately withholding successes’ for fear of coming across as arrogant, we share knowing that our community encourages success. Success on our own terms and standards. If we don’t share our success how do we expect others to learn and grow? Growth cannot be achieved through osmosis! It is through lived experience of struggle that we are able to grow. We also include the lived experiences of others to further enhance our mission.
It Influences Behaviour
Sharing influences behaviour. Behaviours are learned. We tend to emulate what we see around us, particularly in our formative years. As we become adults and hopefully raise our consciousness we also start to unlearn old behaviours and learn new ones. Learning and unlearning are recurring themes within entrepreneurial spaces. They are necessary for anyone who plans on developing a sustainable business. As you develop your business there are behaviours which can also be gleaned from your peers. Our peers are some of our biggest influencers. Their positive behaviours should be identified and emulated simply because it has been tried and tested. You may want to give it your own personal twist, personalise it and make it your own. You may also decide to extract bits of behaviour from others which you believe will help you. We share our success to influence behaviour!
Where did this motto com from? No where special. It was devised in the spirit of sharing and represents the community which is being built. Share your secrets so that someone else can have a chance. Share your success so that someone else can be inspired to pursue their dreams. Secrets are complementary to success in that once a secret is disclosed it opens a gate for success to be achieved. Secrets equate with success! Birds are sharers and so I encourage you to share not because this community warrants it but because it is the right and necessary thing to do.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Last week we discussed the importance of sharing secrets. This week we shift our focus to success. What is success? The answer to this question varies with each individual. For some it is the opposite of failure. For others it is the pinnacle of achievement, a position or thing obtained through hard work. Depending on one’s perspective success can also be a journey. In order to build community, we must share success. The sharing of success helps others achieve. Our stories act as a source of inspiration to others. Each story complete with its own special narrative, providing hope for those along the way. Entrepreneurship is about doing but as we know it is also about observing and listening. Storytelling is a powerful tool and here are a few reasons why we share our stories of success.
It Brings People Together
Sharing success brings people together. Through our stories of experience we help others thrive. Sharing builds a community of awareness and empathy which creates an environment of understanding. And with understanding comes more tolerance. A dynamic, inclusive community allows for different types of people to come together with a united vision. Sharing success helps to solidify the vision, whatever it may be. Instead of deliberately withholding successes’ for fear of coming across as arrogant, we share knowing that our community encourages success. Success on our own terms and standards. If we don’t share our success how do we expect others to learn and grow? Growth cannot be achieved through osmosis! It is through lived experience of struggle that we are able to grow. We also include the lived experiences of others to further enhance our mission.
It Influences Behaviour
Sharing influences behaviour. Behaviours are learned. We tend to emulate what we see around us, particularly in our formative years. As we become adults and hopefully raise our consciousness we also start to unlearn old behaviours and learn new ones. Learning and unlearning are recurring themes within entrepreneurial spaces. They are necessary for anyone who plans on developing a sustainable business. As you develop your business there are behaviours which can also be gleaned from your peers. Our peers are some of our biggest influencers. Their positive behaviours should be identified and emulated simply because it has been tried and tested. You may want to give it your own personal twist, personalise it and make it your own. You may also decide to extract bits of behaviour from others which you believe will help you. We share our success to influence behaviour!
Where did this motto com from? No where special. It was devised in the spirit of sharing and represents the community which is being built. Share your secrets so that someone else can have a chance. Share your success so that someone else can be inspired to pursue their dreams. Secrets are complementary to success in that once a secret is disclosed it opens a gate for success to be achieved. Secrets equate with success! Birds are sharers and so I encourage you to share not because this community warrants it but because it is the right and necessary thing to do.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Share Your Secrets
Our motto: Share Your Secrets. Share Your Success.
The motto of the SecretBirds global community is share your secrets and share your success. Sharing underpins everything we do. Sharing is essential to our existence. The day we stop sharing, is the day we cease to exist. Why sharing? Because it’s what communities do, they share. If we study various civilisations from the beginning of time and throughout all the ages, sharing was what they did. Everywhere throughout the globe from Africa to Europe to the Americas, Asia and all in between sharing is what created community. Fast forward to today and we read of the shared economy as well as various local communities with a focus on shared values and beliefs. Sharing is an age old concept which we keep reinventing to suit our current situation and circumstances. Much of modern day culture, however extols beliefs which deter sharing. Don’t share your feelings, don’t share your food, don’t share your ideas, don’t share your umbrella and you better not share your pen either, she should have brought her own! In this community we encourage women to share their story. We say to them, “share your secrets and share your success.” So why share your secrets?
Why not share your secrets?
This may sound counter-intuitive, seeing as a secret should be something private. But is it really? Considering that no one ever really keeps a secret! What’s the first thing many of us do when we hear a secret? Share it! Keeping a secret requires so much effort. It truly is hard work! As little girls we inspired confidence in others knowing we could, in fact keep a secret. Here we are now as grown women learning that all the secrets we have kept or are currently keeping actually contribute negatively to our lives. With time we have all learned that sharing our secrets is what helps others thrive. We learn that if we can help someone avoid some of the pitfalls of life, we do so by sharing our secrets. We also know that when we share, we help ourselves because it allows us to release the burdens of life. So, why not share your secrets?
Secrets are curated knowledge
Secrets are curated knowledge. They stem from years of mastery as well as trial and error. This is why every entrepreneurship website share “Top Secrets from successful entrepreneurs.” These are people who have done it and they can speak from experience. They bequeath their well curated knowledge unto the rest of us who are still learning the tricks of the trade. We all have something to teach and we all have something to learn. The knowledge you have acquired since you took flight is also relevant, it is also worth sharing. There is something within you that someone else needs to hear. There is someone out there waiting for you to say it. So, why not share your secrets?
Secrets keep us connected
In order to sustain a community we must share our secrets. We can’t possibly think that we can be a part of a community by taking but not giving. The road to flight involves reciprocity. There is no space worth being in if it only involves taking. In the long term it won’t benefit you. If you are looking for short term gains, this community isn’t for you. So, with each share we make a new connection. With each share we further develop our existing connections. Each connection is an opportunity to deepen our bonds. Bonds which help us grow as individuals and as as entrepreneurs. We stay connected because we like it. We stay connected because we want to. We stay connected because we like sharing secrets.
In the avian species the female will carefully design and orchestrate her nest. She only moves in when she is satisfied. She also chooses wisely where to construct her nest. She weaves tirelessly to build her community. In some instances she will even collaborate outside of her species if it means ensuring her survival. Birds continue to do what human beings have always done. The life of Birds, is it really that different to the life of the female founder? Next week let’s explore why we should share our success. Until then share your secrets.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The motto of the SecretBirds global community is share your secrets and share your success. Sharing underpins everything we do. Sharing is essential to our existence. The day we stop sharing, is the day we cease to exist. Why sharing? Because it’s what communities do, they share. If we study various civilisations from the beginning of time and throughout all the ages, sharing was what they did. Everywhere throughout the globe from Africa to Europe to the Americas, Asia and all in between sharing is what created community. Fast forward to today and we read of the shared economy as well as various local communities with a focus on shared values and beliefs. Sharing is an age old concept which we keep reinventing to suit our current situation and circumstances. Much of modern day culture, however extols beliefs which deter sharing. Don’t share your feelings, don’t share your food, don’t share your ideas, don’t share your umbrella and you better not share your pen either, she should have brought her own! In this community we encourage women to share their story. We say to them, “share your secrets and share your success.” So why share your secrets?
Why not share your secrets?
This may sound counter-intuitive, seeing as a secret should be something private. But is it really? Considering that no one ever really keeps a secret! What’s the first thing many of us do when we hear a secret? Share it! Keeping a secret requires so much effort. It truly is hard work! As little girls we inspired confidence in others knowing we could, in fact keep a secret. Here we are now as grown women learning that all the secrets we have kept or are currently keeping actually contribute negatively to our lives. With time we have all learned that sharing our secrets is what helps others thrive. We learn that if we can help someone avoid some of the pitfalls of life, we do so by sharing our secrets. We also know that when we share, we help ourselves because it allows us to release the burdens of life. So, why not share your secrets?
Secrets are curated knowledge
Secrets are curated knowledge. They stem from years of mastery as well as trial and error. This is why every entrepreneurship website share “Top Secrets from successful entrepreneurs.” These are people who have done it and they can speak from experience. They bequeath their well curated knowledge unto the rest of us who are still learning the tricks of the trade. We all have something to teach and we all have something to learn. The knowledge you have acquired since you took flight is also relevant, it is also worth sharing. There is something within you that someone else needs to hear. There is someone out there waiting for you to say it. So, why not share your secrets?
Secrets keep us connected
In order to sustain a community we must share our secrets. We can’t possibly think that we can be a part of a community by taking but not giving. The road to flight involves reciprocity. There is no space worth being in if it only involves taking. In the long term it won’t benefit you. If you are looking for short term gains, this community isn’t for you. So, with each share we make a new connection. With each share we further develop our existing connections. Each connection is an opportunity to deepen our bonds. Bonds which help us grow as individuals and as as entrepreneurs. We stay connected because we like it. We stay connected because we want to. We stay connected because we like sharing secrets.
In the avian species the female will carefully design and orchestrate her nest. She only moves in when she is satisfied. She also chooses wisely where to construct her nest. She weaves tirelessly to build her community. In some instances she will even collaborate outside of her species if it means ensuring her survival. Birds continue to do what human beings have always done. The life of Birds, is it really that different to the life of the female founder? Next week let’s explore why we should share our success. Until then share your secrets.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Are You Bird In-dependent?
Independence is overrated. The notion that somehow we can achieve whatever we desire all on our own is a farce. Some cultures praise independence. They glorify it as a badge of honour. One often wonders if all this independence has made us better? But that’s a separate blog. The fact of the matter is, no one is independent. We are all here because of a community. The first community being those who raised us, i.e family or other loved ones, the second being your cultural, social or religious community. The third would be your academic community, school, university, etc. With time and age we develop our own communities, join communities, exit communities and learn how to weave our way in and out of various social webs. All of these communities are interlinked in that they have all played a crucial part in making us who we are today and more importantly helping us get to where we are today. Someone had to open a door for us, give us an opportunity, show the way, teach us, guide us and much more. So, truthfully the concept of being independent is a joke. In business independence will only get you so far because as we already know, your business will not thrive without relationships. These relationships will allow for partnerships and collaboration. There is pride in independence, this is mostly because it requires an individual who can think for themselves, make decisions for themselves and move forward with their ideas confidently. These are the outcomes of an independent thinking person, which is completely separate to an independent person. In business interdependence may prove more beneficial to your cause and here’s why.
You can’t go it alone and why would you want to?
Many of us seem to have a problem with asking for help. I am not sure where we get this from. There are quite a few theories, everything from upbringing to how we are wired and all in between. Whatever the case, we need to admit that we have been sold a lie. Lies and more lies! Pretending that you know it all or that somehow you have all the answers, will only lead to one destination: epic failure. Yes, failure is where we learn but why fail at things which are basic common sense? We only know so much, we are only skilled in a few things, therefore we must surround ourselves with people who complement us, know more than us, can guide us and help us. We need people who have gone before us and people to be behind us. Both groups teach us something about ourselves. Moreover why would you want to go on this journey in flight all on your own? There is nothing better than sharing the ride. It is much more pleasurable and fun. Is independence really about doing your own thing or is it more so about being able to stand on your own two feet when required? And even then we can have people to support us. In business going it alone isn’t the problem. The problem is believing that somehow you can!
You solver bigger problems and innovate more through collaboration.
Collaboration is the new innovation. Working together with like minds is not only good for problem solving but also for learning and for synergising ideas. Collaboration does not dilute, it enhances. Collaboration does not mean less, it means more. The key to a perfect collaboration is ensuring values are shared, connection of the dots, making sure ideas coalesce and that communication is encouraged. In business it is easy to make everything about you, the founder, but is it really about you or the people you are serving? The ego has a way of making us believe we are in control. There is no control in business only risk mitigation. Anyone who has built a business from scratch knows that things change from minute to minute. This is the nature of business and trying to control all aspects of the work only creates a bad environment for yourself and those who work with and for you. Big problems require a collaboration of minds, different ways of thinking and working and more importantly tolerance.
Your business will be dependent as a result of your independence.
If you continue to ignore that you need others to thrive as an entrepreneur you will remain dependent. This is because as you work together with others you can circumvent problems. These are problems others have experienced and can help you avoid. You will move quicker and more efficiently as a result of being interdependent. You will slow down and become much more reliant than required. Your business won’t grow and you may not be able to sustain it. You will often feel overwhelmed and stressed. You may also end up running around in circles doing things you don’t need to. An independent business is actually interdependently linked with all the other businesses’. They all operate in the same spectrum and need each other whether they like to admit it or not.
Questions: Does being independent mean that we give up something? Or does it mean that we gain something? Does your independence make you feel free? And freedom is why you started this venture in the first place? Perhaps? maybe not? Nonetheless, let’s not confuse free will, choice and self determination with self-lauded delusions. We need each other. We always have. We always will. Entrepreneurship is no different. Practice interdependence. Birds live, travel and feed together. It makes their journey worthwhile. It is also essential to their survival. Do you want to survive? Or are you Bird In-Dependent?
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success. We can’t wait to hear from you.
You can’t go it alone and why would you want to?
Many of us seem to have a problem with asking for help. I am not sure where we get this from. There are quite a few theories, everything from upbringing to how we are wired and all in between. Whatever the case, we need to admit that we have been sold a lie. Lies and more lies! Pretending that you know it all or that somehow you have all the answers, will only lead to one destination: epic failure. Yes, failure is where we learn but why fail at things which are basic common sense? We only know so much, we are only skilled in a few things, therefore we must surround ourselves with people who complement us, know more than us, can guide us and help us. We need people who have gone before us and people to be behind us. Both groups teach us something about ourselves. Moreover why would you want to go on this journey in flight all on your own? There is nothing better than sharing the ride. It is much more pleasurable and fun. Is independence really about doing your own thing or is it more so about being able to stand on your own two feet when required? And even then we can have people to support us. In business going it alone isn’t the problem. The problem is believing that somehow you can!
You solver bigger problems and innovate more through collaboration.
Collaboration is the new innovation. Working together with like minds is not only good for problem solving but also for learning and for synergising ideas. Collaboration does not dilute, it enhances. Collaboration does not mean less, it means more. The key to a perfect collaboration is ensuring values are shared, connection of the dots, making sure ideas coalesce and that communication is encouraged. In business it is easy to make everything about you, the founder, but is it really about you or the people you are serving? The ego has a way of making us believe we are in control. There is no control in business only risk mitigation. Anyone who has built a business from scratch knows that things change from minute to minute. This is the nature of business and trying to control all aspects of the work only creates a bad environment for yourself and those who work with and for you. Big problems require a collaboration of minds, different ways of thinking and working and more importantly tolerance.
Your business will be dependent as a result of your independence.
If you continue to ignore that you need others to thrive as an entrepreneur you will remain dependent. This is because as you work together with others you can circumvent problems. These are problems others have experienced and can help you avoid. You will move quicker and more efficiently as a result of being interdependent. You will slow down and become much more reliant than required. Your business won’t grow and you may not be able to sustain it. You will often feel overwhelmed and stressed. You may also end up running around in circles doing things you don’t need to. An independent business is actually interdependently linked with all the other businesses’. They all operate in the same spectrum and need each other whether they like to admit it or not.
Questions: Does being independent mean that we give up something? Or does it mean that we gain something? Does your independence make you feel free? And freedom is why you started this venture in the first place? Perhaps? maybe not? Nonetheless, let’s not confuse free will, choice and self determination with self-lauded delusions. We need each other. We always have. We always will. Entrepreneurship is no different. Practice interdependence. Birds live, travel and feed together. It makes their journey worthwhile. It is also essential to their survival. Do you want to survive? Or are you Bird In-Dependent?
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Share your secrets and share your success. We can’t wait to hear from you.
Adjust Your Wingtips
As you develop your idea, there will be many changes along the way. As the popular saying goes, “Change is the only thing, that isn’t constant.” It is important to not get too hung up on the idea itself. As counterproductive as they may seem, ideas change as you go along. The concept of your business and the intention behind it will stay the same but the delivery, focus or target market may change. When going through the motions of testing and developing your idea, if you are so fixated on the idea and do not allow for flexibility this can be the beginning of many problems ahead. There are various reasons as to why your idea may change.
Your initial idea was too complex and you have found a way to simplify it.
You may have had this idea in your mind for some time or maybe it came to you by accident. Or like most it may have come about when you had a problem and was unable to get the help you needed. However you arrived at your idea, the fact is that what you initially had in your mind may change slightly as you begin to test it. This is because the market will ultimately determine the success or failure of the business you are aiming to create. If the market responds well, then clearly there is a need. At which point you start to engage and ask questions to garner the feedback you require to create a product that your supports will connect with and purchase. If you ignore the market, in the end the market will ignore you but if you respond you will reap the rewards. Sometimes it is the simple ideas that do so much to solve big problems. Along the way you may recognise the complexity you are bringing to the idea, isn’t necessary after all.
Your target market has changed and you have found new a new niche.
The idea was so good when you started, you knew exactly who you were going to target or at least you thought you did. Along the way you realised the actual target group is really a nonexistent group, which you imagined or simply a group that is not interested. The good news is that you found a group who are completely smitten by what you do and now you need to shift to working with them. This actually happens all the time, it is normal, it is a part of the process. In this process you will find that you’ve developed a new niche. With this new niche comes a renewed focus, a new style and a different way to solve problems. As for why this happens, as mentioned before we get so attached to an idea that we forget that in reality an idea is nothing unless we have supporters who buy into the idea.
Your interest has waned and you have realised that your passions lie elsewhere.
Sometimes when you start, you think what you are pursuing is what makes you feel alive. As you commit more and more time to the work you begin to unravel and discover interests which are related to what you do but that drive you in a way, which feels very different. This feeling is something which can’t be ignored. You make a decision to pursue it and it starts to take on a a reality of its own. Does this make you an indecisive, unfocussed person? No, it makes you someone who has used their initial idea to firm up the actual idea. There is no concrete method or formula, at times you just go with the flow and these things happen. Your passions aren’t one-dimensional, they are layered, they can be complex, they can be unorthodox, this is all a part of the journey.
How exactly do Birds change direction in flight? By adjusting their different body parts to control their flight. Birds are simply put, masters of flight. They bend their wings and soar, it is engineering magnificence. As you build your business engineer your own magnificence. Deal with changes by being the master of your own flight. Continue to adjust your wingtips.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Your initial idea was too complex and you have found a way to simplify it.
You may have had this idea in your mind for some time or maybe it came to you by accident. Or like most it may have come about when you had a problem and was unable to get the help you needed. However you arrived at your idea, the fact is that what you initially had in your mind may change slightly as you begin to test it. This is because the market will ultimately determine the success or failure of the business you are aiming to create. If the market responds well, then clearly there is a need. At which point you start to engage and ask questions to garner the feedback you require to create a product that your supports will connect with and purchase. If you ignore the market, in the end the market will ignore you but if you respond you will reap the rewards. Sometimes it is the simple ideas that do so much to solve big problems. Along the way you may recognise the complexity you are bringing to the idea, isn’t necessary after all.
Your target market has changed and you have found new a new niche.
The idea was so good when you started, you knew exactly who you were going to target or at least you thought you did. Along the way you realised the actual target group is really a nonexistent group, which you imagined or simply a group that is not interested. The good news is that you found a group who are completely smitten by what you do and now you need to shift to working with them. This actually happens all the time, it is normal, it is a part of the process. In this process you will find that you’ve developed a new niche. With this new niche comes a renewed focus, a new style and a different way to solve problems. As for why this happens, as mentioned before we get so attached to an idea that we forget that in reality an idea is nothing unless we have supporters who buy into the idea.
Your interest has waned and you have realised that your passions lie elsewhere.
Sometimes when you start, you think what you are pursuing is what makes you feel alive. As you commit more and more time to the work you begin to unravel and discover interests which are related to what you do but that drive you in a way, which feels very different. This feeling is something which can’t be ignored. You make a decision to pursue it and it starts to take on a a reality of its own. Does this make you an indecisive, unfocussed person? No, it makes you someone who has used their initial idea to firm up the actual idea. There is no concrete method or formula, at times you just go with the flow and these things happen. Your passions aren’t one-dimensional, they are layered, they can be complex, they can be unorthodox, this is all a part of the journey.
How exactly do Birds change direction in flight? By adjusting their different body parts to control their flight. Birds are simply put, masters of flight. They bend their wings and soar, it is engineering magnificence. As you build your business engineer your own magnificence. Deal with changes by being the master of your own flight. Continue to adjust your wingtips.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Flocking Movement
You have an idea for a business. You can’t seem to let it go. It is an idea that you can’t seem to get out of your mind. It is not an impulse or a passing cloud, it really is something you believe which has the ability to solve a big problem. Before moving any further with the idea, pause and answer these two questions:
(1)What is the goal?
(2) What will it take for you to get there?
Before you begin you must first determine the type of movement you will take in your flight. Which direction will you face? Will you be leading from upfront? Will you navigate from the side? Or will you lead from behind? These are all very important questions to ponder from the outset. You do not want to wait to consider these things because they will determine how you fly. Your big vision requires movement. So let’s consider the different ways in which you can move and how each movement will help you take flight.
Leading From Upfront
This type of leadership is highly visible. It is for those who have no qualms with being in the spotlight. In this type of movement everyone must be able to see and understand what you are doing. Your movements are clear and can easily be mirrored.
Navigating From the Side
This type of leadership is not so visible. It is the kind of leadership that is visible when required. It is for those who enjoy moving parallel or alongside, taking the same steps towards the big vision. In this type of movement everyone feels as though they are being guided in the right direction.
Leading From Behind
This type of leadership is invisible. It is for those who prefer not to be seen and if required only when absolutely necessary. This leader is not one for the spotlight, they prefer to give everyone else an opportunity to shine. Everyone moves at their own pace but in the right direction. Different styles of moves are accepted and each individual is encouraged to take ownership of their own movement in the big vision.
There is no right or wrong way, only different perspectives on how the business should move and in which direction. Not knowing which style suits you will create an inordinate amount of problems for your operations. It is important to remember that these movements not only apply to your team but also to your collaborators, supporters and partners. The way you move will set the tone of how others will move when dealing with you. Once you know your goal and what it will take for you to get there, consider the movements required to attain both.
Flocking movement forms a key part of your strategy. As your idea starts to become a reality you will slowly begin to invite others to participate in your movements. How will you get others to flock in your direction? At the foundation of this movement is behaviour. Identify the behaviours required to determine your flight. It is only through the appropriate behaviour that you will be able to actualise your flight.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
(1)What is the goal?
(2) What will it take for you to get there?
Before you begin you must first determine the type of movement you will take in your flight. Which direction will you face? Will you be leading from upfront? Will you navigate from the side? Or will you lead from behind? These are all very important questions to ponder from the outset. You do not want to wait to consider these things because they will determine how you fly. Your big vision requires movement. So let’s consider the different ways in which you can move and how each movement will help you take flight.
Leading From Upfront
This type of leadership is highly visible. It is for those who have no qualms with being in the spotlight. In this type of movement everyone must be able to see and understand what you are doing. Your movements are clear and can easily be mirrored.
Navigating From the Side
This type of leadership is not so visible. It is the kind of leadership that is visible when required. It is for those who enjoy moving parallel or alongside, taking the same steps towards the big vision. In this type of movement everyone feels as though they are being guided in the right direction.
Leading From Behind
This type of leadership is invisible. It is for those who prefer not to be seen and if required only when absolutely necessary. This leader is not one for the spotlight, they prefer to give everyone else an opportunity to shine. Everyone moves at their own pace but in the right direction. Different styles of moves are accepted and each individual is encouraged to take ownership of their own movement in the big vision.
There is no right or wrong way, only different perspectives on how the business should move and in which direction. Not knowing which style suits you will create an inordinate amount of problems for your operations. It is important to remember that these movements not only apply to your team but also to your collaborators, supporters and partners. The way you move will set the tone of how others will move when dealing with you. Once you know your goal and what it will take for you to get there, consider the movements required to attain both.
Flocking movement forms a key part of your strategy. As your idea starts to become a reality you will slowly begin to invite others to participate in your movements. How will you get others to flock in your direction? At the foundation of this movement is behaviour. Identify the behaviours required to determine your flight. It is only through the appropriate behaviour that you will be able to actualise your flight.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Avian Enhancement
Why should you be interested? You should be interested because ideas solidify and take shape with interest. When you have an idea for your business you need to get out there and share it. Contrary to conventional thinking of “idea stealing” what you are actually doing is testing the market and conducting initial research. I repeat, no one is going to steal your idea. There is only one you on this planet and therefore only you can execute your idea in the way that you do.Again, only you can execute your idea in the way that you do. The more you engage with people the more they will share their feedback and general thoughts on your idea. You should take mental notes, research further and more importantly ask more questions. As you go through this process you should also be interested. Are you interested in others? What they think? What they have to say? How they think? As an entrepreneur one of the roles you play is that of the observer. The other role you play is that of the listener. When combined these two (observing and listening) make the best of mates. The question now is, how do you go about being interested?
Don’t be pretentious.
When you have your mind set on an idea of course you think it is the best thing since slice bread. This stems from the excitement and rush of creating something new. It is fun and unpredictable. However, the downside to this is that we can start pretending to be something that we are not and taking on an entire new role and image of what we think we should be. There is no point in pretending. You are an entrepreneur who is solving a problem, you are not a celebrity seeking out an ego booster. It is important to stay focussed on what you are trying to achieve, which is the development of your idea. Pretending, exaggerating and being ostentatious isn’t your aim. Television, social media and general hype have all taken the entrepreneur to ridiculous heights.Ridiculous! Ridiculous! Entrepreneurs are problem solvers. Keep in mind that you are aiming to serve. Service is done by finding solutions to everyday problems. Be interested in the problem you are trying to solve and stay clear from seeking out ways to stroke your ego. Use your ego in a productive way! Now that we are clear of pretense we can get on with the business of getting to know people. This is the next step in being interested. Get to know people!
Get to Know People
Business is about relationships. Successful relationships won’t develop on their own, you have to make some effort. You have to genuinely care about getting to know people. As you start talking about your business idea, this opens a gateway for you to learn about other people. Ask them questions, listen to their answers. Make suggestions, tell them what you think, find out what they think and offer your help. Most people will discuss themselves as a means for getting to know others. This is one approach. Be that person that shows interest by learning about others. Not only will your idea flourish but it will also help people to remember you. We will always remember how someone made us feel or that person that asked us questions that made us think. Share your human qualities with people as it will only open the door for others to start sharing with you. All it takes is for one person to be different in a sea of sameness. Sameness, heaven forbid! Let that person be you. Now that we understand the importance of getting to know people, now let’s focus on learning. Be a perpetual learner.
Be a Perpetual Learner
Entrepreneurs are life long learners. They are curious about everything. They want to understand and the adventure begins with each new activity. Be interested in learning. Read books, watch videos, attend seminars and conferences, join masterminds, take long walks, go on hikes, visit new cities and try new things. Be fearless in your pursuit to learn and better yourself. As a result of being interested in these things you will also become a much more interesting person. Interesting people fascinate us, they are like people magnets. They are filled with a deep sense of purpose and passion. They make you want to move mountains in their presence. They definitely have an energy about them that we all seem to be attracted to. Don’t follow the crowd, accept and hone your idiosyncratic talents. Get better at being you (whatever makes you, you), make it an integral part of your learning process. Your business idea will take on new meaning and expand in unique ways.
An idea on its own is simply an idea. An idea that is driven by someone who is interested is an idea in motion. Be interested and be interesting. Your startup idea needs traction. You need to be talking to people, seeking out validation and preparing it for the next step: execution. Research suggests that Birds display a host of emotions such as distrust, love, jealousy and anger. This is done through actions and body language. Be that Bird that shows interest. The emotional health of our Nests is dependent upon your ability to develop your ideas.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Don’t be pretentious.
When you have your mind set on an idea of course you think it is the best thing since slice bread. This stems from the excitement and rush of creating something new. It is fun and unpredictable. However, the downside to this is that we can start pretending to be something that we are not and taking on an entire new role and image of what we think we should be. There is no point in pretending. You are an entrepreneur who is solving a problem, you are not a celebrity seeking out an ego booster. It is important to stay focussed on what you are trying to achieve, which is the development of your idea. Pretending, exaggerating and being ostentatious isn’t your aim. Television, social media and general hype have all taken the entrepreneur to ridiculous heights.Ridiculous! Ridiculous! Entrepreneurs are problem solvers. Keep in mind that you are aiming to serve. Service is done by finding solutions to everyday problems. Be interested in the problem you are trying to solve and stay clear from seeking out ways to stroke your ego. Use your ego in a productive way! Now that we are clear of pretense we can get on with the business of getting to know people. This is the next step in being interested. Get to know people!
Get to Know People
Business is about relationships. Successful relationships won’t develop on their own, you have to make some effort. You have to genuinely care about getting to know people. As you start talking about your business idea, this opens a gateway for you to learn about other people. Ask them questions, listen to their answers. Make suggestions, tell them what you think, find out what they think and offer your help. Most people will discuss themselves as a means for getting to know others. This is one approach. Be that person that shows interest by learning about others. Not only will your idea flourish but it will also help people to remember you. We will always remember how someone made us feel or that person that asked us questions that made us think. Share your human qualities with people as it will only open the door for others to start sharing with you. All it takes is for one person to be different in a sea of sameness. Sameness, heaven forbid! Let that person be you. Now that we understand the importance of getting to know people, now let’s focus on learning. Be a perpetual learner.
Be a Perpetual Learner
Entrepreneurs are life long learners. They are curious about everything. They want to understand and the adventure begins with each new activity. Be interested in learning. Read books, watch videos, attend seminars and conferences, join masterminds, take long walks, go on hikes, visit new cities and try new things. Be fearless in your pursuit to learn and better yourself. As a result of being interested in these things you will also become a much more interesting person. Interesting people fascinate us, they are like people magnets. They are filled with a deep sense of purpose and passion. They make you want to move mountains in their presence. They definitely have an energy about them that we all seem to be attracted to. Don’t follow the crowd, accept and hone your idiosyncratic talents. Get better at being you (whatever makes you, you), make it an integral part of your learning process. Your business idea will take on new meaning and expand in unique ways.
An idea on its own is simply an idea. An idea that is driven by someone who is interested is an idea in motion. Be interested and be interesting. Your startup idea needs traction. You need to be talking to people, seeking out validation and preparing it for the next step: execution. Research suggests that Birds display a host of emotions such as distrust, love, jealousy and anger. This is done through actions and body language. Be that Bird that shows interest. The emotional health of our Nests is dependent upon your ability to develop your ideas.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The Bird Cage
You entire world is falling apart. Nothing seems to be working. All attempts to get things going have failed. Every angle appears to be filled with thorns. Thorns that prick so hard you, you are swollen for days. You have retreated to that place where Birds should never go. You’ve gone into the cage. You’ve flown into this place where our species go when they can’t cope. It’s perfectly fine, to admit defeat. There is courage in accepting that you can’t seem to get it right. The problem with the Bird Cage is that unlike a rehabilitation centre it’s not suited to help you recover. It’s actually a place where you will gradually worsen. Birds live miserably in these cages. They self harm, they become angered, have poor diets and become crippled by physical illness. There is no reason for a Bird to live this way. So, how do you cope when nothing seems to be going right?
Building A Business Is A Long Haul Flight
Keep in mind that this is not a fly by night exercise. You plan to do this for as long as you can. When you can no longer participate or when you no longer want to be involved, you may remove yourself from the day-to-day activities but it is still your business. Considering how much of your life you have to live and all the plans you have for your business it is important to accept that there will be problems. There will be good times and there will be bad times. It is all a temporary condition. It is fleeting. It will pass. Ride it like a wave, take it as it comes. More importantly remember that with every struggle there is growth. Count your blessings. Yes, indeed your struggles are blessings. One of the reasons it hurts so much is because change is happening within you. The change won’t manifest itself immediately but a few years from now you’ll be in conversation or in a situation where you’ll be fully equipped to manage and it will be based on all of these very bad times. Don’t forget strength should always be worn as a badge of honour!Remember, building a business is a long haul flight. No matter what, keep going (Step 10 of the Ten Steps to Flight).
Remember Why You Started
You chose this path. This is what you decided that you wanted to do. Do you remember why? When was the exact moment? What were you doing? How did you feel? That feeling, is it one that you would like to feel again? My guess is no. This is what you should be considering when in these deep dark moments. Lets weigh it. Is your current situation worth trading in for that feeling? Which do you prefer? Knowing you are working towards a dream with bumps along the way or being in that place again and living through that feeling? You just cannot half step this mission. You really have to give it all or nothing. Life is filled with grey area but your business is not one of them. You are either in or you are out. Sometimes you’ll feel like you are losing your mind and you probably will be (there are people to help you with that). Other times you’ll feel deflated and rightly so. This is hard, it is very hard but again, it is what you have chosen. Stay focussed on your vision, the bigger picture and where you plan to be. Take comfort in knowing that in a few years you’ll reminisce on all these hardships with a smile. Remember why you started.
Be Thankful For Something
I know you’ve read this elsewhere and but it’s true. Just be thankful for where you are right now. Think of all the people who helped you get here. What they had to sacrifice, the compromises they made, to help you make your dream come true. Think of all the people who are depending on you, looking up to you, rooting for you. These lovely people are all awaiting your success. Be thankful for all of these people. The strange thing about life is that when we are in a bad place, we are consumed by it. We tend to live in it and allow it to control our lives. It may be worth stepping away from your business for a while to reflect on all the other good things you have in your life. Like your health, food, running water and all the simple things, we all easily, take for granted. Be thankful for something daily and stay grounded in this wisdom. The wisdom in knowing that there are so many other good things in your life outside of the empire you are building. Remember be thankful for something.
Birds get stressed, they get down, this is all a part of flight. But don’t enter that cage. The cage is a perpetual rut and once you enter the odds of you escaping are highly unlikely. One of the beautiful things about the Bird is that she is not confined. Her wings help her to find freedom. Don’t inflict pain on those wings. Use them to propel you into another place. Don’t invent cages to restrict your flight. Release yourself and fly freely in the wind. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Building A Business Is A Long Haul Flight
Keep in mind that this is not a fly by night exercise. You plan to do this for as long as you can. When you can no longer participate or when you no longer want to be involved, you may remove yourself from the day-to-day activities but it is still your business. Considering how much of your life you have to live and all the plans you have for your business it is important to accept that there will be problems. There will be good times and there will be bad times. It is all a temporary condition. It is fleeting. It will pass. Ride it like a wave, take it as it comes. More importantly remember that with every struggle there is growth. Count your blessings. Yes, indeed your struggles are blessings. One of the reasons it hurts so much is because change is happening within you. The change won’t manifest itself immediately but a few years from now you’ll be in conversation or in a situation where you’ll be fully equipped to manage and it will be based on all of these very bad times. Don’t forget strength should always be worn as a badge of honour!Remember, building a business is a long haul flight. No matter what, keep going (Step 10 of the Ten Steps to Flight).
Remember Why You Started
You chose this path. This is what you decided that you wanted to do. Do you remember why? When was the exact moment? What were you doing? How did you feel? That feeling, is it one that you would like to feel again? My guess is no. This is what you should be considering when in these deep dark moments. Lets weigh it. Is your current situation worth trading in for that feeling? Which do you prefer? Knowing you are working towards a dream with bumps along the way or being in that place again and living through that feeling? You just cannot half step this mission. You really have to give it all or nothing. Life is filled with grey area but your business is not one of them. You are either in or you are out. Sometimes you’ll feel like you are losing your mind and you probably will be (there are people to help you with that). Other times you’ll feel deflated and rightly so. This is hard, it is very hard but again, it is what you have chosen. Stay focussed on your vision, the bigger picture and where you plan to be. Take comfort in knowing that in a few years you’ll reminisce on all these hardships with a smile. Remember why you started.
Be Thankful For Something
I know you’ve read this elsewhere and but it’s true. Just be thankful for where you are right now. Think of all the people who helped you get here. What they had to sacrifice, the compromises they made, to help you make your dream come true. Think of all the people who are depending on you, looking up to you, rooting for you. These lovely people are all awaiting your success. Be thankful for all of these people. The strange thing about life is that when we are in a bad place, we are consumed by it. We tend to live in it and allow it to control our lives. It may be worth stepping away from your business for a while to reflect on all the other good things you have in your life. Like your health, food, running water and all the simple things, we all easily, take for granted. Be thankful for something daily and stay grounded in this wisdom. The wisdom in knowing that there are so many other good things in your life outside of the empire you are building. Remember be thankful for something.
Birds get stressed, they get down, this is all a part of flight. But don’t enter that cage. The cage is a perpetual rut and once you enter the odds of you escaping are highly unlikely. One of the beautiful things about the Bird is that she is not confined. Her wings help her to find freedom. Don’t inflict pain on those wings. Use them to propel you into another place. Don’t invent cages to restrict your flight. Release yourself and fly freely in the wind. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Bird Brain
As women we tend to overanalyse a lot. It’s what we do! There are a plethora of articles on the internet which detail this. We overnalyse what we said, what we should have said, what we did, what we didn’t do. We also take it a step further and overalyse what people think of us, our thoughts, thoughts about our thoughts and each and every minute detail of events, circumstances and choices. We can all agree that this behaviour is damaging but no matter how hard we try it’s what we do. One could argue it is in our nature to do so. Another argument could be that we simply pay more attention to detail. Irrespective of where you sit on the spectrum, the fact still remains that collectively women do focus on matters with a microscopic view. Like all human behaviour this too has its negative and positive aspects. Rather than continuously focus on how bad all of this overanalysing is, why not focus on the positive. How can overanalysing help you jump start your business?
Masters of Deduction
A master deducer is capable of deducing anything and arriving at a conclusion. Their ability to extrapolate, probe and make sense of things is an asset. In business innovation plays a huge role in staying ahead of the curve. How you choose to innovate will be largely based on deductive reasoning. It will involve moving from the general to the specific. The way you choose to manage your business, specifically focussing around ethics, matters of right and wrong and general consciousness will require deductive reasoning. Decision making of any kind also requires deductive reasoning. An analytical mind is needed to build a business. A master deducer knows how to use their overanalytical skills in a clever way, which is advantageous to their entrepreneurial pursuits.
Suppliers of Meaning
Does everything have meaning? Maybe yes, maybe no. Understanding the meaning behind things is important. Being able to establish what something is and how it will affect your business is powerful. Comprehension isn’t something that comes naturally to everyone. Knowing the particulars is great, connecting the particulars to the bigger picture is even better. Building a business from scratch is not easy. Success does not come over night. Many times it takes years of hard work and iterations to get your business off the ground. Before you build you have to have a purpose, develop concrete business values and understand why you exist and who you will serve. All of this requires meaning. You have to know the meaning behind everything. Without meaning everything crumbles. Meaning helps you to gain clarity and stay focussed. An analytical mind knows how to tap into the deeper meaning of things. Does everything have meaning? Maybe yes, maybe no. Is everything happening in your business connected to something bigger? Absolutely.
Being an overanalyser in your personal life can definitely be detrimental. However, within an entrepreneurship context the ability to think critically, analyse, overanalyse and process information to make a decision are all important. Entrepreneurs are good at turning their weaknesses’ into strengths. If overanalysing is a perceived weakness as suggested by everyone around you, how do you then shift this to something which can help you? Strategic thinking will build a thriving business. Overanalysing does not inhibit the female founder from being decisive. To the contrary it enables her to be better at processing and making wise decisions, which in turn help her to take her business from idea to reality.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Masters of Deduction
A master deducer is capable of deducing anything and arriving at a conclusion. Their ability to extrapolate, probe and make sense of things is an asset. In business innovation plays a huge role in staying ahead of the curve. How you choose to innovate will be largely based on deductive reasoning. It will involve moving from the general to the specific. The way you choose to manage your business, specifically focussing around ethics, matters of right and wrong and general consciousness will require deductive reasoning. Decision making of any kind also requires deductive reasoning. An analytical mind is needed to build a business. A master deducer knows how to use their overanalytical skills in a clever way, which is advantageous to their entrepreneurial pursuits.
Suppliers of Meaning
Does everything have meaning? Maybe yes, maybe no. Understanding the meaning behind things is important. Being able to establish what something is and how it will affect your business is powerful. Comprehension isn’t something that comes naturally to everyone. Knowing the particulars is great, connecting the particulars to the bigger picture is even better. Building a business from scratch is not easy. Success does not come over night. Many times it takes years of hard work and iterations to get your business off the ground. Before you build you have to have a purpose, develop concrete business values and understand why you exist and who you will serve. All of this requires meaning. You have to know the meaning behind everything. Without meaning everything crumbles. Meaning helps you to gain clarity and stay focussed. An analytical mind knows how to tap into the deeper meaning of things. Does everything have meaning? Maybe yes, maybe no. Is everything happening in your business connected to something bigger? Absolutely.
Being an overanalyser in your personal life can definitely be detrimental. However, within an entrepreneurship context the ability to think critically, analyse, overanalyse and process information to make a decision are all important. Entrepreneurs are good at turning their weaknesses’ into strengths. If overanalysing is a perceived weakness as suggested by everyone around you, how do you then shift this to something which can help you? Strategic thinking will build a thriving business. Overanalysing does not inhibit the female founder from being decisive. To the contrary it enables her to be better at processing and making wise decisions, which in turn help her to take her business from idea to reality.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Uninterrupted Flight
“Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.” So, said Bill Bradley. The business of building a business is demanding, time consuming and emotionally draining. The stories highlighted in the media are often of victory and triumphs. But we hardly if ever hear about the struggles and the hard work and drive that goes into building a business. More importantly we never read the stories of persistence. What is persistence? Persistence is the ability to stay focussed on the most pressing charge at hand with unwavering dedication. Persistence is why some people finish and others do not. Persistence is why some never give up despite all the obstacles and hurdles thrown in their way. Persistence cannot be taught, it is something naturally embedded in all of us and it arises when we have a strong desire to succeed. Some argue it is a skill and with time and repetition it is strengthened. So how do you persist when everything seems to be crumbling?
Define what you want? The most important step in taking flight is know who you are and know what you want. It is within us that we find all the answers. Your business is a manifestation of your desires. But first you must identify what these desires are and how you will go about achieving them. If the desire is strong the motivation to persist despite the odds is even stronger. What is your why and why do you want it? This forms the foundation for developing persistence.
Identify Your Barriers. We all have preventers. These are agents which act against us. They are essentially our weaknesses’. What are your barriers? What are the things that prevent you from taking your plans to the next level. Once you identify what your barriers are figure out what creates them. Some barriers may be created because of an inner doubt or a perception you may have developed for something. Other barriers may be external for example people. How can you circumvent these barriers? How do you deal with these barriers when they arise?
Develop Courage. Being persistent requires courage. It takes courage to decide that no matter what, you will see your vision out to the end. It takes courage to show up in the world as a confident person who reuses to accept what the outside has defined as “good” “smart” “successful” or “accomplished.” Courage is knowing who you are and not allowing anyone to affect your stride. It is about having a quiet inner confidence that is not shaken by naysayers or disbelievers. Your courage will disallow the world from destroying you.
Be Flexible. If you are persistently going at something that isn’t working you wont achieve a desired result. This is why it is important to remain flexible. Your flexibility makes it easy for you to adapt and go with the flow of life. If you are too stringent, you will find that overcoming obstacles will be difficult. Instead of accepting what is, learning and moving forward you will dwell on circumstances and eventually become a victim. A flexible person knows and accepts that life will come with its challenges, it’s how you choose to respond to those challenges that makes all the difference.
There is a certain amount of discipline required if you want to persist at anything you set out to achieve. Give the right and focussed attention to your flight. Make sure you are surrounded by people who will support you. Don’t let the discouragement of others determine your flight. Often times we hold ourselves back because of people. Remember the people are not living your life. You are the only one at the helm of your journey. An uninterrupted flight isn’t devoid of its challenges. It is simply a flight that is successful at being undeterred by those things which are inconsequential. Be un-phased, continuous and steady in flight. Your failures are reminders of why you should keep going.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Define what you want? The most important step in taking flight is know who you are and know what you want. It is within us that we find all the answers. Your business is a manifestation of your desires. But first you must identify what these desires are and how you will go about achieving them. If the desire is strong the motivation to persist despite the odds is even stronger. What is your why and why do you want it? This forms the foundation for developing persistence.
Identify Your Barriers. We all have preventers. These are agents which act against us. They are essentially our weaknesses’. What are your barriers? What are the things that prevent you from taking your plans to the next level. Once you identify what your barriers are figure out what creates them. Some barriers may be created because of an inner doubt or a perception you may have developed for something. Other barriers may be external for example people. How can you circumvent these barriers? How do you deal with these barriers when they arise?
Develop Courage. Being persistent requires courage. It takes courage to decide that no matter what, you will see your vision out to the end. It takes courage to show up in the world as a confident person who reuses to accept what the outside has defined as “good” “smart” “successful” or “accomplished.” Courage is knowing who you are and not allowing anyone to affect your stride. It is about having a quiet inner confidence that is not shaken by naysayers or disbelievers. Your courage will disallow the world from destroying you.
Be Flexible. If you are persistently going at something that isn’t working you wont achieve a desired result. This is why it is important to remain flexible. Your flexibility makes it easy for you to adapt and go with the flow of life. If you are too stringent, you will find that overcoming obstacles will be difficult. Instead of accepting what is, learning and moving forward you will dwell on circumstances and eventually become a victim. A flexible person knows and accepts that life will come with its challenges, it’s how you choose to respond to those challenges that makes all the difference.
There is a certain amount of discipline required if you want to persist at anything you set out to achieve. Give the right and focussed attention to your flight. Make sure you are surrounded by people who will support you. Don’t let the discouragement of others determine your flight. Often times we hold ourselves back because of people. Remember the people are not living your life. You are the only one at the helm of your journey. An uninterrupted flight isn’t devoid of its challenges. It is simply a flight that is successful at being undeterred by those things which are inconsequential. Be un-phased, continuous and steady in flight. Your failures are reminders of why you should keep going.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Birds of Solitude
Spending time by yourself is one of the best ways to get to know yourself. Yet most people either don’t take the time to do so or frankly speaking don’t want to do so. The truth is most are afraid of being alone. Being on one’s own may seem like the antithesis of what it means to be human. Whilst this may be a strong argument for connectedness. The fact still remains that the best way to get to know who we are is to spend time with what we are. Taking time to be with the most important person in your life (you) is not selfish, it’s not a sign of loneliness and it most certainly isn’t a sign of some wider problem in need of in depth psychological analysis. We live in a super hyped technological world, where we are all digitally plugged in 24-7 and/or surrounded by people. Alone time is healthy for your existence and within the context of your business it keeps you astute and relevant. Socialisation, people and communication skills are unequivocally indispensable for anyone looking to build a business. However, too much of anything is never good. The brain needs time to unplug and relax. Your emotions need to be processed and your energy needs to be refueled. Alone time helps with all of the aforementioned. It must be noted that I am not encouraging anyone to become anti-social or give up on their activities or social gatherings which make them feel alive. I am merely advocating for a little solitude to provide clarity and direction for your business.
Productivity
When you unplug all the technology and sit on your own in a comfortable space, it naturally makes you more focussed and as a result more productive. Your attention is directed to the task at hand and less towards those things, which have no value. You naturally shift into a state of consciousness that makes you more mindful of where you and what needs to get done. You become a super efficient individual with a clear head and the ability to simplify matters. Your mind becomes less overwhelmed with ideas and thoughts. This uninterrupted time with yourself shifts your perception from the outer to the inner. When on your own you start to learn things about yourself, like your strengths and weaknesses. All of this will help you to become better at developing your business idea and/or launching your business.
Priorities
We all have priorities. Knowing what matters is essential for time management. The best way to know what your priorities are is to spend time alone. Release yourself from unnecessary information, which clogs the mind. Much of the information deluge adds no value to our daily lives and it is usually of no relevance to your business. The act of getting your priorities straight involves spending time alone. If you find that you are “doing” and constantly feel “drained.” Then perhaps your energy isn’t being utilised in the right place. Trying to build a business on its own is stressful. When this is combined with all the other parts of your life, everything becomes more difficult. You may have to get rid of a few things and you may also have to limit the amount of time you spend with some people. Priorities are sharpened when you give yourself enough alone time to think things through. Your business priorities become aligned and easily executed as a result of being alone.
Processing
One of the reasons many entrepreneurs suffer from anxiety is because there are so many things happening at once, which naturally can be very overwhelming. Too many unprocessed thoughts can turn the mind into a rubbish refuse rather than an oasis of calm. You keep dumping and dumping until eventually you explode. Thoughts need time to process. If you are a reactor then you may speak first then process later. If you are an over thinker, you may not speak at all but spend substantial amounts of time analysing information later on, with no end in mind. We often read that women tend to suffer from over-analysing. Is this our special gift (that’s an entirely different blog)? Perhaps we can turn this seemingly negative trait into a strength. This I assert can only be achieved by spending time alone. Alone time to process through it all, eliminate what isn’t needed and retain those things that help us to be our best.
There are countless reasons why we should spend time alone. Albeit, only discussing three things above, additional things like improved concentration, the ability to recoginise opportunity and improved relationships with others are all areas that benefit from alone time. These are also areas that help you become a better entrepreneur. Explore ways to be alone. Find time to be alone. Reject the notion that being alone is negative. Embrace the idea that being alone makes you a better female founder. Be that Bird that appreciates her solitude.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Productivity
When you unplug all the technology and sit on your own in a comfortable space, it naturally makes you more focussed and as a result more productive. Your attention is directed to the task at hand and less towards those things, which have no value. You naturally shift into a state of consciousness that makes you more mindful of where you and what needs to get done. You become a super efficient individual with a clear head and the ability to simplify matters. Your mind becomes less overwhelmed with ideas and thoughts. This uninterrupted time with yourself shifts your perception from the outer to the inner. When on your own you start to learn things about yourself, like your strengths and weaknesses. All of this will help you to become better at developing your business idea and/or launching your business.
Priorities
We all have priorities. Knowing what matters is essential for time management. The best way to know what your priorities are is to spend time alone. Release yourself from unnecessary information, which clogs the mind. Much of the information deluge adds no value to our daily lives and it is usually of no relevance to your business. The act of getting your priorities straight involves spending time alone. If you find that you are “doing” and constantly feel “drained.” Then perhaps your energy isn’t being utilised in the right place. Trying to build a business on its own is stressful. When this is combined with all the other parts of your life, everything becomes more difficult. You may have to get rid of a few things and you may also have to limit the amount of time you spend with some people. Priorities are sharpened when you give yourself enough alone time to think things through. Your business priorities become aligned and easily executed as a result of being alone.
Processing
One of the reasons many entrepreneurs suffer from anxiety is because there are so many things happening at once, which naturally can be very overwhelming. Too many unprocessed thoughts can turn the mind into a rubbish refuse rather than an oasis of calm. You keep dumping and dumping until eventually you explode. Thoughts need time to process. If you are a reactor then you may speak first then process later. If you are an over thinker, you may not speak at all but spend substantial amounts of time analysing information later on, with no end in mind. We often read that women tend to suffer from over-analysing. Is this our special gift (that’s an entirely different blog)? Perhaps we can turn this seemingly negative trait into a strength. This I assert can only be achieved by spending time alone. Alone time to process through it all, eliminate what isn’t needed and retain those things that help us to be our best.
There are countless reasons why we should spend time alone. Albeit, only discussing three things above, additional things like improved concentration, the ability to recoginise opportunity and improved relationships with others are all areas that benefit from alone time. These are also areas that help you become a better entrepreneur. Explore ways to be alone. Find time to be alone. Reject the notion that being alone is negative. Embrace the idea that being alone makes you a better female founder. Be that Bird that appreciates her solitude.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Will My Wings Survive?
Worry, anxiety and stress! All three wreak emotional, physical and mental havoc on our lives. Worry in particular is a big nuisance. Worry makes us forget how great our flight can be. Worry robs us of our happiness. Worrying makes our plight worse. We miss out on life when we worry. We can’t control the future so we worry incessantly about it. The future won’t change based on our worry. The outcome won’t change because we worried. Life is unpredictable, as we don’t know what will happen next. Is there any good reason why we should know? Will life be any better if we do know? Will knowing ease our burdens? Choose sanity over worry, not only will you embrace the challenges of life with open arms but your health will thank you for it. Worry will cut your flight in half very quickly. Will your wings survive? Here are a few things you shouldn’t worry about if you want your wings to survive.
Stop worrying about the fact that you hate selling. The issue isn’t selling, the issue is building relationships. Business is about relationships. You will achieve more when you focus on building solid and trustworthy relationships. You will achieve less when all you focus on is selling. Selling is the outcome of careful and intentional relationship building. Always remain intentional as you build your business. Remember why you started. Focus on establishing trust. Try to find mutually beneficial outcomes. Show that you care, mean what you say and say what you mean. Worrying about sales won’t increase sales. To the contrary worrying about sales takes your focus away from delivering a high value service and product. Worry less about selling and find peace of mind in the relationships you are building.
Stop worrying about the rules. Why would you even bother to take flight if you care about following rules? You set the rules, it’s your show. If the established rules are so good, why is it that more and more women are choosing to break them? Lead intuitively, do what feels right, move forward with what works for you. This is your flight and only you know what works best for you and your business. Pay attention to feedback, listen, engage and ask the right questions. Make the necessary changes required to move forward in your flight. Trust that in this process everything will work out and take pleasure in being bold enough to do what works for you. You dared and you succeeded at breaking the rules! Worry less about the rules and find peace of mind in doing it your way.
Stop worrying about whether things will work out. Things will work out but the journey will, inevitable be bumpy. It will not be an easy ride. You may not always be able to pay your bills. You may have to take a job that you don’t like to stay afloat. You may have to work more than one job at a time to make ends meet. You won’t always know what you are doing and you will not have all the answers. You will lose friends and sometimes family too. You may have to deal with some unsavoury characters. You may end up taking a detour and in doing so discover things you never knew. You will learn to survive and you will find ways to make things work. Flight is not designed to be easy. Flight is not glamorous. Flight is about using both wings to your advantage. It’s when you start tapping into the maximum potential of your wings that you begin to actualise your flight. Refocus your energies on how you will make things work, think creatively and develop solutions to limit bruises to your wings. Worry less about whether things will work out and find peace of mind in knowing that they will.
Your flight isn’t measured by where you are now, it is measured by where you were in reference to where you want to be. A broken wing is a liability whilst in flight. Depending on the damage caused it may be irreparable. Even if repaired it may never be able to function the way it once did. Worry is useless and you should work towards eliminating it. Will your wings survive? Yes but you must not allow yourself to be weakened by worry. Carry on, in a worry free flight!
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Stop worrying about the fact that you hate selling. The issue isn’t selling, the issue is building relationships. Business is about relationships. You will achieve more when you focus on building solid and trustworthy relationships. You will achieve less when all you focus on is selling. Selling is the outcome of careful and intentional relationship building. Always remain intentional as you build your business. Remember why you started. Focus on establishing trust. Try to find mutually beneficial outcomes. Show that you care, mean what you say and say what you mean. Worrying about sales won’t increase sales. To the contrary worrying about sales takes your focus away from delivering a high value service and product. Worry less about selling and find peace of mind in the relationships you are building.
Stop worrying about the rules. Why would you even bother to take flight if you care about following rules? You set the rules, it’s your show. If the established rules are so good, why is it that more and more women are choosing to break them? Lead intuitively, do what feels right, move forward with what works for you. This is your flight and only you know what works best for you and your business. Pay attention to feedback, listen, engage and ask the right questions. Make the necessary changes required to move forward in your flight. Trust that in this process everything will work out and take pleasure in being bold enough to do what works for you. You dared and you succeeded at breaking the rules! Worry less about the rules and find peace of mind in doing it your way.
Stop worrying about whether things will work out. Things will work out but the journey will, inevitable be bumpy. It will not be an easy ride. You may not always be able to pay your bills. You may have to take a job that you don’t like to stay afloat. You may have to work more than one job at a time to make ends meet. You won’t always know what you are doing and you will not have all the answers. You will lose friends and sometimes family too. You may have to deal with some unsavoury characters. You may end up taking a detour and in doing so discover things you never knew. You will learn to survive and you will find ways to make things work. Flight is not designed to be easy. Flight is not glamorous. Flight is about using both wings to your advantage. It’s when you start tapping into the maximum potential of your wings that you begin to actualise your flight. Refocus your energies on how you will make things work, think creatively and develop solutions to limit bruises to your wings. Worry less about whether things will work out and find peace of mind in knowing that they will.
Your flight isn’t measured by where you are now, it is measured by where you were in reference to where you want to be. A broken wing is a liability whilst in flight. Depending on the damage caused it may be irreparable. Even if repaired it may never be able to function the way it once did. Worry is useless and you should work towards eliminating it. Will your wings survive? Yes but you must not allow yourself to be weakened by worry. Carry on, in a worry free flight!
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Aviation Guide 2
Mentoring is truly a good thing. Competent, practical and effective mentoring is a powerful thing. Unfortunately not all mentors are good at mentoring and sadly some mentoring situations do not work out as a result. Just like all else in life there are good mentors and not so good mentors. Some mentors like the idea of mentoring. Mentoring is all the rage, it’s the new hot term on the entrepreneurship scene, therefore everyone wants in. Other mentors are dedicated and enthusiastically committed to the success of their mentees. Mentoring relationships fail for a variety of reasons. Last week I covered how the mentee contributes to this failure. This week the mentee has the power to decide who she wants to choose to mentor her. In order to do this she must first be aware of some of the characteristics that make for a good mentor.
Good mentors are very good listeners. A good mentor has taken the time to develop their listening skills. They listen carefully with an open mind to everything you have to say. They think carefully before they speak. Their superb listening skills enhances their emotional intelligence. This person will be aware of your emotions and as a result will know how to respond to your concerns and questions. Because they are so well at listening they will ask the right questions. The importance being placed on what is most appropriate for the specific situation. They take the time to digest what you’ve said and respond accordingly. When you discuss your ideas and share your thoughts, they simply listen. They read between the lines to assess what is not being said and in so doing can provide you with the guidance you are seeking.
Good mentors are compassionate. It is important that you select a mentor that is understanding of all the factors that contribute to the person you are. This person should be empathic and compassionate. Our cultures, values, ethnicity and experiences all contribute to the person that we have become. Make sure your mentor understands this. A compassionate mentor will approach you with humility. Even if they do not understand everything that makes you who you are, they will ask questions to understand. In a perfect world all of us are the same and only our skills and capabilities matter. The world isn’t perfect, life gets in the way, our circumstances shape us and the idea that merit will help us achieve all of our goals simply isn’t true. A good mentor will approach you with compassion. They will understand or aim to understand these nuances and provide you with options to navigate all of these circumstances which are unique to you. If they are not in a position to offer the right guidance they will recommend others who can help you, because a good mentor also knows it requires a team of people to get you where you want to be.
Good mentors provide guidance not answers. This 2-part series is called guide for the primary reason that a mentor’s job is to offer guidance not answers. You have all the answers within you and only you knows what is best for you. The mentors job is to guide you along so you can awake the answers within. This person will not give you advice because any advice will be biased and based on their own experience. It is not about the mentor, it is about you and therefore advice is irrelevant. What matters most is guidance not direction. You are in charge of your own flight. You determine where you want your wings to fly not your mentor. A good mentor will not tell you what to do they’ll help you to become confident enough so that you can arrive at your own answers. A good mentor knows when to sit back and let you be the problem solver even when you think you are incapable. What is the point of taking flight if all you want is someone to give you answers?
Good mentors let you lead. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. You are that Bird who has decided to take flight. You have decided that you want to lead, in your own way and with your own values. This applies to your mentor relationship. You lead and a good mentor will create an environment so you can do that. A good mentor wants you to show up ready to lead. They will expect you to lead and they will say it. Guide No. 1 mentioned being prepared. “Take the lead and show your mentor that you are prepared to take ownership over some aspect of the relationship.” Leadership begins with the self. If you are not ready to be a leader in your own life, you are not ready to be mentored and in essence you are not ready for flight. Don’t waste your mentors time. Your mentor wants you to lead, so show up prepared to take flight.
This flight is long haul. You will require different types of mentors at different stages in your flight. Some mentoring relationships will excite you, elevate you and bring out the best in you. Others will make you think, reflect and challenge you in uncomfortable ways. This is because different mentors bring different skills sets to the relationship. As a mentee you are in the fortunate position to benefit from all that mentoring has to offer. Choose your mentors wisely. Mentoring is a gift, not only will you gain guidance but a trusted friend. A friend willing to serve you to ensure your wings are filled with the inspiration needed to fly.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Good mentors are very good listeners. A good mentor has taken the time to develop their listening skills. They listen carefully with an open mind to everything you have to say. They think carefully before they speak. Their superb listening skills enhances their emotional intelligence. This person will be aware of your emotions and as a result will know how to respond to your concerns and questions. Because they are so well at listening they will ask the right questions. The importance being placed on what is most appropriate for the specific situation. They take the time to digest what you’ve said and respond accordingly. When you discuss your ideas and share your thoughts, they simply listen. They read between the lines to assess what is not being said and in so doing can provide you with the guidance you are seeking.
Good mentors are compassionate. It is important that you select a mentor that is understanding of all the factors that contribute to the person you are. This person should be empathic and compassionate. Our cultures, values, ethnicity and experiences all contribute to the person that we have become. Make sure your mentor understands this. A compassionate mentor will approach you with humility. Even if they do not understand everything that makes you who you are, they will ask questions to understand. In a perfect world all of us are the same and only our skills and capabilities matter. The world isn’t perfect, life gets in the way, our circumstances shape us and the idea that merit will help us achieve all of our goals simply isn’t true. A good mentor will approach you with compassion. They will understand or aim to understand these nuances and provide you with options to navigate all of these circumstances which are unique to you. If they are not in a position to offer the right guidance they will recommend others who can help you, because a good mentor also knows it requires a team of people to get you where you want to be.
Good mentors provide guidance not answers. This 2-part series is called guide for the primary reason that a mentor’s job is to offer guidance not answers. You have all the answers within you and only you knows what is best for you. The mentors job is to guide you along so you can awake the answers within. This person will not give you advice because any advice will be biased and based on their own experience. It is not about the mentor, it is about you and therefore advice is irrelevant. What matters most is guidance not direction. You are in charge of your own flight. You determine where you want your wings to fly not your mentor. A good mentor will not tell you what to do they’ll help you to become confident enough so that you can arrive at your own answers. A good mentor knows when to sit back and let you be the problem solver even when you think you are incapable. What is the point of taking flight if all you want is someone to give you answers?
Good mentors let you lead. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. You are that Bird who has decided to take flight. You have decided that you want to lead, in your own way and with your own values. This applies to your mentor relationship. You lead and a good mentor will create an environment so you can do that. A good mentor wants you to show up ready to lead. They will expect you to lead and they will say it. Guide No. 1 mentioned being prepared. “Take the lead and show your mentor that you are prepared to take ownership over some aspect of the relationship.” Leadership begins with the self. If you are not ready to be a leader in your own life, you are not ready to be mentored and in essence you are not ready for flight. Don’t waste your mentors time. Your mentor wants you to lead, so show up prepared to take flight.
This flight is long haul. You will require different types of mentors at different stages in your flight. Some mentoring relationships will excite you, elevate you and bring out the best in you. Others will make you think, reflect and challenge you in uncomfortable ways. This is because different mentors bring different skills sets to the relationship. As a mentee you are in the fortunate position to benefit from all that mentoring has to offer. Choose your mentors wisely. Mentoring is a gift, not only will you gain guidance but a trusted friend. A friend willing to serve you to ensure your wings are filled with the inspiration needed to fly.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Aviation Guide I
Mentors are in high demand. It seems as though every week we are bombarded with articles telling us how important it is to have mentors. When we are not being told the importance of mentors we are told that women lack mentors and as such are unable to successfully achieve our goals. Clearly the mentoring market is a hot one with everyone shopping for the best individual to provide them with insight. What we often never hear about is the responsibility of the mentee. Mentors carry a heavy burden, they are responsible for providing guidance and assisting their mentee in every way possible to achieve their desired goals. It is important to remember that the role of the mentee comes with its own obligations. Not every mentor is star quality and equally neither is every mentee. Being a good mentee is important as you take flight. The actions of the mentee make her culpable if the relationship with her mentor goes sour. There are situations when it was simply not a right fit or because the mentor didn’t take the time to understand the mentee’s needs. What about those instances when the mentee was not in a position to be mentored? What does it take to be a good mentee?
Good mentees do not expect their mentors to be gods and goddesses. Your mentor is human, they have made mistakes and like you are also learning. Mentors also have their own mentors. No one stops learning and many mentors are surrounded by people in their lives who guide and offer inspiration and knowledge. This person isn’t that different to you. The main difference between you and your mentor is that they have more experience in a particular area in which you need guidance. Mentors do not have all the answers and do not expect them to. Your mentor’s role isn’t to solve all your problems. The mentor can only give you advice based on their own life experience. It is both unfair and unrealistic to place pressure on your mentor to be all knowing. If you enter the relationship with this attitude, it is doomed for failure because of your expectations. Expectations are premeditated ideas for a situation. When that situation you have created in your mind does not work out the way you had it planned you are then devastated. The only expectations you should have are the ones you place on yourself.
Good mentees are prepared. Under no circumstances are you expected to have all the answers but you should have an agenda or at least know what you want to gain out of the mentoring experience. Take the lead and show your mentor that you are prepared to take ownership over some aspect of the relationship. A great mentor will appreciate your efforts and applaud your maturity in taking the time out to consider exactly what you want. In your first mentor meeting you should be able to discuss where you are now and where you want to be. Be able to articulate your ideas and whatever plans you have in mind. They do not have to be cohesive, they do not even have to be completely sensible. What matters is that you have prepared something, you have taken initiative and are showing that you are ready to be mentored. Discuss your communication style, how often you want to meet, your preferred method of communication. Be able to articulate what works for you and what doesn’t. If you are a spreadsheet and charts kind of person then say it. If you are a go with the flow kind of person, then say that too. You will waste a lot of your own time being mentored by someone who does not understand your style. Be upfront, be clear and be honest. This will avoid confusion and those awkward moments where you sit there thinking,“Why doesn’t she/he get this?” Be aware that your mentor is taking time out of their life to help you. At this stage in flight you know that time and energy is just as valuable as money. Birds don’t waste money, they fly with fiscal responsibility.
Good mentees want to be mentored. If you know it all and already have all the answers, then you do not want to be mentored. If every suggestion, idea or concept laid out before you is one that you already know, then why are you a mentee? Every mentor has dealt with a mentee that has all the answers. For a mentor this is great because they can then move on to help someone who doesn’t. This goes back to clarity, perhaps you have not made it clear to your mentor what you need help with? It could also be that you are not open to listening to all options available to you? This is understandable, we are all protective of our ideas but one of the reasons mentors are important is because they give you perspective. They introduce you to new ways of thinking, and reveal different ways of working, which may be unfamiliar to you. If it gets to a point where every suggestion made by your mentor is being shut down by you, then you should consider seeking a new mentor. What does it mean to want to be mentored? It means that you are willing to be vulnerable about what you do not know, things you do not understand and not always having the answers. If you do not agree with your mentors suggestions, then state your reasons and be confident in why you do not believe it will work for you. Have a dialogue about it, because a good mentor appreciates a mentee who can think for themselves. The underlying message here is know when to take reasonable advice and when given this advice follow through and show your mentor that you have done so.
Good mentees are givers not just takers. Mentoring is a two way street. Both participants will gain from a healthy mentor-mentee relationship. You will learn from your mentor and conversely your mentor will learn from you. As mentioned earlier, we are all learning from each other and there is something to learn from everyone. What are you bringing to the relationship that your mentor can learn from? You are two different people, with different life experiences what can your mentor learn from your experience? What knowledge or perspective can you give to your mentor about your startup, why you have started it or what you plan to do with it? How can your experience inform your mentor? What value does it add to the relationship? Get to know your mentor, (within professional parameters obviously) so that you can have better conversations. A mentor will always remember a mentee that taught them something!
The “Aviation Guide” is intended to make you think outside the usual confines of being a mentee. You are already juggling many relationships in your life. The mentor-mentee relationship should be productive, happy and fun. Not a torturous exercise where you always feel like you are paying a visit to the dentist-painful, painful, painful! Next week, part II will focus on what you need to look for in a mentor. But first before you can identify a good mentor the onus is on you to become a good mentee. Being a good mentee will positively enable your mentor to be a good guide. All Birds need good guides as they journey on in flight.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Good mentees do not expect their mentors to be gods and goddesses. Your mentor is human, they have made mistakes and like you are also learning. Mentors also have their own mentors. No one stops learning and many mentors are surrounded by people in their lives who guide and offer inspiration and knowledge. This person isn’t that different to you. The main difference between you and your mentor is that they have more experience in a particular area in which you need guidance. Mentors do not have all the answers and do not expect them to. Your mentor’s role isn’t to solve all your problems. The mentor can only give you advice based on their own life experience. It is both unfair and unrealistic to place pressure on your mentor to be all knowing. If you enter the relationship with this attitude, it is doomed for failure because of your expectations. Expectations are premeditated ideas for a situation. When that situation you have created in your mind does not work out the way you had it planned you are then devastated. The only expectations you should have are the ones you place on yourself.
Good mentees are prepared. Under no circumstances are you expected to have all the answers but you should have an agenda or at least know what you want to gain out of the mentoring experience. Take the lead and show your mentor that you are prepared to take ownership over some aspect of the relationship. A great mentor will appreciate your efforts and applaud your maturity in taking the time out to consider exactly what you want. In your first mentor meeting you should be able to discuss where you are now and where you want to be. Be able to articulate your ideas and whatever plans you have in mind. They do not have to be cohesive, they do not even have to be completely sensible. What matters is that you have prepared something, you have taken initiative and are showing that you are ready to be mentored. Discuss your communication style, how often you want to meet, your preferred method of communication. Be able to articulate what works for you and what doesn’t. If you are a spreadsheet and charts kind of person then say it. If you are a go with the flow kind of person, then say that too. You will waste a lot of your own time being mentored by someone who does not understand your style. Be upfront, be clear and be honest. This will avoid confusion and those awkward moments where you sit there thinking,“Why doesn’t she/he get this?” Be aware that your mentor is taking time out of their life to help you. At this stage in flight you know that time and energy is just as valuable as money. Birds don’t waste money, they fly with fiscal responsibility.
Good mentees want to be mentored. If you know it all and already have all the answers, then you do not want to be mentored. If every suggestion, idea or concept laid out before you is one that you already know, then why are you a mentee? Every mentor has dealt with a mentee that has all the answers. For a mentor this is great because they can then move on to help someone who doesn’t. This goes back to clarity, perhaps you have not made it clear to your mentor what you need help with? It could also be that you are not open to listening to all options available to you? This is understandable, we are all protective of our ideas but one of the reasons mentors are important is because they give you perspective. They introduce you to new ways of thinking, and reveal different ways of working, which may be unfamiliar to you. If it gets to a point where every suggestion made by your mentor is being shut down by you, then you should consider seeking a new mentor. What does it mean to want to be mentored? It means that you are willing to be vulnerable about what you do not know, things you do not understand and not always having the answers. If you do not agree with your mentors suggestions, then state your reasons and be confident in why you do not believe it will work for you. Have a dialogue about it, because a good mentor appreciates a mentee who can think for themselves. The underlying message here is know when to take reasonable advice and when given this advice follow through and show your mentor that you have done so.
Good mentees are givers not just takers. Mentoring is a two way street. Both participants will gain from a healthy mentor-mentee relationship. You will learn from your mentor and conversely your mentor will learn from you. As mentioned earlier, we are all learning from each other and there is something to learn from everyone. What are you bringing to the relationship that your mentor can learn from? You are two different people, with different life experiences what can your mentor learn from your experience? What knowledge or perspective can you give to your mentor about your startup, why you have started it or what you plan to do with it? How can your experience inform your mentor? What value does it add to the relationship? Get to know your mentor, (within professional parameters obviously) so that you can have better conversations. A mentor will always remember a mentee that taught them something!
The “Aviation Guide” is intended to make you think outside the usual confines of being a mentee. You are already juggling many relationships in your life. The mentor-mentee relationship should be productive, happy and fun. Not a torturous exercise where you always feel like you are paying a visit to the dentist-painful, painful, painful! Next week, part II will focus on what you need to look for in a mentor. But first before you can identify a good mentor the onus is on you to become a good mentee. Being a good mentee will positively enable your mentor to be a good guide. All Birds need good guides as they journey on in flight.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Wing Fuel
Fuel for your wings. Every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? A Bird’s wing varies in size, shape and strength. There is also variation in the arrangement and number of its feathers. All of these characteristics determine how fast a Bird can fly. They all matter in determining the success of a Bird’s flight.
Flight requires a strategy that is not only focussed to help you attain your goals but which also prioritises your time, money, energy and resources. Whether you want your strategy to be specifically for your business or to incorporate your personal life, is all up to you. It’s all your choice. You can easily create separate strategies, one for personal and one for business. Conversely you may be that person that draws no line of demarcation between the two. ConsiderLifestyle Crafting when writing your strategy, it may prove helpful in determining how you want to proceed.
A strategy will give you direction, clarify your position, help with making decisions and bring clarity to your communication. In the past I have written about Winging It. Winging can be done within a wider strategy, particularly when dealing with change and having to make quick decisions but your strategy itself should not be based on winging it. Winging it is about decision making it is not by any stretch of the imagination a strategy. A well thought out strategy will declutter your life and act as a reference point for whenever you get stuck. It will firm up your philosophy too and establish your ethos. It will inform everything that you do.
As you build your business a vision is essential. Your vision should be accompanied by a detailed road map. The road map should outline your problem, how you plan to solve your problem and actionable steps you will take to solve your problem. This road map should be flexible, open and responsive to change. It should also be reassessed on a regular basis. Your strategy will be placed within the road map.
To recap begin with a vision, your vision should espouse your values. If you are not certain of your values it’s time to look inward. Know who you are and know what you want. Why do certain things matter to you, what makes you who you are? This matters when building a business. Include your goals, which will bring your vision to reality. Develop a strategy to achieve your goals. Break down your goals into short, medium and long term. Celebrate small wins and reflect on failures. Take action which is focussed and laser sharp working diligently and consistently towards your goals. There will be setbacks, so anticipate risks and more importantly know how to mitigate them.
Flight is a long haul trip. It requires preparation to help you arrive at your final destination. A concrete strategy will guide you along your route protecting you from unforeseen circumstances and acting as a buffer for your wings. It’s a GPS for maximising your performance and placing you in a position to create and benefit from opportunities. With Birds it is not about size or magnitude, as we know even the tiniest birds have weapons to protect against predators. Your wings need fuel. Let your strategy be your fuel. Strategy is skillful planning because every flight has been wisely constructed before its actually flown.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Flight requires a strategy that is not only focussed to help you attain your goals but which also prioritises your time, money, energy and resources. Whether you want your strategy to be specifically for your business or to incorporate your personal life, is all up to you. It’s all your choice. You can easily create separate strategies, one for personal and one for business. Conversely you may be that person that draws no line of demarcation between the two. ConsiderLifestyle Crafting when writing your strategy, it may prove helpful in determining how you want to proceed.
A strategy will give you direction, clarify your position, help with making decisions and bring clarity to your communication. In the past I have written about Winging It. Winging can be done within a wider strategy, particularly when dealing with change and having to make quick decisions but your strategy itself should not be based on winging it. Winging it is about decision making it is not by any stretch of the imagination a strategy. A well thought out strategy will declutter your life and act as a reference point for whenever you get stuck. It will firm up your philosophy too and establish your ethos. It will inform everything that you do.
As you build your business a vision is essential. Your vision should be accompanied by a detailed road map. The road map should outline your problem, how you plan to solve your problem and actionable steps you will take to solve your problem. This road map should be flexible, open and responsive to change. It should also be reassessed on a regular basis. Your strategy will be placed within the road map.
To recap begin with a vision, your vision should espouse your values. If you are not certain of your values it’s time to look inward. Know who you are and know what you want. Why do certain things matter to you, what makes you who you are? This matters when building a business. Include your goals, which will bring your vision to reality. Develop a strategy to achieve your goals. Break down your goals into short, medium and long term. Celebrate small wins and reflect on failures. Take action which is focussed and laser sharp working diligently and consistently towards your goals. There will be setbacks, so anticipate risks and more importantly know how to mitigate them.
Flight is a long haul trip. It requires preparation to help you arrive at your final destination. A concrete strategy will guide you along your route protecting you from unforeseen circumstances and acting as a buffer for your wings. It’s a GPS for maximising your performance and placing you in a position to create and benefit from opportunities. With Birds it is not about size or magnitude, as we know even the tiniest birds have weapons to protect against predators. Your wings need fuel. Let your strategy be your fuel. Strategy is skillful planning because every flight has been wisely constructed before its actually flown.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Flying with Finesse
Accountability, is what happens when you accept responsibility for your actions. There are many reasons why you should be accountable as you build your business. Not only does accountability do good for your reputation but it is also a sign of transparency and authenticity. Both buzz words at the moment but crucial to your development as an entrepreneur. We trust people that mean what they say and say what they mean. We trust people that do what they say they are going to do. Accountability requires a commitment to yourself, your business and others. This is a commitment to upholding a high standard, delivering on results and doing the right thing. The right thing may not always be the most popular thing but as an entrepreneur your job is to lead. Goals, actions and circumstances all help with your accountability.
Be accountable for your goals.
You’ve set goals but that’s only the beginning. Now you’ve got to be accountable for those goals. First thing is to select achievable goals. You will only end up disappointing yourself if you don’t. Write your goals down. Look at them regularly and affirm them. Make your goals a part of your morning and evening rituals. Remain in a positive state of mind when thinking about your goals. Share your goals with those who want the best for you. Identify someone who can also help to hold you accountable in the process. This person can be your buddy or sounding board for ideas. Now it’s time to move on to actions.
Be accountable for your actions.
Every decision you make comes with an outcome. Unless you are under physical duress there is no one to blame for your actions but yourself. Personal accountability is difficult for many but it is something that must be done. It is only when you are in a position to accept and acknowledge how choices affect your circumstances can you then do something about it. It’s easy to blame everyone else for what happens to you. Why should it be someone else’s job to keep you in line? There is only so much our peers and family can do for us. Your actions are ultimately your own problems. Now it’s time to move on to the consequences of your actions: circumstances.
Be accountable for your circumstances.
Your current circumstances are a direct result of your actions. It is not fair to you or those around you to descend into victim mode. No one is a victim of their circumstance. Things won’t always go right. They won’t always go as planned. But the good news is that you have control over how you respond to life’s many spanners. Being accountable for your circumstances involves recognising that you can change your situation by making small changes. There is nothing wrong with feeling miserable or being in a bad mood but don’t stay there. Don’t remain in the place!
Flying with finesse isn’t difficult. It really boils down to accountability. Once you start practicing accountability everything becomes effortless. Be kind to yourself in the process but always remember that remaining calm, cool and collected comes with practice. Practice accountability daily and watch your wings move delicately and with grace.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Be accountable for your goals.
You’ve set goals but that’s only the beginning. Now you’ve got to be accountable for those goals. First thing is to select achievable goals. You will only end up disappointing yourself if you don’t. Write your goals down. Look at them regularly and affirm them. Make your goals a part of your morning and evening rituals. Remain in a positive state of mind when thinking about your goals. Share your goals with those who want the best for you. Identify someone who can also help to hold you accountable in the process. This person can be your buddy or sounding board for ideas. Now it’s time to move on to actions.
Be accountable for your actions.
Every decision you make comes with an outcome. Unless you are under physical duress there is no one to blame for your actions but yourself. Personal accountability is difficult for many but it is something that must be done. It is only when you are in a position to accept and acknowledge how choices affect your circumstances can you then do something about it. It’s easy to blame everyone else for what happens to you. Why should it be someone else’s job to keep you in line? There is only so much our peers and family can do for us. Your actions are ultimately your own problems. Now it’s time to move on to the consequences of your actions: circumstances.
Be accountable for your circumstances.
Your current circumstances are a direct result of your actions. It is not fair to you or those around you to descend into victim mode. No one is a victim of their circumstance. Things won’t always go right. They won’t always go as planned. But the good news is that you have control over how you respond to life’s many spanners. Being accountable for your circumstances involves recognising that you can change your situation by making small changes. There is nothing wrong with feeling miserable or being in a bad mood but don’t stay there. Don’t remain in the place!
Flying with finesse isn’t difficult. It really boils down to accountability. Once you start practicing accountability everything becomes effortless. Be kind to yourself in the process but always remember that remaining calm, cool and collected comes with practice. Practice accountability daily and watch your wings move delicately and with grace.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
For the Birds
It is shame that there are so many women out there who never take their idea to the next level because they believe they need a massive amount of capital to start a business. The truth is all you need is a vision and a well thought out but flexible plan to begin with. Your business has to start somewhere, no one goes from A-Z overnight. You could have funding at your disposal and the business can still possibly fail. Starting small and working towards the bigger picture is the best approach when you are short on funds. There are benefits to building your business slowly and at your own pace. Using internal resources to achieve your business goals may actually work out better for you than constantly relying on external help. Not feeling the urge to jump on the “seek out investment” trail can be a very good thing..
Organic Growth
Building a business organically firstly means that you have control over the pace, at which you want your business to grow. You will set the tone based on what’s happening in your life at any given moment. If this week you need to take your nephew to school, you can plan that in your business schedule. Next week you may need to meet your friend who you promised you would help on a project. This too, can be adjusted to fit your schedule. This is what matters to you, therefore you make time for it. Growing organically also means that you will have a full understanding of your business and all it’s needs at any given time. Mistakes can be rectified quickly and responses to market forces can be made swiftly.
You Become Efficient
In addition, to learning what your strengths are, you will also become incredibly efficient. Running on a low reserve makes you much more efficient with your time and money. With a clear sense of purpose and a well thought out plan, you will become efficient at running the day to day operations of your business. As you are the only person responsible for your business you will know what needs to be done when and how much time it will take to get these things done. As a productivity expert you will also be aware of all the tools available to make you better at what you do. Everything from apps to models to templates will be locked and loaded in your arsenal. Efficiency reduces waste. A waste of time, a waste of money and a waste of energy. This means you can now be focused on the bigger goals you have set for your business.
The Value Factor
When there is little money available we tend to focus on the things we actually care about. Why bother wasting time on things which are irrelevant and don’t serve your business purpose? You work on the problem that matters to you. You find solutions for things that help people like you. Limited resources is a constant reminder of why you are building a business. Not starting with much is the best training ground for when you start reaping the financial rewards of your labour. Limited resources also means that working hard is not a choice but a matter of survival. You will develop all of your gifts and reach your full potential.
You have free will, you have choice and you are capable. If your desire is to build a business, you will move mountains to make it happen. Convincing yourself or letting others convince you that not having capital is the reason that you should not start your business is an insult to you and all the women who start businesses’ without capital. This world of venture capital is popular in some circles and it is an option but the fact is many people build successful businesses’ without it. Using the funding excuse is for quitters, pursuing your dreams of building a business is, for the birds!
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Organic Growth
Building a business organically firstly means that you have control over the pace, at which you want your business to grow. You will set the tone based on what’s happening in your life at any given moment. If this week you need to take your nephew to school, you can plan that in your business schedule. Next week you may need to meet your friend who you promised you would help on a project. This too, can be adjusted to fit your schedule. This is what matters to you, therefore you make time for it. Growing organically also means that you will have a full understanding of your business and all it’s needs at any given time. Mistakes can be rectified quickly and responses to market forces can be made swiftly.
You Become Efficient
In addition, to learning what your strengths are, you will also become incredibly efficient. Running on a low reserve makes you much more efficient with your time and money. With a clear sense of purpose and a well thought out plan, you will become efficient at running the day to day operations of your business. As you are the only person responsible for your business you will know what needs to be done when and how much time it will take to get these things done. As a productivity expert you will also be aware of all the tools available to make you better at what you do. Everything from apps to models to templates will be locked and loaded in your arsenal. Efficiency reduces waste. A waste of time, a waste of money and a waste of energy. This means you can now be focused on the bigger goals you have set for your business.
The Value Factor
When there is little money available we tend to focus on the things we actually care about. Why bother wasting time on things which are irrelevant and don’t serve your business purpose? You work on the problem that matters to you. You find solutions for things that help people like you. Limited resources is a constant reminder of why you are building a business. Not starting with much is the best training ground for when you start reaping the financial rewards of your labour. Limited resources also means that working hard is not a choice but a matter of survival. You will develop all of your gifts and reach your full potential.
You have free will, you have choice and you are capable. If your desire is to build a business, you will move mountains to make it happen. Convincing yourself or letting others convince you that not having capital is the reason that you should not start your business is an insult to you and all the women who start businesses’ without capital. This world of venture capital is popular in some circles and it is an option but the fact is many people build successful businesses’ without it. Using the funding excuse is for quitters, pursuing your dreams of building a business is, for the birds!
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Flying Solo
Building a business can be very isolating. This isn’t a popular path, it’s actually the one least chosen but you dear Bird, have decided to pursue it. The entire process from idea to implementation can be lonely. Many entrepreneurs often feel a sense of otherness throughout the process of building their business. Friends and family either don’t care or are too busy dealing with their own personal issues. They may love what you are doing but not necessarily want to be a part of it. With time you will learn not to take this personal. Most people don’t venture out of their comfort zone, therefore to your friends and relatives you may appear to be irresponsible, careless or outright mad. Being alone and the emotions created as a result are only feelings. And like all feelings-love, affection, anger-they pass. As human beings we need personal contact. We need to feel connected and be a part of a community. Here are a few things you can do to fight the #femalefounder blues of being alone as you build your business.
Find Tribes and Create Tribes
Remember tribalism is still in! Don’t forget step 4 in flight. There is no need for you to be alone in this process. Join organisations and networks where you can meet other female founders just like you. If you don’t believe any of these groups are offering what you need, then create your own space. You will meet loads of like minds, make new friends and more people to share your secrets and success with.
Collaboration
As we already know collaboration is the new innovation. Go into joint ventures with other entrepreneurs and startups. Find ways that you can work together to solve a problem. Plan an event with an intent on building bridges. Aim for a common goal and shared interest, something mutually beneficially but equally rewarding. Synergise your talents, networks and skills as a team. It will be fun and you will learn many new things.
MasterMind Groups
A mastermind is a great way to test out your ideas and also to find ways to solve your business aches. Every mastermind is different. There are some masterminds that are only digital and others which meet in physical spaces. You can receive group and peer to peer mentoring with people who are in the same stage of their business as you. The best thing about a mastermind is the opportunity to learn. As an entrepreneur you will always be learning new things, which makes the flight, even more worthwhile.
Volunteer
Spend some time volunteering with a charity or other body whose cause you are passionate about. Not only will you be contributing to something bigger than yourself but you will also be giving of yourself. Giving releases happy hormones, which will make you forget all about being alone. People will learn more about your values and the things that make you special outside of running a business. It’s a great way to disconnect, if only for a few hours from your empire building!
Flying solo, why do it when there is an entire Bird nation waiting to embrace you? Flying solo, why do it when there are other communities waiting to meet you? Flying solo, why do it when you already know the codes of flocking?
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Find Tribes and Create Tribes
Remember tribalism is still in! Don’t forget step 4 in flight. There is no need for you to be alone in this process. Join organisations and networks where you can meet other female founders just like you. If you don’t believe any of these groups are offering what you need, then create your own space. You will meet loads of like minds, make new friends and more people to share your secrets and success with.
Collaboration
As we already know collaboration is the new innovation. Go into joint ventures with other entrepreneurs and startups. Find ways that you can work together to solve a problem. Plan an event with an intent on building bridges. Aim for a common goal and shared interest, something mutually beneficially but equally rewarding. Synergise your talents, networks and skills as a team. It will be fun and you will learn many new things.
MasterMind Groups
A mastermind is a great way to test out your ideas and also to find ways to solve your business aches. Every mastermind is different. There are some masterminds that are only digital and others which meet in physical spaces. You can receive group and peer to peer mentoring with people who are in the same stage of their business as you. The best thing about a mastermind is the opportunity to learn. As an entrepreneur you will always be learning new things, which makes the flight, even more worthwhile.
Volunteer
Spend some time volunteering with a charity or other body whose cause you are passionate about. Not only will you be contributing to something bigger than yourself but you will also be giving of yourself. Giving releases happy hormones, which will make you forget all about being alone. People will learn more about your values and the things that make you special outside of running a business. It’s a great way to disconnect, if only for a few hours from your empire building!
Flying solo, why do it when there is an entire Bird nation waiting to embrace you? Flying solo, why do it when there are other communities waiting to meet you? Flying solo, why do it when you already know the codes of flocking?
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Your Flock
Building a team can bring about a slew of emotions. You have been building up your idea and prototype. You are now ready to bring others on board. Initially you were leading yourself but now you will be leading others. Leadership begins with the self. Those who lead themselves well, set an example for others. Through this others follow suit by leading in their own respective ways. Leadership is less about telling and more about showing. Actions speak louder than words. It is important that you know and understand your flock. Pay attention to them and be diligent in your efforts to create a happy environment. Here are a few things to consider as you build your flock.
Praise Your Flock
Be the leader that praises more and criticises less. Constructive criticism is clearly important but overdoing it can give the impression that you don’t trust your team members. It also lowers their perception of themselves, which in turn effects their output. As an entrepreneur you do not like being told what to do and therefore you should not tell others what to do. You can show through your example how things can be done, which is a huge difference. Then allow your team the space to show you what they can do! Create an environment where they can question, challenge and grow. There is no room for them to grow if all you do is criticise.
Create a Positive Environment for Your Flock
We all know the cliches around being positive. It isn’t a myth being positive will have a direct effect on your team. Be positive when in the presence of your team, show them that you walk the talk where being positive is concerned. Be grateful. Be kind. Be humble. Be brave. Be the one that remains positive in the worst of situations. Positivity spreads very quickly. It is easier to be positive than it is to be negative. Negativity weighs down the team, it makes everyone anxious and nervous.
Give Your Flock Opportunities
Each team member will have their own individual responsibilities and tasks they will have to carry out on a day to day basis. In addition to this, give your team room to be decision makers. Do this from the outset as it will build confidence, it will make them feel valued and lets them know you believe they are capable. It is very easy to become that controlling founder that wants to see everything and do everything but micromanaging will only create a sea of distrust. It is important to show your team that whilst they work with you, they will learn new things and be challenged in different ways. Investing in your team is one of the best decisions you can ever make for your startup.
Nurture Individuality in Your Flock
Many times the team can become synonymous with homogenous. What is the point in having a team of different people bringing different skills and talents to the table to only accept one style of thinking or working? Nurture the individuality of each team member. Respect their specialness and unique potential. Don’t lose sight of the fact that you hired him or her because of their uniqueness. Sameness will not build a successful business. Once you start dealing with each team member as an individual you will begin to see them shine like the individuals they are. As the leader your job is to be the manger of all this uniqueness. Your success will be determined by how well you can make it all come together.
The underlying messages here are of trust and self respect. If you trust your team they will in turn show you their best. If you respect yourself they will respect you. Once they see the way you carry yourself they will follow suit. You will begin to notice everyone aiming to be at their best on a daily basis. This magic will happen because of you. You are the orchestrator of your flock. It is your responsibility to make sure that your flock fly together in unison.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Praise Your Flock
Be the leader that praises more and criticises less. Constructive criticism is clearly important but overdoing it can give the impression that you don’t trust your team members. It also lowers their perception of themselves, which in turn effects their output. As an entrepreneur you do not like being told what to do and therefore you should not tell others what to do. You can show through your example how things can be done, which is a huge difference. Then allow your team the space to show you what they can do! Create an environment where they can question, challenge and grow. There is no room for them to grow if all you do is criticise.
Create a Positive Environment for Your Flock
We all know the cliches around being positive. It isn’t a myth being positive will have a direct effect on your team. Be positive when in the presence of your team, show them that you walk the talk where being positive is concerned. Be grateful. Be kind. Be humble. Be brave. Be the one that remains positive in the worst of situations. Positivity spreads very quickly. It is easier to be positive than it is to be negative. Negativity weighs down the team, it makes everyone anxious and nervous.
Give Your Flock Opportunities
Each team member will have their own individual responsibilities and tasks they will have to carry out on a day to day basis. In addition to this, give your team room to be decision makers. Do this from the outset as it will build confidence, it will make them feel valued and lets them know you believe they are capable. It is very easy to become that controlling founder that wants to see everything and do everything but micromanaging will only create a sea of distrust. It is important to show your team that whilst they work with you, they will learn new things and be challenged in different ways. Investing in your team is one of the best decisions you can ever make for your startup.
Nurture Individuality in Your Flock
Many times the team can become synonymous with homogenous. What is the point in having a team of different people bringing different skills and talents to the table to only accept one style of thinking or working? Nurture the individuality of each team member. Respect their specialness and unique potential. Don’t lose sight of the fact that you hired him or her because of their uniqueness. Sameness will not build a successful business. Once you start dealing with each team member as an individual you will begin to see them shine like the individuals they are. As the leader your job is to be the manger of all this uniqueness. Your success will be determined by how well you can make it all come together.
The underlying messages here are of trust and self respect. If you trust your team they will in turn show you their best. If you respect yourself they will respect you. Once they see the way you carry yourself they will follow suit. You will begin to notice everyone aiming to be at their best on a daily basis. This magic will happen because of you. You are the orchestrator of your flock. It is your responsibility to make sure that your flock fly together in unison.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Soaring
Soaring is always better than flapping. Birds spread their wings and soar through the skies. Soaring is a special kind of glide. When Birds soar the air rises and the wind moves their gentle bodies through the skies. Building a business from scratch enables you to soar. It gives you the opportunity to develop an idea into a reality and watch it take off into something bigger than you ever expected.
If you want to soar you must first develop mental toughness or strength. This toughness is what sets you apart from the rest. When things become difficult as they will this toughness is what will keep you going, it will prevent you from quitting. Life is not easy, there are battles to contend with on a daily basis, some of these battles are bigger than others. How do you go about attaining mental toughness when it’s easier to do something else?
Make Wise Choices on A Daily Basis
The choices you make on a daily basis are what contributes or takes away from your mental toughness. Everyday you have a choice to become a better person than you were the day before. You can choose to go for that run or lay in bed. You can choose to start writing that book or watch Netflix. You can choose to live in fear of what is on the other side or come face to face with what may actually be there. Every single choice you make paves the way for you to celebrate a victory in the battle of life. With each win you become stronger. With each win you gain momentum and in turn your resolve is strengthened. Make wise choices daily knowing that you are building up your tank of mental toughness.
Develop Coping Mechanisms
It’s easy to give up or give in to life’s challenges, especially if you are surrounded by people who discourage you. One of the best things you can do for yourself is develop coping mechanisms. These are strategies which you can tap into when things become difficult. Coping mechanisms can be negative or positive. Obviously the key here is to tap into those which are positive. Positive coping mechanisms change what you think so that you can change what you do. It is a type of undoing so that you can get into the actual doing. What are some things you can do to cope when things become difficult? This reliable coping strategy will help to build your mental toughness tank because the more you do it the tougher you will become.
Create An Alter Ego
Most people do not set out to create an alter ego but once they do it comes in very handy. An alter ego is simply a different version of yourself. Your alter ego is the other version of you that is strong and powerful. She is the one that is fearless and can achieve anything. She is SuperWoman, CatWoman and WonderWoman all rolled into one. She does not care about what people think. She is big, bold and brave. She is capable of succeeding at anything she puts her mind to. Give your alter ego a personality and try to think of scenarios and situations and how she would respond. Give her a story and think of what makes her interesting. She will become your best friend when your ego (fear) steps in and says it cannot be done.
Building a business is extremely tough. It will take lots of iterations, lots of time and significant patience to get it where you want it to be. The road will be bumpy and there will be many junctures and blocks. All that said giving up should never be an option. Nothing happens when you quit but there is a world of opportunities waiting for you when you persist. Have the mind of a champion and the wings of a soaring bird. Once you take off you will become invincible. Make this the flight of your life, don’t lose this most important battle.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
If you want to soar you must first develop mental toughness or strength. This toughness is what sets you apart from the rest. When things become difficult as they will this toughness is what will keep you going, it will prevent you from quitting. Life is not easy, there are battles to contend with on a daily basis, some of these battles are bigger than others. How do you go about attaining mental toughness when it’s easier to do something else?
Make Wise Choices on A Daily Basis
The choices you make on a daily basis are what contributes or takes away from your mental toughness. Everyday you have a choice to become a better person than you were the day before. You can choose to go for that run or lay in bed. You can choose to start writing that book or watch Netflix. You can choose to live in fear of what is on the other side or come face to face with what may actually be there. Every single choice you make paves the way for you to celebrate a victory in the battle of life. With each win you become stronger. With each win you gain momentum and in turn your resolve is strengthened. Make wise choices daily knowing that you are building up your tank of mental toughness.
Develop Coping Mechanisms
It’s easy to give up or give in to life’s challenges, especially if you are surrounded by people who discourage you. One of the best things you can do for yourself is develop coping mechanisms. These are strategies which you can tap into when things become difficult. Coping mechanisms can be negative or positive. Obviously the key here is to tap into those which are positive. Positive coping mechanisms change what you think so that you can change what you do. It is a type of undoing so that you can get into the actual doing. What are some things you can do to cope when things become difficult? This reliable coping strategy will help to build your mental toughness tank because the more you do it the tougher you will become.
Create An Alter Ego
Most people do not set out to create an alter ego but once they do it comes in very handy. An alter ego is simply a different version of yourself. Your alter ego is the other version of you that is strong and powerful. She is the one that is fearless and can achieve anything. She is SuperWoman, CatWoman and WonderWoman all rolled into one. She does not care about what people think. She is big, bold and brave. She is capable of succeeding at anything she puts her mind to. Give your alter ego a personality and try to think of scenarios and situations and how she would respond. Give her a story and think of what makes her interesting. She will become your best friend when your ego (fear) steps in and says it cannot be done.
Building a business is extremely tough. It will take lots of iterations, lots of time and significant patience to get it where you want it to be. The road will be bumpy and there will be many junctures and blocks. All that said giving up should never be an option. Nothing happens when you quit but there is a world of opportunities waiting for you when you persist. Have the mind of a champion and the wings of a soaring bird. Once you take off you will become invincible. Make this the flight of your life, don’t lose this most important battle.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Is This A Flight Thing?
Step 1 in flight. Know who you are and know what you want.
Finding your purpose is crucial to flight. Until you find out what you were born to do, you will never take flight. You cannot take flight without the knowledge of who you are because one of the key elements of flight is having direction. Birds fly with clarity and certainty. They know exactly where they want to be, what level they want to fly at and the pace, at which they all want it to happen.
You ignore the signs. Things happen, minor occurrences, stumbling blocks, aha moments and other mishaps along the way. All of these things are signals that you should pay attention too but continuously, fail miserably at doing so. There are times when you know deep down inside that you should shift course but you ignore it. There is always a feeling but you avoid listening to it. Your intuition tells you over and over again but you deny yourself the right to listen to it. Is this a flight thing? Sometimes you are being pointed in a direction. There are several indicators you should look for to determine whether this is a flight thing.
Naysayers
Indicator #1 will come from your naysayers. They will tell you it is a bad idea, that it makes no sense. They will laugh at you, tell you it’s stupid and that it will never work. They will belittle you and continuously wear their jealousy on their sleeve. They will never be positive or encouraging because deep down inside they wish they could be you. They wish they came up with the idea themselves, but they didn’t and this is what causes them grief. You will however, show them how to get it all done. Yes, this is a flight thing!
Fear
Indicator #2 will be fear. You will be overwhelmed by fear. This fear will be the type that cripples you. You will be scared not of failing but of succeeding. You will convince yourself that you are not ready, that you are unprepared and that you just can’t do it yet. You may even let naysayers infect you with their venom of “it can’t be done.” You will however, prove that you are fearless. Yes, this is a flight thing!
Nothing Available
Indicator #3 will be no availability. There will be no money available. There will be no resources. No one to support you and no clear strategy in mind. You will be confused and of course the fear discussed above will only add to the levels of lack of availability. You will however, display to everyone that something can be made from nothing. Yes, this is a flight thing!
Illogical
Indicator #4 is that nothing will make any sense. It will go against every logical fibre in your body. Half of your mind will be in the do it zone and the other half will be in the what are you thinking zone! You will overthink it and you will beat yourself up over it. It will be on your mind constantly. You will not be able to escape the notion that something so illogical could possibly be so right. You will however, show them that your reasoning is very different to their reasoning. Reasoning is an abstract concept. What seems reasonable to one may be unreasonable to another. You will however, justify the unjustifiable. Yes, this is a flight thing!
It Honours Your Purpose
Indicator #5 you start to honour your purpose. When you know what you’re supposed to do, everything falls into place. You finally start picking up on all the signs. You no longer miss the opportunities to display your gifts. You realise that the world needs your talents. You start moving forward day by day honouring your purpose. You begin to celebrate as you arrive into your rightful place, in flight. Is this a flight thing has become a rhetorical question. You know exactly what needs to be done. You begin to prepare to take flight.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Finding your purpose is crucial to flight. Until you find out what you were born to do, you will never take flight. You cannot take flight without the knowledge of who you are because one of the key elements of flight is having direction. Birds fly with clarity and certainty. They know exactly where they want to be, what level they want to fly at and the pace, at which they all want it to happen.
You ignore the signs. Things happen, minor occurrences, stumbling blocks, aha moments and other mishaps along the way. All of these things are signals that you should pay attention too but continuously, fail miserably at doing so. There are times when you know deep down inside that you should shift course but you ignore it. There is always a feeling but you avoid listening to it. Your intuition tells you over and over again but you deny yourself the right to listen to it. Is this a flight thing? Sometimes you are being pointed in a direction. There are several indicators you should look for to determine whether this is a flight thing.
Naysayers
Indicator #1 will come from your naysayers. They will tell you it is a bad idea, that it makes no sense. They will laugh at you, tell you it’s stupid and that it will never work. They will belittle you and continuously wear their jealousy on their sleeve. They will never be positive or encouraging because deep down inside they wish they could be you. They wish they came up with the idea themselves, but they didn’t and this is what causes them grief. You will however, show them how to get it all done. Yes, this is a flight thing!
Fear
Indicator #2 will be fear. You will be overwhelmed by fear. This fear will be the type that cripples you. You will be scared not of failing but of succeeding. You will convince yourself that you are not ready, that you are unprepared and that you just can’t do it yet. You may even let naysayers infect you with their venom of “it can’t be done.” You will however, prove that you are fearless. Yes, this is a flight thing!
Nothing Available
Indicator #3 will be no availability. There will be no money available. There will be no resources. No one to support you and no clear strategy in mind. You will be confused and of course the fear discussed above will only add to the levels of lack of availability. You will however, display to everyone that something can be made from nothing. Yes, this is a flight thing!
Illogical
Indicator #4 is that nothing will make any sense. It will go against every logical fibre in your body. Half of your mind will be in the do it zone and the other half will be in the what are you thinking zone! You will overthink it and you will beat yourself up over it. It will be on your mind constantly. You will not be able to escape the notion that something so illogical could possibly be so right. You will however, show them that your reasoning is very different to their reasoning. Reasoning is an abstract concept. What seems reasonable to one may be unreasonable to another. You will however, justify the unjustifiable. Yes, this is a flight thing!
It Honours Your Purpose
Indicator #5 you start to honour your purpose. When you know what you’re supposed to do, everything falls into place. You finally start picking up on all the signs. You no longer miss the opportunities to display your gifts. You realise that the world needs your talents. You start moving forward day by day honouring your purpose. You begin to celebrate as you arrive into your rightful place, in flight. Is this a flight thing has become a rhetorical question. You know exactly what needs to be done. You begin to prepare to take flight.
Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Propellers
As women we are often burdened with not being taken seriously. We encounter this form of discrimination by both men and fellow women. It occurs for a myriad of reasons. If a woman is considered attractive others will automatically assume she is frivolous and not serious. So, what does she do as a result? She goes out of her way to appear unattractive. If she is particularly bright, for fear of being too serious, she may dumb herself down. Talk about schizophrenia in the making, if it was ever such a simple thing! The direct outcome of all this? Her being equally abused for being doltish. There are countless examples I could site where women use tactics of survival all with a goal to be taken seriously. Being serious is perhaps taken way too seriously.
The popular advice has always been to not appear too girly but then don’t be too masculine either. Don’t wear perfume and always wear your hair ”professionally” -whatever the hell that means! This foolish advice only makes women confused. Often times this advice is given by older and/or more experienced women to younger women, particularly in the workplace. The funny thing about this is when you speak to mature, evolved men (note the key words here are mature and evolved) they will tell you that they appreciate women who are themselves in their presence. This being yourself is defined as whatever you deem self to be. The best thing about being an entrepreneur is not having to conform to these archaic and dated rules and behaviours, which in the end harm both men and women. As you build your business you make the rules you don’t follow them. All that said even as entrepreneurs some women still feel the need to prove themselves and be taken seriously. On this note I would like to put forward a few thoughts on this matter.
You are only hurting you. It only hurts you because the people you are trying to impress most of the time aren’t bothered. What matters most to them is that you can deliver on whatever it is you are selling. You have set up a business and in doing so you are delivering, what else do you need to prove? You wear a mask pretending to be someone you are not so that someone who in the end really just wants to purchase your product can have a view of you? Would it not be better if your customers, supporters and others saw the real you? I am sure they would prefer to deal with you, instead of a version of you. The mask will wear you down, it gets old and it gets tired. Don’t convince yourself that you need to do this because you don’t. If you are seeking gravitas then over deliver on a consistent basis. The quality of your service is what matters and through this you will be taken seriously.
You associate this concept with power. Much of the world views power as masculine. Femininity and anything feminine is often derided as weak and invaluable. You have internalised and bought into the idea that your own power means nothing. You believe that power is for men and therefore you must take on whatever quality you associate with men in order to be taken seriously. Wouldn’t it serve you better to own your own power instead of trying to piggy back off of someone else’s perceived power? I understand this because again the world has said that as women we are weak but the world is wrong and has been wrong about many things on several occasions. What may be helpful is to assess your definition of power. If you believe power only rests with men, then the next suggestion would be to ask yourself, what is your own purpose in the world? Is your purpose then to have no power? We all have power and this power is both utilised and manifested in different ways. There isn’t one version of power and a woman’s power is tied to her own self worth. Raise your self worth and then you raise your power.
You are wasting your time. Honestly speaking, once someone has made up their minds about you there is usually nothing you can say or do to change their idea of you. Note this is their idea of you, it is not a reality. it is an idea based on limited knowledge. Additionally why would you want to be taken seriously by people who don’t even value you or take the time to get to know you? Again, why waste energy on the wrong people, in a world of 7.2 plus billion people? Having an idea and then brining it to life takes guts, confidence and is usually carried out by ambitious people. It requires skill, expertise and innovation to do it. Whether you show up in trousers vs skirts, perfect the appropriate behaviour and say all the right things, it will not help your case. None of these things will help your case because the people you want to take you seriously are idiots and aren’t deserving of your attention-full stop! Focus your attention on the people that matter because these are the people that take you seriously and you accomplished that by being yourself.
We often read stories of passenger planes losing propellers due to bird strikes. In some instances these bird strikes shut down engines. The damage endured by these planes due to bird strikes are extreme, normally resulting in emergency landings. The purpose of a propeller is to convert motion from the engine. The blades used in these propellers are efficient and generally strong. To the point, if birds can completely destroy propellers and lead to a loss of propulsion why do you feel the need to be taken seriously? Is what you do not serious enough? Share your secrets and share your success as you work towards being less serious about the seriousness lens others may be using to view you. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Feathered Friends
Friends.
How many of us have them?
Friends.
Ones we can depend on?
Friends.
How many of us have them?
Friends.
Before we go any further.
Let’s be friends.
Thanks to the American rap group Whodini for the flashback!
How many friends do you have? Before you answer the question, I want you to think carefully. Now that you have thought about it. So, how many friends do you have? Is friendship a word you use loosely or is it one that for you comes with a heavy burden?
Many of us have a bevy of people we surround ourselves with and we happily assign them with the title, “Friend.” Entrepreneurship as we already know is an endeavour like no other. Having friends that we can count on along the way is paramount to our success. All that said, how many of us can really say that we are surrounded by friends? Let’s first define friendship. A friend is someone who wants the best for us and supports us to ensure we arrive at that point. A friend listens and is always honest, even when it hurts. A friend is truthful, particularly when the others are only inflating our egos. A friend will wait it out with you, because their intention is to be there for the long run. A friend will stay even when you tell them to go. A friend picks up the pieces when they are scattered about on the floor. Now to the opposite side of friendship or to be clearer what friendship isn’t!
Friends don’t discourage you from achieving your business goals. When you mention that you have changed course, will be taking on a new initiative or aiming for something really big, they applaud you. Your friends want you to get closer to your goals not further away from them. There will be people masking themselves as your friends who will work to demotivate you, belittle you and try to pull you away from pursuing great things. Do you have “friends” like this?
Friends don’t gossip about your business plans. A friend is a confidante, someone that you can share your dreams with knowing they won’t betray your trust. A friend would not spread gossip about you or try to get you to engage in gossip about others. Friends know that gossip creates discord and is a source of distrust. Friends know that gossiping with you is a waste of time because you are too busy focused on your own path.
Friends don’t try to change you as you build your business. You will be continuously evolving alongside your business. This change will occur naturally. Your friends will appreciate this. They will acknowledge and accept your evolution. They will want to partake in your growth. If you find yourself pretending to be something you are not around your friends it is important to question your behaviour. Fitting in isn’t something you should have to do with your friends.
Friendship feels good. With true friendship there is no inner turbulence. Friendships aren’t forced or contrived. There is no second guessing or doubts. Everything flows easily. The social habits of Birds is such that they flock together. Are the Birds in your flock your true friends? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
How many of us have them?
Friends.
Ones we can depend on?
Friends.
How many of us have them?
Friends.
Before we go any further.
Let’s be friends.
Thanks to the American rap group Whodini for the flashback!
How many friends do you have? Before you answer the question, I want you to think carefully. Now that you have thought about it. So, how many friends do you have? Is friendship a word you use loosely or is it one that for you comes with a heavy burden?
Many of us have a bevy of people we surround ourselves with and we happily assign them with the title, “Friend.” Entrepreneurship as we already know is an endeavour like no other. Having friends that we can count on along the way is paramount to our success. All that said, how many of us can really say that we are surrounded by friends? Let’s first define friendship. A friend is someone who wants the best for us and supports us to ensure we arrive at that point. A friend listens and is always honest, even when it hurts. A friend is truthful, particularly when the others are only inflating our egos. A friend will wait it out with you, because their intention is to be there for the long run. A friend will stay even when you tell them to go. A friend picks up the pieces when they are scattered about on the floor. Now to the opposite side of friendship or to be clearer what friendship isn’t!
Friends don’t discourage you from achieving your business goals. When you mention that you have changed course, will be taking on a new initiative or aiming for something really big, they applaud you. Your friends want you to get closer to your goals not further away from them. There will be people masking themselves as your friends who will work to demotivate you, belittle you and try to pull you away from pursuing great things. Do you have “friends” like this?
Friends don’t gossip about your business plans. A friend is a confidante, someone that you can share your dreams with knowing they won’t betray your trust. A friend would not spread gossip about you or try to get you to engage in gossip about others. Friends know that gossip creates discord and is a source of distrust. Friends know that gossiping with you is a waste of time because you are too busy focused on your own path.
Friends don’t try to change you as you build your business. You will be continuously evolving alongside your business. This change will occur naturally. Your friends will appreciate this. They will acknowledge and accept your evolution. They will want to partake in your growth. If you find yourself pretending to be something you are not around your friends it is important to question your behaviour. Fitting in isn’t something you should have to do with your friends.
Friendship feels good. With true friendship there is no inner turbulence. Friendships aren’t forced or contrived. There is no second guessing or doubts. Everything flows easily. The social habits of Birds is such that they flock together. Are the Birds in your flock your true friends? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Flight Patterns
Every journey in flight is different. No two flights are the same. The destinations are all different. Each Bird must own her own flight and give life to her unique journey. As you continue along you may exhibit patterns that are harmful to the success of your business. There is a natural propensity to resist change but as you build your business change is necessary for survival. Some of the biggest changes in your life will occur when you decide to start a business. You will grow more as an individual during the time you spend building your business than any other time in your life. As you make the leap, it is best to disintegrate patterns which are of no use to you. How do you go about disintegrating these patterns?
Recognise
Firstly recognise the patterns. If you do not recognise the patterns you will continuously make the same mistakes repeatedly. This will change once you have either learned the lesson or until you shift the pattern. If you keep attracting clients that don’t value your work or don’t want to pay, there is something within you that needs to change. Like attracts like and you are putting something out there which says I am accepting of this type of client. If your business keeps losing money and you keep spending money, what exactly is it that you need to change? They say you must spend money to make money but are you sure? Where are you spending this money? What is the source of this money? Money like all else in life is energy. Recognise the energy, recognise the problem and then change the pattern. Let’s say your business were a film, what is the scene that keeps recurring? You play a role because you control the narrative.
Realign
You have recognised that you have these patterns. Now it’s time to realign. Realign with your values, your purpose, your vision. Get back on track with why you started this venture in the first place. Are you building this business in the shadow of what you really want it to be? Along the way you’ve heard a lot of toxic messages. Messages aiming to define you based on a reality which isn’t yours. A few things to consider as you realign are where do you see your business in a few years? What will your team look like? Who will be involved? What will your role be in making all of it come to life? You have hit a crisis point as we all do. A complete and utter crisis. A crisis of mindset, a crisis of disbelief, a crisis of words, a crisis of thoughts, a crisis of actions. Crisis must occur for you to remember why you started in the first place. After this crisis your resolve will become firmer and your desire to succeed will become stronger.
Resolve
Your desire to succeed is now strong. You recognise the patters, you have realigned and now it’s time to resolve. This begins with solutions. The solution being to not repeat these patterns. As the saying goes your attitude will determine your altitude. If you approach resolution with dedication and diligence, then as we all know, nothing is impossible. This is probably the hardest part because it involves letting go. Letting go is one of our most important steps in flight. Let go of patterns that will work against you as you build your business. All problems are defeatable whilst in flight.
Henry Ford, once said that most people spend more time and energy going around problems than trying to solve them. Are you flying in circles? Birds often create beautiful patterns when they flock together in flight. These patterns however are a result of proper coordination to do two main things, increase their view and enhance their defense capabilities. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Recognise
Firstly recognise the patterns. If you do not recognise the patterns you will continuously make the same mistakes repeatedly. This will change once you have either learned the lesson or until you shift the pattern. If you keep attracting clients that don’t value your work or don’t want to pay, there is something within you that needs to change. Like attracts like and you are putting something out there which says I am accepting of this type of client. If your business keeps losing money and you keep spending money, what exactly is it that you need to change? They say you must spend money to make money but are you sure? Where are you spending this money? What is the source of this money? Money like all else in life is energy. Recognise the energy, recognise the problem and then change the pattern. Let’s say your business were a film, what is the scene that keeps recurring? You play a role because you control the narrative.
Realign
You have recognised that you have these patterns. Now it’s time to realign. Realign with your values, your purpose, your vision. Get back on track with why you started this venture in the first place. Are you building this business in the shadow of what you really want it to be? Along the way you’ve heard a lot of toxic messages. Messages aiming to define you based on a reality which isn’t yours. A few things to consider as you realign are where do you see your business in a few years? What will your team look like? Who will be involved? What will your role be in making all of it come to life? You have hit a crisis point as we all do. A complete and utter crisis. A crisis of mindset, a crisis of disbelief, a crisis of words, a crisis of thoughts, a crisis of actions. Crisis must occur for you to remember why you started in the first place. After this crisis your resolve will become firmer and your desire to succeed will become stronger.
Resolve
Your desire to succeed is now strong. You recognise the patters, you have realigned and now it’s time to resolve. This begins with solutions. The solution being to not repeat these patterns. As the saying goes your attitude will determine your altitude. If you approach resolution with dedication and diligence, then as we all know, nothing is impossible. This is probably the hardest part because it involves letting go. Letting go is one of our most important steps in flight. Let go of patterns that will work against you as you build your business. All problems are defeatable whilst in flight.
Henry Ford, once said that most people spend more time and energy going around problems than trying to solve them. Are you flying in circles? Birds often create beautiful patterns when they flock together in flight. These patterns however are a result of proper coordination to do two main things, increase their view and enhance their defense capabilities. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
A Bird is Still a Bird
KISS!
Keep it simple!
The most important concept often missed by some of the brightest people we all know. Is it possible to simplify matters which aren’t simple? If we’re trying to take a concept from idea to market, less is always more. How do we package ideas and theories into products on basic terms. Why is it an imperative that you KISS?
Intellect does not sell very well.
Highly intelligent people are our friends. We love them, we adore them, we want to be them (sometimes) and we appreciate what they bring to the table. They bring their ideas, their passion, their problem solving and other qualities that make them natural born leaders (most of the times). They are both intelligent and intellectual, they can formulate a theory within minutes. This is the curse of the highly intelligent, for good or for bad, it’s who they are and it’s what they do. (We can debate this another time, let’s stay focused on this for now). Intellect is great in academic circles where critical study and thoughts are highly valued. It’s a great place to be, within the intellectual world at the forefront driving the engine of change! In business circles critical study and thoughts are obviously required in order to find solutions to problems, develop mission statements, objectives and set clear goals. That said, the intellect can become a problem if you allow it to make you constantly assess and overanalyze everything to where you can’t arrive at an end position. Moreover, when it comes to packaging and selling a product critical study and thoughts don’t sell very well. The pharmaceutical companies are best at this. They don’t sell us complex molecules and complicated ingredients. They sell the solution, i.e cures stomach pain within 15 minutes of digestion. Imagine if they did it the other way around? None of us would purchase anything (with the exception of those within that world or perhaps because those in that world are aware they don’t purchase anything (separate conversation) )!
People relate to matters which affect their daily lives.
Sometimes the simple ideas are the ones that have the biggest impact. It is why we often find ourselves saying, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Well, I do not know the answer to that (let me get back to you?). Intelligent people are by no means average and as a result they can’t always relate to the matters which average people are experiencing. As a result they struggle with simplifying their ideas. Now here are a few of the problems average people can relate to:
Intellect and heavy jargon creates and contributes to apathy.
People often believe that no one cares and that all the attempts to change mindsets is a futile effort. Is this true? Human beings are wired to care, we are wired to want to help others, as this is what makes us what we are in the first place-human. Granted our experiences and other factors may shape us into not-so-good people but the majority of us have a conscience, which is deeply rooted in some type of universal truth which wants to do good. What often dissuades individuals from participating is too much complex discussions, theories and jargon which they don’t understand. If it is too laden with terms and texts that people need to reference their thesaurus’ and/or dictionaries then let’s just all forget about it. As the saying goes, “Cut to the chase.” It is rather frustrating when you want to be a part of something you believe in but you just don’t understand what those in charge are saying, so you end up choosing to disengage all together. In the end do you want to be applauded for your idea? Or that you were able to get people on board to further level up up your objectives? The decision is a matter of simplicity. Yes, let’s look at the pharmaceutical companies again. Imagine if every ad they sold to us stated the actual medical term of our ailments as in, we suffer from angina? Is their goal to make us wiser or to get us to purchase their product? In the end they tell us we suffer from chest pain, because this is what we understand. The chest pain terminology is much more simpler and effective than angina. What the hell is an angina? And who the hell cares? Fix my problem or move on! I have chest pains, remember? Sadly, this is the truth, let’s all weep, let it go and get back to it!
As you read this piece it is not for you to conclude that we must assume people are stupid. This has nothing to do with stupidity. It’s about what is most effective and practical. Meeting your supporters where they are is very different to meeting them where you want them to be. It is also not for you to conclude that you should not educate your supporters. You must and should absolutely educate your supporters because ethical and honest businesses’ are what the world needs more of. It is also not for you to conclude that the author is biased against the pharmaceutical companies (why would you even think that?). The author believes that pharmaceutical companies are effective at simplifying matters which aren’t. They are also good at creating hype around complex matters but in such an eggregiously simple way, that one often thinks, “How did they do that?” So, if they can convert dextrose monohydrate powder which is glucose, from C6 H12 06 into “fuel your ambition” or the “top energy drink” then surely we can do the same? Oh we wise ones, too bright for our own good, eh?
Parrots are both colorful and intelligent. It has been noted many times that they mimmick human behaviour so remarkably well to the astonishment of their owners. In the end the parrot is still a bird, fully capable of carrying out all of its inherent capabilities. These capabilities, classifying it as a member of the avian species. In the end, the author wants you to conclude that, (hold your breath) …wait for it….yes, indeed, a Bird is still a Bird (collectively sigh)! Are you ruining a great problem solver by over complicating matters? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Keep it simple!
The most important concept often missed by some of the brightest people we all know. Is it possible to simplify matters which aren’t simple? If we’re trying to take a concept from idea to market, less is always more. How do we package ideas and theories into products on basic terms. Why is it an imperative that you KISS?
Intellect does not sell very well.
Highly intelligent people are our friends. We love them, we adore them, we want to be them (sometimes) and we appreciate what they bring to the table. They bring their ideas, their passion, their problem solving and other qualities that make them natural born leaders (most of the times). They are both intelligent and intellectual, they can formulate a theory within minutes. This is the curse of the highly intelligent, for good or for bad, it’s who they are and it’s what they do. (We can debate this another time, let’s stay focused on this for now). Intellect is great in academic circles where critical study and thoughts are highly valued. It’s a great place to be, within the intellectual world at the forefront driving the engine of change! In business circles critical study and thoughts are obviously required in order to find solutions to problems, develop mission statements, objectives and set clear goals. That said, the intellect can become a problem if you allow it to make you constantly assess and overanalyze everything to where you can’t arrive at an end position. Moreover, when it comes to packaging and selling a product critical study and thoughts don’t sell very well. The pharmaceutical companies are best at this. They don’t sell us complex molecules and complicated ingredients. They sell the solution, i.e cures stomach pain within 15 minutes of digestion. Imagine if they did it the other way around? None of us would purchase anything (with the exception of those within that world or perhaps because those in that world are aware they don’t purchase anything (separate conversation) )!
People relate to matters which affect their daily lives.
Sometimes the simple ideas are the ones that have the biggest impact. It is why we often find ourselves saying, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Well, I do not know the answer to that (let me get back to you?). Intelligent people are by no means average and as a result they can’t always relate to the matters which average people are experiencing. As a result they struggle with simplifying their ideas. Now here are a few of the problems average people can relate to:
- Loneliness
- Mental Illness
- Traffic Congestion
- Lack of Sanitation
- Taxes and other Fees
- Access to Education
- Affordable Childcare
- Stomach Indigestion
Intellect and heavy jargon creates and contributes to apathy.
People often believe that no one cares and that all the attempts to change mindsets is a futile effort. Is this true? Human beings are wired to care, we are wired to want to help others, as this is what makes us what we are in the first place-human. Granted our experiences and other factors may shape us into not-so-good people but the majority of us have a conscience, which is deeply rooted in some type of universal truth which wants to do good. What often dissuades individuals from participating is too much complex discussions, theories and jargon which they don’t understand. If it is too laden with terms and texts that people need to reference their thesaurus’ and/or dictionaries then let’s just all forget about it. As the saying goes, “Cut to the chase.” It is rather frustrating when you want to be a part of something you believe in but you just don’t understand what those in charge are saying, so you end up choosing to disengage all together. In the end do you want to be applauded for your idea? Or that you were able to get people on board to further level up up your objectives? The decision is a matter of simplicity. Yes, let’s look at the pharmaceutical companies again. Imagine if every ad they sold to us stated the actual medical term of our ailments as in, we suffer from angina? Is their goal to make us wiser or to get us to purchase their product? In the end they tell us we suffer from chest pain, because this is what we understand. The chest pain terminology is much more simpler and effective than angina. What the hell is an angina? And who the hell cares? Fix my problem or move on! I have chest pains, remember? Sadly, this is the truth, let’s all weep, let it go and get back to it!
As you read this piece it is not for you to conclude that we must assume people are stupid. This has nothing to do with stupidity. It’s about what is most effective and practical. Meeting your supporters where they are is very different to meeting them where you want them to be. It is also not for you to conclude that you should not educate your supporters. You must and should absolutely educate your supporters because ethical and honest businesses’ are what the world needs more of. It is also not for you to conclude that the author is biased against the pharmaceutical companies (why would you even think that?). The author believes that pharmaceutical companies are effective at simplifying matters which aren’t. They are also good at creating hype around complex matters but in such an eggregiously simple way, that one often thinks, “How did they do that?” So, if they can convert dextrose monohydrate powder which is glucose, from C6 H12 06 into “fuel your ambition” or the “top energy drink” then surely we can do the same? Oh we wise ones, too bright for our own good, eh?
Parrots are both colorful and intelligent. It has been noted many times that they mimmick human behaviour so remarkably well to the astonishment of their owners. In the end the parrot is still a bird, fully capable of carrying out all of its inherent capabilities. These capabilities, classifying it as a member of the avian species. In the end, the author wants you to conclude that, (hold your breath) …wait for it….yes, indeed, a Bird is still a Bird (collectively sigh)! Are you ruining a great problem solver by over complicating matters? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The Raptor Within
Raptors are Birds of prey. They are known for being fierce warriors in the avian universe. They are fully equipped for flight with their heavy beaks and forceful talons. These predators seek out and destroy their prey. Business building also involves seeking out and destroying prey. The prey, however is not the competition, it is YOU. Self analysis is an important part of flight. Why? Because as you set off on your journey you will grow, adapt and change based on all of your in-flight experiences. And as such, you must make adjustments accordingly. Your business will invariably suffer if you deny yourself the analysis required to be successful on your journey.
Conscious Listening
We should all aim to be better listeners. Some of us admittedly will never be good at this but then again no one is truly a jack of all trades. Listening to others may not be your strength but listening to yourself should. Conscious listening will enable you to feel what is actually happening as you undergo new experiences and situations. As you do this many emotions will arise, some pleasant others bordering on the terrifying. The latter should be your primary concern. What is it about the way you feel that you don’t like and why is it that you don’t like it? More importantly how will this feeling affect the way you go about building and managing your business?
Accept Responsibility for Your Own Actions
As an entrepreneur it is easy to bury yourself in your work and avoid the process of self analysis. When a situation does arise that must be confronted in earnest it is easy to blame someone else for the error. The truth is, this is your business as it was your idea and your vision, so in the end it was about you. As a matter of fact it will always be about you. It will be about you when your team does not deliver. It will be about you when those accounts aren’t paid. It will be about you when that opportunity is missed. It will also be about you when things start to fail. Accept responsibility for all your actions. Accept that there is no one else to blame but you. This is one of the most gut wrenching parts of self analysis because it hurts. It hurts to accept that you failed. Don’t let your ego get in the way of accepting responsibility for your own actions. Hurt and pain are a natural part of growth. Growth is what you do in flight.
Decide Your Own Growth
You ultimately are the decision maker on your own growth. You decide in what shape or form that growth will take. Will you be methodical in your approach? That is, will you journal your feelings on a daily basis? Maybe you might take the external approach and seek out a business coach to help you along the way. There is also the option of joining support groups that provide a space for you to discuss your inner workings. Yes, everyone will have an opinion and they are all duly entitled to one. Yes, there will be times when you will be wrong and there will also be times when you are completely clueless about it all. Ultimately the choice is in your hands. Choose the direction of your flight and let the air be the only natural disruptor on your path.
What makes a Bird a raptor? Undoubtedly it boils down to its power. It’s power to capture and annihilate its prey. It’s power to obliterate as a means of survival. Can you apply that same power to yourself? Do you have the ability to eradicate so that you can continue peacefully along your flight? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Conscious Listening
We should all aim to be better listeners. Some of us admittedly will never be good at this but then again no one is truly a jack of all trades. Listening to others may not be your strength but listening to yourself should. Conscious listening will enable you to feel what is actually happening as you undergo new experiences and situations. As you do this many emotions will arise, some pleasant others bordering on the terrifying. The latter should be your primary concern. What is it about the way you feel that you don’t like and why is it that you don’t like it? More importantly how will this feeling affect the way you go about building and managing your business?
Accept Responsibility for Your Own Actions
As an entrepreneur it is easy to bury yourself in your work and avoid the process of self analysis. When a situation does arise that must be confronted in earnest it is easy to blame someone else for the error. The truth is, this is your business as it was your idea and your vision, so in the end it was about you. As a matter of fact it will always be about you. It will be about you when your team does not deliver. It will be about you when those accounts aren’t paid. It will be about you when that opportunity is missed. It will also be about you when things start to fail. Accept responsibility for all your actions. Accept that there is no one else to blame but you. This is one of the most gut wrenching parts of self analysis because it hurts. It hurts to accept that you failed. Don’t let your ego get in the way of accepting responsibility for your own actions. Hurt and pain are a natural part of growth. Growth is what you do in flight.
Decide Your Own Growth
You ultimately are the decision maker on your own growth. You decide in what shape or form that growth will take. Will you be methodical in your approach? That is, will you journal your feelings on a daily basis? Maybe you might take the external approach and seek out a business coach to help you along the way. There is also the option of joining support groups that provide a space for you to discuss your inner workings. Yes, everyone will have an opinion and they are all duly entitled to one. Yes, there will be times when you will be wrong and there will also be times when you are completely clueless about it all. Ultimately the choice is in your hands. Choose the direction of your flight and let the air be the only natural disruptor on your path.
What makes a Bird a raptor? Undoubtedly it boils down to its power. It’s power to capture and annihilate its prey. It’s power to obliterate as a means of survival. Can you apply that same power to yourself? Do you have the ability to eradicate so that you can continue peacefully along your flight? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
What if You Make It In Flight
How do you let go of a job you hate? You can’t seem to leave. You feel trapped. You’re absolutely crippled by fear. How will you pay your bills? What will your family say? What will your friends think? Suppose you quit and it doesn’t work out? What if you can’t do it? What if you make it?
You Will Make It
If your desire to be successful is equally as strong as your contempt for your job, you will make it! There is nothing like getting up everyday and going to a job you despise. As long as your strength and will to make something positive of your life feels equally as strong then, all will be well.
If your current job has nothing to do with your purpose and is not aligned with your personal values, you will make it! Purpose and passion gives you extreme focus. If you are not working within your purpose on a daily basis then you are wasting your time, energy and a huge portion of your life. If your personal values are in constant conflict with your work values, then it’s time to reevaluate.
If you are a completely different person at work compared to when you are outside of work, you will make it! The person you are in the office is not slightly altered but is an exact 180 of who you are outside of work. You suppress yourself, you force yourself to think and act differently. You don’t like fitting in but it’s what you have to do to survive.
If you are not evolving and growing in your current role and are stagnant and uninspired, you will make it! Growth comes through challenges. Evolution is necessary to understand the role you play in this life. Feeling uninspired and unchallenged from 9-5 is like going to Antarctica and asking for sand. It is never going to happen!
If you are no longer compatible with the business you are working in, you will make it!Compatibility is vital because if you are not in line with what the business expects of its employees, you will be viewed as an outcast. Outcasts don’t do very well at jobs where everyone is expected to know their part.
If you have maximized your potential in your industry and don’t want to go any further, you will make it! Perhaps you have excelled, received numerous promotions and have achieved all you set out for yourself. You may have even decided that you do not want to go any further. If that is the case, now is the perfect time to say good bye! Better to say so on a high note than on on a low one.
If you are committed to being your best, you will make it! Commitment involves making a decision. Once you make a decision, then you have essentially said to yourself that you will do whatever it takes to bring your goals from idea to reality. Commitment means you have sworn to yourself that, you will, you must and have no other option but to make it it!
You will make it in flight because that’s what Birds do, they make it. They are highly adaptive for flight, equipped with everything required to make it. Sticking around at a job you hate with no clear plan is a huge injustice to yourself. Change can be scary and starting a business is even scarier but what is worse is sitting around waiting for a miracle. The money may be steady and really good but there is always a tradeoff. What are you giving up in the process? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
You Will Make It
If your desire to be successful is equally as strong as your contempt for your job, you will make it! There is nothing like getting up everyday and going to a job you despise. As long as your strength and will to make something positive of your life feels equally as strong then, all will be well.
If your current job has nothing to do with your purpose and is not aligned with your personal values, you will make it! Purpose and passion gives you extreme focus. If you are not working within your purpose on a daily basis then you are wasting your time, energy and a huge portion of your life. If your personal values are in constant conflict with your work values, then it’s time to reevaluate.
If you are a completely different person at work compared to when you are outside of work, you will make it! The person you are in the office is not slightly altered but is an exact 180 of who you are outside of work. You suppress yourself, you force yourself to think and act differently. You don’t like fitting in but it’s what you have to do to survive.
If you are not evolving and growing in your current role and are stagnant and uninspired, you will make it! Growth comes through challenges. Evolution is necessary to understand the role you play in this life. Feeling uninspired and unchallenged from 9-5 is like going to Antarctica and asking for sand. It is never going to happen!
If you are no longer compatible with the business you are working in, you will make it!Compatibility is vital because if you are not in line with what the business expects of its employees, you will be viewed as an outcast. Outcasts don’t do very well at jobs where everyone is expected to know their part.
If you have maximized your potential in your industry and don’t want to go any further, you will make it! Perhaps you have excelled, received numerous promotions and have achieved all you set out for yourself. You may have even decided that you do not want to go any further. If that is the case, now is the perfect time to say good bye! Better to say so on a high note than on on a low one.
If you are committed to being your best, you will make it! Commitment involves making a decision. Once you make a decision, then you have essentially said to yourself that you will do whatever it takes to bring your goals from idea to reality. Commitment means you have sworn to yourself that, you will, you must and have no other option but to make it it!
You will make it in flight because that’s what Birds do, they make it. They are highly adaptive for flight, equipped with everything required to make it. Sticking around at a job you hate with no clear plan is a huge injustice to yourself. Change can be scary and starting a business is even scarier but what is worse is sitting around waiting for a miracle. The money may be steady and really good but there is always a tradeoff. What are you giving up in the process? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Flying Low
Who do you have to become to be successful in flight? As you embark on this journey who do you have to be on the inside to reflect what you want on the outside? As you build your business there are many things that you need to let go. Letting go is Step # 7 in The Ten Steps to Flight. Instead of flying low, raise your energy levels by allowing yourself to soar high.
Let go of bad habits that stop you from pursuing your dreams. Your business requires positive and productive action. Bad habits hold you back from being the best version of yourself. They also end up getting you into equally bad circumstances.
Let go of people who do not have your best interest at heart. For some being discerning is a hard task. Being discerning involves having standards and knowing your values. Be open to having experiences but take your time to get to know people and make the right decisions about who you will allow in your life.
Let go of ideals which are socially constructed. There are many socially constructed ideals which will aim to dictate how you live your life. This will emanate from different areas including family, friends, religion and culture. The social fabric should not have so much influence on your choices about your entrepreneurial lifestyle.
Let go of the past because it is holding you back. What happened in the past is all preparation for the present. The people you met, the things you said, the things you did and all in between are all experiences that add layering to your life. Layers of wisdom and knowledge which provide a foundation for your future.
Let go of toxic relationships that do not serve you or your purpose. Toxic relationships involve two people: you and the other person. It takes two to tango and letting go of these types of relationships opens up a fresh path for you to move into the healthy lane.
Let go of excuses that you are using as a buffer for avoidance. Excuses are a hustle for happiness. Hustling for happiness is that fleeting feeling obtained from moving from one thing to the next. Life’s realities are then buried in excuses, which disallow you from taking responsibility for your actions.
Let go of being hard on yourself, because kindness and compassion are required to pursue any endeavor, which will test your tenacity, resolve and dedication-entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur you must be good to yourself, take time off and tolerate accepting the most important person in your life: you!
The world isn’t always the way you see it. It is viewed from where you currently stand. Flying low prohibits you from reaching your full capacity. Do you want to be stuck at one level? Flying high is possible but involves raising your energy to the next level. Who do you have to become to fly higher? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Let go of bad habits that stop you from pursuing your dreams. Your business requires positive and productive action. Bad habits hold you back from being the best version of yourself. They also end up getting you into equally bad circumstances.
Let go of people who do not have your best interest at heart. For some being discerning is a hard task. Being discerning involves having standards and knowing your values. Be open to having experiences but take your time to get to know people and make the right decisions about who you will allow in your life.
Let go of ideals which are socially constructed. There are many socially constructed ideals which will aim to dictate how you live your life. This will emanate from different areas including family, friends, religion and culture. The social fabric should not have so much influence on your choices about your entrepreneurial lifestyle.
Let go of the past because it is holding you back. What happened in the past is all preparation for the present. The people you met, the things you said, the things you did and all in between are all experiences that add layering to your life. Layers of wisdom and knowledge which provide a foundation for your future.
Let go of toxic relationships that do not serve you or your purpose. Toxic relationships involve two people: you and the other person. It takes two to tango and letting go of these types of relationships opens up a fresh path for you to move into the healthy lane.
Let go of excuses that you are using as a buffer for avoidance. Excuses are a hustle for happiness. Hustling for happiness is that fleeting feeling obtained from moving from one thing to the next. Life’s realities are then buried in excuses, which disallow you from taking responsibility for your actions.
Let go of being hard on yourself, because kindness and compassion are required to pursue any endeavor, which will test your tenacity, resolve and dedication-entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur you must be good to yourself, take time off and tolerate accepting the most important person in your life: you!
The world isn’t always the way you see it. It is viewed from where you currently stand. Flying low prohibits you from reaching your full capacity. Do you want to be stuck at one level? Flying high is possible but involves raising your energy to the next level. Who do you have to become to fly higher? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Globalize Your Flight
A Bird’s migration takes her around the world. Some Birds cover the globe in a span of 200 days. Unbelievable isn’t it? In short Birds operate on a global scale. With the internet opportunities are limitless. We operate in a borderless world, which is deeply interconnected. Our websites are viewed from all corners of the world. Our products and ideas sold on platforms accessible to 7.4 billion people. With this in mind are you globalising your flight?
You make sure your story is translatable across all borders. We all know the importance of a good story and how it can be used to really connect with your supporters. The story you are telling can be understood in any country, any language and amongst any ethnic group because it is highly relatable. It is relatable because your story represents the human experience. The human experience is just that, human. It creates deep feelings and an emotional connection with everyone. The story behind your business is powerful because it reflects the problems of real people, their issues and frustrations. One thing the global population has are problems!
You are studying your industry trends in various markets. You are knowledgeable of all the global reports produced by reputable firms on your industry. They include trends, market analysis and forecasts. You study these trends to understand which countries have a market for your product, which ones are on the cusp and which have already been dominated. You have a full grasp of the threats and barriers which exist. You have made contacts with networks and communities in various parts of the world to share ideas and collaborate. Within all the trends lie an opportunity for you and you are indeed prepared to seize it.
You are developing an understanding of different cultures. You know that in this world of 7.4 billion people that there is so much to glean about how culture and economics intersect when trying to bring value. You are reading books, you are joining organisations, you are totally immersed in activities which allow you to meet people of all backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, nationalities, religions and sexual orientations. You ask questions, you respectfully engage, you admire, you are intrigued, you are completely awed by how diverse the people of this planet are. No group are a monolith and you are constantly seeking ways to gain insight into the differences. You travel, you observe and sometimes you are fortunate enough to receive an invite. When invited you participate, you feel honoured, you know more! With this new knowledge you can now impart a wisdom into your product which is authentic and devoid of gimmicks, appropriations and other crass forms of dishonesty.
You think one Bird in multiple Nests. Big birds in small nests have impact in small amounts. That influence, mind you is vast but it is limited. You however don’t want to be limited. As you fly above these vast lands you become enamored by it all. Excited with each glide, overwhelmed with each swoop. You see the oasis whilst the others only see the dry desert. You know each oasis is of critical importance as you take flight. You glimpse the food and water but more importantly you see the impending trade-oh what a ravenous appetite! You are one Bird operating in multiple Nests!
Globally, the marketplace is yours for the taking. You have the ability to compete at any level you choose. Birds aren’t isolationist. That would be silly don’t you think? Birds are all committed to participating in the global economy! Now shall we all get back into our migration? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
You make sure your story is translatable across all borders. We all know the importance of a good story and how it can be used to really connect with your supporters. The story you are telling can be understood in any country, any language and amongst any ethnic group because it is highly relatable. It is relatable because your story represents the human experience. The human experience is just that, human. It creates deep feelings and an emotional connection with everyone. The story behind your business is powerful because it reflects the problems of real people, their issues and frustrations. One thing the global population has are problems!
You are studying your industry trends in various markets. You are knowledgeable of all the global reports produced by reputable firms on your industry. They include trends, market analysis and forecasts. You study these trends to understand which countries have a market for your product, which ones are on the cusp and which have already been dominated. You have a full grasp of the threats and barriers which exist. You have made contacts with networks and communities in various parts of the world to share ideas and collaborate. Within all the trends lie an opportunity for you and you are indeed prepared to seize it.
You are developing an understanding of different cultures. You know that in this world of 7.4 billion people that there is so much to glean about how culture and economics intersect when trying to bring value. You are reading books, you are joining organisations, you are totally immersed in activities which allow you to meet people of all backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, nationalities, religions and sexual orientations. You ask questions, you respectfully engage, you admire, you are intrigued, you are completely awed by how diverse the people of this planet are. No group are a monolith and you are constantly seeking ways to gain insight into the differences. You travel, you observe and sometimes you are fortunate enough to receive an invite. When invited you participate, you feel honoured, you know more! With this new knowledge you can now impart a wisdom into your product which is authentic and devoid of gimmicks, appropriations and other crass forms of dishonesty.
You think one Bird in multiple Nests. Big birds in small nests have impact in small amounts. That influence, mind you is vast but it is limited. You however don’t want to be limited. As you fly above these vast lands you become enamored by it all. Excited with each glide, overwhelmed with each swoop. You see the oasis whilst the others only see the dry desert. You know each oasis is of critical importance as you take flight. You glimpse the food and water but more importantly you see the impending trade-oh what a ravenous appetite! You are one Bird operating in multiple Nests!
Globally, the marketplace is yours for the taking. You have the ability to compete at any level you choose. Birds aren’t isolationist. That would be silly don’t you think? Birds are all committed to participating in the global economy! Now shall we all get back into our migration? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Arrival
When that corporate job just isn’t enough. When that desk gig just isn’t cutting it. When that nonprofit work has run it’s course. Growing up you were taught that you should study hard, work hard and go after what you want. So, this is what you did and you arrived or at least you thought you did. You arrived, entering the pearly gates, eating fancy meals and attending conferences. You met all sorts of seemingly important people. You were even lucky enough to be put on the fast track. Fast track to management, oh my! They said in a few years you would head up your own team. You thought to yourself, “This sounds promising.” You arrived or so you thought. Why is it that after 2 years you started feeling out of place? You realised that this just wasn’t your thing but you felt really bad about having these thoughts. You did what they said you should do remember? Study hard, work hard and then go after what you want. You did it, but why is it that you feel so empty? The problem is the society, which includes the media, family and friends, the institutions and all in between who are constantly foisting their values on you. What if you led in your own way and based on your own values? What if you decided to ignore the society and started doing what you wanted to? Would you have taken that route? What does leading by your own values mean and look like to you?
Define Your Values
You do not know what your values are. This is because for so long you have been busy listening to everyone with the exception of… you. So let’s start from the basics. Here are a few questions.
1. What types of things are important to you?
2. What matters the most in your life?
3. What is at the top of your priorities list?
4. What is that little voice inside trying to tell you?
So now that you are clear on what values are we can proceed to the next step, which is to make sure your values match how you behave.
Match Your Values with your Lifestyle
This is all about lifestyle crafting. Think of your life as a shape. This very specific shape represents your life. Are you a circle, square or triangle? Now that you have determined the shape of your life. Here are a few more questions.
1. Is your job a representation of this shape?
2. Are you compromising your shape by doing this type of work?
3. Is your current life path in line with your shape?
4. Are the people you are associating with in line with your shape?
Utilise Your Values
Values on their own mean nothing. Utilise your values by putting them in action. Are you getting up in the morning thinking, “Another day of this?” Are you going home at night, after a long day of work, laying in the bed for hours feeling unmotivated and drained? If so it may be time to start utilising your values. Utilising your values simply means being bold and brave enough to put them into practice.
Reinforce Your Values
All of the above are important to getting your values in order. However, this is by far the most important stage of valuing. It’s called reinforcement. Values must be strengthened and affirmed. There will be times when you may need to remind yourself of what your values are. You will also have to update them as time goes by. Write them down on paper and look at them as often as you can!
As you journey on in flight you will be challenged in multiple ways. In these times it is your values that will keep you firmly on the ground. Running your own business is one of the best ways to show the world what you value without actually uttering a word. It is your grand statement. So how about that time when you thought you arrived? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Define Your Values
You do not know what your values are. This is because for so long you have been busy listening to everyone with the exception of… you. So let’s start from the basics. Here are a few questions.
1. What types of things are important to you?
2. What matters the most in your life?
3. What is at the top of your priorities list?
4. What is that little voice inside trying to tell you?
So now that you are clear on what values are we can proceed to the next step, which is to make sure your values match how you behave.
Match Your Values with your Lifestyle
This is all about lifestyle crafting. Think of your life as a shape. This very specific shape represents your life. Are you a circle, square or triangle? Now that you have determined the shape of your life. Here are a few more questions.
1. Is your job a representation of this shape?
2. Are you compromising your shape by doing this type of work?
3. Is your current life path in line with your shape?
4. Are the people you are associating with in line with your shape?
Utilise Your Values
Values on their own mean nothing. Utilise your values by putting them in action. Are you getting up in the morning thinking, “Another day of this?” Are you going home at night, after a long day of work, laying in the bed for hours feeling unmotivated and drained? If so it may be time to start utilising your values. Utilising your values simply means being bold and brave enough to put them into practice.
Reinforce Your Values
All of the above are important to getting your values in order. However, this is by far the most important stage of valuing. It’s called reinforcement. Values must be strengthened and affirmed. There will be times when you may need to remind yourself of what your values are. You will also have to update them as time goes by. Write them down on paper and look at them as often as you can!
As you journey on in flight you will be challenged in multiple ways. In these times it is your values that will keep you firmly on the ground. Running your own business is one of the best ways to show the world what you value without actually uttering a word. It is your grand statement. So how about that time when you thought you arrived? Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Winging It
Decision making can be very uncomfortable for many, particularly when building a business. There will be countless decisions to be made about a multitude of things from who to partner with, to how you should price your products. Irrespective of how rational we may think we are, in the end decision making is a very emotional experience. It is very popular in business circles to hear that we should never let our emotions control the way we run our business. According to Jonah Lehrer, author of the popular book, How We Decide, we are not purely rational. His work draws a direct link between feelings and decision making. Is he accurate?
As Rare Birds trying to build these businesses’ you will often arrive at a crossroads in the decision making process. This is a very intense process, a war of sorts between the head and the heart. The head (rational) says you should….but your heart (emotions) say you should….how then do you allow yourselves to make these decisions? By surrendering…..
Surrender to the problem
As women we call our friends and we discuss and discuss the problem to death. We break it down in bits and pieces through analysis, not missing an inch of detail. Proper dissection to lead to some kind of outcome. We are very good at this, actually we are the best at this. We then go over it again and again in our heads. We think about it on the bus, the train and in the shower. We run through the scenario in our head of what may or may not happen if we take this route or the other. The problem is not going to be solved by worrying. It won’t get solved by writing a pros and cons lists of all the possible outcomes. You do not have to figure everything out, sometimes problems are actually solved by letting them go. And then all of a sudden one day you’ll be sitting down in your favourite coffee shop and then, aha! If you’re thinking but what if the problem is a pressing matter? Ask yourself this: How many times have you been down this road and gone through this situation? It was always important and “major” only to subside with everything working out as it should. Life goes on, surrender to the problem.
Surrender to your feelings
Are you afraid to surrender to your feelings? This is business, you should be hard as nails. None of that soft, emotional being woman kind of stuff. Don’t cry, don’t show it and to be honest just pretend that all is well. You are a fraud when you do this. Firstly, it is important to accept what you are feeling. Feelings are biological, like when you walk into a room and suddenly you feel sick. Or when after speaking to someone you feel strange. These are all your body’s way of telling you something. Accepting your feelings, means accepting direct messages from your body that will help you in the decision making process. As women we often caveat our statements with things like, “I am not the emotional type” or “I am not an emotional person.” Yes you are, we all are and your emotions are here to guide you, protect you and help you make decisions. Why then be a fraudster by acting as if the way you feel does not matter? What do you have to prove? Who are you trying to impress? You are building a business for the long run. This is a life journey. Surrender to your feelings.
Decision making is hard. There is a problem and we abhor problems. You will avoid the problem, then you’ll be angry that you can’t seem to make a decision about the problem. You will then start to judge yourself and others for getting you in this problem in the first place. Sometimes you have to just wing it. Allow yourself to do what comes naturally. No plan, no rules, no big action just complete surrender. Birds wing it all the time, its one of the ways that they fly. How is it that they always manage to arrive at their final destination? You were designed for flight! Share your secrets and share your success on how you make decisions. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
As Rare Birds trying to build these businesses’ you will often arrive at a crossroads in the decision making process. This is a very intense process, a war of sorts between the head and the heart. The head (rational) says you should….but your heart (emotions) say you should….how then do you allow yourselves to make these decisions? By surrendering…..
Surrender to the problem
As women we call our friends and we discuss and discuss the problem to death. We break it down in bits and pieces through analysis, not missing an inch of detail. Proper dissection to lead to some kind of outcome. We are very good at this, actually we are the best at this. We then go over it again and again in our heads. We think about it on the bus, the train and in the shower. We run through the scenario in our head of what may or may not happen if we take this route or the other. The problem is not going to be solved by worrying. It won’t get solved by writing a pros and cons lists of all the possible outcomes. You do not have to figure everything out, sometimes problems are actually solved by letting them go. And then all of a sudden one day you’ll be sitting down in your favourite coffee shop and then, aha! If you’re thinking but what if the problem is a pressing matter? Ask yourself this: How many times have you been down this road and gone through this situation? It was always important and “major” only to subside with everything working out as it should. Life goes on, surrender to the problem.
Surrender to your feelings
Are you afraid to surrender to your feelings? This is business, you should be hard as nails. None of that soft, emotional being woman kind of stuff. Don’t cry, don’t show it and to be honest just pretend that all is well. You are a fraud when you do this. Firstly, it is important to accept what you are feeling. Feelings are biological, like when you walk into a room and suddenly you feel sick. Or when after speaking to someone you feel strange. These are all your body’s way of telling you something. Accepting your feelings, means accepting direct messages from your body that will help you in the decision making process. As women we often caveat our statements with things like, “I am not the emotional type” or “I am not an emotional person.” Yes you are, we all are and your emotions are here to guide you, protect you and help you make decisions. Why then be a fraudster by acting as if the way you feel does not matter? What do you have to prove? Who are you trying to impress? You are building a business for the long run. This is a life journey. Surrender to your feelings.
Decision making is hard. There is a problem and we abhor problems. You will avoid the problem, then you’ll be angry that you can’t seem to make a decision about the problem. You will then start to judge yourself and others for getting you in this problem in the first place. Sometimes you have to just wing it. Allow yourself to do what comes naturally. No plan, no rules, no big action just complete surrender. Birds wing it all the time, its one of the ways that they fly. How is it that they always manage to arrive at their final destination? You were designed for flight! Share your secrets and share your success on how you make decisions. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Feather Fluffing
I read somewhere that pessimism leads to greater happiness because low expectations lead to less disappointments. Is the secret to happiness having lower expectations? An optimist would say that every disappointment is for a reason and all a part of the journey which is unfolding specifically for them. Does this mean that optimists actually don’t expect anything in life (Step 2 in The Ten Steps to Flight-Be an Incurable Optimist)? No contrary to this thinking optimists have very high expectations but more importantly they exercise expectation management. How does one manage expectations whilst building a business from scratch? By not allowing people and circumstances to take them off course.
As you build your business you must be realistic about the expectations you have set for yourself and others. This way you will not be disappointed when things do not go as planned. You have to accept that circumstances may change and there is a possibility of things going wrong. Accepting the person you are dealing with for who they are or the circumstance you may be in for what it is, helps to navigate disappointment. It is really difficult to be disappointed when you have no expectations for an outcome. Constantly having a particular expectation in mind will ultimately lead to frustration and anxiety.
Having an open mind also helps with managing expectations. If you are open to the idea of things being different, not going as planned or shifting course etc then you are less inclined to be bothered when it does. Do you often find yourself angry or irritated throughout this process of business building? Ask yourself why. Why is it that I am always in this perpetual disappointment rut? Why do I feel like nothing is working out? Is it possible to trust the process and resist the temptation to control by just being open and flexible?
The success of your business is dependent upon the relationship you have with expectations. Some will argue expect the worse and hope for the best. But is this really what you want to do? Convince yourself that things will not work out but if they do you will be happy about it? Is this pessimism in reverse? You often forget that your business is no different to your personal life in that you can set goals but you cannot always plan. Because the plan will be disrupted by life! Both pessimists and optimists have one thing in common and this is how they choose to respond to life’s situations. If you cultivate a healthy relationship with expectations then you will always be content with the outcome. Content is not a bad thing. Content just means you are accepting of how things worked out, in the end.
Birds who manage their expectations also manage stress, rejection, adversity and other challenges very well. They don’t throw pity parties but they do have reflective soirees. They don’t walk around carrying doubt in their handbags instead they exude self belief. Birds fluff their feathers, they don’t lower their expectations. Share your secrets and share your success on managing expectations. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
As you build your business you must be realistic about the expectations you have set for yourself and others. This way you will not be disappointed when things do not go as planned. You have to accept that circumstances may change and there is a possibility of things going wrong. Accepting the person you are dealing with for who they are or the circumstance you may be in for what it is, helps to navigate disappointment. It is really difficult to be disappointed when you have no expectations for an outcome. Constantly having a particular expectation in mind will ultimately lead to frustration and anxiety.
Having an open mind also helps with managing expectations. If you are open to the idea of things being different, not going as planned or shifting course etc then you are less inclined to be bothered when it does. Do you often find yourself angry or irritated throughout this process of business building? Ask yourself why. Why is it that I am always in this perpetual disappointment rut? Why do I feel like nothing is working out? Is it possible to trust the process and resist the temptation to control by just being open and flexible?
The success of your business is dependent upon the relationship you have with expectations. Some will argue expect the worse and hope for the best. But is this really what you want to do? Convince yourself that things will not work out but if they do you will be happy about it? Is this pessimism in reverse? You often forget that your business is no different to your personal life in that you can set goals but you cannot always plan. Because the plan will be disrupted by life! Both pessimists and optimists have one thing in common and this is how they choose to respond to life’s situations. If you cultivate a healthy relationship with expectations then you will always be content with the outcome. Content is not a bad thing. Content just means you are accepting of how things worked out, in the end.
Birds who manage their expectations also manage stress, rejection, adversity and other challenges very well. They don’t throw pity parties but they do have reflective soirees. They don’t walk around carrying doubt in their handbags instead they exude self belief. Birds fluff their feathers, they don’t lower their expectations. Share your secrets and share your success on managing expectations. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The Eagle Factor
So, do you have it? The eagle factor. Let me explain. Are you often described as “terrifying, dangerous and with potential to kick serious ass?” Figuratively speaking of course, Birds aren’t out to commit crimes, obviously or maybe (that’s another blog post)! In other words are you an intimidating Bird? No one will ever describe you as cute or sweet. That is not your thing. You don’t do that (PERIOD). Which is absolutely fine because it is important for you to be who you are and the woman you were yesterday, is very different to the woman you are today and will be tomorrow. We Rare Birds know this-hurrah! Women who build businesses’ are often seen as intimidating. What does all this intimidation really mean? A few thoughts for Bird deliberation?
You are opinionated.
One Side: Yes, you speak your truth all the time, you have no filter and candidly speaking you don’t give a damn. You share your opinions irrespective of whether people like it or not. You have something to say. When you disagree you let your voice be heard. You fight your own battles and whether others choose to join isn’t your burden.
The Other Side: You are loyal to your tribe, when they fall, you fall with them too. You stay committed to what you believe in. You have one hell of a story, which has made you very strong. When you agree you sing praise because you know the real power is in finding common ground. You are selective about the battles you choose to fight because after all an eagle is ranked at the top of the avian chain, why would you disempower yourself?
You are unapproachable.
One Side: You are not always up for small talk, you find it irritating. At times the way you speak, your vocabulary, the way you dress and your entire aura sends a message of: PROCEED WITH CAUTION! As a result most stay clear, as they figure you are either a bitch or somewhat full of yourself.
The Other Side: You have so much on your mind, you cannot even comprehend the luxury of small chat. Your hustle is really, really, really real! You go in with a mission, get it done and clear out because there is so much at stake, who has the time (wipes sweat). You are actually filled with your own shortcomings, insecurities and mishaps just like the rest but over the years you have learned how to wear the mask. This coping mechanism is always misconstrued for what it isn’t but oh well eagles are powerfully built and as a result are able to carry the weight.
You are a nonconformist.
One Side: You do not follow crowds. You are not a people pleaser. You know who you are and what you want (step 1 of flight). You don’t engage in lemming activity (a rodent, hell no!) You are not particularly interested in what other people think, it is about what you think. You make movements with clarity and certainty! You are the one with the strong personality that no one really likes. You are the one that does not compromise, you actually hear this often. You are Little Big Little Ms. Uncompromising!
The Other Side: You did not choose to be this way, it’s an inherent trait, which you actually happen to like about yourself. Must we all be conformist? You believe in being honest with yourself. A part of this honesty is not changing your beliefs and attitudes to fit the mould or a mould. Your actions are always justifiable by your reasons. You are happy with your track record of reasonableness. Eagles have heavy heads and beaks for a reason!
The Eagle factor has undoubtedly always been and will continue to be misunderstood. As an eagle you are the Lady of the Air. You fly with tenacity and vision fearlessly through the skies. You are intimidating to those who do not take the time to get to know you and those who make assumptions about you. Don’t forget many years ago, it was “The Eagle” that landed safely on the moon!
Share your secrets and share your success on The Eagle Factor. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
You are opinionated.
One Side: Yes, you speak your truth all the time, you have no filter and candidly speaking you don’t give a damn. You share your opinions irrespective of whether people like it or not. You have something to say. When you disagree you let your voice be heard. You fight your own battles and whether others choose to join isn’t your burden.
The Other Side: You are loyal to your tribe, when they fall, you fall with them too. You stay committed to what you believe in. You have one hell of a story, which has made you very strong. When you agree you sing praise because you know the real power is in finding common ground. You are selective about the battles you choose to fight because after all an eagle is ranked at the top of the avian chain, why would you disempower yourself?
You are unapproachable.
One Side: You are not always up for small talk, you find it irritating. At times the way you speak, your vocabulary, the way you dress and your entire aura sends a message of: PROCEED WITH CAUTION! As a result most stay clear, as they figure you are either a bitch or somewhat full of yourself.
The Other Side: You have so much on your mind, you cannot even comprehend the luxury of small chat. Your hustle is really, really, really real! You go in with a mission, get it done and clear out because there is so much at stake, who has the time (wipes sweat). You are actually filled with your own shortcomings, insecurities and mishaps just like the rest but over the years you have learned how to wear the mask. This coping mechanism is always misconstrued for what it isn’t but oh well eagles are powerfully built and as a result are able to carry the weight.
You are a nonconformist.
One Side: You do not follow crowds. You are not a people pleaser. You know who you are and what you want (step 1 of flight). You don’t engage in lemming activity (a rodent, hell no!) You are not particularly interested in what other people think, it is about what you think. You make movements with clarity and certainty! You are the one with the strong personality that no one really likes. You are the one that does not compromise, you actually hear this often. You are Little Big Little Ms. Uncompromising!
The Other Side: You did not choose to be this way, it’s an inherent trait, which you actually happen to like about yourself. Must we all be conformist? You believe in being honest with yourself. A part of this honesty is not changing your beliefs and attitudes to fit the mould or a mould. Your actions are always justifiable by your reasons. You are happy with your track record of reasonableness. Eagles have heavy heads and beaks for a reason!
The Eagle factor has undoubtedly always been and will continue to be misunderstood. As an eagle you are the Lady of the Air. You fly with tenacity and vision fearlessly through the skies. You are intimidating to those who do not take the time to get to know you and those who make assumptions about you. Don’t forget many years ago, it was “The Eagle” that landed safely on the moon!
Share your secrets and share your success on The Eagle Factor. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
A Bird's View
A Bird has a view, she is of the view that she is self-actualised, sometimes referred to as self-realised. Self-actualisation according to Maslow is a process by which individuals ascend a hierarchy of needs to obtain a meaningful life. Through a pyramid hierarchy which consists of the following:
Physiological
Safety
Social
Self Esteem
Self Actualisation
In order to attain your maximum potential as a #femalefounder you must first work on becoming self-actualised. You must work on becoming what you are really capable of becoming! You haveMastered the Ten Steps to Flight but you are still in doubt. When in doubt a good reference point is Maslow’s many characteristics of self-actualisation, some which include being reality centred, self sufficient, humility and openness. So, how do you go about claiming this view of self actualisation?
A good place to start is with being yourself. Refuse to submit to external views of what you should and should not be. Accept that you are good as you are devoid of fixing and tweaking but happily enhancing and improving upon your foundation as you go. There is so much information, much of it telling you what you should be and how you should behave. There are a lot of people posing as role models. Be your own role model. How is that for a radical thought? Be that which you want to be. Be that which you ought to be. Be that which we want you to be.
This is a popular one, stop comparing yourself to others. Yes, I have said it before and I will say it again. The one who appears to have it all, really doesn’t. The one who seems always so well put together, really isn’t. She is struggling, everyone is struggling, because simply put we all have issues. Some issues big, some small but we all have them. What matters most is how you deal with those issues. You do not need to be Ms. Congeniality you just need to be the best person you can be. That really is a…..o…….k!
Be honest with yourself. Honesty is liberating. Honesty also leads to self responsibility. If you are in a place where you cannot be honest with yourself, then essentially you are living a lie. This lie will continue to magnify until it is no longer livable. You know sometimes we meet people who are constantly blaming everyone else for their choices and their own actions? These people are often hyper sensitive to others peoples actions or choices. They judge often because they are not secure within their own being. They have and continue to be dishonest about who and what they really are.
Continue being vulnerable. It takes an obscene amount of vulnerability to decide to start something from scratch. At the beginning you really had no idea as to how to get things done or where to start. Like most it started with a problem or an idea but no solid plan. But here you are today, plodding along. Your vulnerability meant you asked questions when you did not know or understand. It also meant that you were in a position to receive help, connect with many people who can help you and who you in turn can help. Vulnerability involves owning your own strength. When you own your strength no one can take advantage of you. This is the difference between being vulnerable and being a door mat! And you dear Bird are no one’s door mat-#fierce.
Share your knowledge, inspiration and insights. This is a community of sharers. The motto as you already know is share your secrets and share your success. Those who don’t share never truly, truly gain. They may gain superficially but there is no depth and unless you are a machine, you will want depth in your life and that involves relationships. How many times have I written that business is about relationships. Don’t get caught up in frills. Anyone can have a well written 40-page business plan, a marketing guru on their side and the best web designer but ultimately it all goes back to that relationship. Ever wonder why someone who sells products out of her house can be so successful without having all of the aforementioned? Sharing attracts positive people to you, sharing inspires goodness, sharing is the foundation of a good relationship. Sharing begets sharing, so don’t stop doing it, soon you will see all of this come back to you in very high doses.
You are now ready to view the world with a Bird’s eye. By the way did you know that Birds actually view the world differently to humans? Try adapting a new view and see how it works out for you and your business. Share your secrets and share your success on becoming self-actualised. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Physiological
Safety
Social
Self Esteem
Self Actualisation
In order to attain your maximum potential as a #femalefounder you must first work on becoming self-actualised. You must work on becoming what you are really capable of becoming! You haveMastered the Ten Steps to Flight but you are still in doubt. When in doubt a good reference point is Maslow’s many characteristics of self-actualisation, some which include being reality centred, self sufficient, humility and openness. So, how do you go about claiming this view of self actualisation?
A good place to start is with being yourself. Refuse to submit to external views of what you should and should not be. Accept that you are good as you are devoid of fixing and tweaking but happily enhancing and improving upon your foundation as you go. There is so much information, much of it telling you what you should be and how you should behave. There are a lot of people posing as role models. Be your own role model. How is that for a radical thought? Be that which you want to be. Be that which you ought to be. Be that which we want you to be.
This is a popular one, stop comparing yourself to others. Yes, I have said it before and I will say it again. The one who appears to have it all, really doesn’t. The one who seems always so well put together, really isn’t. She is struggling, everyone is struggling, because simply put we all have issues. Some issues big, some small but we all have them. What matters most is how you deal with those issues. You do not need to be Ms. Congeniality you just need to be the best person you can be. That really is a…..o…….k!
Be honest with yourself. Honesty is liberating. Honesty also leads to self responsibility. If you are in a place where you cannot be honest with yourself, then essentially you are living a lie. This lie will continue to magnify until it is no longer livable. You know sometimes we meet people who are constantly blaming everyone else for their choices and their own actions? These people are often hyper sensitive to others peoples actions or choices. They judge often because they are not secure within their own being. They have and continue to be dishonest about who and what they really are.
Continue being vulnerable. It takes an obscene amount of vulnerability to decide to start something from scratch. At the beginning you really had no idea as to how to get things done or where to start. Like most it started with a problem or an idea but no solid plan. But here you are today, plodding along. Your vulnerability meant you asked questions when you did not know or understand. It also meant that you were in a position to receive help, connect with many people who can help you and who you in turn can help. Vulnerability involves owning your own strength. When you own your strength no one can take advantage of you. This is the difference between being vulnerable and being a door mat! And you dear Bird are no one’s door mat-#fierce.
Share your knowledge, inspiration and insights. This is a community of sharers. The motto as you already know is share your secrets and share your success. Those who don’t share never truly, truly gain. They may gain superficially but there is no depth and unless you are a machine, you will want depth in your life and that involves relationships. How many times have I written that business is about relationships. Don’t get caught up in frills. Anyone can have a well written 40-page business plan, a marketing guru on their side and the best web designer but ultimately it all goes back to that relationship. Ever wonder why someone who sells products out of her house can be so successful without having all of the aforementioned? Sharing attracts positive people to you, sharing inspires goodness, sharing is the foundation of a good relationship. Sharing begets sharing, so don’t stop doing it, soon you will see all of this come back to you in very high doses.
You are now ready to view the world with a Bird’s eye. By the way did you know that Birds actually view the world differently to humans? Try adapting a new view and see how it works out for you and your business. Share your secrets and share your success on becoming self-actualised. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are your wings fully fueled? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Shifting Skies
Building a business from scratch as we all know is tremendously difficult. As you trudge along there will be many times where you feel as though you just cannot go on! You will start things, then stop! You will move in one direction then shift to another! You will go up and then move down! But no matter what you will keep going! As you move along there will always be the temptation to“Keep up with the Joneses.”
Comparisons lead to discontent. No one else can do a better job at being you than you. Maybe when you were growing up you didn’t always feel loved. Sometimes this happens! When we don’t feel loved, we seek out love elsewhere. We are not always entirely sure of where but we seek it out. It can be in good places, like our hobbies or it can be in bad places like our addictions. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Comparing yourself to others is detrimental because you will always come up short. When you are young the comparisons are silly things like marks on an exam or winning an award, as you get older its careers, homes and spouses. Once you start comparing yourself to others it never ends. It is a winding road that leads to nowhere. So why do you do it? Because the society says success is this, that and the other. You do not have this, that and the other, so you feel like a failure. What if you chose to live your life by your own rules instead of what society says? What if you decided that you would blaze your own trail and let others take a look at you? You be the leader of your own life! How about that for a thought?
If you decide right now at this very minute that you will live your life by your own rules you would never fall victim to the evil comparison. Create your own bar for yourself and set your own standard. Appreciate your own journey, accept your own life. It may not be glittery and glamorous, it may not be filled with wealth and jewels, it may not be a bed of perfection but it is yours. You can decide what you will do with it and where it will go! You have the power to make your life into whatever you want it to be. When you compare yourself to others you end up judging yourself. When you judge yourself you lower your self esteem. Instead love yourself. Love that you are imperfect. Love that you make mistakes. Love that you have no idea about what you are doing and that you are simply trying your best. You will never win when you compare yourself to others because frankly speaking you cannot be the others, so why bother?
Be a new and improved and better version of yourself. If five years ago you were a sarcastic person and today you are a beacon of positivity, then you should be proud of that. If three months ago you were overweight and needed to lose weight for health reasons and have now completely changed your lifestyle then you should smile at that. Compare the you of today with the you of yesterday. You decided to start a business and you are now on this journey of self discovery. Remember where you were before you started the business? Think about the way you behaved and the things you thought about. Are you that same person today? No, you are not! Work on becoming a better version of yourself. Set goals that allow you to focus on who you are and less on what others are. Be glad for others. Wish them well. Hope that they are able to pursue everything they set out for but do not yearn to be them, you should only want to be you. Discover your own hidden gem, unearth your own precious stone, solve your own puzzle, unleash your own stardom and create your own legacy. It all starts with you!
Any Bird who thinks she is a failure, will live, eat, breathe and act as a failure. Just because your wing is slightly crooked doesn’t mean you can’t fly. Just because your wing has a strange colour doesn’t mean you won’t go far. Your wings were born for a journey. What you must do, is appreciate the beauty in your own journey. Your difference is special, don’t allow it to become your insecurity. Make the shift from comparison to appreciation and see the changes as you soar the blue skies.
Comparisons lead to discontent. No one else can do a better job at being you than you. Maybe when you were growing up you didn’t always feel loved. Sometimes this happens! When we don’t feel loved, we seek out love elsewhere. We are not always entirely sure of where but we seek it out. It can be in good places, like our hobbies or it can be in bad places like our addictions. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Comparing yourself to others is detrimental because you will always come up short. When you are young the comparisons are silly things like marks on an exam or winning an award, as you get older its careers, homes and spouses. Once you start comparing yourself to others it never ends. It is a winding road that leads to nowhere. So why do you do it? Because the society says success is this, that and the other. You do not have this, that and the other, so you feel like a failure. What if you chose to live your life by your own rules instead of what society says? What if you decided that you would blaze your own trail and let others take a look at you? You be the leader of your own life! How about that for a thought?
If you decide right now at this very minute that you will live your life by your own rules you would never fall victim to the evil comparison. Create your own bar for yourself and set your own standard. Appreciate your own journey, accept your own life. It may not be glittery and glamorous, it may not be filled with wealth and jewels, it may not be a bed of perfection but it is yours. You can decide what you will do with it and where it will go! You have the power to make your life into whatever you want it to be. When you compare yourself to others you end up judging yourself. When you judge yourself you lower your self esteem. Instead love yourself. Love that you are imperfect. Love that you make mistakes. Love that you have no idea about what you are doing and that you are simply trying your best. You will never win when you compare yourself to others because frankly speaking you cannot be the others, so why bother?
Be a new and improved and better version of yourself. If five years ago you were a sarcastic person and today you are a beacon of positivity, then you should be proud of that. If three months ago you were overweight and needed to lose weight for health reasons and have now completely changed your lifestyle then you should smile at that. Compare the you of today with the you of yesterday. You decided to start a business and you are now on this journey of self discovery. Remember where you were before you started the business? Think about the way you behaved and the things you thought about. Are you that same person today? No, you are not! Work on becoming a better version of yourself. Set goals that allow you to focus on who you are and less on what others are. Be glad for others. Wish them well. Hope that they are able to pursue everything they set out for but do not yearn to be them, you should only want to be you. Discover your own hidden gem, unearth your own precious stone, solve your own puzzle, unleash your own stardom and create your own legacy. It all starts with you!
Any Bird who thinks she is a failure, will live, eat, breathe and act as a failure. Just because your wing is slightly crooked doesn’t mean you can’t fly. Just because your wing has a strange colour doesn’t mean you won’t go far. Your wings were born for a journey. What you must do, is appreciate the beauty in your own journey. Your difference is special, don’t allow it to become your insecurity. Make the shift from comparison to appreciation and see the changes as you soar the blue skies.
Moving Through Space
Success is such a scary thing to so many people. We often feel like frauds, like we didn’t earn it or maybe that we should not become too big for our own good. This is obviously all the crazy stuff we were taught as kids, which as adults we must unlearn. You should never be ashamed of your success. Remember success is connected to action. This action involves moving. You have been meandering with purpose, you have taken all the right actions and are forging ahead with your plans. This movement has resulted in a series of small steps, all culminating to form your sweet success. Why are you ashamed of it?
Limitations
You allow your limitations to consume your thoughts. Just because you have acquired some success does not mean that there aren’t things you are not good at. You are not good at so many things but you have chosen to focus on your special gift. This is the part that you and others do not understand about success. You think that somehow it has to be this constant fight to “make it.” Granted some must face and do face more challenges (for a multitude of reasons) to move through space but the fact that you have chosen what comes naturally to you means that you are able to firstly commit to it, then do it and subsequently become successful at it. Do not let the fact that you are not so good at many other things take away from what you are good at. Celebrate your success despite all of your other limitations.
Other People’s Opinions
I love opinions, I write mine down on this blog weekly but luckily for you, it is just my opinion. There is nothing factual about what I say. My opinions are based on my reality, which is comprised of a list of experiences. These experiences are all my own and I share them with you. You, however have your own body of experiences which makes you who you are. The question is why do we allow other people’s opinions to deter us from celebrating what is so good for us. Other people, like you and I have their own unique experiences, which have shaped them into who they are today. Their beliefs are theirs, not yours. Don’t feel ashamed for moving through space because others have not. This is your flight, own it!
Fear
This is the one that cripples us all the most. We are scared of everything and as a result live for nothing, which is what we should be really ashamed of. We should be ashamed of the fact that we allow fear to stop us from enjoying what we have rightfully earned. We are scared that we might not make it to where we want to be. We are scared that we might expect too much after experiencing a little. We are scared that success might change us. We are scared that deep down inside we may not really be deserving of it. We are afraid that we will lose things. Success is a choice, you must choose to want to be successful and in doing so you will slowly begin to lose the fear. Get out your own way, you are your own biggest obstacle.
The truth about success is this. It allows you to take care of the people you love the most, your parents, grandparents, spouse, children, god-children, extended family and friends. The ability to take care of those you love is one of the most gratifying experiences. It involves giving and living as we know is all about giving. Here is another truth about success, once you taste it, you will inevitably want more. Despite limitations, other people’s opinions and fear you will undoubtedly yearn for more. One more truth about success is that you are in control of how much of it you want. Does success have a price? Of course it does. But you get to set the price and no one else. Decide what success looks like for you early on, define it by your own values and your own rules. Understand what it feels like for you so that once you start to achieve it you are able to appreciate it. Change in motion is proportional to the applied force. You get to decide how much force you will apply, which will determine how you will move through space. When Birds are in motion they move with precise navigation. Be that Bird, navigate your success and be constantly in control of your movement whilst in flight.
Share your secrets and share your success on your movement through space. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Limitations
You allow your limitations to consume your thoughts. Just because you have acquired some success does not mean that there aren’t things you are not good at. You are not good at so many things but you have chosen to focus on your special gift. This is the part that you and others do not understand about success. You think that somehow it has to be this constant fight to “make it.” Granted some must face and do face more challenges (for a multitude of reasons) to move through space but the fact that you have chosen what comes naturally to you means that you are able to firstly commit to it, then do it and subsequently become successful at it. Do not let the fact that you are not so good at many other things take away from what you are good at. Celebrate your success despite all of your other limitations.
Other People’s Opinions
I love opinions, I write mine down on this blog weekly but luckily for you, it is just my opinion. There is nothing factual about what I say. My opinions are based on my reality, which is comprised of a list of experiences. These experiences are all my own and I share them with you. You, however have your own body of experiences which makes you who you are. The question is why do we allow other people’s opinions to deter us from celebrating what is so good for us. Other people, like you and I have their own unique experiences, which have shaped them into who they are today. Their beliefs are theirs, not yours. Don’t feel ashamed for moving through space because others have not. This is your flight, own it!
Fear
This is the one that cripples us all the most. We are scared of everything and as a result live for nothing, which is what we should be really ashamed of. We should be ashamed of the fact that we allow fear to stop us from enjoying what we have rightfully earned. We are scared that we might not make it to where we want to be. We are scared that we might expect too much after experiencing a little. We are scared that success might change us. We are scared that deep down inside we may not really be deserving of it. We are afraid that we will lose things. Success is a choice, you must choose to want to be successful and in doing so you will slowly begin to lose the fear. Get out your own way, you are your own biggest obstacle.
The truth about success is this. It allows you to take care of the people you love the most, your parents, grandparents, spouse, children, god-children, extended family and friends. The ability to take care of those you love is one of the most gratifying experiences. It involves giving and living as we know is all about giving. Here is another truth about success, once you taste it, you will inevitably want more. Despite limitations, other people’s opinions and fear you will undoubtedly yearn for more. One more truth about success is that you are in control of how much of it you want. Does success have a price? Of course it does. But you get to set the price and no one else. Decide what success looks like for you early on, define it by your own values and your own rules. Understand what it feels like for you so that once you start to achieve it you are able to appreciate it. Change in motion is proportional to the applied force. You get to decide how much force you will apply, which will determine how you will move through space. When Birds are in motion they move with precise navigation. Be that Bird, navigate your success and be constantly in control of your movement whilst in flight.
Share your secrets and share your success on your movement through space. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Wings of Angst
Your wings need soothing! You are feeling really confused as of late. You feel overwhelmed at times, as a matter of fact a lot of times. One of the main things that you keep thinking about is are you being nice and kind. You believe you are both and pride yourself on being an extremely good person. However, you often feel as you build this business people are starting to take advantage of you. You understand the importance of setting boundaries, you know you need to fierce up. You get it but in practice, you find it very difficult. You are suffering from #femalefounder angst! This infliction which creates so much anxiety and downright emotional oppression. You say to yourself, “Am I too harsh, too friendly, too happy, too nice?” What you’re doing is torturing yourself. You need to accept that you cannot please everyone and more importantly it is not your role to do so. The only person you have control over is you. The only actions you can control are your own. Sometimes you say or do something and it upsets someone. And so what? You should not lose sleep over it or allow it to disturb your wing activity. As you take flight there will be many people who will test you, let’s call them Bird agitators. Outside the nest they are known as “haters.” Birds embrace haters, you know why? Because haters remind you of your success and they are a constant source of amusement. These are miserable folks who need to find themselves. Wish them well! But they are not the reason why you are really feeling this way. The real problem involves asking yourself one question and its why?
Why?
Why do you care so much about whether you are being kind or not? First of all, there are many successful entrepreneurs around the globe who all say that kindness is a necessity in business. Business is about relationships and your reputation is hugely important. If you are constantly at odds with everyone, how may this affect your business? So, again the real issue isn’t whether or not you are too nice or too harsh, it is why! What has happened to you along the way which has made you believe that you need to continuously be so hard on yourself? Was you mother a pleaser? Do you come from a family of pleasing women? Or maybe as a child whenever you pleased others you were told you were a “good girl.” Do you believe that pleasing everyone is a sign of niceness? If so, here is a thought to consider. The most important person in your life is you. If you are not of sound mind and in good health you can’t do anything for anyone. Additionally, you are only one person and should not be expected to make everyone happy. What you are doing to yourself is self inflicted. No one is doing it to you. You must learn to say no. You must learn that there are times where you just cannot help. This is a matter of self preservation. In reality you are an addict. Your drug is saying yes. This drug is a silent killer, it slowly eats away at yourself esteem, making you feel like the worst person on the planet. As you continue along this treacherous path your angst will soon turn into depression of a serious kind. You are allowing others to emotionally manipulate you and this is affecting the way you run your business. You are feeling lonely despite being surrounded by so many people. As you ask yourself why here is something to ponder. You always have a choice! I repeat, you always have a choice. You can choose to tell someone no. You can choose to tell someone that you no longer have space for them in your life. Afterall it is your show, so you select the actors, why give your power away? You can choose to ignore emails and calls from individuals who do not support you, encourage you or have your best interest at heart. Often times such folks will fall by the wayside anyway, because they are merely opportunists. You can choose to just not accept it and be completely OK with that. There is no rule which says that as a woman you must do anything. All you have to do is be happy with you. Just be!
Lecrae said, “If you live for people’s acceptance you will die from their rejection.” The moment you decide to stop pleasing others you will instantly create enemies and this is perfectly fine. Those who are interested in your well being won’t tear you down for making a positive choice. If losing so-called friends and at times relatives is the price you must pay for self preservation, then so be it. You will get over it and so will they. Life does and will go on because we witness everyday. The sun sets and it rises, this will never change. One of the best compliments someone can ever give you is that you were or are always 100% yourself. Fall in love with yourself over and over again. Make it the most important relationship in your life. As you do this you will experience less angst and your wings will continue on in flight.
Share your secrets and share your success on your wings of angst. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Why?
Why do you care so much about whether you are being kind or not? First of all, there are many successful entrepreneurs around the globe who all say that kindness is a necessity in business. Business is about relationships and your reputation is hugely important. If you are constantly at odds with everyone, how may this affect your business? So, again the real issue isn’t whether or not you are too nice or too harsh, it is why! What has happened to you along the way which has made you believe that you need to continuously be so hard on yourself? Was you mother a pleaser? Do you come from a family of pleasing women? Or maybe as a child whenever you pleased others you were told you were a “good girl.” Do you believe that pleasing everyone is a sign of niceness? If so, here is a thought to consider. The most important person in your life is you. If you are not of sound mind and in good health you can’t do anything for anyone. Additionally, you are only one person and should not be expected to make everyone happy. What you are doing to yourself is self inflicted. No one is doing it to you. You must learn to say no. You must learn that there are times where you just cannot help. This is a matter of self preservation. In reality you are an addict. Your drug is saying yes. This drug is a silent killer, it slowly eats away at yourself esteem, making you feel like the worst person on the planet. As you continue along this treacherous path your angst will soon turn into depression of a serious kind. You are allowing others to emotionally manipulate you and this is affecting the way you run your business. You are feeling lonely despite being surrounded by so many people. As you ask yourself why here is something to ponder. You always have a choice! I repeat, you always have a choice. You can choose to tell someone no. You can choose to tell someone that you no longer have space for them in your life. Afterall it is your show, so you select the actors, why give your power away? You can choose to ignore emails and calls from individuals who do not support you, encourage you or have your best interest at heart. Often times such folks will fall by the wayside anyway, because they are merely opportunists. You can choose to just not accept it and be completely OK with that. There is no rule which says that as a woman you must do anything. All you have to do is be happy with you. Just be!
Lecrae said, “If you live for people’s acceptance you will die from their rejection.” The moment you decide to stop pleasing others you will instantly create enemies and this is perfectly fine. Those who are interested in your well being won’t tear you down for making a positive choice. If losing so-called friends and at times relatives is the price you must pay for self preservation, then so be it. You will get over it and so will they. Life does and will go on because we witness everyday. The sun sets and it rises, this will never change. One of the best compliments someone can ever give you is that you were or are always 100% yourself. Fall in love with yourself over and over again. Make it the most important relationship in your life. As you do this you will experience less angst and your wings will continue on in flight.
Share your secrets and share your success on your wings of angst. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Caged Birds Don't Sing
‘But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
her shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
her wings are clipped and her feet are tied
so she opens her throat to sing.’
These are the words of Dr. Angelou as she explains why the caged bird does not sing.
For those on the outside, for those who do not understand, for those who have not had to endure, they think you are doing this for your ego. They think you are starting a business because you want to be a part of the trend. They think you are starting a business because you are bored and have nothing else to do. They think you are starting a business because you like watching that popular American program, Shark Tank! What we women in this community know is that we start businesses’ because we are survivors. We’ve survived tragedy after tragedy. With each tragedy we lost our voice, with each tragedy we were unable to sing. Some tragedies were small, some were big, some were so gigantic we thought we would not survive.
For some Birds it’s the things we experienced or witnessed as little girls. We saw our parents work 18 hour days at low paid jobs, we grew up in homes where our mothers suffered at the hands of our abusive fathers, we were 1 of 6 in a household with a single mother or by the time we were 16 we lived in multiple foster homes. For other Birds it is those things we endured as we became young women. The guy who promised us a good life but in the end he was our pimp. It was being raped and not telling anyone because we felt ashamed and guilty. There’s more…as we entered the workforce we realised that we can’t have it all because unfortunately we are the wrong gender. We were fired during our pregnancy or we were stigmatised for becoming mothers. We were bullied by toxic managers and constantly told to hold on for that next promotion. For another it was that horrible divorce, which left us in a position we never imagined. These are just a few of the things, just a few things, we Birds have survived. There is also the battle with our self esteem or grappling with our sexuality and a host of other things around our health and general well being, which at some point left us vulnerable to victimization. But we are not victims, we are survivors.
There is no fun in being caged. Being caged to all those experiences from the past. These experiences which stop us from singing. These experiences that work to eliminate our voice over and over and over again. As we started our business the impetus was anger, frustration, irritation or because there was no other option because simply put, the bills had to be paid. As we put in the work and watch it grow we realise our voice gets clearer, deeper and louder. We are sustaining something which has become a process for our healing. It is our therapy. It is the reason why we sing.
Don’t expect people who have not walked in your shoes to understand your story. Don’t expect the opposite sex to “get it.” Don’t expect anything, stop expecting, stop looking, stop asking and stop wondering. Continue to focus, because the more you focus, the more you will sing. A singing Bird is free, she is completely uncaged.
So you make a vow to break your silence. You start to sing. As you sing you create a light. This light is seen by caged birds. This light is the inspiration. Inspiration through entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is the enabler. Enabling the bird to sing.
Birds use their voices to communicate with other Birds. The Bird call in particular is a specific song as it influences behavior. It is in a woman’s most powerless state that she is often an influence of power to another. Continue to sing, sing your special tune. It is one of survival.
Share your secrets and share your success on how you disallow yourself from being caged. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
her shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
her wings are clipped and her feet are tied
so she opens her throat to sing.’
These are the words of Dr. Angelou as she explains why the caged bird does not sing.
For those on the outside, for those who do not understand, for those who have not had to endure, they think you are doing this for your ego. They think you are starting a business because you want to be a part of the trend. They think you are starting a business because you are bored and have nothing else to do. They think you are starting a business because you like watching that popular American program, Shark Tank! What we women in this community know is that we start businesses’ because we are survivors. We’ve survived tragedy after tragedy. With each tragedy we lost our voice, with each tragedy we were unable to sing. Some tragedies were small, some were big, some were so gigantic we thought we would not survive.
For some Birds it’s the things we experienced or witnessed as little girls. We saw our parents work 18 hour days at low paid jobs, we grew up in homes where our mothers suffered at the hands of our abusive fathers, we were 1 of 6 in a household with a single mother or by the time we were 16 we lived in multiple foster homes. For other Birds it is those things we endured as we became young women. The guy who promised us a good life but in the end he was our pimp. It was being raped and not telling anyone because we felt ashamed and guilty. There’s more…as we entered the workforce we realised that we can’t have it all because unfortunately we are the wrong gender. We were fired during our pregnancy or we were stigmatised for becoming mothers. We were bullied by toxic managers and constantly told to hold on for that next promotion. For another it was that horrible divorce, which left us in a position we never imagined. These are just a few of the things, just a few things, we Birds have survived. There is also the battle with our self esteem or grappling with our sexuality and a host of other things around our health and general well being, which at some point left us vulnerable to victimization. But we are not victims, we are survivors.
There is no fun in being caged. Being caged to all those experiences from the past. These experiences which stop us from singing. These experiences that work to eliminate our voice over and over and over again. As we started our business the impetus was anger, frustration, irritation or because there was no other option because simply put, the bills had to be paid. As we put in the work and watch it grow we realise our voice gets clearer, deeper and louder. We are sustaining something which has become a process for our healing. It is our therapy. It is the reason why we sing.
Don’t expect people who have not walked in your shoes to understand your story. Don’t expect the opposite sex to “get it.” Don’t expect anything, stop expecting, stop looking, stop asking and stop wondering. Continue to focus, because the more you focus, the more you will sing. A singing Bird is free, she is completely uncaged.
So you make a vow to break your silence. You start to sing. As you sing you create a light. This light is seen by caged birds. This light is the inspiration. Inspiration through entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is the enabler. Enabling the bird to sing.
Birds use their voices to communicate with other Birds. The Bird call in particular is a specific song as it influences behavior. It is in a woman’s most powerless state that she is often an influence of power to another. Continue to sing, sing your special tune. It is one of survival.
Share your secrets and share your success on how you disallow yourself from being caged. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The Nature of Birds
“Everything in nature has found a niche, a perfect harmony of balance. (Wo)man needs to find (her) niche, (her) perfect balance. Where (she) fits in the natural cycle.” So says Stephen Colbert. In nature everything has a purpose. The ecosystem is such that everything has a role. Everything is born and then it dies. As it lives it is actively involved in its purpose on a daily basis. It pursues nothing else but its purpose. However simple, it is acutely aware of what it needs to do, how it needs to be done and why. It does not resist its purpose, it does not avoid its purpose, it does not delay its purpose. It is, simply put, its purpose.
Birds begin life as an egg, when the baby bird hatches it becomes a hatchling, as it feeds in the nest, it becomes a nestling. Once the feathers start to grow and the bird takes its first flight it becomes a fledgling. The bird then finally becomes an adult, which attracts a mate, together they build a nest and the cycle starts all over again. How magnificent?! But what is the purpose of the Bird in the ecosystem? They pollinate plants, hunt for and feed off carcasses, disperse seeds and recycle nutrients back into the earth. This is the role of birds and it involves many tasks.
What is your purpose in life? Are you pursuing it? Perhaps still trying to figure it out? Well just like Birds, you too have a purpose and the quicker you discover what it is, the more meaningful and fulfilling your life will be. Once you have found your purpose or as Stephen Colbert calls it, your niche, you indeed will find that perfect balance and be at one within the ecosystem.
Your purpose is the thing or things that you are passionate about. These are the things that occupy your mind, the things that you find yourself doing, they bring you joy and you become completely immersed in them. This thing is not your job, but what you need to do is make it your job. Turning your passion into a business is what Birds do. Once you find your purpose and mix that with passion you become incredibly focused. Passion in this context is not fleeting, it is enduring as it lasts forever, providing you with emotional and mental stability. Once it becomes your business it will provide financial stability. Passion allows you to have multiple experiences, evolve into a better person and to be in complete harmony with yourself. In this state there are no voids and no confusion.
The world we live in now is digital, the game has changed, the rules have changed and the players are different. We publish our own books, we build our brands on YouTube, we sleep in complete strangers homes on holiday, we book our own flight tickets on our smart phones, with one click, etc etc ad nauseum. There are no excuses for not pursing your passion. There are no excuses for not starting your own business.
In the ecosystem you only have one chance at life and contrary to popular belief, it is not short, it is actually very long. The longer you live, the closer you get to death and the more you deny yourself the ability to fit in with the natural cycle the more empty you will become. You become empty because you are not living, you are slowly dying, it is as simple as that. Do you want to die never having fulfilled your purpose? If this is the case, why do you exist, why are you here? Because as we know everything in the cycle of nature has a purpose.
Something else that birds do which is often unmentioned, is that they remind us that anything is possible. They show us that we can take off and go to distant lands. They teach us what it really means to liberated. They manifest through their wings what it means to truly be alive!
Share your secrets and share your success on the cycles of nature. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Birds begin life as an egg, when the baby bird hatches it becomes a hatchling, as it feeds in the nest, it becomes a nestling. Once the feathers start to grow and the bird takes its first flight it becomes a fledgling. The bird then finally becomes an adult, which attracts a mate, together they build a nest and the cycle starts all over again. How magnificent?! But what is the purpose of the Bird in the ecosystem? They pollinate plants, hunt for and feed off carcasses, disperse seeds and recycle nutrients back into the earth. This is the role of birds and it involves many tasks.
What is your purpose in life? Are you pursuing it? Perhaps still trying to figure it out? Well just like Birds, you too have a purpose and the quicker you discover what it is, the more meaningful and fulfilling your life will be. Once you have found your purpose or as Stephen Colbert calls it, your niche, you indeed will find that perfect balance and be at one within the ecosystem.
Your purpose is the thing or things that you are passionate about. These are the things that occupy your mind, the things that you find yourself doing, they bring you joy and you become completely immersed in them. This thing is not your job, but what you need to do is make it your job. Turning your passion into a business is what Birds do. Once you find your purpose and mix that with passion you become incredibly focused. Passion in this context is not fleeting, it is enduring as it lasts forever, providing you with emotional and mental stability. Once it becomes your business it will provide financial stability. Passion allows you to have multiple experiences, evolve into a better person and to be in complete harmony with yourself. In this state there are no voids and no confusion.
The world we live in now is digital, the game has changed, the rules have changed and the players are different. We publish our own books, we build our brands on YouTube, we sleep in complete strangers homes on holiday, we book our own flight tickets on our smart phones, with one click, etc etc ad nauseum. There are no excuses for not pursing your passion. There are no excuses for not starting your own business.
In the ecosystem you only have one chance at life and contrary to popular belief, it is not short, it is actually very long. The longer you live, the closer you get to death and the more you deny yourself the ability to fit in with the natural cycle the more empty you will become. You become empty because you are not living, you are slowly dying, it is as simple as that. Do you want to die never having fulfilled your purpose? If this is the case, why do you exist, why are you here? Because as we know everything in the cycle of nature has a purpose.
Something else that birds do which is often unmentioned, is that they remind us that anything is possible. They show us that we can take off and go to distant lands. They teach us what it really means to liberated. They manifest through their wings what it means to truly be alive!
Share your secrets and share your success on the cycles of nature. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Infrequent Flyer Prose
Every Bird has two wings some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your family has one.
Every Bird has two wings some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your employer has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but timing has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but fear has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your lack of connections has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your lack of funding has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your lack of skills has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your perfectionism has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your lack of resources has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your lack of a (mind blowing) idea has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your interest in what other people think has one.
……….
She once flew a path where she absorbed everyone’s energy.
She once flew a path where she thought everyone else knew better.
She once flew a path where she thought flying with one wing was the best way to be.
She was once on a path where she flew infrequently.
Infrequent Flying
Share your secrets and share your success on becoming a frequent flyer. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Every Bird has two wings but your family has one.
Every Bird has two wings some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your employer has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but timing has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but fear has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your lack of connections has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your lack of funding has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your lack of skills has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your perfectionism has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your lack of resources has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your lack of a (mind blowing) idea has one.
Every Bird has two wings but some choose to fly with one.
Every Bird has two wings but your interest in what other people think has one.
……….
She once flew a path where she absorbed everyone’s energy.
She once flew a path where she thought everyone else knew better.
She once flew a path where she thought flying with one wing was the best way to be.
She was once on a path where she flew infrequently.
Infrequent Flying
Share your secrets and share your success on becoming a frequent flyer. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
A Tale of Two Birds
Once upon a time there was a nestling who didn’t know how to fly. Her Mama, in line with her motherly duties to teach her daughter to survive; decided it was time for the young one to learn how. She cleverly constructed a plan to help the young one fly.
On day 1 she gave her some food, by gently placing it in her mouth and viewed her response. The nestling was giddy, childlike the way nestlings should be. Mama smiled but little did the nestling know what was in store.
On day 2 she placed some food outside the nest, stood aside and watched. She watched as her nestling grappled. Grappled not only with the fact that she was hungry but also that Mama seemed to dislike her. Why would Mama place the food outside the nest? “Did I upset her, does she not want me to eat?” Mama, being a good mother, continued to watch as her daughter struggled. She then flew away, far enough where she could be out of sight to see her nestling but close enough to be in view of what she was doing. Her daughter wept, she was sad, she was hungry, she just wanted to be fed. As a mother you can only imagine how this woman felt, seeing her child bawl for lack of trying. Eventually the nestling did something, she started flapping her wings. She flapped, fell down and flapped again. She repeated this a few times until eventually she landed near the food. Mama, watched with pride as her daughter bravely took the plunge outside of the nest to get the food.
On day 3 Mama returned again with food but what she did really threw off her daughter. Mama flew around the nestling, paraded the food and then dropped it. Yes, she did, she absolutely did, Mama dropped the food on the ground below. Daughter looked at Mama in despair. She later became furious as once again Mama flew off to the unknown. Mama looked on as once again her daughter came to grips with this malarkey. “Is Mama playing a game, why does she keep doing this to me? There is no way that I am going to fly down there to get anything.” She resisted for hours and hours but she grew more and more hungry.
Mama continued to hold her ground not letting up at all. She knew that if her daughter could boldly step out of the nest, she could also fly to the ground and return the nest. She will do it eventually Mama thought, because it is a matter of survival. She will become even more hungry and in her most desperate moment she will fly. What a wise Mama eh? So as Mama predicted her daughter started to flap her wings. With her first flap, she fell immediately to the ground. It was both painful and hilarious to see her plunge so quickly atop the food. Mama guffawed and then quickly put her head down. She continued to restrain herself as she looked on. She knew her daughter would do it, but would she also fly back up? Her daughter has eaten, she could choose to remain outside of the nest right? Mama again in her infinite wisdom knew that as a matter of survival her daughter would return to the nest. With the predators looming she knew that her daughter would return home.
Daughter, spread her wings, made a few flaps and then, of course, she fell. She flapped some more, then she fell again. It was as if she was going nowhere and the nest seemed so far away. Daughter became so frustrated she gave up. Mama, thought she would give her more time. That’s when it happened. Daughter spread her wings again, with a determined look, she spread her wings again and flapped. She began to glide, she was flying. She even did some fancy twists before eventually returning to the nest. Mama smiled, daughter was now in flight. Daughter seemed unabashed as she snuggled back into the nest.
Mama was right, survival would inevitably kick in and this nestling would fly. In 3 days her nestling flew, she flew because she had to, she flew because she wanted to, she flew because she knew in the end she could.
As you build your business there will be many instances where you will need to step boldly into that space. Are you flying?
As you build your business there will be times when you will have to make choices as a matter of survival. Are you flying?
As you build your business there will be times where you think you can’t. Are you flying?
As you build your business you will face many challenges. Are you flying?
As you build your business the only one stopping you from flying is you. Are you flying?
As you build your business make sure there is someone who believes in you enough to allow you to fly.
Will you choose to fly?
Share your secrets and share your success on how you boldly step out into flight. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
On day 1 she gave her some food, by gently placing it in her mouth and viewed her response. The nestling was giddy, childlike the way nestlings should be. Mama smiled but little did the nestling know what was in store.
On day 2 she placed some food outside the nest, stood aside and watched. She watched as her nestling grappled. Grappled not only with the fact that she was hungry but also that Mama seemed to dislike her. Why would Mama place the food outside the nest? “Did I upset her, does she not want me to eat?” Mama, being a good mother, continued to watch as her daughter struggled. She then flew away, far enough where she could be out of sight to see her nestling but close enough to be in view of what she was doing. Her daughter wept, she was sad, she was hungry, she just wanted to be fed. As a mother you can only imagine how this woman felt, seeing her child bawl for lack of trying. Eventually the nestling did something, she started flapping her wings. She flapped, fell down and flapped again. She repeated this a few times until eventually she landed near the food. Mama, watched with pride as her daughter bravely took the plunge outside of the nest to get the food.
On day 3 Mama returned again with food but what she did really threw off her daughter. Mama flew around the nestling, paraded the food and then dropped it. Yes, she did, she absolutely did, Mama dropped the food on the ground below. Daughter looked at Mama in despair. She later became furious as once again Mama flew off to the unknown. Mama looked on as once again her daughter came to grips with this malarkey. “Is Mama playing a game, why does she keep doing this to me? There is no way that I am going to fly down there to get anything.” She resisted for hours and hours but she grew more and more hungry.
Mama continued to hold her ground not letting up at all. She knew that if her daughter could boldly step out of the nest, she could also fly to the ground and return the nest. She will do it eventually Mama thought, because it is a matter of survival. She will become even more hungry and in her most desperate moment she will fly. What a wise Mama eh? So as Mama predicted her daughter started to flap her wings. With her first flap, she fell immediately to the ground. It was both painful and hilarious to see her plunge so quickly atop the food. Mama guffawed and then quickly put her head down. She continued to restrain herself as she looked on. She knew her daughter would do it, but would she also fly back up? Her daughter has eaten, she could choose to remain outside of the nest right? Mama again in her infinite wisdom knew that as a matter of survival her daughter would return to the nest. With the predators looming she knew that her daughter would return home.
Daughter, spread her wings, made a few flaps and then, of course, she fell. She flapped some more, then she fell again. It was as if she was going nowhere and the nest seemed so far away. Daughter became so frustrated she gave up. Mama, thought she would give her more time. That’s when it happened. Daughter spread her wings again, with a determined look, she spread her wings again and flapped. She began to glide, she was flying. She even did some fancy twists before eventually returning to the nest. Mama smiled, daughter was now in flight. Daughter seemed unabashed as she snuggled back into the nest.
Mama was right, survival would inevitably kick in and this nestling would fly. In 3 days her nestling flew, she flew because she had to, she flew because she wanted to, she flew because she knew in the end she could.
As you build your business there will be many instances where you will need to step boldly into that space. Are you flying?
As you build your business there will be times when you will have to make choices as a matter of survival. Are you flying?
As you build your business there will be times where you think you can’t. Are you flying?
As you build your business you will face many challenges. Are you flying?
As you build your business the only one stopping you from flying is you. Are you flying?
As you build your business make sure there is someone who believes in you enough to allow you to fly.
Will you choose to fly?
Share your secrets and share your success on how you boldly step out into flight. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Colab 3.0
Colab 2.0 was where we identified two factors required to flourish-community and communication. Since we have taken flight both have been established. We now press on to new heights soaring within our value based community thriving on open and honest communication. Our values are firm and underpinned by trust. We share consistently and constantly because that is a part of our community ethos. We are capable, competent and equipped with the mindset required to take it up a notch. We arrive now at Colab 3.0, the place where there are no competitor’s only potential collaborators. The competitor mindset has been completely eliminated. Birds thrive to be the best, in our humanness we often fail. We compete to be our best selves by always trying our best. If we don’t succeed there are no disappointments because in the end we know that we put our best foot forward. The competition is within not without and this is what makes all the difference. That said, for every Bird everyone is a potential collaborator. We collaborate with those who share our values. We collaborate with those that want to solve the problem, the really big problem.
Once you appreciate that every business has its own unique quality you break the desire to focus on what they are doing. Instead you focus on what you do and how you can do it better. This then makes you discerning and decisive with your business. The competition is doing what makes them unique and this is what you should be doing too. Understanding what makes you unique is what creates a robust market. What is ineffectual, is a market whereby all the players are doing the exact same thing. How dreadfully boring is that?
Collaboration is the new innovation. This is what we keep reading and it is the truth. When you collaborate with those who share similar values you create opportunities to solve, solve, solve. Shared values allow you to work with those who are looking to achieve similar outcomes. If you aim to build positive relationships with everyone then you are also able to work with anyone. The ability to work with anyone puts you in good stead; so as others compete you win as the collaborator. Through joint ventures you can now seek out collaborators who offer complementary services which will further enhance your unique quality.
Technology has created new markets and displaced old working methods. As we continue to operate in knowledge based economies, we must invest in acquiring and then distributing what we know (knowledge). In our information society what you know is just as important as the old adage, “it is all in who you know.” Intellectual capital is accessible to anyone via the internet, therefore many are self taught, which didn’t previously exist. Collaboration allows entrepreneurs to access multiple networks, thus allowing for the transfer of intellectual capital.
Self Interest and short term gains do not solve problems. Thinking of the greater good and having a long term view does. In order to solve a problem and create a situation which is better than the one we are in now, we need to collaborate. Isolating yourself in the corner is limiting. It feels good for a while but then there is that point where you realise that you are alone. You are alone, because you chose not to collaborate. You are alone because you chose not to solve a problem. Which begs the question, why then are you an entrepreneur?
Share your secrets and share your success we are now collaborating on a whole new level. How does it feel? Remember, every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Once you appreciate that every business has its own unique quality you break the desire to focus on what they are doing. Instead you focus on what you do and how you can do it better. This then makes you discerning and decisive with your business. The competition is doing what makes them unique and this is what you should be doing too. Understanding what makes you unique is what creates a robust market. What is ineffectual, is a market whereby all the players are doing the exact same thing. How dreadfully boring is that?
Collaboration is the new innovation. This is what we keep reading and it is the truth. When you collaborate with those who share similar values you create opportunities to solve, solve, solve. Shared values allow you to work with those who are looking to achieve similar outcomes. If you aim to build positive relationships with everyone then you are also able to work with anyone. The ability to work with anyone puts you in good stead; so as others compete you win as the collaborator. Through joint ventures you can now seek out collaborators who offer complementary services which will further enhance your unique quality.
Technology has created new markets and displaced old working methods. As we continue to operate in knowledge based economies, we must invest in acquiring and then distributing what we know (knowledge). In our information society what you know is just as important as the old adage, “it is all in who you know.” Intellectual capital is accessible to anyone via the internet, therefore many are self taught, which didn’t previously exist. Collaboration allows entrepreneurs to access multiple networks, thus allowing for the transfer of intellectual capital.
Self Interest and short term gains do not solve problems. Thinking of the greater good and having a long term view does. In order to solve a problem and create a situation which is better than the one we are in now, we need to collaborate. Isolating yourself in the corner is limiting. It feels good for a while but then there is that point where you realise that you are alone. You are alone, because you chose not to collaborate. You are alone because you chose not to solve a problem. Which begs the question, why then are you an entrepreneur?
Share your secrets and share your success we are now collaborating on a whole new level. How does it feel? Remember, every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Birds and the Battle for Scraps
Birds feed on so many delicacies, one being Juicy Worms. Scraps are also a part of the voracious Bird diet. Scraps include everything from fruits to seeds and insects. Delicious eh? Yes indeed Birds love their scraps and they forage for anything to satisfy their appetite. Some Birds can be very aggressive with regards to their scraps. Even going as far as killing other Birds’ nestlings and constantly competing for food resources. Other Birds create chaos for restaurant owners in particular who often leave food out in the open. The competition is so tight for scarce resources that the Bird is literally fighting to survive in the scrap race.
As women we know the scrap race begins very early. It starts as little girls competing over toys and then extends to the playground in the form of bullying. It continues further into teenage years as we grapple with puberty and wanting to be dubbed “pretty.” As adults it then shifts to the perfect body, the amazing job, the –oh-what-an-awesome catch husband and undoubtedly followed by having the most beautiful home. Oh and lest we forget if we choose to become mothers we then have to fight over who is the best mother via the Mummy wars. Quick mention to the war between the woman who is “maternal and nurturing” and can’t wait to be pregnant (baby lovers) vs those who are cold and selfish choose not to or possibly can’t get pregnant (baby haters). Because what you choose to do with your uterus is really not your business it is everybody’s business, naturally! Condemnation over and over again by those who you would think would be most empathetic towards you. Strange? No, not really! Research has actually revealed that groups who are disadvantaged by any measure tend to be harsher towards each other. A common identity whether that be of suffering or surprisingly success also affects the way they interact with each other.
In the entrepreneurial space the female founders with more technical businesses’ are often viewed as more relevant vs those that start lifestyle businesses’. I mean who cares about food and fashion right? Such frivolity these businesses in billion pound industries.’ Or as one female tech founder mentioned to me once, “Why is it that women have babies and suddenly only create businesses’ that produce baby products?” Conversely, some of the lifestyle business owners see their STEM counterparts as “aggressive” and “masculine.” Do these fights serve a purpose? If each woman were happy with her choices and content in her own values and beliefs would these scrapathons cease to exist? Is it that simple? Who knows!
So, what is it that has caused women to be so critical of each other? Throughout history women have been left out. They were not allowed to feed in abundance and as such have always had to fight for scraps. The battle started with our great, great, great, great grandmothers and continues today but it is about time that it stops with us. Funny enough, even in those societies that are matriarchal and where women visibly have access to resources we can still witness the scrap at play. The scrap wars have the ability to bring out the worst in women, to a point where women avoid each other at all costs, many even exclaim, “I would prefer not to work with other women.” Do we blame them, why would anyone in their right mind subject themselves to constant abuse? What if every woman knew that there was enough food to last a lifetime? What if every woman knew that she could eat in abundance? What if she understood that there is really no race only a plate so huge that she could eat for herself and generations to come?
As entrepreneurs our job is to solve problems and as female founders we have all encountered the scrap mentality at some point in our lives. Perhaps we were a part of the scrap battle before we became liberated and decided to spread our wings and fly. This was, of course before we all mastered the 10 Steps to Flight. As problem solvers and more importantly female founders we have a role to play in eliminating the scrapathon. It behooves us to ensure the dynamism and vitality of our Nests and more importantly our beloved Nestlings. Do we want our Nestlings to grow up in a world where life is a constant fight for scraps? We owe them a fair chance at flight and opportunities to be happy with whatever choices they make and not constantly be subjected to exhausting, trifling, small-minded and inconsequential battle after battle over the scrap.
Align Yourself with women who also abhor the scrap mentality
In order to win the outright war on the scrapathon it is imperative to align with like minds. Seek out women who share your views on the scrap. Discuss the issues and exchange ideas on the how and why. Unity is strength and it is through this shared value that women can achieve some progress on the war against the scrap.
Understand that the bottom is the starting point but the final destination is upwards at the very top
We all have to start somewhere, for some it is the middle, for others it is higher up but for the majority it is at the bottom. The problem with being at the bottom is that it is the worst place to be and everyone is struggling. This struggle creates the ensuing battle for the scrap. The top can seem unreachable but remember that when at the bottom there is only one place to go and that’s upward. The final destination in mind should be and can be enough to avoid the scrap.
Don’t give up on yourself
It is when people lose hope that they begin to digress to very low functioning behavior, i.e the scrapathon. Giving up on yourself is a sign of hopelessness. It is a message that you have no belief in who you are and your own potential. When you give up on yourself, you give up on other women. Giving up on other women invariably results in the battle for the scrap. Don’t give up on you, no matter what you must never doubt for a minute that you are unable to achieve anything that you set your mind to.
Appreciate that empowering ourselves begin with empowering others
Empowerment is something we must give in order to receive. To empower others is to empower ourselves. When we tell others that they should be the best version of themselves, we are telling ourselves the same. When we encourage and support others , we encourage and support ourselves too. Women who constantly berate other women via the scrap race are only berating themselves. It speaks volumes about their state of minds and how they view themselves in the wider world. Don’t forget that within every woman, is a piece of you!
Birds don’t fight for scraps. Birds know that the food will never run out. It will never run out because every time we collectively choose to resist the scrap battle we add more to the harvest. The focus should be less on the bits and pieces and more on the whole. Nietzsche, “The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.” Share your secrets and share your success as you set out to win the war not the battle of the scrap. Remember, every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
As women we know the scrap race begins very early. It starts as little girls competing over toys and then extends to the playground in the form of bullying. It continues further into teenage years as we grapple with puberty and wanting to be dubbed “pretty.” As adults it then shifts to the perfect body, the amazing job, the –oh-what-an-awesome catch husband and undoubtedly followed by having the most beautiful home. Oh and lest we forget if we choose to become mothers we then have to fight over who is the best mother via the Mummy wars. Quick mention to the war between the woman who is “maternal and nurturing” and can’t wait to be pregnant (baby lovers) vs those who are cold and selfish choose not to or possibly can’t get pregnant (baby haters). Because what you choose to do with your uterus is really not your business it is everybody’s business, naturally! Condemnation over and over again by those who you would think would be most empathetic towards you. Strange? No, not really! Research has actually revealed that groups who are disadvantaged by any measure tend to be harsher towards each other. A common identity whether that be of suffering or surprisingly success also affects the way they interact with each other.
In the entrepreneurial space the female founders with more technical businesses’ are often viewed as more relevant vs those that start lifestyle businesses’. I mean who cares about food and fashion right? Such frivolity these businesses in billion pound industries.’ Or as one female tech founder mentioned to me once, “Why is it that women have babies and suddenly only create businesses’ that produce baby products?” Conversely, some of the lifestyle business owners see their STEM counterparts as “aggressive” and “masculine.” Do these fights serve a purpose? If each woman were happy with her choices and content in her own values and beliefs would these scrapathons cease to exist? Is it that simple? Who knows!
So, what is it that has caused women to be so critical of each other? Throughout history women have been left out. They were not allowed to feed in abundance and as such have always had to fight for scraps. The battle started with our great, great, great, great grandmothers and continues today but it is about time that it stops with us. Funny enough, even in those societies that are matriarchal and where women visibly have access to resources we can still witness the scrap at play. The scrap wars have the ability to bring out the worst in women, to a point where women avoid each other at all costs, many even exclaim, “I would prefer not to work with other women.” Do we blame them, why would anyone in their right mind subject themselves to constant abuse? What if every woman knew that there was enough food to last a lifetime? What if every woman knew that she could eat in abundance? What if she understood that there is really no race only a plate so huge that she could eat for herself and generations to come?
As entrepreneurs our job is to solve problems and as female founders we have all encountered the scrap mentality at some point in our lives. Perhaps we were a part of the scrap battle before we became liberated and decided to spread our wings and fly. This was, of course before we all mastered the 10 Steps to Flight. As problem solvers and more importantly female founders we have a role to play in eliminating the scrapathon. It behooves us to ensure the dynamism and vitality of our Nests and more importantly our beloved Nestlings. Do we want our Nestlings to grow up in a world where life is a constant fight for scraps? We owe them a fair chance at flight and opportunities to be happy with whatever choices they make and not constantly be subjected to exhausting, trifling, small-minded and inconsequential battle after battle over the scrap.
Align Yourself with women who also abhor the scrap mentality
In order to win the outright war on the scrapathon it is imperative to align with like minds. Seek out women who share your views on the scrap. Discuss the issues and exchange ideas on the how and why. Unity is strength and it is through this shared value that women can achieve some progress on the war against the scrap.
Understand that the bottom is the starting point but the final destination is upwards at the very top
We all have to start somewhere, for some it is the middle, for others it is higher up but for the majority it is at the bottom. The problem with being at the bottom is that it is the worst place to be and everyone is struggling. This struggle creates the ensuing battle for the scrap. The top can seem unreachable but remember that when at the bottom there is only one place to go and that’s upward. The final destination in mind should be and can be enough to avoid the scrap.
Don’t give up on yourself
It is when people lose hope that they begin to digress to very low functioning behavior, i.e the scrapathon. Giving up on yourself is a sign of hopelessness. It is a message that you have no belief in who you are and your own potential. When you give up on yourself, you give up on other women. Giving up on other women invariably results in the battle for the scrap. Don’t give up on you, no matter what you must never doubt for a minute that you are unable to achieve anything that you set your mind to.
Appreciate that empowering ourselves begin with empowering others
Empowerment is something we must give in order to receive. To empower others is to empower ourselves. When we tell others that they should be the best version of themselves, we are telling ourselves the same. When we encourage and support others , we encourage and support ourselves too. Women who constantly berate other women via the scrap race are only berating themselves. It speaks volumes about their state of minds and how they view themselves in the wider world. Don’t forget that within every woman, is a piece of you!
Birds don’t fight for scraps. Birds know that the food will never run out. It will never run out because every time we collectively choose to resist the scrap battle we add more to the harvest. The focus should be less on the bits and pieces and more on the whole. Nietzsche, “The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.” Share your secrets and share your success as you set out to win the war not the battle of the scrap. Remember, every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The Great Migration
Migration is fundamental to the Bird’s survival. It is this twice yearly movement that increases her chances of breeding, avoiding cold weather and assists in her ability to find food. The Arctic Tern flies 44,000 miles a year and has been recorded as having the longest migration route. Other Birds like the Bar Tailed Godwit fly non-stop without food, water or rest. There is also the Blackpoll Warbler, which absorbs internal organs which are unnecessary during flight. Upon reflection we become aware of the obscene amount of patience required to sustain this long haul. Dr. Phil, the popular American television coach once mentioned in an interview that patience is crucial to starting a business. Patience is crucial because there are no quick or easy wins, only consistent and methodical hard work. It is not a hurried or fleeting process, it is a long haul. You can read all the right books, be surrounded by the best mentors and have the capital but it still won’t speed track success.
We live in a world of quick fixes but this is only on the surface, behind the scenes there is always someone working away diligently. If we reflect on our lives up to this point we will see that everything took time. It is in this time that we grew and developed gradually into the individuals we are today. We create shortcuts on our desktops. We find shorter routes so that we can arrive home quicker. We book a direct flight so we can get there faster. We do most things online because it’s bound to arrive earlier. Business involves creating systems that work. There are no shortcuts to arrive at this. It involves iteration, changes, shifts and at times abandonment. An unwavering amount of focus is required to then scale it with as little risk as possible. You can either grow slowly or scale up too quickly at the risk of losing it all. Even if your goal is to build and sell it still requires patience. The process can’t be fast tracked, there is no instant gratification. The satisfaction lies in trying to figure it out.
At the point where a Bird commences migration is when she is figuring it out. She is trying to figure out what is right, what works and what is necessary. There are many unknowns in both the pre-startup and startup phase as things aren’t always clear. A Bird must establish her key performance indicators, which takes time. Jessica Ennis started training when she was 11 years old and at age 26 she won her first Olympic Gold medal. Prior to this there were a series of championship medals but it took her 15 years to win the Olympic Gold medal. Her training regime is strenuous and she is both disciplined and meticulous. We applaud what appears to be an overnight success but in reality it has been years of rigorous training. Your business is no different. Jessica’s training focuses on areas included but not limited to speed, endurance, core strength and a healthy dose of enthusiasm. Her rock hard abs didn’t happen instantly either, they too are the result of a demanding workout. Just like you she also had to figure it out. She has been quoted as saying she had to learn what she needed to do in the long jump and the javelin and then make the required changes.
When Birds migrate they do so along a flyway. The flyway is the route sometimes referred to as a highway. The route to and from is established and widely known but it is on this path that the magic really happens. It is on the flyway that Birds exercise patience to eventually arrive at their final destination. Share your secrets and share your success as you set out on your great migration. Remember, every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
We live in a world of quick fixes but this is only on the surface, behind the scenes there is always someone working away diligently. If we reflect on our lives up to this point we will see that everything took time. It is in this time that we grew and developed gradually into the individuals we are today. We create shortcuts on our desktops. We find shorter routes so that we can arrive home quicker. We book a direct flight so we can get there faster. We do most things online because it’s bound to arrive earlier. Business involves creating systems that work. There are no shortcuts to arrive at this. It involves iteration, changes, shifts and at times abandonment. An unwavering amount of focus is required to then scale it with as little risk as possible. You can either grow slowly or scale up too quickly at the risk of losing it all. Even if your goal is to build and sell it still requires patience. The process can’t be fast tracked, there is no instant gratification. The satisfaction lies in trying to figure it out.
At the point where a Bird commences migration is when she is figuring it out. She is trying to figure out what is right, what works and what is necessary. There are many unknowns in both the pre-startup and startup phase as things aren’t always clear. A Bird must establish her key performance indicators, which takes time. Jessica Ennis started training when she was 11 years old and at age 26 she won her first Olympic Gold medal. Prior to this there were a series of championship medals but it took her 15 years to win the Olympic Gold medal. Her training regime is strenuous and she is both disciplined and meticulous. We applaud what appears to be an overnight success but in reality it has been years of rigorous training. Your business is no different. Jessica’s training focuses on areas included but not limited to speed, endurance, core strength and a healthy dose of enthusiasm. Her rock hard abs didn’t happen instantly either, they too are the result of a demanding workout. Just like you she also had to figure it out. She has been quoted as saying she had to learn what she needed to do in the long jump and the javelin and then make the required changes.
When Birds migrate they do so along a flyway. The flyway is the route sometimes referred to as a highway. The route to and from is established and widely known but it is on this path that the magic really happens. It is on the flyway that Birds exercise patience to eventually arrive at their final destination. Share your secrets and share your success as you set out on your great migration. Remember, every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here:www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Juicy Worms
As a kid, I played in lots of dirt, sand and aggregate. I was really good at making mud pies and the thought of finding a worm was nothing short of pure excitement. I observed that fertile soil always produced juicy worms. Birds are always on the lookout for juicy worms to satisfy their palate. You may think juicy worms don’t represent the most evolved palate but that’s not true. Every juicy worm represents an opportunity. It is an opportunity to understand, investigate, create and solve. Identifying opportunities is a unique talent. I say this because my life experience has taught me that it requires a particular mindset. Many people find it challenging to capitalise on an opportunity and others find it difficult to create an opportunity. “It will never happen.” “That is really hard to do.” “Well, how are you going to do that?” “People don’t do that.” “Only certain people do those things.” I am sure you have heard all of these and much more. One of my personal favourites is, “If it were possible everybody would do that, what makes you think you can do it?” This is the deficit mindset, which is damaging and it requires immediate action but that’s not your problem. Unfortunately, this is the state of mind of most. Firstly, if you are surrounded by individuals who exclaim any of the aforementioned or something similar, it is time to fly, far, far away. I often witness really seemingly intelligent people lose out an opportunity simply because they lack the surplus mindset. The surplus mindset is one in which the soil is always fruitful. Below are a few of the things Birds do to ensure their palate is continuously evolving.
Embrace Discomfort
To grow as individuals and as entrepreneurs we must embrace discomfort. Discomfort is not the enemy. It is your ally and a necessity if you want to take flight. Be the only one in the room. Be the only person who says yes, when others say no. Be the one to stand up for your beliefs when it is unpopular. Be the one to travel to the place, “where people like you don’t go.” Be the one who has friends that think differently to you. Be the one that feels really scared but does it anyway. Be the one that everyone thinks is slightly weird and not give a shit! Weirdness is limited edition, that’s why no one wants it. If it were available on masse everyone would flock to it. Flying in first class provides comfortable seating, flight attendants who respond to your beck and call and the worms are pretty juicy, I’m sure. Sounds like a great place to be until you realise that your view of the world is as narrow as the window opposite your seat. You know, it is that tiny one you look through from time to time to view the clouds. Overpriced seating for such a myopic view?
Use Your Imagination
To imagine is to tap into every human emotion and sense all at once. It is through this tap that psychologically you launch into the unexplored. The unexplored is where you will find adventure in your mind. In the mind, is where you can imbibe yourself with the drink; the drink of self. You experience unending ecstasy in one electromagnetic space. It is a dance between what you know and what you don’t. Each experience creating a new memory for your palate and as an entrepreneur this is where you need to be. Use your imagination to create opportunities that no one else sees because they have not tapped into this enigmatic space.
Pay Attention
There is noise around us and everywhere we look there is something new. Within this rush is when you must pay attention. Look at those things no one appears to care about. Focus on those things which are ignored. Engage with those who don’t say what you already know. There are times to be an observer and times to be a participant. As an observer you have a great opportunity to listen intently then as a participant you can respond efficiently. Don’t be that person, that monotone, that dead one walking. Don’t be that person that avoids making eye contact or that person that uses their “situation” as an excuse to disconnect with the world around them. Being in and of the world is where you seize the opportunities.
Accept Uncertainty
Nothing certain will ever lead to anything amazing. That’s because you already know all the variables, which will determine the outcome of your situation. How do you find opportunity or create opportunity in an environment where you already know the result? One of the first steps to accepting uncertainty is to give up control. When you stop trying to control every situation and let things unfold as they should, sparks are created. Entrepreneurs are planners, and serial goal accomplishers, breaking everything down into monthly, 6 month and1-3-5 year plans. Goals and planning paves the way for success but always remember life will get in the way of your plans. You can’t control life. Life will ultimately win and this is the part that you must accept in order to be in a surplus mindset. When life does win as it should, your role is to be able to adapt so you can spot the juicy worm.
Some may find worms disgusting, Birds find them liberating. The playground is really in your head and if you know how to free yourself you will attract juicy worms and who knows what else. Worms usually find their way to a compost pile. Once the compost is good they will get in it. Who knows what new worms you will draw to your ever evolving appetite? Share your secrets and share your success as you find juicy worms. Remember, every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Embrace Discomfort
To grow as individuals and as entrepreneurs we must embrace discomfort. Discomfort is not the enemy. It is your ally and a necessity if you want to take flight. Be the only one in the room. Be the only person who says yes, when others say no. Be the one to stand up for your beliefs when it is unpopular. Be the one to travel to the place, “where people like you don’t go.” Be the one who has friends that think differently to you. Be the one that feels really scared but does it anyway. Be the one that everyone thinks is slightly weird and not give a shit! Weirdness is limited edition, that’s why no one wants it. If it were available on masse everyone would flock to it. Flying in first class provides comfortable seating, flight attendants who respond to your beck and call and the worms are pretty juicy, I’m sure. Sounds like a great place to be until you realise that your view of the world is as narrow as the window opposite your seat. You know, it is that tiny one you look through from time to time to view the clouds. Overpriced seating for such a myopic view?
Use Your Imagination
To imagine is to tap into every human emotion and sense all at once. It is through this tap that psychologically you launch into the unexplored. The unexplored is where you will find adventure in your mind. In the mind, is where you can imbibe yourself with the drink; the drink of self. You experience unending ecstasy in one electromagnetic space. It is a dance between what you know and what you don’t. Each experience creating a new memory for your palate and as an entrepreneur this is where you need to be. Use your imagination to create opportunities that no one else sees because they have not tapped into this enigmatic space.
Pay Attention
There is noise around us and everywhere we look there is something new. Within this rush is when you must pay attention. Look at those things no one appears to care about. Focus on those things which are ignored. Engage with those who don’t say what you already know. There are times to be an observer and times to be a participant. As an observer you have a great opportunity to listen intently then as a participant you can respond efficiently. Don’t be that person, that monotone, that dead one walking. Don’t be that person that avoids making eye contact or that person that uses their “situation” as an excuse to disconnect with the world around them. Being in and of the world is where you seize the opportunities.
Accept Uncertainty
Nothing certain will ever lead to anything amazing. That’s because you already know all the variables, which will determine the outcome of your situation. How do you find opportunity or create opportunity in an environment where you already know the result? One of the first steps to accepting uncertainty is to give up control. When you stop trying to control every situation and let things unfold as they should, sparks are created. Entrepreneurs are planners, and serial goal accomplishers, breaking everything down into monthly, 6 month and1-3-5 year plans. Goals and planning paves the way for success but always remember life will get in the way of your plans. You can’t control life. Life will ultimately win and this is the part that you must accept in order to be in a surplus mindset. When life does win as it should, your role is to be able to adapt so you can spot the juicy worm.
Some may find worms disgusting, Birds find them liberating. The playground is really in your head and if you know how to free yourself you will attract juicy worms and who knows what else. Worms usually find their way to a compost pile. Once the compost is good they will get in it. Who knows what new worms you will draw to your ever evolving appetite? Share your secrets and share your success as you find juicy worms. Remember, every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Turbulence When In Flight
Birds successfully take flight, swoop and off she goes! She soars the skies adapting as she goes. She is good, she even minimizes the effects of gravity by remaining as light as possible. She uses up all her fuel as quickly as possible and did you know she is devoid of a bladder? Yes, that is correct not even urine is a problem! She was designed for flight. She gets up in the air, remains up there and heads in the direction of her choice. It is all her choosing and all in her control. What of turbulence? Does she have a fasten seat belt sign, does she grip the seat, hold on for dear life, clothes her eyes and wait for it to be over? Unlike planes when experiencing turbulence birds don’t bump around uncontrollably, their bodies once again adapt by tucking their wings. The proof is in the wings because all birds were born to fly! Turbulence despite being highly manageable by the bird can still create a slight tense situation. The gust hits the wings and then tuck, tuck, go. Building a business is a mammoth of a task and there is so much turbulence when in flight.
Tuck 1: Rejection, Rejection, Rejection
No one understands your vision. They don’t seem to get what you are trying to achieve. Despite all of your efforts the odds appear to be stacked against you. Your friends don’t share your enthusiasm and they surely don’t accept your life of uncertainty. They weaken with uncertainty whilst you gain strength from it. Your parents ask incessantly, “Are you making money?” Potential customers say yes and no in the same sentence. Here is what you need to remember. No one is going to fully embrace your vision the way you do. It is your idea, your concept and yes it is your baby too. You must continue to focus and stay the course. Your friends are admirable, in that they have great jobs and secure pay. Their conversations revolve around promotions, projects and getting ahead. Your worlds are vastly different, so don’t expect them to understand. Instead appreciate that you coexist in the same space but with different goals. Your parents validated you when you made excellent grades, got into a “good school”, graduated with distinction, landed a “noble job” and received a promotion. This is an external validation based on a set of rules which are not stated but implicitly understood. You are going against the grain and seeking internal validation which is not unfortunately, always something society values. Accept that your parents, unless, entrepreneurs themselves will not recognize the value of what you do until they can measure it. This measurement for them is money. Potential customers require time and space to “get it.” Keep the faith and know that they are in conversation, which is must better than not having a conversation. Remember the most profound of things happen when you are just about to give up. It is at that very moment when you start to lose hope, which is exactly when you should not give up. What next? Tuck, tuck, go!
Tuck 2: You know what you’re doing but you don’t know what you’re doing.
You know what you know and despite all the help, guidance and assistance, most of the time, you honestly do not know. You know that this idea is your life. You know that you will fight the crocodiles to defend the concept and no matter what you remain resilient. You do not know the rules, to be honest, there are no rules. You make them up as you go. You engineer the process based on feedback. You study the outcomes and swiftly make changes to reflect the needs of your bourgeoning market. You are committed to the cause and for you this is what you know. When will it all come full circle? You have no idea. You are committed to the cause and for you this is what you know. You have heard them say don’t do anything until you know what you’re doing. For you it is less about knowing what you’re doing and more about why you are doing it. Your why is clear and it is not about money or fame. As long as you know why, keep going and forget the rest. Human beings are fickle, they forget what they said yesterday and never know what they will do tomorrow. There are a lot of professionals and “serious” people out there who do not know what they are doing either. What they are good at is mastering the art of not knowing into a veneer of, “Of course, we know what we are doing.” Do you think they are better than you? Of course not, it’s the difference between the 66 varieties of cheeses. All made from milk but what varies is their method of production. Proudly assert that you don’t know. What next? Tuck, tuck, go!
Tuck 3: You haven’t quite yet figured out what people want yet despite knowing there is a problem to solve.
As soon as you think you understand what people want you lose it again. You are constantly trying to figure out what they want. There have been so many changes since inception and there will be more until you get it right. Your idea will change several times and you will need to keep being flexible. The pivot will become your favourite course of action. You will pivot endlessly but this is muscle growth. Muscles grow when under pressure, this involves applying tension beyond what your body is accustomed to. It includes some damage and stress but this is all necessary for growth. The problem with striking out on new paths is that most people pursue that which has already been done. Before you can make something people love you must first decide on what the world needs. Does the world need less of the same thing, or more of something different? You are making something you believe in, which will make others believe it and this is what creates the spark, which is the difference. Your users want what you are providing but now you need to package it so that they need it. What do your customers really need and have you created a situation which forces them to flock to it? What next? Tuck, tuck, go!
Tuck 4: CoFounder Divorce and other stalemate
It will happen, people will leave, disputes will occur and other forms of bickering. This is because as things become more tense ideas will clash, individuals will feel left out and values differ. You will part ways but things will move on, it will get better. In the heat of the madness it will be all consuming and you will feel ill. Go through the feelings and ride the wave but know that it will pass. There will be a period when everything will seem slightly manic, especially as you start to become more popular. It doesn’t matter how much you define the responsibilities and roles, human nature will take over. It doesn’t matter that you shared the same dream, priorities change, people change and things change. Things go wrong for a reason. Sometimes what we thought was a great partnership was really a distortion. It inevitably must go wrong before it can go right. Take new steps and secure new measures so that it doesn’t happen again. The last thing you want is a life filled of regrets because you wasted so much time surrounded by the wrong people. What next? Tuck, tuck, go!
Turbulence is a necessary aspect of flight. It is an avoidable part of the flying experience. There isn’t anyone who has built something from scratch who hasn’t experienced it. During the turbulent period, rest assured knowing that there will be a point where you can open your wings wide and fly again. Share your secrets and share your success as you tuck, tuck, go. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Tuck 1: Rejection, Rejection, Rejection
No one understands your vision. They don’t seem to get what you are trying to achieve. Despite all of your efforts the odds appear to be stacked against you. Your friends don’t share your enthusiasm and they surely don’t accept your life of uncertainty. They weaken with uncertainty whilst you gain strength from it. Your parents ask incessantly, “Are you making money?” Potential customers say yes and no in the same sentence. Here is what you need to remember. No one is going to fully embrace your vision the way you do. It is your idea, your concept and yes it is your baby too. You must continue to focus and stay the course. Your friends are admirable, in that they have great jobs and secure pay. Their conversations revolve around promotions, projects and getting ahead. Your worlds are vastly different, so don’t expect them to understand. Instead appreciate that you coexist in the same space but with different goals. Your parents validated you when you made excellent grades, got into a “good school”, graduated with distinction, landed a “noble job” and received a promotion. This is an external validation based on a set of rules which are not stated but implicitly understood. You are going against the grain and seeking internal validation which is not unfortunately, always something society values. Accept that your parents, unless, entrepreneurs themselves will not recognize the value of what you do until they can measure it. This measurement for them is money. Potential customers require time and space to “get it.” Keep the faith and know that they are in conversation, which is must better than not having a conversation. Remember the most profound of things happen when you are just about to give up. It is at that very moment when you start to lose hope, which is exactly when you should not give up. What next? Tuck, tuck, go!
Tuck 2: You know what you’re doing but you don’t know what you’re doing.
You know what you know and despite all the help, guidance and assistance, most of the time, you honestly do not know. You know that this idea is your life. You know that you will fight the crocodiles to defend the concept and no matter what you remain resilient. You do not know the rules, to be honest, there are no rules. You make them up as you go. You engineer the process based on feedback. You study the outcomes and swiftly make changes to reflect the needs of your bourgeoning market. You are committed to the cause and for you this is what you know. When will it all come full circle? You have no idea. You are committed to the cause and for you this is what you know. You have heard them say don’t do anything until you know what you’re doing. For you it is less about knowing what you’re doing and more about why you are doing it. Your why is clear and it is not about money or fame. As long as you know why, keep going and forget the rest. Human beings are fickle, they forget what they said yesterday and never know what they will do tomorrow. There are a lot of professionals and “serious” people out there who do not know what they are doing either. What they are good at is mastering the art of not knowing into a veneer of, “Of course, we know what we are doing.” Do you think they are better than you? Of course not, it’s the difference between the 66 varieties of cheeses. All made from milk but what varies is their method of production. Proudly assert that you don’t know. What next? Tuck, tuck, go!
Tuck 3: You haven’t quite yet figured out what people want yet despite knowing there is a problem to solve.
As soon as you think you understand what people want you lose it again. You are constantly trying to figure out what they want. There have been so many changes since inception and there will be more until you get it right. Your idea will change several times and you will need to keep being flexible. The pivot will become your favourite course of action. You will pivot endlessly but this is muscle growth. Muscles grow when under pressure, this involves applying tension beyond what your body is accustomed to. It includes some damage and stress but this is all necessary for growth. The problem with striking out on new paths is that most people pursue that which has already been done. Before you can make something people love you must first decide on what the world needs. Does the world need less of the same thing, or more of something different? You are making something you believe in, which will make others believe it and this is what creates the spark, which is the difference. Your users want what you are providing but now you need to package it so that they need it. What do your customers really need and have you created a situation which forces them to flock to it? What next? Tuck, tuck, go!
Tuck 4: CoFounder Divorce and other stalemate
It will happen, people will leave, disputes will occur and other forms of bickering. This is because as things become more tense ideas will clash, individuals will feel left out and values differ. You will part ways but things will move on, it will get better. In the heat of the madness it will be all consuming and you will feel ill. Go through the feelings and ride the wave but know that it will pass. There will be a period when everything will seem slightly manic, especially as you start to become more popular. It doesn’t matter how much you define the responsibilities and roles, human nature will take over. It doesn’t matter that you shared the same dream, priorities change, people change and things change. Things go wrong for a reason. Sometimes what we thought was a great partnership was really a distortion. It inevitably must go wrong before it can go right. Take new steps and secure new measures so that it doesn’t happen again. The last thing you want is a life filled of regrets because you wasted so much time surrounded by the wrong people. What next? Tuck, tuck, go!
Turbulence is a necessary aspect of flight. It is an avoidable part of the flying experience. There isn’t anyone who has built something from scratch who hasn’t experienced it. During the turbulent period, rest assured knowing that there will be a point where you can open your wings wide and fly again. Share your secrets and share your success as you tuck, tuck, go. Remember every Bird has two wings, some choose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Monied Swans
Swans are breathtakingly beautiful birds. What is more glorious than watching swans migrate? Swans are often described as romantic and graceful too. Swans, are also known for being particularly aggressive. They are defensive birds who only attack when agitated. So, the only time a swan would show their aggression is when protecting their nests. Nest protection is an obvious form of survival. Darwin taught us that as long as we are willing to adapt to change we will survive. Herbert Spencer coined the term, “Survival of the fittest.” Fittest meaning those who are the most adaptable to their environments. These people may not necessarily be the strongest or the brightest but they are adept at survival. Money is vital for survival and those who understand that money is a tool tend to survive tremendously well. Remember, life is a jungle and these nests we are building help to lengthen, increase and sustain our survival for generations to come.
Dick Wagner, “Money is the most powerful and pervasive secular force on the planet. Yet for most, it is a source of mysticism and mystery.” Birds are acutely aware of the force of money, which is why we love creating it, investing it, spending it and giving it away. Milton Friedman described money as, “Whatever is generally accepted in exchange for goods and services-accepted not as an object that represents a temporary abode of purchasing power to be used for buying still other goods and services.” What is money? Money is many things, as stated earlier a tool but it is also power. Power exists in a natural state until it is either, usurped, relinquished or owned.
Usurped Money Power
Allowing others to forcefully take hold of your money power because you don’t understand how money works. It is taken by force and used by an authority to their benefit. This usurpation occurs at such a rapid rate that you can’t comprehend how it all happened. The usurper has claimed your money power at your very own expense. The credit card companies, the store card and “quick” lenders are the best usurpers. They know the weaknesses’ of the lifestyle ladies who live beyond their means. They shop until they drop purchasing shoes, handbags and all the latest luxuries. The usurper knows that this woman cannot survive unless she swipes and buys, buys, buys whether she can afford it or not. Suzie Orman, “You are never powerful in life until you are powerful over your own money.”
Relinquished Money Power
It will never happen to me, I am educated, I have a good job where I earn. It will never happen to me I am married to a man who loves me and earns very well. It will never happen to me I have a significant trust fund. It will never happen to me I am healthy and fit. When it happens to you, it comes faster than a bolt of lightning. You have given up your power to your first class university degree, your “secure” employer, your “loving” and “committed husband and partner” and the trust fund which was bequeathed to you. You did not do this under duress, but by your own volition, you chose to do this because you thought you were safe. As you tell yourself, it will never happen to you. Kim Kiyosaki, “A man is not a financial plan.” Contrary to what you think the world owes you nothing and that includes your university degree, well heeled family and employer too.
Owned Money Power
Your money begins with financial literacy. You are a wealth builder and don’t necessarily have a lot of it. What you do have is an understanding of how it all works. You are confident in your money wisdom and you discuss money with people who get money. Equipped with so many tools and resources you are a reservoir of money, supplying it to yourself non-stop. You earn money through multiple income streams, you save money in a whole host of ways (you know every tip and trick in the book), you invest money as you are knowledgeable, of each type of investment, its risk and its return. You own your money power and have activated and unleashed a life of abundance. You are a member of the money power circle. Francis Bacon said knowledge is power. Tony Robbins added, “Knowledge is not power. Knowing a concept is only potential value. The execution of knowledge is where your power lies.” Tony is monied!
Monied swans protect their nests as a necessary form of survival but only when aggressively attacked. Life is filled with countless aggressive attacks and as such we proactively fortify ourselves. Monied swans have a few problems but money isn’t one (yeah I like that one too)!
Share your secrets and share your success as you make your own money, money, money……. Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Dick Wagner, “Money is the most powerful and pervasive secular force on the planet. Yet for most, it is a source of mysticism and mystery.” Birds are acutely aware of the force of money, which is why we love creating it, investing it, spending it and giving it away. Milton Friedman described money as, “Whatever is generally accepted in exchange for goods and services-accepted not as an object that represents a temporary abode of purchasing power to be used for buying still other goods and services.” What is money? Money is many things, as stated earlier a tool but it is also power. Power exists in a natural state until it is either, usurped, relinquished or owned.
Usurped Money Power
Allowing others to forcefully take hold of your money power because you don’t understand how money works. It is taken by force and used by an authority to their benefit. This usurpation occurs at such a rapid rate that you can’t comprehend how it all happened. The usurper has claimed your money power at your very own expense. The credit card companies, the store card and “quick” lenders are the best usurpers. They know the weaknesses’ of the lifestyle ladies who live beyond their means. They shop until they drop purchasing shoes, handbags and all the latest luxuries. The usurper knows that this woman cannot survive unless she swipes and buys, buys, buys whether she can afford it or not. Suzie Orman, “You are never powerful in life until you are powerful over your own money.”
Relinquished Money Power
It will never happen to me, I am educated, I have a good job where I earn. It will never happen to me I am married to a man who loves me and earns very well. It will never happen to me I have a significant trust fund. It will never happen to me I am healthy and fit. When it happens to you, it comes faster than a bolt of lightning. You have given up your power to your first class university degree, your “secure” employer, your “loving” and “committed husband and partner” and the trust fund which was bequeathed to you. You did not do this under duress, but by your own volition, you chose to do this because you thought you were safe. As you tell yourself, it will never happen to you. Kim Kiyosaki, “A man is not a financial plan.” Contrary to what you think the world owes you nothing and that includes your university degree, well heeled family and employer too.
Owned Money Power
Your money begins with financial literacy. You are a wealth builder and don’t necessarily have a lot of it. What you do have is an understanding of how it all works. You are confident in your money wisdom and you discuss money with people who get money. Equipped with so many tools and resources you are a reservoir of money, supplying it to yourself non-stop. You earn money through multiple income streams, you save money in a whole host of ways (you know every tip and trick in the book), you invest money as you are knowledgeable, of each type of investment, its risk and its return. You own your money power and have activated and unleashed a life of abundance. You are a member of the money power circle. Francis Bacon said knowledge is power. Tony Robbins added, “Knowledge is not power. Knowing a concept is only potential value. The execution of knowledge is where your power lies.” Tony is monied!
Monied swans protect their nests as a necessary form of survival but only when aggressively attacked. Life is filled with countless aggressive attacks and as such we proactively fortify ourselves. Monied swans have a few problems but money isn’t one (yeah I like that one too)!
Share your secrets and share your success as you make your own money, money, money……. Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Birds Like Attention
“Everything about mediocrity kills me” says one of the masters of self promotion the one and only Ivanka Trump. This is a woman that uses all of her inherited qualities to her advantage but at the same time has carved a name for herself based on her own wit and hard work. She is unlike many who emanate from inherited wealth in that she really is her own woman. She is not afraid of being called the Donald’s daughter and she does not shy away from the spotlight either, she has actually used both to build her success.
Do you believe your business is adding value? Do you sincerely and really believe that you are giving something which is currently lacking? If the answer is yes then continue reading. As women we are taught from a very young age that self-promotion is a God awful thing, after all little girls should be seen and not heard (ghastly)! We are judged harshly by both women and men for owning our power, for staking our claim, for asking and subsequently getting what we want. Then we are judged even more ruthlessly for lacking confidence. Do you see the problem here? The truth of the matter is very few appreciate a woman who self promotes. Self promotion is not dirty, it is surely not sleezy and/or un-classy. It is absolutely marvellous and essential if you are going to create, grow and sustain a business.
Let’s put something into perspective, the majority of the people in the world are not entrepreneurs. The majority of people in the world are employees, meaning they work for someone else. In other words the majority are doing the promotion for others, which they are comfortable with doing. It takes courage to bravely step out into the limelight. Of course folks are going to have a problem with you promoting yourself! One day when your business catapults to its right place at the top, someone will be promoting you and your business too. You are an entrepreneur and as such you will self promote because there is nobody out there better than you at it. Remember you are aRare Bird, you have always been the one to sit up front, raise your hand and ask questions. You challenge and you pursue your own path. Therefore, you embrace self promotion. You have unique and amazing talents and you are sharing them with the world. You are doing what you were born to do. You have found your calling and are pursuing it with rigour and passion. Here are a few reasons why you embrace self promotion.
You Care About What People Think
Contrary to popular belief you care about what people think about you. In line with this thinking you put yourself out there to ensure that everyone is getting a clear and concise message from you about you. You want others to know who you are and what you stand for. You stand firmly in your truth, you have a position and you hold firm. You appreciate that some may view you as arrogant and there may be a few who decide that they don’t like you. You are fully accepting of this. As a matter of fact you think this is good for your brand and are happy knowing that you have developed a niche who you can continue to focus your efforts on. You cannot always control what others think but you are in full control of your own actions. Additionally, the view of others is simply an opinion, which everyone is entitled to. It has nothing to do with your capabilities and unless there is truth in these opinions it really is inconsequential. Reverting back to the 10 Steps to Flight, you have found your own happy tribe (your customer) and the view is beautiful from where you sit. Hold on, it is also going to get better!
You Work Hard and You Want Others to Know
In the entrepreneurial world hard work is valued as it takes a lot of grit and clever strategising to build a sustainable business. Your hard work must not go unnoticed. It is important that your current and potential customers know that you are grinding away to bring them the best. When your customers know that you are always working to not only be the best but bring the best this creates loyalty. A loyal following is good for business. Your plan is to be an established guru in your field and the go to in your area of expertise. This cannot be achieved if others do not know how hard you are working. When you achieve something new, have a great experience, are offered an opportunity or win a coveted award you always share. You share because you earned it and more importantly because your customers know that through all of your accolades you are bringing them knowledge and value, which they gladly pay for.
You Do Not Sit Around Waiting for Others To do It for You
You do not falsely believe that your family and friends exist to spread the word about you. You fully accept that tooting you own horn is your job, that is until you enlist a PR firm to do it for you and even then who is better than glorifying you than you? You are proactively putting yourself out there in multiple platforms for the world to see. You hone, develop and share your skills. There are many out there waiting for you to bring your special quality to the market and you are so keen that you jump at every opportunity. Opportunity when coupled with a need creates value. You have tapped into this market and will abundantly reap the rewards. You have no time to sit around pondering what to do next, you are making it happen. You also do not have time to sit and think because the world is turning and you are existing within every tilt.
There are quite a few misconceptions out there about self promotion. Fortunately for you as a Rare Bird, you don’t buy into any of these. As a matter of fact many of these misconceptions are really the insecurities that others have which are then foisted on you. If someone does not value their own worth wish them well and hope that one day they will grow to understand that it all begins with them. If you don’t value you, then no one else will. Not wanting to step into the spotlight which is rightfully where you should be is unhealthy. Rare Birds choose health, always! Many often confuse this reluctance with humility. Humility involves thinking less of the self and more about others. It does not mean lowering your own worth to make others feel comfortable in your presence. It also does not mean shrinking like a violet so that no one knows what your capabilities are. You think about others all the time, truthfully it is why you started your business in the first place. Starting a business was one way that you identified that you could help others on a large scale. Ivanka also said, “If people think they can elicit from me whatever terms they want they are mistaken.” Living your life based on others terms is the biggest mistake you will ever make both for yourself and your business. Are you willing to let others define your future for you?
Share your secrets and share your success on how you self promote. Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Do you believe your business is adding value? Do you sincerely and really believe that you are giving something which is currently lacking? If the answer is yes then continue reading. As women we are taught from a very young age that self-promotion is a God awful thing, after all little girls should be seen and not heard (ghastly)! We are judged harshly by both women and men for owning our power, for staking our claim, for asking and subsequently getting what we want. Then we are judged even more ruthlessly for lacking confidence. Do you see the problem here? The truth of the matter is very few appreciate a woman who self promotes. Self promotion is not dirty, it is surely not sleezy and/or un-classy. It is absolutely marvellous and essential if you are going to create, grow and sustain a business.
Let’s put something into perspective, the majority of the people in the world are not entrepreneurs. The majority of people in the world are employees, meaning they work for someone else. In other words the majority are doing the promotion for others, which they are comfortable with doing. It takes courage to bravely step out into the limelight. Of course folks are going to have a problem with you promoting yourself! One day when your business catapults to its right place at the top, someone will be promoting you and your business too. You are an entrepreneur and as such you will self promote because there is nobody out there better than you at it. Remember you are aRare Bird, you have always been the one to sit up front, raise your hand and ask questions. You challenge and you pursue your own path. Therefore, you embrace self promotion. You have unique and amazing talents and you are sharing them with the world. You are doing what you were born to do. You have found your calling and are pursuing it with rigour and passion. Here are a few reasons why you embrace self promotion.
You Care About What People Think
Contrary to popular belief you care about what people think about you. In line with this thinking you put yourself out there to ensure that everyone is getting a clear and concise message from you about you. You want others to know who you are and what you stand for. You stand firmly in your truth, you have a position and you hold firm. You appreciate that some may view you as arrogant and there may be a few who decide that they don’t like you. You are fully accepting of this. As a matter of fact you think this is good for your brand and are happy knowing that you have developed a niche who you can continue to focus your efforts on. You cannot always control what others think but you are in full control of your own actions. Additionally, the view of others is simply an opinion, which everyone is entitled to. It has nothing to do with your capabilities and unless there is truth in these opinions it really is inconsequential. Reverting back to the 10 Steps to Flight, you have found your own happy tribe (your customer) and the view is beautiful from where you sit. Hold on, it is also going to get better!
You Work Hard and You Want Others to Know
In the entrepreneurial world hard work is valued as it takes a lot of grit and clever strategising to build a sustainable business. Your hard work must not go unnoticed. It is important that your current and potential customers know that you are grinding away to bring them the best. When your customers know that you are always working to not only be the best but bring the best this creates loyalty. A loyal following is good for business. Your plan is to be an established guru in your field and the go to in your area of expertise. This cannot be achieved if others do not know how hard you are working. When you achieve something new, have a great experience, are offered an opportunity or win a coveted award you always share. You share because you earned it and more importantly because your customers know that through all of your accolades you are bringing them knowledge and value, which they gladly pay for.
You Do Not Sit Around Waiting for Others To do It for You
You do not falsely believe that your family and friends exist to spread the word about you. You fully accept that tooting you own horn is your job, that is until you enlist a PR firm to do it for you and even then who is better than glorifying you than you? You are proactively putting yourself out there in multiple platforms for the world to see. You hone, develop and share your skills. There are many out there waiting for you to bring your special quality to the market and you are so keen that you jump at every opportunity. Opportunity when coupled with a need creates value. You have tapped into this market and will abundantly reap the rewards. You have no time to sit around pondering what to do next, you are making it happen. You also do not have time to sit and think because the world is turning and you are existing within every tilt.
There are quite a few misconceptions out there about self promotion. Fortunately for you as a Rare Bird, you don’t buy into any of these. As a matter of fact many of these misconceptions are really the insecurities that others have which are then foisted on you. If someone does not value their own worth wish them well and hope that one day they will grow to understand that it all begins with them. If you don’t value you, then no one else will. Not wanting to step into the spotlight which is rightfully where you should be is unhealthy. Rare Birds choose health, always! Many often confuse this reluctance with humility. Humility involves thinking less of the self and more about others. It does not mean lowering your own worth to make others feel comfortable in your presence. It also does not mean shrinking like a violet so that no one knows what your capabilities are. You think about others all the time, truthfully it is why you started your business in the first place. Starting a business was one way that you identified that you could help others on a large scale. Ivanka also said, “If people think they can elicit from me whatever terms they want they are mistaken.” Living your life based on others terms is the biggest mistake you will ever make both for yourself and your business. Are you willing to let others define your future for you?
Share your secrets and share your success on how you self promote. Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Birds Who Flap and Birds Who Glide
The flight patterns in the bird kingdom are utterly dynamic. Flight patterns vary from aerial acrobatics to the dip-dive and duck to the careful swoop. Irrespective of the method or skilful manoeuvring the objective is to be propelled. Birds propel themselves forward in the entrepreneurial journey. In the words of John Gokongwei, Jr, “What propels me forward is not the money I made, although that has been great…for me entrepreneurship is a path to a life lived to the fullest.” Our nest, thanks to Tesla has been super charged and made efficient with high speed to help Birds take flight.
Flapping is an exhaustive process and burns a lot of energy. Gliding, however is flying gracefully soaring higher and higher with ease and clear intent. What creates the difference between the two? It’s simple, the ability to ask for help. Learning to ask for help is an area of discomfort for many. Most have erroneously been taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness or a sign of ignorance. This approach is sheer folly and unfortunately those who ascribe to the, “I know it all or I do not like to burden others approach” tend to learn the hard way. One main benefit to asking for help is that your business will grow at a quicker rate than if you don’t. Those who do not ask for help tend to get stuck or trapped in unknown situations. Conversely, those who are adept at asking for help are able to bypass problems in a savvy way, thus meeting objectives and achieving their goals.
Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle which constantly involves being vulnerable. It is important to not allow your ego to get in the way of your success. When others offer help take it and when you need help, ask for it. Some are also afraid to ask for help because they think they will be rejected. This could be further from the truth, there are many people out there willing to help but if you don’t ask, they will never know that you are in need. Number 3 in the Ten Steps to Flight says know your weaknesses.’ Knowing your weaknesses helps you to identify your gaps and understand your needs. Once you have done this you will have a clear understanding of what specifically you need help with. Help should be seen as a premium, it is special because as an entrepreneur you will constantly need to learn new things and will be faced with many challenges. Help is what will be your aid so that you can tackle all of the above. Help comes in different forms and can be used in varied ways. Along your entrepreneurial journey help may come from parents or other family members, friends, fellow entrepreneurs, established business leaders and/or multiple networks of people who are in the know.
Being independent is a source of pride for many entrepreneurs, but we know without a shadow of a doubt that no one achieves anything on their own. Along the path to success, there will be many people, who will open doors for you, point you in a right direction and/or place you in good stead so that you can create an opportunity. Bright ideas are excellent but it requires a team of people to take it from concept to market. In the Nest, we are fortunate to have a sea of help. Every month our membership allows members to connect, collaborate and grow with highly regarded members in the business community, fellow entrepreneurs and gain insight from the happy Bird Enhancers. This is an entire community of help, so that our members can glide majestically through the sky. Until next time, share your secrets and share your success and remember to always ask for help.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Flapping is an exhaustive process and burns a lot of energy. Gliding, however is flying gracefully soaring higher and higher with ease and clear intent. What creates the difference between the two? It’s simple, the ability to ask for help. Learning to ask for help is an area of discomfort for many. Most have erroneously been taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness or a sign of ignorance. This approach is sheer folly and unfortunately those who ascribe to the, “I know it all or I do not like to burden others approach” tend to learn the hard way. One main benefit to asking for help is that your business will grow at a quicker rate than if you don’t. Those who do not ask for help tend to get stuck or trapped in unknown situations. Conversely, those who are adept at asking for help are able to bypass problems in a savvy way, thus meeting objectives and achieving their goals.
Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle which constantly involves being vulnerable. It is important to not allow your ego to get in the way of your success. When others offer help take it and when you need help, ask for it. Some are also afraid to ask for help because they think they will be rejected. This could be further from the truth, there are many people out there willing to help but if you don’t ask, they will never know that you are in need. Number 3 in the Ten Steps to Flight says know your weaknesses.’ Knowing your weaknesses helps you to identify your gaps and understand your needs. Once you have done this you will have a clear understanding of what specifically you need help with. Help should be seen as a premium, it is special because as an entrepreneur you will constantly need to learn new things and will be faced with many challenges. Help is what will be your aid so that you can tackle all of the above. Help comes in different forms and can be used in varied ways. Along your entrepreneurial journey help may come from parents or other family members, friends, fellow entrepreneurs, established business leaders and/or multiple networks of people who are in the know.
Being independent is a source of pride for many entrepreneurs, but we know without a shadow of a doubt that no one achieves anything on their own. Along the path to success, there will be many people, who will open doors for you, point you in a right direction and/or place you in good stead so that you can create an opportunity. Bright ideas are excellent but it requires a team of people to take it from concept to market. In the Nest, we are fortunate to have a sea of help. Every month our membership allows members to connect, collaborate and grow with highly regarded members in the business community, fellow entrepreneurs and gain insight from the happy Bird Enhancers. This is an entire community of help, so that our members can glide majestically through the sky. Until next time, share your secrets and share your success and remember to always ask for help.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Avian Veterinarian
“The foundation of success in life is good health. That is the substratum fortune; it is also the basis of happiness. A person cannot accumulate a fortune very well when (s)he is sick.” The words of P.T. Barnum. A very wise businessman and circus king (think Barnum and Bailey circus). Building a business from scratch is 100% hard. There is a reason why very few people pursue it. One main reason being that it consumes your life. It eats away at your existence, nonetheless we do it. We do it because we have a dream. We believe Langston Hughes when he says, “Hold fast to dreams for if dreams go, life is a barren field frozen with snow. Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.”
You are a Rare Bird, you were born to fly.In all our eagerness to fly we at times neglect many things along the way: romantic relationships, personal friendships and more importantly our health. So many of us #FemaleFounders have suffered from burnout, will suffer from burnout or are suffering from it as I type. We have irregular sleeping habits, we drink an excessive amount of coffee, smoke too many cigarettes and at times drink copious amounts of alcohol. We don’t pay attention when our hair starts falling out, when our hormones go out of whack or when our bodies ache. We are so driven that we easily neglect that which we need the most to survive: our health. I love that we are so hard working. I love that we are motivated to succeed. I appreciate a woman who rises early, hits the ground running and keeps at it. She is #fierce she is on a mission, she has this “thing,” she has found her true calling. She is the woman we converse with, share ideas with, she is the woman, in our Nest.
We must break this cycle of unhealthy habits, which slowly erode our health. Somehow along the way, we have lost our path. Yes, we do have to work considerably hard but not at the cost of our health. Setting aside family and friends, we have nothing if we have poor health. We are building great businesses’ but cannot enjoy them because we are ill or continuing on a trail that will make us ill. So, here is what I suggest we do, let’s put our health first. We must take the avian pledge: “I will nurture my mind, body, emotional and spiritual health. I will put me first above and beyond anything else. I will honour my body, it is a gift, which I was blessed with and I will not disturb its greatness.” Mental health, physical health, spiritual health and emotional health all need to be working in tandem to pursue this mission: flight. Today’s blog post will focus on the physical aspects of our health.
Physical Health
Exercise has been proven to be beneficial to our overall health. We know it boosts our mood, energy levels and self esteem. It reduces the risk of major diseases, helps fight depression, and a host of other ailments. Exercise also make us more creative and as entrepreneurs our ability to inject creativity into our ventures leads to more and more success. We are happy with our bodies, in all shapes and sizes, so we do not exercise to fit a mould, we exercise to stay healthy for ourselves, our family, friends and businesses.’
Nourishment is vital for our health. In this age of foodie-ville we really have no excuse for not eating well. At any minute we can download an app, tap into a blog or hit up IG to find some healthy recipes on the cheap to suit any diet. We need to make time to nourish our bodies. Drinking water to stay hydrated, reducing coffee intake and taking everything in moderation.
Body functions are something we need to pay attention to as well. Our bodies tell us everything we need to know (it is just that perfect). Those headaches, stomach aches, constant urination, lack there of bowel movements, dry skin, hair loss, period problems, uncontrollable sweating, loss of appetitie, low libido, strange body odour, our vagina troubles (yes darling) and much, much more. These are all signs that something just isn’t right. Bodily Inspections are crucial too, that new mole, that lump which looks circumspect or hurts or that sudden outbreak? What’s that about?!
TeamHealth are our champions and go to for all things health. Like all else in life, we need a team. All Birds need a team to live the dream. Our health team can consist of a myriad of individuals: doctors, nurses, health coaches, massage therapists, acupuncturists, alternative health specialists, our mothers (they always seem to know things, these mothers) and whoever else we have or believe we can entrust our well beings too. Ultimately no one knows our bodies better than we do, however with the help of a trusted team of advisors, they can help us maintain our healthy, so we can be positive and happy to continue building our businesses.’
Sleep, sleep and more sleep. Sometimes it is that one thing we need to feel brand new. Isn’t it strange how we sit at our laptops all day with no inspiration, then suddenly at night we have a burst of energy and can’t seem to fall asleep because we are working away? Lark, owl or hummingbird, we all need to get enough sleep so we can concentrate better, look better, have better memory and be able to make informed decisions that affect our businesses’ in a beneficial way. Let’s change the conversation, how about we start being embarrassed at saying we have only had 4 hours sleep and instead be proud and braggadocio about the fact that we rack up 8 hours regularly?
Birds have a plan, because that is what we do, we plan! A few years from now when our businesses’ are exactly where we want them to be we want to be able to get pleasure from them, revel in them, take pride in them, be awed by them! What is the point of going along on this journey of a lifetime, to end up rich in wealth but poor in health? Let’s all choose health. I choose health, do you? Share your secrets and share your success on things you do to maintain your physical health. See you in the Nest.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
You are a Rare Bird, you were born to fly.In all our eagerness to fly we at times neglect many things along the way: romantic relationships, personal friendships and more importantly our health. So many of us #FemaleFounders have suffered from burnout, will suffer from burnout or are suffering from it as I type. We have irregular sleeping habits, we drink an excessive amount of coffee, smoke too many cigarettes and at times drink copious amounts of alcohol. We don’t pay attention when our hair starts falling out, when our hormones go out of whack or when our bodies ache. We are so driven that we easily neglect that which we need the most to survive: our health. I love that we are so hard working. I love that we are motivated to succeed. I appreciate a woman who rises early, hits the ground running and keeps at it. She is #fierce she is on a mission, she has this “thing,” she has found her true calling. She is the woman we converse with, share ideas with, she is the woman, in our Nest.
We must break this cycle of unhealthy habits, which slowly erode our health. Somehow along the way, we have lost our path. Yes, we do have to work considerably hard but not at the cost of our health. Setting aside family and friends, we have nothing if we have poor health. We are building great businesses’ but cannot enjoy them because we are ill or continuing on a trail that will make us ill. So, here is what I suggest we do, let’s put our health first. We must take the avian pledge: “I will nurture my mind, body, emotional and spiritual health. I will put me first above and beyond anything else. I will honour my body, it is a gift, which I was blessed with and I will not disturb its greatness.” Mental health, physical health, spiritual health and emotional health all need to be working in tandem to pursue this mission: flight. Today’s blog post will focus on the physical aspects of our health.
Physical Health
Exercise has been proven to be beneficial to our overall health. We know it boosts our mood, energy levels and self esteem. It reduces the risk of major diseases, helps fight depression, and a host of other ailments. Exercise also make us more creative and as entrepreneurs our ability to inject creativity into our ventures leads to more and more success. We are happy with our bodies, in all shapes and sizes, so we do not exercise to fit a mould, we exercise to stay healthy for ourselves, our family, friends and businesses.’
Nourishment is vital for our health. In this age of foodie-ville we really have no excuse for not eating well. At any minute we can download an app, tap into a blog or hit up IG to find some healthy recipes on the cheap to suit any diet. We need to make time to nourish our bodies. Drinking water to stay hydrated, reducing coffee intake and taking everything in moderation.
Body functions are something we need to pay attention to as well. Our bodies tell us everything we need to know (it is just that perfect). Those headaches, stomach aches, constant urination, lack there of bowel movements, dry skin, hair loss, period problems, uncontrollable sweating, loss of appetitie, low libido, strange body odour, our vagina troubles (yes darling) and much, much more. These are all signs that something just isn’t right. Bodily Inspections are crucial too, that new mole, that lump which looks circumspect or hurts or that sudden outbreak? What’s that about?!
TeamHealth are our champions and go to for all things health. Like all else in life, we need a team. All Birds need a team to live the dream. Our health team can consist of a myriad of individuals: doctors, nurses, health coaches, massage therapists, acupuncturists, alternative health specialists, our mothers (they always seem to know things, these mothers) and whoever else we have or believe we can entrust our well beings too. Ultimately no one knows our bodies better than we do, however with the help of a trusted team of advisors, they can help us maintain our healthy, so we can be positive and happy to continue building our businesses.’
Sleep, sleep and more sleep. Sometimes it is that one thing we need to feel brand new. Isn’t it strange how we sit at our laptops all day with no inspiration, then suddenly at night we have a burst of energy and can’t seem to fall asleep because we are working away? Lark, owl or hummingbird, we all need to get enough sleep so we can concentrate better, look better, have better memory and be able to make informed decisions that affect our businesses’ in a beneficial way. Let’s change the conversation, how about we start being embarrassed at saying we have only had 4 hours sleep and instead be proud and braggadocio about the fact that we rack up 8 hours regularly?
Birds have a plan, because that is what we do, we plan! A few years from now when our businesses’ are exactly where we want them to be we want to be able to get pleasure from them, revel in them, take pride in them, be awed by them! What is the point of going along on this journey of a lifetime, to end up rich in wealth but poor in health? Let’s all choose health. I choose health, do you? Share your secrets and share your success on things you do to maintain your physical health. See you in the Nest.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Peacock Disruptors
Disruption, you know it very well. You are a disruptor, you live to push against the status quo. Your desire is to propel the world forward, make it better and send the dinosaurs running (#fierce). As an entrepreneur you have been following the disruption for years. Technology in particular has disrupted banking, hospitality and tourism, health, manufacturing and many more. As a matter of fact your business model is disruptive, it’s blowing things up. You are flying, business is starting to come in, folks are calling and life is terribly exciting. Your air is exhilaratingly fresh, it fills up your lungs and you’re feeling invincible. At this pace, goodness knows what will come next. Press Pause. Enter the peacocks, these opulent male Birds, with their magnificent feathers. Shimmery, decorated and bright, they present themselves at every opportunity. In typical peacock fashion they are pulling out all the stops to get your attention (rare Bird problems). You begin to wonder where on earth are these ostentatious pheasants coming from.
You see my darling, now that you have mastered the ten steps to flight, not only do customers, competitors and stakeholders take note, the peacocks start doing the same. Now, these aren’t your average Birds (#nothanks). These men are our equivalent, they are rare, and they too have created their own nests (forward moving, of course). These Birds are the perfect gentlemen, they are faithful, honest, filled with integrity, mature, self confident and most importantly favour our entrepreneurial noose. They disrupt flow in all the right directions. As time passes, you are becoming more aware of their disruptive ways.
He wears your brand
#FemaleFounder is his favourite hashgtag. He finds ways to contribute, he is your audience and cheers for your content. He understands your story, he thinks your narrative is strong, clear and consistent. His support for your brand is unwavering, always standing by your side.
He acknowledges you are the #bosslady
He adores your role as the #bosslady. Your accomplishments make him smile. He plays up your victories, whether new clients or new ideas. He is attracted to your high standards. Your ambition complements his ambition. He brings his security to the table, no need for constant validation. His self esteem is high, therefore his desire is not to be needed by you but to be acknowledged and appreciated by you (amazing).
He celebrates your success and your failures
He’s always enthusiastic and keen to hear what’s new. You tell him you just landed something big and he wants to celebrate (cake, flowers, champagne, he’s on it). You tell him your failures and he listens in earnest. He knows you are always you despite any success or failure. He appreciates the woman you are at the core. He is emotionally adept at clocking in when necessary and holding back when required.
He likes that you hustle
He gets the vision and understands you are on a journey. He knows this is your true calling because it’s his too. He likes that you have a plan with defined goals. He is on a similar path because he is hustling too. He dreams big and he’s making it happen.
You are enjoying the peacock disruption (blushing). Like any good entrepreneur you embrace it (giggling). Learning and growing together. It is a perfect storm of innovation and creativity. His IQ and your EQ, together you attract super Q! The relationship climate is good. You think the unthinkable. Your ideas create surplus. You have both tapped into founders paradise, filling gaps, and forging ahead with your revolutions. It’s a mindset that he sees in you and you in him. When two Birds find each other, together in pairs, they soar the skies. Share your secrets and share your success with your peacock disruptor. See you in the Nest.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
You see my darling, now that you have mastered the ten steps to flight, not only do customers, competitors and stakeholders take note, the peacocks start doing the same. Now, these aren’t your average Birds (#nothanks). These men are our equivalent, they are rare, and they too have created their own nests (forward moving, of course). These Birds are the perfect gentlemen, they are faithful, honest, filled with integrity, mature, self confident and most importantly favour our entrepreneurial noose. They disrupt flow in all the right directions. As time passes, you are becoming more aware of their disruptive ways.
He wears your brand
#FemaleFounder is his favourite hashgtag. He finds ways to contribute, he is your audience and cheers for your content. He understands your story, he thinks your narrative is strong, clear and consistent. His support for your brand is unwavering, always standing by your side.
He acknowledges you are the #bosslady
He adores your role as the #bosslady. Your accomplishments make him smile. He plays up your victories, whether new clients or new ideas. He is attracted to your high standards. Your ambition complements his ambition. He brings his security to the table, no need for constant validation. His self esteem is high, therefore his desire is not to be needed by you but to be acknowledged and appreciated by you (amazing).
He celebrates your success and your failures
He’s always enthusiastic and keen to hear what’s new. You tell him you just landed something big and he wants to celebrate (cake, flowers, champagne, he’s on it). You tell him your failures and he listens in earnest. He knows you are always you despite any success or failure. He appreciates the woman you are at the core. He is emotionally adept at clocking in when necessary and holding back when required.
He likes that you hustle
He gets the vision and understands you are on a journey. He knows this is your true calling because it’s his too. He likes that you have a plan with defined goals. He is on a similar path because he is hustling too. He dreams big and he’s making it happen.
You are enjoying the peacock disruption (blushing). Like any good entrepreneur you embrace it (giggling). Learning and growing together. It is a perfect storm of innovation and creativity. His IQ and your EQ, together you attract super Q! The relationship climate is good. You think the unthinkable. Your ideas create surplus. You have both tapped into founders paradise, filling gaps, and forging ahead with your revolutions. It’s a mindset that he sees in you and you in him. When two Birds find each other, together in pairs, they soar the skies. Share your secrets and share your success with your peacock disruptor. See you in the Nest.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
One Bird Two Wings
Every bird has two wings, but unfortunately, some birds are flying around with a bruised, crippled or under-functioning wing. Flying in such a condition is not only inefficient but it’s unnecessary. How do we know that our wings are in this most awful state? Our reality, is just that, until someone shows us differently, we can’t be blamed or can we? If you are flying abnormally the Nest is here to help. The London Nest needed inspiration like no other so we brought Tesla with us. Like Tesla, we believe in the super efficient flying machine. Many said Tesla was a man out of his time. Our #FemaleFounder community is cutting edge and futuristic moving forward in a direction, like no other, beyond our time. Telsa planned on transporting bodies through air with his flying machine. We plan and will equip our Birds with the fuel to ensure both wings are fully functional. Birds need a plan so to begin here are the ten steps to flight.
1: Know who you are and know what you want.
You are lost and confused and feel a sense of hopelessness. You work at a job you hate, your colleagues are very bitter and you are slowly transforming that way too. You are in a bad relationship or maybe you need to take a hold of your health. There are many obstacles and things holding you back, is there a better life? Yes, darling, there is more, much more and you are missing out. You need some values, tell me what are you about? What do you dream about and can’t live without? What do you stand for? Do you believe in something bigger than you? I want you to get some values and start thinking deeply about who you are and what your legacy will be when you leave this earth. Look in the mirror and ask yourself this question everyday: Who am I?
2. Be an incurable optimist
You visited the doctor and she said you are very ill, your illness is terminal. Your disease is optimism and it will kill you with happiness. Optimism is good fluid, think of it as the one thing your wing needs to soar. It is one of the main drivers behind your flight. You can’t fly if you are negative.Rare Birds, fly when they are positive. Change your habits, embrace your emotions, be grateful for all you have and start thinking about your unique talents and how you can share them with the world. Write down your dreams, affirm them and think about them all the time. More importantly, remember that NO means next opportunity. All of those situations and experiences which seemed negative are actually lessons. Make sure you pay attention, lots of learning involved in this flight. It is all about a Life of Pi.
3. Know your weaknesses’
You have many strengths and equally many weaknesses.’ Weaknesses are a great problem to have because once identified we can do something about them. List them all out, understand them, study them and then seek out individuals who can help you in these areas. No Bird flies on her own, she needs a team, lots of help and people to build her up, so she can be stellar. Go be stellar with your tribe.
4. Find your tribe and create tribes
Tribalism is in, it never left, actually. You need to find your people, seek out those who think like you, share your passions and want to fly. The planet is populated by 7.1 billion people. Digest that for a minute. Do you really think there are people out there you can’t connect with, who you can grow and share with? Darling, they are everywhere, go find them. Then start your own tribe because you have so many interesting things to say and do that you can’t help yourself. People to see, places to go and things to do. Girl go!
5. Believe in yourself
Your self esteem is low, you are not confident and you figure you’ll just hide and wait for someone to come along and do for you, what you should do for yourself. If you do not believe in you, no one will. Stop over analyzing, stop over-thinking and stop worrying about what other people think. Tell me what you think about yourself. You weren’t born to suffer, you were born with a destiny. Step 1 is closely connected to self belief. When you know who you are and what you want it is very easy to believe in yourself because you know you will achieve.
6. Give
It is important that you give of yourself, time and resources. No Bird has ever flied by being selfish. It is really easy to get caught up when you live in societies that say you must be ruthless in order to attain success. Success is a shared effort. Repeat the Bird motto: Share your secrets, share your success. Give without expecting anything in return. Give because you want to help. Give because it makes you feel good. Give because it is the right thing to do.
7. Let go
That guy who broke your heart, that evil boss, that once-upon-a-time girlfriend that stabbed you in the back. The opportunity that never came along, that life you wish you could have, should have, been. If only maybe I had said this or done that. No darling, let it go. Toxic Birds don’t fly. Let it go to meditation, let it go to Jesus, let it go to Buddha, let it go to the ocean, let it go in that new kick boxing class. You need to let it go so that you can fly. You have one destination: Sky!
8. Focus
If you want to get to your rightful place at the top, you need to focus. Pick one thing and follow it through, relentlessly. Your energy and time should be directed at this one thing: your idea. You must eat, breathe and sleep the dream. It sounds intense because that’s what happens when passion is aligned with purpose, it creates focus. A focused Bird is a serious Bird. Your brain, body, heart and entire spirit must be so wrapped up in this idea that all else will fall aside.
9. Fierce Up
Fierce isn’t about aggression or having a chip. Fierce is about boundaries. It is important that on this journey you create a healthy space for yourself. Ensure that others know what you will and wont’ tolerate (this is connected to Step 1). It is not OK for others to walk all over you and it is surely not OK for you to be that person that always says yes. You say yes to things and people you do not care about because you are afraid of being judged. Accept that not everyone will like you and not everyone will agree with you. Reverting back to the human population, there are 7.1 billion people and a few have decided that they do not share your views. And so what? You have found your tribe (Step 4) so the opinions of others are of no concern to you. You are fierce and fierce Birds fly!
10. Keep Going
You will not stop, you will find a way. You will adjust, you will make changes. The journey is long but you are prepared to stay the course. You will keep going knowing that the destination is within reach. You have come this far, taken on all 9 steps, you are there in the sky, you just need to hold on, so keep going, you are bound to fly high, high, high!
Nikola Telsa: “The practical success of the idea, regardless of its inherent advantages depends on the attitude of the people. If it suits the time it is accepted.” They said he was insane, they will say that about you too. They said he was a maniac, they will say that about you too. Today planets, awards and major automobile companies bear his name. Will you pursue your idea? Every Bird has two wings, but you choose to fly with one. Share your secrets and share your success within our community of Birds who are ready to fly.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
1: Know who you are and know what you want.
You are lost and confused and feel a sense of hopelessness. You work at a job you hate, your colleagues are very bitter and you are slowly transforming that way too. You are in a bad relationship or maybe you need to take a hold of your health. There are many obstacles and things holding you back, is there a better life? Yes, darling, there is more, much more and you are missing out. You need some values, tell me what are you about? What do you dream about and can’t live without? What do you stand for? Do you believe in something bigger than you? I want you to get some values and start thinking deeply about who you are and what your legacy will be when you leave this earth. Look in the mirror and ask yourself this question everyday: Who am I?
2. Be an incurable optimist
You visited the doctor and she said you are very ill, your illness is terminal. Your disease is optimism and it will kill you with happiness. Optimism is good fluid, think of it as the one thing your wing needs to soar. It is one of the main drivers behind your flight. You can’t fly if you are negative.Rare Birds, fly when they are positive. Change your habits, embrace your emotions, be grateful for all you have and start thinking about your unique talents and how you can share them with the world. Write down your dreams, affirm them and think about them all the time. More importantly, remember that NO means next opportunity. All of those situations and experiences which seemed negative are actually lessons. Make sure you pay attention, lots of learning involved in this flight. It is all about a Life of Pi.
3. Know your weaknesses’
You have many strengths and equally many weaknesses.’ Weaknesses are a great problem to have because once identified we can do something about them. List them all out, understand them, study them and then seek out individuals who can help you in these areas. No Bird flies on her own, she needs a team, lots of help and people to build her up, so she can be stellar. Go be stellar with your tribe.
4. Find your tribe and create tribes
Tribalism is in, it never left, actually. You need to find your people, seek out those who think like you, share your passions and want to fly. The planet is populated by 7.1 billion people. Digest that for a minute. Do you really think there are people out there you can’t connect with, who you can grow and share with? Darling, they are everywhere, go find them. Then start your own tribe because you have so many interesting things to say and do that you can’t help yourself. People to see, places to go and things to do. Girl go!
5. Believe in yourself
Your self esteem is low, you are not confident and you figure you’ll just hide and wait for someone to come along and do for you, what you should do for yourself. If you do not believe in you, no one will. Stop over analyzing, stop over-thinking and stop worrying about what other people think. Tell me what you think about yourself. You weren’t born to suffer, you were born with a destiny. Step 1 is closely connected to self belief. When you know who you are and what you want it is very easy to believe in yourself because you know you will achieve.
6. Give
It is important that you give of yourself, time and resources. No Bird has ever flied by being selfish. It is really easy to get caught up when you live in societies that say you must be ruthless in order to attain success. Success is a shared effort. Repeat the Bird motto: Share your secrets, share your success. Give without expecting anything in return. Give because you want to help. Give because it makes you feel good. Give because it is the right thing to do.
7. Let go
That guy who broke your heart, that evil boss, that once-upon-a-time girlfriend that stabbed you in the back. The opportunity that never came along, that life you wish you could have, should have, been. If only maybe I had said this or done that. No darling, let it go. Toxic Birds don’t fly. Let it go to meditation, let it go to Jesus, let it go to Buddha, let it go to the ocean, let it go in that new kick boxing class. You need to let it go so that you can fly. You have one destination: Sky!
8. Focus
If you want to get to your rightful place at the top, you need to focus. Pick one thing and follow it through, relentlessly. Your energy and time should be directed at this one thing: your idea. You must eat, breathe and sleep the dream. It sounds intense because that’s what happens when passion is aligned with purpose, it creates focus. A focused Bird is a serious Bird. Your brain, body, heart and entire spirit must be so wrapped up in this idea that all else will fall aside.
9. Fierce Up
Fierce isn’t about aggression or having a chip. Fierce is about boundaries. It is important that on this journey you create a healthy space for yourself. Ensure that others know what you will and wont’ tolerate (this is connected to Step 1). It is not OK for others to walk all over you and it is surely not OK for you to be that person that always says yes. You say yes to things and people you do not care about because you are afraid of being judged. Accept that not everyone will like you and not everyone will agree with you. Reverting back to the human population, there are 7.1 billion people and a few have decided that they do not share your views. And so what? You have found your tribe (Step 4) so the opinions of others are of no concern to you. You are fierce and fierce Birds fly!
10. Keep Going
You will not stop, you will find a way. You will adjust, you will make changes. The journey is long but you are prepared to stay the course. You will keep going knowing that the destination is within reach. You have come this far, taken on all 9 steps, you are there in the sky, you just need to hold on, so keep going, you are bound to fly high, high, high!
Nikola Telsa: “The practical success of the idea, regardless of its inherent advantages depends on the attitude of the people. If it suits the time it is accepted.” They said he was insane, they will say that about you too. They said he was a maniac, they will say that about you too. Today planets, awards and major automobile companies bear his name. Will you pursue your idea? Every Bird has two wings, but you choose to fly with one. Share your secrets and share your success within our community of Birds who are ready to fly.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Rare Birds
Rare Birds are often misunderstood, particularly as they are surrounded by people they have little or absolutely nothing in common with. This is why it is of the utmost importance that all Rare Birds find their tribe. Every entrepreneur has their tribe or kinsfolk. Your tribe understands you, your tribe knows what you want to say even before you say it. The tribe gets your way of being. It is hard to find your tribe and it is something we all struggle with, that yearning to be accepted. So many of us entrepreneurs have always been slightly odd and knew we never really fit but we played along anyway. The play along thing is unsatisfying and usually leads to a sense of uneasiness though, so let’s all quit playing and be honest with ourselves.
So on to the importance of this piece, how do you find your tribe? Firstly in order to find your tribe you have to be able to identify those who are not in your tribe. Your tribe will engage you, they will help you and they will always be positive and reassuring. I have learned over the years that unfortunately not many people have found their calling or purpose and this can result in an internal struggle, fortunately not for you but for them. When interacting with such individuals you will often hear things like:
“You are so enthusiastic!”
“Are you always like this?”
“Oh I am so impressed, did you do that on your own?”
“You are actually really good at this aren’t you?.”
And these are just mild examples, it gets worse. Now darling, don’t be fooled, these may seem like compliments and perhaps in a backhanded slap kind of way they are but here is the honest truth (you know I always speak the truth) these people are not your kinsfolk. How do you feel after meeting someone and being in discussion with them about something you are passionate about and receiving one of those responses above? It does not feel good does it? So ultimately it boils down to feelings and preservation of your feelings.
Now that you have an idea of the importance of feelings in finding your tribe the next most important element is discernment. Not everyone will share your passion for life and things in general. Not everyone will be interested in hearing your dreams. There are nasty people out there but if you are discerning you can avoid them. Set healthy boundaries and understand that those who constantly judge, dish out sarcastic comments and randomly appear when things are going well for you are not your tribe. Wish these people well and keep your train moving. Remember time is a precious commodity and so is energy. Why waste your precious energy on people who are not in your tribe?
When you meet someone who is as excited about things that you are you know you have found a gem. These precious stones are rare like you, they are your tribe. Don’t hesitate to let these folks know, how you feel about them because they are more than likely struggling to be accepted and understood just like you. Then together you can speak truth to power with brevity and without hesitation.
One of my favourite Birds is Iris Afpel. She is a Rare Bird in fashion and in the world of sameness, she stands out not for her glaring outfits but for her views on life. She has an opinion on any subject matter and she is the least bit concerned with others think. Often ending her statements with a quick #whatever! She is a member of my tribe. No, I do not know her but do I need too? No I have never met her other than through documentaries and books but do I need too? All her words make me feel good and I knew if I met her we would hit it off. We would both wear our gigantic shades, loud statement jewellery pieces and approach the day with passion and zeal. I will leave you with one of my favourite Iris quotes, “ I don’t have any rules because I will be only wasting them, so it’s a waste of time.” That said, go out into the world and find your tribe so you can share your secrets and your success. See you in the Nest.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
So on to the importance of this piece, how do you find your tribe? Firstly in order to find your tribe you have to be able to identify those who are not in your tribe. Your tribe will engage you, they will help you and they will always be positive and reassuring. I have learned over the years that unfortunately not many people have found their calling or purpose and this can result in an internal struggle, fortunately not for you but for them. When interacting with such individuals you will often hear things like:
“You are so enthusiastic!”
“Are you always like this?”
“Oh I am so impressed, did you do that on your own?”
“You are actually really good at this aren’t you?.”
And these are just mild examples, it gets worse. Now darling, don’t be fooled, these may seem like compliments and perhaps in a backhanded slap kind of way they are but here is the honest truth (you know I always speak the truth) these people are not your kinsfolk. How do you feel after meeting someone and being in discussion with them about something you are passionate about and receiving one of those responses above? It does not feel good does it? So ultimately it boils down to feelings and preservation of your feelings.
Now that you have an idea of the importance of feelings in finding your tribe the next most important element is discernment. Not everyone will share your passion for life and things in general. Not everyone will be interested in hearing your dreams. There are nasty people out there but if you are discerning you can avoid them. Set healthy boundaries and understand that those who constantly judge, dish out sarcastic comments and randomly appear when things are going well for you are not your tribe. Wish these people well and keep your train moving. Remember time is a precious commodity and so is energy. Why waste your precious energy on people who are not in your tribe?
When you meet someone who is as excited about things that you are you know you have found a gem. These precious stones are rare like you, they are your tribe. Don’t hesitate to let these folks know, how you feel about them because they are more than likely struggling to be accepted and understood just like you. Then together you can speak truth to power with brevity and without hesitation.
One of my favourite Birds is Iris Afpel. She is a Rare Bird in fashion and in the world of sameness, she stands out not for her glaring outfits but for her views on life. She has an opinion on any subject matter and she is the least bit concerned with others think. Often ending her statements with a quick #whatever! She is a member of my tribe. No, I do not know her but do I need too? No I have never met her other than through documentaries and books but do I need too? All her words make me feel good and I knew if I met her we would hit it off. We would both wear our gigantic shades, loud statement jewellery pieces and approach the day with passion and zeal. I will leave you with one of my favourite Iris quotes, “ I don’t have any rules because I will be only wasting them, so it’s a waste of time.” That said, go out into the world and find your tribe so you can share your secrets and your success. See you in the Nest.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
A Life of Pi
Does Pi define our destiny? Yes, it does because your brain architecture is a force. If you plan, design and oversee the construction of building your positivity tank, you are guaranteed excellence! Daniel Goleman’s popular book Emotional Intelligence was a great argument for emotions. This piece is an argument for positivity. Positive Intelligence is the ability to be an incurable and shameless optimist. This is by far one of the hardest things you will ever learn in life. It is a struggle and it entails work. It is work that will stretch you in many ways and all at once. Most of us are taught to conform to the norms of the society and culture we operate in. We are told that to survive is to get on and be like the others. If we step outside this realm we are quickly deemed outsiders, unruly with no focus. Luckily, this blog is for those Birds who have decided that they are content with being outcasts.
Planning, designing and overseeing your Pi is not a daily task but a minute by minute operation. Each thought, creates a feeling and then an action which gets closer and closer to the delivery point. Your brain is the program and you are its manager, so you have the power to oversee this massive once-in-a-lifetime project. There will be heartbreaks, broken promises, lies, torments, health issues, part time jobs, emotional havoc and host of other things but no matter the circumstance, it is imperative that you keep going with this relentless positivity, filling up your tank on a constant basis with healthy images and thoughts to get you closer and closer to where you want to be.
Our brain is programmed to err on the side of caution, therefore negativity comes naturally. It is the brain’s way of protecting us from all the evil which exists in the world. Thank you fantastic Brain! There is one little problem with this though, some of this is based on experience and if we have had lots of negative experiences, we somehow think the whole world is out to get us. No one is really that important, so sorry girl (your paranoia is starting to worry me) you can’t use that excuse. If however, you identify the negative, counteract it with a positive you can and will retrain the brain to be a positive streak. Being positive does not mean you do not have problems, it just means you choose to approach solving your problems in a positive way. Every time you are in a situation where you start to get that negative feeling, counteract it with Pi. Here are a few examples of it in action.
Example 1:
Negative Brain: I am not sure I can do this today.
P.I. in Action: I can and will do this today because I get things done, obviously!
Example 2:
Negative Brain: I saw X at the event, I have been trying to speak to him for so long, I hope he does not ignore me.
P.I. in Action: I saw X at the event, I walked over introduced myself, gave him my details and then kept on moving because I had other people to see.
Example 3:
Negative Brain: I had a meeting with X and she was so dismissive, I left feeling really bad.
P.I. in Action: I had a meeting with X she is not someone that I am interested in doing business with as we do not share the same values. I am however, happy that we met and I was able to learn more about her and her work.
Example 4:
Negative Brain: I have no money, how will I continue to support this venture, I am such a failure (pulling hair out).
P.I. in Action: I am so good at what I do, I will create my own opportunity because come hell or high water this will happen.
Birds, this uprising requires Pi to resist those forces which aim to drag down our entrepreneurial spirits. Plan, design and oversee your Pi with a clear purpose. Be the brain architect managing every negative thought. Unlike the book, this isn’t a fantasy, if you however choose to stay positive you may just sell 10 million copies worldwide and win several prizes too. Think. About. It. Until next time share your secrets and share your success with your fellow Birds to maintain your Pi.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Planning, designing and overseeing your Pi is not a daily task but a minute by minute operation. Each thought, creates a feeling and then an action which gets closer and closer to the delivery point. Your brain is the program and you are its manager, so you have the power to oversee this massive once-in-a-lifetime project. There will be heartbreaks, broken promises, lies, torments, health issues, part time jobs, emotional havoc and host of other things but no matter the circumstance, it is imperative that you keep going with this relentless positivity, filling up your tank on a constant basis with healthy images and thoughts to get you closer and closer to where you want to be.
Our brain is programmed to err on the side of caution, therefore negativity comes naturally. It is the brain’s way of protecting us from all the evil which exists in the world. Thank you fantastic Brain! There is one little problem with this though, some of this is based on experience and if we have had lots of negative experiences, we somehow think the whole world is out to get us. No one is really that important, so sorry girl (your paranoia is starting to worry me) you can’t use that excuse. If however, you identify the negative, counteract it with a positive you can and will retrain the brain to be a positive streak. Being positive does not mean you do not have problems, it just means you choose to approach solving your problems in a positive way. Every time you are in a situation where you start to get that negative feeling, counteract it with Pi. Here are a few examples of it in action.
Example 1:
Negative Brain: I am not sure I can do this today.
P.I. in Action: I can and will do this today because I get things done, obviously!
Example 2:
Negative Brain: I saw X at the event, I have been trying to speak to him for so long, I hope he does not ignore me.
P.I. in Action: I saw X at the event, I walked over introduced myself, gave him my details and then kept on moving because I had other people to see.
Example 3:
Negative Brain: I had a meeting with X and she was so dismissive, I left feeling really bad.
P.I. in Action: I had a meeting with X she is not someone that I am interested in doing business with as we do not share the same values. I am however, happy that we met and I was able to learn more about her and her work.
Example 4:
Negative Brain: I have no money, how will I continue to support this venture, I am such a failure (pulling hair out).
P.I. in Action: I am so good at what I do, I will create my own opportunity because come hell or high water this will happen.
Birds, this uprising requires Pi to resist those forces which aim to drag down our entrepreneurial spirits. Plan, design and oversee your Pi with a clear purpose. Be the brain architect managing every negative thought. Unlike the book, this isn’t a fantasy, if you however choose to stay positive you may just sell 10 million copies worldwide and win several prizes too. Think. About. It. Until next time share your secrets and share your success with your fellow Birds to maintain your Pi.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
350 Varieties
The Nest consists of a variety of Birds, they range in size, shape and hue, each bringing their own individuality and special quality to our community. When it comes to sales in the Nest we are all parrots, known for our popularity, intelligence, being vividly colourful and adaptable in any environment. There are over 350 parrot species, each possessing their own unique style and personality and representing a different approach to selling. Let me introduce you to two of my favourite parrots in particular: Myra Macaw and Ariel Amazon. Both are out to feed the hunger in the Nest. They always ensure we eat in abundance.
Myra Macaw focuses on her customer, in her view, their needs and wants far supersedes anything else. She brings a strategic approach to every “transaction” seeing it as an ability to grow alongside her customer. She likes planting seeds and watching them grow. She really gets into the research, and also spends a lot of time on the phone and in meetings. She invests for the long term, managing and growing; her “thing” is quality.
Ariel Amazon is focused on increasing sales and always has her pipeline in mind. She is keen to get in on that next “transaction.” She hones in with precision, she provides the solution and closes the deal. Her ideal customer are those who are ready to pick ripe fruit. She is driven by the immediate satisfaction of new business and her “thing” is quantity.
It is easy to note the differences between Myra Macaw and Ariel Amazon but instead I draw your attention to the the similarities. They both take initiative by being alert, responsive and proactive. They are both highly competent at relationships, whether initiating or maintaining them. Despite being independent, they are adept at collaboration, recognising the need to work together to make progress on the sales court. They are both fierce networkers, constantly meeting and interacting with people. They are efficient at gaining loyalty because they understand that with sales if customers trust them, they will keep coming back.
When both of these Birds are out together they are balanced and compliment each other very well. Myra Macaw knows how to keep her customer happy but she also knows how to spot a good fruit. Ariel Amazon is good at closing the deal but she also knows how to maintain a relationship. They learn from each other, grow together and achieve goals together in our Nest. So, now that you’ve met Myra Macaw and Ariel Amazon that leaves 348 more varieties to go. Multiply this by the amount of people you can help, learn from, have great conversations with and you’ve just tapped into a very hearty meal. As you sit highly perched don’t forget to share your secrets and share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Myra Macaw focuses on her customer, in her view, their needs and wants far supersedes anything else. She brings a strategic approach to every “transaction” seeing it as an ability to grow alongside her customer. She likes planting seeds and watching them grow. She really gets into the research, and also spends a lot of time on the phone and in meetings. She invests for the long term, managing and growing; her “thing” is quality.
Ariel Amazon is focused on increasing sales and always has her pipeline in mind. She is keen to get in on that next “transaction.” She hones in with precision, she provides the solution and closes the deal. Her ideal customer are those who are ready to pick ripe fruit. She is driven by the immediate satisfaction of new business and her “thing” is quantity.
It is easy to note the differences between Myra Macaw and Ariel Amazon but instead I draw your attention to the the similarities. They both take initiative by being alert, responsive and proactive. They are both highly competent at relationships, whether initiating or maintaining them. Despite being independent, they are adept at collaboration, recognising the need to work together to make progress on the sales court. They are both fierce networkers, constantly meeting and interacting with people. They are efficient at gaining loyalty because they understand that with sales if customers trust them, they will keep coming back.
When both of these Birds are out together they are balanced and compliment each other very well. Myra Macaw knows how to keep her customer happy but she also knows how to spot a good fruit. Ariel Amazon is good at closing the deal but she also knows how to maintain a relationship. They learn from each other, grow together and achieve goals together in our Nest. So, now that you’ve met Myra Macaw and Ariel Amazon that leaves 348 more varieties to go. Multiply this by the amount of people you can help, learn from, have great conversations with and you’ve just tapped into a very hearty meal. As you sit highly perched don’t forget to share your secrets and share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Eternal Adhesive
“Purpose driven motivation is intrinsic motivation and is far more effective and powerful than extrinsic financial incentives” says John Mackay in a book he co-authored titled, Conscious Capitalism, Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business. According to John, the Co-Founder of Whole Foods, we should all build businesses’ which are rooted in four key pillars: higher purpose, stakeholder integration, conscious leadership and lastly conscious culture and management. Sounds trivial, pretentious even? Not exactly, our brother John is onto something. He is requesting that we undertake this particular action to create eternal adhesive.
Eternal adhesive is the bond that is both resistant and adaptive. How is this possible you may ask? A business venture that is rooted in something very real will resist those things which threaten its existence and conversely adapt to those which will contribute to its existence. Existence being the overriding theme. Building something real is in fact very difficult or is it? What is real in business and how do we capture it? Can it be measured and assessed? For many entrepreneurs realness is profit, because it is the financial reward and the return for all of our hard work and for the risk taken. This is real because it is tangible, measurable and assessable. Touche’, but what about all the ingredients required to make the profit? How does this contribute to the bigger picture? Every dish is tasty based on the ingredients. If your business were ratatouille the rich sauce would require a precise amount of tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and peppers. If you replaced the courgettes with potatoes, you would have a different stew, which would be tasty but it wouldn’t be ratatouille. This is the intrinsic nature of eternal adhesive, it is that special quality which adds character. It gives your business soul and it really is the bond that holds it all together.
John wants us to rethink the way we build our ventures. He wants us to build something real that looks at input and not just output. The input being a business with a higher purpose that creates significant value thus having a positive impact. It is a call to arms, to be noble warriors in this world of big corporations which repeatedly fail us. He wants us to rid ourselves of outdated business models, archaic systems and dinosaur thinking. Simply put, he wants us to create eternal adhesive. Now, I never said it would be easy but you chose this lifestyle (ummmm). I actually like my ratatouille grainy, so from time to time I include couscous. The couscous gives it that special taste and more importantly flavour that I like. What’s your special ingredient? Share your secrets and share your success on how you build your businesses’ eternal adhesive.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Eternal adhesive is the bond that is both resistant and adaptive. How is this possible you may ask? A business venture that is rooted in something very real will resist those things which threaten its existence and conversely adapt to those which will contribute to its existence. Existence being the overriding theme. Building something real is in fact very difficult or is it? What is real in business and how do we capture it? Can it be measured and assessed? For many entrepreneurs realness is profit, because it is the financial reward and the return for all of our hard work and for the risk taken. This is real because it is tangible, measurable and assessable. Touche’, but what about all the ingredients required to make the profit? How does this contribute to the bigger picture? Every dish is tasty based on the ingredients. If your business were ratatouille the rich sauce would require a precise amount of tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and peppers. If you replaced the courgettes with potatoes, you would have a different stew, which would be tasty but it wouldn’t be ratatouille. This is the intrinsic nature of eternal adhesive, it is that special quality which adds character. It gives your business soul and it really is the bond that holds it all together.
John wants us to rethink the way we build our ventures. He wants us to build something real that looks at input and not just output. The input being a business with a higher purpose that creates significant value thus having a positive impact. It is a call to arms, to be noble warriors in this world of big corporations which repeatedly fail us. He wants us to rid ourselves of outdated business models, archaic systems and dinosaur thinking. Simply put, he wants us to create eternal adhesive. Now, I never said it would be easy but you chose this lifestyle (ummmm). I actually like my ratatouille grainy, so from time to time I include couscous. The couscous gives it that special taste and more importantly flavour that I like. What’s your special ingredient? Share your secrets and share your success on how you build your businesses’ eternal adhesive.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Undo the Shoelace
Juggling, managing and getting through the responsibilities of the day can be a mammoth of a task. Many of us choose to outsource as many of these as we can as it is just easier to have this done by someone else, understandably. We just can’t be bothered with the monotony of life. We aim to be effective so we can conquer it all. As women we are often harder on ourselves in this area as we are usually left to administer the daily responsibilities and feel pressured to be everything to everyone.
I believe the key to being an effective doer in life and in business is to first be an undoer. We must undo the shoelace. When we were kids we sat for hours at end learning to tie our shoelace only to be energized by undoing them so we can start the process all over again. We revelled in the joy of this activity, it was gratifying and delightful. No, we didn’t have responsibilities like mortgages, children, aging parents and a business to run but we were free. We were captured by our tiny fingers circling and looping to create a perfect knot. As we got better at it then came speed and style. We would compare with our friends as they too tied their laces. We would loudly exclaim, “That’s not how you tie a shoelace!” To our chagrin, we learned, there was indeed more than one way to tie these complex laces.
Accomplishing any task including those that appear unexciting are in fact, essential to our livelihoods. In some abstract way they add pleasure to our daily lives. They feed our existence by helping us to realise that everyone is struggling to get by. Tasks provide the human bridge that is often neglected as we run around aiming to master it all with good organisation and thoroughness. If we always aim to be exceptionally competent I believe somehow along the way we lose the essence of what it means to just “be” and more importantly to be “human.” This is not to say that we shouldn’t put our best forward because we should and we always do but perhaps we should lose the torturous grip of faultlessness from time to time.
Entrepreneurs like solving problems and we appreciate the challenge but we also are known for over exerting ourselves and usually end up suffering from extreme cases of burn out. It is important for us to remember that if we want to continue to change the world, we must actually appreciate it, for what it is. This appreciation comes through being. Next time you feel obliged to perfect all your tasks, remember that the shoelace can be undone and that there is bliss in doing so. Share your secrets and share your success as you navigate the task of being undone!
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
I believe the key to being an effective doer in life and in business is to first be an undoer. We must undo the shoelace. When we were kids we sat for hours at end learning to tie our shoelace only to be energized by undoing them so we can start the process all over again. We revelled in the joy of this activity, it was gratifying and delightful. No, we didn’t have responsibilities like mortgages, children, aging parents and a business to run but we were free. We were captured by our tiny fingers circling and looping to create a perfect knot. As we got better at it then came speed and style. We would compare with our friends as they too tied their laces. We would loudly exclaim, “That’s not how you tie a shoelace!” To our chagrin, we learned, there was indeed more than one way to tie these complex laces.
Accomplishing any task including those that appear unexciting are in fact, essential to our livelihoods. In some abstract way they add pleasure to our daily lives. They feed our existence by helping us to realise that everyone is struggling to get by. Tasks provide the human bridge that is often neglected as we run around aiming to master it all with good organisation and thoroughness. If we always aim to be exceptionally competent I believe somehow along the way we lose the essence of what it means to just “be” and more importantly to be “human.” This is not to say that we shouldn’t put our best forward because we should and we always do but perhaps we should lose the torturous grip of faultlessness from time to time.
Entrepreneurs like solving problems and we appreciate the challenge but we also are known for over exerting ourselves and usually end up suffering from extreme cases of burn out. It is important for us to remember that if we want to continue to change the world, we must actually appreciate it, for what it is. This appreciation comes through being. Next time you feel obliged to perfect all your tasks, remember that the shoelace can be undone and that there is bliss in doing so. Share your secrets and share your success as you navigate the task of being undone!
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Stellar Syndrome
High achieving, motivated women reportedly suffer from alarming rates of impostor syndrome. Impostor syndrome makes us feel unworthy of our achievements. If you are an entrepreneur more than not you have, are or at some point will suffer from said condition. This pandemic will and must be contained at once. It appears to cross international boundaries infecting, disrupting and creating mayhem. The severity of this outbreak requires prevention and vaccination. This blog post focuses on the former because as you know an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. #FemaleFounders take heed! Outlined below are five necessary controls.
I do not deserve my success:
You think you are undeserving. Somewhere in your mind you believe that this success thing is not for you. Everyone says you are successful but what does it really mean. Is it true? Is it me? Yes, you are more than deserving of your success. You worked hard; you are to entrepreneurship what Michael Johnson is to sprinting. Like Michael, you show up, train and deliver. You are the greatest; now accept your status in the Hall of Fame.
People will find me out:
One day I will be discovered. I will wake up and realise this was all a dream. It can’t be possible, all this happiness. Something will and must go wrong. Tomorrow even, there will be something, a phone call or an email or a thunderous clap. Then just like that, it will be over for me. I am petrified to the point of being crippled. I do not say anything but inside I really believe someone will find me out. In some other context you would be called paranoid but I know better. No one is going to find you out. This universe you have created for yourself is the absolute truth. You are not dreaming, it is real and it is happening to you, right here and right now! Now make like Cinderella and get ready for the ball, everyday, all day!
My success is due to luck:
I just got lucky, it happened by accident. It really was not meant to be. So, perhaps you got lucky but this was due to your attitude, approach, optimism, self confidence and a host of other factors which make you a very special person. Probability arose because of the aforementioned which resulted in you being “lucky.” You are self aware and open which created an opportunity for you to shine. When presented with that opportunity you were diligent and focused. It is time for you to stop crossing your fingers; that is unless you have a bad case of arthritis or some other joint issue. If that is the case I do apologise but that is not my area of expertise. Let’s get you a doctor!
I have tricked others into thinking I am more successful than I really am:
Yes, you tricked us all into believing that you are actually good at something. Honestly, I am good at nothing. I have no skills, I bring nothing to the table; it’s all tricks. In Britain there is love for the nursery rhyme, they are filled with stories of tricks and jokes. I know a really good song by Run DMC called Peter Piper, it’s a clever collection of several nursery rhymes with a cool twist. Here go a few lines, “Now Peter Piper, picked peppers but Run rock rhymes. Humpty dumpty fell down, that’s his hard time, Little Bo Beep cold lost her sheep and Rip Van Wrinkle fell the hell asleep.” Lyrical geniuses these rappers. If you don’t know it, please search at once and play it. If you’re feeling ambitious purchase some Adidas Shell tops too. This is where your trick mentality should begin and end with a fun rap song!
Others overvalue my success:
Everyone thinks I’m a winner and they make such a huge deal about it all. They say I’m impressive and inspirational. You are a success and an inspiration to many. You are a thinker and motivator, you give, you are authentic, you own your power and you believe in the dream. This is why we have all placed you in the #bossgirl rank. It is people like you that make us all want to achieve. By being you, you inspire us all to become a better version of ourselves. You are success personified!
Now that you have the control system to resist the pandemic, I believe you are ready. Awaken the stellar in you. Be brilliant and radiate like the star you are. Welcome home, now don’t forget to share your secrets and share your success. Let’s go!
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
I do not deserve my success:
You think you are undeserving. Somewhere in your mind you believe that this success thing is not for you. Everyone says you are successful but what does it really mean. Is it true? Is it me? Yes, you are more than deserving of your success. You worked hard; you are to entrepreneurship what Michael Johnson is to sprinting. Like Michael, you show up, train and deliver. You are the greatest; now accept your status in the Hall of Fame.
People will find me out:
One day I will be discovered. I will wake up and realise this was all a dream. It can’t be possible, all this happiness. Something will and must go wrong. Tomorrow even, there will be something, a phone call or an email or a thunderous clap. Then just like that, it will be over for me. I am petrified to the point of being crippled. I do not say anything but inside I really believe someone will find me out. In some other context you would be called paranoid but I know better. No one is going to find you out. This universe you have created for yourself is the absolute truth. You are not dreaming, it is real and it is happening to you, right here and right now! Now make like Cinderella and get ready for the ball, everyday, all day!
My success is due to luck:
I just got lucky, it happened by accident. It really was not meant to be. So, perhaps you got lucky but this was due to your attitude, approach, optimism, self confidence and a host of other factors which make you a very special person. Probability arose because of the aforementioned which resulted in you being “lucky.” You are self aware and open which created an opportunity for you to shine. When presented with that opportunity you were diligent and focused. It is time for you to stop crossing your fingers; that is unless you have a bad case of arthritis or some other joint issue. If that is the case I do apologise but that is not my area of expertise. Let’s get you a doctor!
I have tricked others into thinking I am more successful than I really am:
Yes, you tricked us all into believing that you are actually good at something. Honestly, I am good at nothing. I have no skills, I bring nothing to the table; it’s all tricks. In Britain there is love for the nursery rhyme, they are filled with stories of tricks and jokes. I know a really good song by Run DMC called Peter Piper, it’s a clever collection of several nursery rhymes with a cool twist. Here go a few lines, “Now Peter Piper, picked peppers but Run rock rhymes. Humpty dumpty fell down, that’s his hard time, Little Bo Beep cold lost her sheep and Rip Van Wrinkle fell the hell asleep.” Lyrical geniuses these rappers. If you don’t know it, please search at once and play it. If you’re feeling ambitious purchase some Adidas Shell tops too. This is where your trick mentality should begin and end with a fun rap song!
Others overvalue my success:
Everyone thinks I’m a winner and they make such a huge deal about it all. They say I’m impressive and inspirational. You are a success and an inspiration to many. You are a thinker and motivator, you give, you are authentic, you own your power and you believe in the dream. This is why we have all placed you in the #bossgirl rank. It is people like you that make us all want to achieve. By being you, you inspire us all to become a better version of ourselves. You are success personified!
Now that you have the control system to resist the pandemic, I believe you are ready. Awaken the stellar in you. Be brilliant and radiate like the star you are. Welcome home, now don’t forget to share your secrets and share your success. Let’s go!
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The Ascent of (Wo)man
There is an uprising that involves the wo (man). Women globally are pursuing the entrepreneurial path now more than ever before. The millennial has no desire to occupy the C-suite, she is a teenager with a major following on You Tube and an e-commerce platform, which generates more income in a month, than she could possibly ever make at a “job.” The current generation are unsatisfied with corporate jobs, bored and unchallenged, these women often move between roles and in multiple capacities. Many have worked in both the private and public sector and often take time to travel the world. This woman is now at the helm of a start-up. The mothers are refusing to choose between their children and work, so they are opting for an entrepreneurial life. Why negotiate my time with my employer? As an entrepreneur I choose what to do with my time. The other mother who has been the home manager for many years has seen her children leave the coop and now has time and endless ideas. She is attending events, writing down notes and preparing for that next step. The retiree has no desire to sit at home playing cards, she too is venturing into her second career as an entrepreneur. This phenomenon is the ascent of wo (man). Wo(man) is ascending, moving from the shadows and into the light. Wo (man) is now evolving the landscape and adapting to the new environment. Woman is writing her own 13-part documentary, produced by herself and with her as the main feature. Each episode reflects the brilliance of her entrepreneurial streak. Wo (man) is:
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
- Standing up for herself
- Laying the foundation
- Committing to the goal
- Tapping into her imaginative genius
- Identifying opportunities
- Understanding her target audience
- Assessing the risks
- Writing her business plan
- Creatively sourcing and managing the capital
- Joining and developing networks
- Translating ideas into reputable businesses’
- Adding value to the market
- Doing it her way
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Donne Di Baaria
Baaria, is often mistaken as a film about three generations of men in Sicily. Even the director, Giuseppe Tornatore himself has led the masses to believe that this colourful story is about the men in the family. For me, it was the women that encapsulated my imagination. All focused around Mannina, her mother, her grandmother and of course her daughter-defiant and feisty! This exceptional story captivated my imagination in immeasurable ways. As with all good stories the theme, plot, story structure, characters, setting and tone were perfectly aligned. Mannina, is a striking beauty, she captures Peppino’s eye, romance then begins, there are whispers across the village and secret meetings. Mannina’s father betrothed her to an older well heeled man in the village. She is really upset about this, she shares her anger with Peppino who then responds, “This is good because a woman’s liberation begins with herself.” I fell in love even more with Peppino at this stage (naturally). The story moves on and I see more of Mannina’s strength, she keeps the family together, her mother is a constant force guiding along the way and there was her grandmother, who gave her cow’s blood to drink to help with her anaemia (she later appears in a different context too). I soon see so much of myself and other women I know in this film. Women whose stories are so entrenched in family life and who grew up in tightly woven communities.
In business we must always have a good story. A story with a well thought out theme, engaging plot, appropriate structure, impressionable characters, sensible settings and incomparable style. Your story should be a passionate narrative that has the capacity to win over anyone, instantly. There may be 20 of you providing the same solution but your story should be the one that attracts customers to you. Competition is a very good thing and with a sea of choices, consumers have the power, so why not give them a good reason to pick you? Your story is an intangible asset that will serve you well throughout the entire lifecycle of your business. If you started your business because you were angry at not being able to find services for someone like you, then say it. If you started a business because you had an awakening, then tell us what that was. Be honest, be direct and be serious about who you are and what you stand for. Let your story captivate the reader-customers, competitors, potential investors and partners. We want to see the realness, something genuine, not a false impression. Despite what the critics may think or say there is no one better than the authentic you, so let your story shine through. Thank you Giuseppe for this charming film, you had all the right ingredients and if there is a sequel, I will return for more. You get business and you get me, bravo! Share your secrets and share your success with those who do the same for you.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
In business we must always have a good story. A story with a well thought out theme, engaging plot, appropriate structure, impressionable characters, sensible settings and incomparable style. Your story should be a passionate narrative that has the capacity to win over anyone, instantly. There may be 20 of you providing the same solution but your story should be the one that attracts customers to you. Competition is a very good thing and with a sea of choices, consumers have the power, so why not give them a good reason to pick you? Your story is an intangible asset that will serve you well throughout the entire lifecycle of your business. If you started your business because you were angry at not being able to find services for someone like you, then say it. If you started a business because you had an awakening, then tell us what that was. Be honest, be direct and be serious about who you are and what you stand for. Let your story captivate the reader-customers, competitors, potential investors and partners. We want to see the realness, something genuine, not a false impression. Despite what the critics may think or say there is no one better than the authentic you, so let your story shine through. Thank you Giuseppe for this charming film, you had all the right ingredients and if there is a sequel, I will return for more. You get business and you get me, bravo! Share your secrets and share your success with those who do the same for you.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Bird Economics
Every entrepreneur should be actively involved in nest building. SecretBirds-London is a nest filled with Birds. These Birds connect, collaborate and grow together in a community. The community is underpinned by values such as trust and honesty. The nest facilitates the community building process, which allows everyone to thrive. Each Bird in the nest brings her communities, which is then linked to other communities. As more Birds enter the nest, these communities begin to link. Together women entrepreneurs are building bridges for several communities to engage in the nest. The more engagement, the more we connect, collaborate and grow.This is business 101 in the SB-London nest.
Business is about relationships and through nest building we are able to build several relationships in multiple areas throughout the nest. This is often referred to as the spider web effect or spider web economics. I don’t know about you but spiders aren’t really my thing, so I’ve dubbed it the bird effect or better yet bird economics. In bird economics there are many circles which are connected and versatile. Each Bird plunges into their individual circles at different times to extract a name, a number, an email or an idea. She is excited at the outcome of this new possibility post-plunge. She constantly shares the stories of others and allows everyone to participate in the nest. Stories allow for everyone to understand problems, seek out solutions and then actively recruit more like minds into the nest. In order for the nest to achieve its full potential members are vulnerable but extremely resilient. Considering the unlimited amount of communities in the nest the opportunity to achieve success is highly plausible.
Birds are economic agents, changing the way business is done based on nest values. They understand the practicalities and necessities required to make it all work. They contribute on an individual level to a wider belief that through nest creation they can improve the daily lives of everyone in the community. In his famous essay, “Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren”, Keynes elaborates his vision of a world where we find value in purpose and doing what we love as opposed to making money. The nest is a community where Birds are doing what they love and making money. They are doing both incredibly well and collectively, have managed to kill two birds (yes, I just wrote that) with one stone. Do you think Keynes would approve? Until next time, don’t forget to share your secrets and share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Business is about relationships and through nest building we are able to build several relationships in multiple areas throughout the nest. This is often referred to as the spider web effect or spider web economics. I don’t know about you but spiders aren’t really my thing, so I’ve dubbed it the bird effect or better yet bird economics. In bird economics there are many circles which are connected and versatile. Each Bird plunges into their individual circles at different times to extract a name, a number, an email or an idea. She is excited at the outcome of this new possibility post-plunge. She constantly shares the stories of others and allows everyone to participate in the nest. Stories allow for everyone to understand problems, seek out solutions and then actively recruit more like minds into the nest. In order for the nest to achieve its full potential members are vulnerable but extremely resilient. Considering the unlimited amount of communities in the nest the opportunity to achieve success is highly plausible.
Birds are economic agents, changing the way business is done based on nest values. They understand the practicalities and necessities required to make it all work. They contribute on an individual level to a wider belief that through nest creation they can improve the daily lives of everyone in the community. In his famous essay, “Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren”, Keynes elaborates his vision of a world where we find value in purpose and doing what we love as opposed to making money. The nest is a community where Birds are doing what they love and making money. They are doing both incredibly well and collectively, have managed to kill two birds (yes, I just wrote that) with one stone. Do you think Keynes would approve? Until next time, don’t forget to share your secrets and share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The Dynamics of Time
Time is a most precious commodity, we must cherish it as once it is gone it can’t be regained. Have you heard of that saying, “Time and tide wait for no (wo)man?” I believe this saying really drives the point home where time is concerned. Entrepreneurs are appreciative of time, we know that there is only so much of it in the day and it must be spent productively. We are visionaries, sourcing sustainable opportunities as we go and finding ways to bring them to fruition. We are constantly in “the let’s get it done zone.” On a day to day basis there are meetings, conference calls, events, the accountant, the social media, business development and that client/customer who you just can’t seem to engage. Alongside all of this we also have our very own personal lives. With all this in mind, we are continuously faced with timewasters. Here are four components of the time waster: NFRT. Let’s further examine the NFRT syndrome.
N for noncommittal. Yesterday it was the pizza business, today it is the design company and tomorrow it’s the trip to the moon. Yes darling, they go there too! There is no driving factor or cause behind this aspect of the time waster because they have not had that honest conversation with themselves. Now this is not to be confused with the general entrepreneur who is filled with ideas. Entrepreneurs have great ideas but they select one and see it through until the end. Noncommittal is an issue because if you do not commit you will always be in that grey area and it will erode your confidence. The tone and mannerisms of the N are evasive and circumspect.
F for never follow through. They never follow through on anything. They remind you of that person you worked with in a school project who never did their part of the work and is constantly filled with excuses as to why they haven’t. The dog ate the work, their child regurgitated dinner on the laptop and of course the dish ran away with the spoon! The ability to start something and actually complete it is a skill. The problem with not finishing is you never actual realise how good you are at anything because well, you never did it! Managing expectations is crucial with the F.
R for response always on mute. I will call, I will email, I will meet you and that was three weeks ago. They are not busy or engaged on anything serious, they are just opportunists on the hunt for a next quick fix. This is different to the person who just needs an extra prompting. So why are these individuals on mute? Well, there can be a host of reasons for this but here’s the rule, the first time is human but the second time you have made a conscious choice to allow the R to disrupt your flow. A muted person never uses their voice and a person without a voice cannot be heard.
T for talkers. Entrepreneurs are always doing and talking, we walk the fine line and understand the balance between being up front with the client and being in the background doing the research, experimenting and working hard to make things come to life. The T never does, but they are very good at talking. They are blessed with the gift of gab but when it comes to implementation they never really get there. Talkers are good at complaining and pointing fingers. It is important to be able to show what you have done. The T unfortunately, hasn’t quite started.
Time is essentially the one thing we have control over. With discipline we can have time to pursue all the things we want and still have enough to relax and spend time with the people we care about. People seem to think there isn’t enough time. There is actually more than enough time but like any resource how are you allocating it? The problem with time is that we end up giving so much of it away to the NFRT. The next time you find yourself in a NFRT situation ask yourself does the benefit outweigh the risk? Share your secrets and share your success with those who are worthy of your time.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
N for noncommittal. Yesterday it was the pizza business, today it is the design company and tomorrow it’s the trip to the moon. Yes darling, they go there too! There is no driving factor or cause behind this aspect of the time waster because they have not had that honest conversation with themselves. Now this is not to be confused with the general entrepreneur who is filled with ideas. Entrepreneurs have great ideas but they select one and see it through until the end. Noncommittal is an issue because if you do not commit you will always be in that grey area and it will erode your confidence. The tone and mannerisms of the N are evasive and circumspect.
F for never follow through. They never follow through on anything. They remind you of that person you worked with in a school project who never did their part of the work and is constantly filled with excuses as to why they haven’t. The dog ate the work, their child regurgitated dinner on the laptop and of course the dish ran away with the spoon! The ability to start something and actually complete it is a skill. The problem with not finishing is you never actual realise how good you are at anything because well, you never did it! Managing expectations is crucial with the F.
R for response always on mute. I will call, I will email, I will meet you and that was three weeks ago. They are not busy or engaged on anything serious, they are just opportunists on the hunt for a next quick fix. This is different to the person who just needs an extra prompting. So why are these individuals on mute? Well, there can be a host of reasons for this but here’s the rule, the first time is human but the second time you have made a conscious choice to allow the R to disrupt your flow. A muted person never uses their voice and a person without a voice cannot be heard.
T for talkers. Entrepreneurs are always doing and talking, we walk the fine line and understand the balance between being up front with the client and being in the background doing the research, experimenting and working hard to make things come to life. The T never does, but they are very good at talking. They are blessed with the gift of gab but when it comes to implementation they never really get there. Talkers are good at complaining and pointing fingers. It is important to be able to show what you have done. The T unfortunately, hasn’t quite started.
Time is essentially the one thing we have control over. With discipline we can have time to pursue all the things we want and still have enough to relax and spend time with the people we care about. People seem to think there isn’t enough time. There is actually more than enough time but like any resource how are you allocating it? The problem with time is that we end up giving so much of it away to the NFRT. The next time you find yourself in a NFRT situation ask yourself does the benefit outweigh the risk? Share your secrets and share your success with those who are worthy of your time.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The Museum of Customer Experience
We visit museums because they make us feel good, they educate us, they inspire us, they change us and at times they offer a sense of community as they provide a platform for us to connect with fellow culture vultures. MOMA, Le Louvre and the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, albeit all very different offer their visitors one thing in common: an unforgettable experience.
Outside of value for money, quality, reliability and standard good customer service we all want an experience. We want to feel like we were a part of something much bigger than ourselves. We all like the idea of a fantasy and we want that delivered to us. This is what makes us keep coming back. How do we go about delivering this flight of imagination to our customers? It’s simple, we must ask. When was the last time you asked your patrons what they want? Customers will happily tell you how they feel especially if it’s anonymous. As a matter of fact they may know more about your business than you do. If some of the feedback is incredibly harsh, see this is a positive as it provides you with an opportunity to improve. Once all this customer feedback has been collected it should then be used to set the foundation for your museum of customer experience.
People first, customer first, employees first are tossed around quite often to a point where they have become clichéd. It is however an age old truth that people are the core of every venture and at the end of the day without people, we have no business. The savvy customer wants an experience which is personalised, engaging and emotional. A personalised experience makes us feel like everything was created especially just for us. Engagement allows us to express ourselves and communicate openly. A good story taps into our emotions and makes us feel connected. Do you remember your best customer experience? Why did it make you feel special? This is exactly what you want to create for your customer. If you haven’t here’s your opportunity to do so.
We often take photos at our favourite museum. We do so to capture the moment after seeing the beautiful treasures and to have a memorable reference of how we felt. This feeling is fleeting but it doesn’t matter it took us away at that very moment. That moment is what we remember and this is exactly why we visit museums. Share your secrets and share your success as you develop your museum of experience.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Outside of value for money, quality, reliability and standard good customer service we all want an experience. We want to feel like we were a part of something much bigger than ourselves. We all like the idea of a fantasy and we want that delivered to us. This is what makes us keep coming back. How do we go about delivering this flight of imagination to our customers? It’s simple, we must ask. When was the last time you asked your patrons what they want? Customers will happily tell you how they feel especially if it’s anonymous. As a matter of fact they may know more about your business than you do. If some of the feedback is incredibly harsh, see this is a positive as it provides you with an opportunity to improve. Once all this customer feedback has been collected it should then be used to set the foundation for your museum of customer experience.
People first, customer first, employees first are tossed around quite often to a point where they have become clichéd. It is however an age old truth that people are the core of every venture and at the end of the day without people, we have no business. The savvy customer wants an experience which is personalised, engaging and emotional. A personalised experience makes us feel like everything was created especially just for us. Engagement allows us to express ourselves and communicate openly. A good story taps into our emotions and makes us feel connected. Do you remember your best customer experience? Why did it make you feel special? This is exactly what you want to create for your customer. If you haven’t here’s your opportunity to do so.
We often take photos at our favourite museum. We do so to capture the moment after seeing the beautiful treasures and to have a memorable reference of how we felt. This feeling is fleeting but it doesn’t matter it took us away at that very moment. That moment is what we remember and this is exactly why we visit museums. Share your secrets and share your success as you develop your museum of experience.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Colab 2.0
Colab 2.0 is the second stage of development for entrepreneurs. It is the dawn of a new era, out with the old and in with the new! The previous version of entrepreneurship was desolate, filled with loneliness, fears and self-doubt. It was a place where individuals sat alone developing concepts with no one to work with. This new version of entrepreneurship is collaborative and involves sharing. The hardships and struggles remain, however the process is different. Colab 2.0 is when entrepreneurs work together to achieve shared goals. We combine our resources, knowledge and build consensus to create better outcomes. We solve bigger problems in better ways and help much more people than we could have ever imagined. Colab 2.0 requires two things in order to flourish: community and communication. The community provides the foundation for the collaboration to germinate and the communication is essential for it to be sustained.
The values of a collaborative community include openness, trust and honesty. All of its members embrace and espouse these values because they believe in building strong relationships (You and I know business is about relationships, people over profit, remember?). Members join this community to meet like minds and to connect with those who believe there is power in the “together” attitude. This community is devoid of an ego, because the common understanding is that an ego is merely a smoke screen for an inferiority complex. Ego is also very old fashioned, people are still doing that? Oh my! Mistakes are allowed in this safe space because entrepreneurship requires you to be good at so many things, which of course you are not and will inevitably lead to countless errors. In this community people not only run businesses’ but their enterprises are firm and their brands are solid. There are no worries of dilution only excitement for the pending intensification.
Collaborative communication is not adversarial. It usually starts with sentences like, “How can I help you?” or “How can we work together to get that done?” The vocabulary is very much geared towards engaging to increase success. Collaborative thinkers are easily spotted based on this communication style. For them connectedness isn’t about, what is in it for me, but more about what can we all do to make it work. These communicators understand collective efficacy and what it can do for an entrepreneur who is driven not just by the added value it will bring to their customers but the accessibility to new knowledge and information.
Sustaining a business is no longer about being better than the competition. That mindset my darling is so 1.0! Colab 2.0 is focused on new ways of working and thinking to create enterprises that will leave a legacy. Just like there was resistance to the mobile phone, there is resistance to Colab 2.0. New things are an adjustment for everyone. Those, however who are ahead of the game are already participating not for the buzz (some thought the internet was a trend too) but for the profound changes it will bring. Good luck with your participation in this invigorating new game. As a player who is already involved (Aren’t you?) I am sure you are out there sharing your secrets and your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The values of a collaborative community include openness, trust and honesty. All of its members embrace and espouse these values because they believe in building strong relationships (You and I know business is about relationships, people over profit, remember?). Members join this community to meet like minds and to connect with those who believe there is power in the “together” attitude. This community is devoid of an ego, because the common understanding is that an ego is merely a smoke screen for an inferiority complex. Ego is also very old fashioned, people are still doing that? Oh my! Mistakes are allowed in this safe space because entrepreneurship requires you to be good at so many things, which of course you are not and will inevitably lead to countless errors. In this community people not only run businesses’ but their enterprises are firm and their brands are solid. There are no worries of dilution only excitement for the pending intensification.
Collaborative communication is not adversarial. It usually starts with sentences like, “How can I help you?” or “How can we work together to get that done?” The vocabulary is very much geared towards engaging to increase success. Collaborative thinkers are easily spotted based on this communication style. For them connectedness isn’t about, what is in it for me, but more about what can we all do to make it work. These communicators understand collective efficacy and what it can do for an entrepreneur who is driven not just by the added value it will bring to their customers but the accessibility to new knowledge and information.
Sustaining a business is no longer about being better than the competition. That mindset my darling is so 1.0! Colab 2.0 is focused on new ways of working and thinking to create enterprises that will leave a legacy. Just like there was resistance to the mobile phone, there is resistance to Colab 2.0. New things are an adjustment for everyone. Those, however who are ahead of the game are already participating not for the buzz (some thought the internet was a trend too) but for the profound changes it will bring. Good luck with your participation in this invigorating new game. As a player who is already involved (Aren’t you?) I am sure you are out there sharing your secrets and your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Lifestyle Crafting
“To be, or not to be, that is the question, whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing, end them?” Says Hamlet, as he contemplates life and death and what the two really mean. Do we live or do we merely exist? Well, here’s my question: Do you want to live or do you want to survive? Do you want a lifestyle or do you want to get by? You are an entrepreneur, which says to me your inkling is more than likely to the former and not the latter in both of the questions raised above. Creating a lifestyle for your self requires a well thought out strategy. Yes, I know you already have a well defined business strategy (unequivocally) however I am referring to your lifestyle strategy, which includes your business. Remember, a lifestyle is a way of living! So you’ve got this business and how does it fit in with your lifestyle mission, vision and values. Why are you doing what you’re doing? Where are you trying to go? What is the substance that holds it all together?
A dear friend of mine started an on-line business seven years ago, she was very clear that the purpose of the business was a part of her wider objective to craft a lifestyle where she could travel and work from anywhere. She was passionate about travelling, therefore she made sure to create a business that could fit in well with this desired lifestyle. She now works from a laptop anywhere in the world. Her lifestyle strategy was targeted, defined and well thought through. She had two strategies, one for her business and one for her life and she made sure they both intertwined. It took considerable effort and dedication but she is now living the life she visualised and made happen for herself many years ago. Her future was not accidental, it was well planned, because she decided at the outset that she was tired of surviving and getting by, she wanted to live. What I admire most about this particular friend of mine, is that her commitment was unwavering, she didn’t fall victim to trends and jump on the fashionable business train. She was decisive, focused and had a plan that she believed in. She honed in with precision until she made it come to fruition. For the past year she has been travelling in South America, experiencing the falls of Iguazu, the salt flats of Bolivia, the Galapagos Islands and the volcanoes and geysers of Chile, yes darlings, shall I go on?
Oscar Wilde said, “To live is the rarest thing in the world, most people exist, that is all.” If you are chuffed with your lifestyle strategy I applaud you. If however, you’ve got that feeling, that something just isn’t right, now is the time to start working on your lifestyle plan. It is a personal choice and you ultimately have to do what works for you. Whatever you decide, I suggest like my friend you give it all your attention so that you too can live a life you deserve. In the end, perhaps Hamlet was contemplating the consequences of his choices. As you contemplate your choices, don’t forget, to share your secrets and share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
A dear friend of mine started an on-line business seven years ago, she was very clear that the purpose of the business was a part of her wider objective to craft a lifestyle where she could travel and work from anywhere. She was passionate about travelling, therefore she made sure to create a business that could fit in well with this desired lifestyle. She now works from a laptop anywhere in the world. Her lifestyle strategy was targeted, defined and well thought through. She had two strategies, one for her business and one for her life and she made sure they both intertwined. It took considerable effort and dedication but she is now living the life she visualised and made happen for herself many years ago. Her future was not accidental, it was well planned, because she decided at the outset that she was tired of surviving and getting by, she wanted to live. What I admire most about this particular friend of mine, is that her commitment was unwavering, she didn’t fall victim to trends and jump on the fashionable business train. She was decisive, focused and had a plan that she believed in. She honed in with precision until she made it come to fruition. For the past year she has been travelling in South America, experiencing the falls of Iguazu, the salt flats of Bolivia, the Galapagos Islands and the volcanoes and geysers of Chile, yes darlings, shall I go on?
Oscar Wilde said, “To live is the rarest thing in the world, most people exist, that is all.” If you are chuffed with your lifestyle strategy I applaud you. If however, you’ve got that feeling, that something just isn’t right, now is the time to start working on your lifestyle plan. It is a personal choice and you ultimately have to do what works for you. Whatever you decide, I suggest like my friend you give it all your attention so that you too can live a life you deserve. In the end, perhaps Hamlet was contemplating the consequences of his choices. As you contemplate your choices, don’t forget, to share your secrets and share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The Amphibious Spark
The salamander is a powerful animal, mythically it’s known for being able to walk through fire and come out completely unharmed. As entrepreneurs we have all walked through fires either when developing or running our businesses.’ We know it isn’t all rainbows with gold treasures. It takes dedication, hard work and sacrifice, not to mention mental toughness. We are, however driven and addicted to this fire, so we continue to walk through it, some of us even go on to create multiple businesses.’ Terry Pratchett, once said, “Put a (wo) man on fire, and (s)he’ll be warm for a day, set him (her) on fire and (s)he will be warm for the rest of his (her) life.”
Sheila Johnson is a serial entrepreneur based in Virginia, USA. Sheila started walking through fire at a very young age. Her father was one of eleven African American surgeons in the country when she was growing up. He wasn’t allowed to practice in white hospitals so he worked in the Veterans Administration. This resulted in Sheila moving 13 times as a child. Growing up during the segregation era also meant that she too was unable to attend white schools. These experiences toughened Sheila’s resolve, she learned how to navigate the storm and survive in harsh conditions. Entrepreneurship came naturally to her, so she started young and did well. Today, Sheila is the owner of several companies, including a chain of hotels and resorts, three professional sports teams, an aviation business, she designs scarves, is the executive producer of four films and did I mention her two business aircraft (yes, darling, a Gulfstream and Piaggio Avanti II).
Now over to you! You’re on fire, are you feeling warm? Is it enough? I am sorry but you and I both know it is not in your nature to create, just one business. Where’s that list? The one you’ve dubbed, “Projects.” You look at it from time to time and think, “I will get to it…eventually.” Please don’t stop yourself from walking through the fire. An amphibious entrepreneur, will always have more fun. So, what exactly is it that you need to do, to ignite the spark? Don’t forget to share your secrets, share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Sheila Johnson is a serial entrepreneur based in Virginia, USA. Sheila started walking through fire at a very young age. Her father was one of eleven African American surgeons in the country when she was growing up. He wasn’t allowed to practice in white hospitals so he worked in the Veterans Administration. This resulted in Sheila moving 13 times as a child. Growing up during the segregation era also meant that she too was unable to attend white schools. These experiences toughened Sheila’s resolve, she learned how to navigate the storm and survive in harsh conditions. Entrepreneurship came naturally to her, so she started young and did well. Today, Sheila is the owner of several companies, including a chain of hotels and resorts, three professional sports teams, an aviation business, she designs scarves, is the executive producer of four films and did I mention her two business aircraft (yes, darling, a Gulfstream and Piaggio Avanti II).
Now over to you! You’re on fire, are you feeling warm? Is it enough? I am sorry but you and I both know it is not in your nature to create, just one business. Where’s that list? The one you’ve dubbed, “Projects.” You look at it from time to time and think, “I will get to it…eventually.” Please don’t stop yourself from walking through the fire. An amphibious entrepreneur, will always have more fun. So, what exactly is it that you need to do, to ignite the spark? Don’t forget to share your secrets, share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Are You Wetting the Sand?
The ancient Egyptians were the ultimate problem solvers. These very astute builders managed to haul colossal block stones across the desert by wetting the sand in front of a massive giant like sled used to pull the blocks. They somehow figured out that dampening the sand in front of the sled would not only make it easier for workers to haul the blocks but also reduce their workforce by half the size (clever, no?). Constructing those pyramids was no easy feat, so unequivocally these crafty men (I heard women were also involved, did you hear that too?) were out to simplify matters as much as possible. Bear in mind that there are over 100 plus pyramids in Egypt. The most famous of these, The Great Pyramid of Giza, reportedly took approximately 20 years to build and is for the most part intact.
As entrepreneurs, we must constantly remind ourselves that we are the ancient Egyptians of our time. Our job is to think of clever ways, to simplify matters and make things easier for others. The ancient Egyptians tackled what would have been one of their biggest challenges. Did they brainstorm? Search for multiple solutions? Ask many questions? Were they good listeners? Did they pay attention? Perhaps they saw an opportunity one day in the sand? What we do know is that they have created cultural and engineering marvels of staggering proportions. Today we are still left confounded by how they did it all. What problem is your business solving? How do you identify with this problem and are you sincerely passionate about it? Are you wetting the sand like the ancient Egyptians? We want your business irrespective of its size, to play a role in the world of change. As an architect of change, always remember that you too can wet the sand, which can have just enough impact to create vast ripples.
As we are on the topic of ancient Egypt, in case you did not know, Cleopatra as she is often referred to was not the first, she was the seventh. Six other women held that same name before her, but Cleopatra VII, is the one that captivates us the most. Did she wet the sand? Until next time darlings, don’t forget, to share your secrets and share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
As entrepreneurs, we must constantly remind ourselves that we are the ancient Egyptians of our time. Our job is to think of clever ways, to simplify matters and make things easier for others. The ancient Egyptians tackled what would have been one of their biggest challenges. Did they brainstorm? Search for multiple solutions? Ask many questions? Were they good listeners? Did they pay attention? Perhaps they saw an opportunity one day in the sand? What we do know is that they have created cultural and engineering marvels of staggering proportions. Today we are still left confounded by how they did it all. What problem is your business solving? How do you identify with this problem and are you sincerely passionate about it? Are you wetting the sand like the ancient Egyptians? We want your business irrespective of its size, to play a role in the world of change. As an architect of change, always remember that you too can wet the sand, which can have just enough impact to create vast ripples.
As we are on the topic of ancient Egypt, in case you did not know, Cleopatra as she is often referred to was not the first, she was the seventh. Six other women held that same name before her, but Cleopatra VII, is the one that captivates us the most. Did she wet the sand? Until next time darlings, don’t forget, to share your secrets and share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Perception Immunity
It is often said, that people only understand a situation from their level of perception. What exactly does this mean? Well, can you explain a turtle’s decision to a giraffe? They exist in two disparate worlds and their survival mechanisms differ immensely. This very same principle should be applied to your business. Nothing that anyone says negatively about your business is about you, it is a reflection of where the individual is at that very moment in their life. As an entrepreneur running and managing your business, your job is to focus on your vision, engage with your customers, and of course, enjoy the ride (fun)! Nowhere in that sentence did it say, “Change my business plan or vision to reflect the opinions of others.” Some of these, remarks, will be constructive feedback, which you should welcome but some will undoubtedly be the toxicity and unhappiness of others. Please, I beg, do not take it personal, do not allow yourself to become enraged. This type of response is a waste of energy, which, my darling, you can and should be channelling into your own enterprise. In order to deal with these poisonous detractors, equip yourself with perception immunity.
Perception immunity is that which will make you quickly be able to identify and fight these unwanted toxins from entering your very solid and focused positive flow. Your positive flow is a rock built on a firm foundation. It is the foundation, which your vision, mission and objective is based on. It is that which makes you rise with a smile on your face every morning, knowing you are working towards your goals. Did you know plants have something not too dissimilar? Plants have what is known as innate immunity, which allows them to ward off potential pathogens. This innate immunity stems from an active defence response based on patterns. These patterns then send danger signals to the interior of the plant cell. So, think of yourself as a plant, filled with a healthy reserve of perception immunity. Like a plant, be able to pick up on these patterns, this will take some time and it will vary based on experience but once you do, you will indeed become a Master of Perception Immunity. So, what type of plant are you? Are you a cactus, flowering, shrub or herb of some sort? As you ponder the plant kingdom, remember to always share your secrets and share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Perception immunity is that which will make you quickly be able to identify and fight these unwanted toxins from entering your very solid and focused positive flow. Your positive flow is a rock built on a firm foundation. It is the foundation, which your vision, mission and objective is based on. It is that which makes you rise with a smile on your face every morning, knowing you are working towards your goals. Did you know plants have something not too dissimilar? Plants have what is known as innate immunity, which allows them to ward off potential pathogens. This innate immunity stems from an active defence response based on patterns. These patterns then send danger signals to the interior of the plant cell. So, think of yourself as a plant, filled with a healthy reserve of perception immunity. Like a plant, be able to pick up on these patterns, this will take some time and it will vary based on experience but once you do, you will indeed become a Master of Perception Immunity. So, what type of plant are you? Are you a cactus, flowering, shrub or herb of some sort? As you ponder the plant kingdom, remember to always share your secrets and share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The Sheer Nerve
Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, was born to a mother who did laundry and a father who was a street vendor. There was no couture clothing in the home, as a matter of fact her early life was far from the glamour and sophistication that we know to be Chanel. So, fine, she didn’t emanate from a wealthy family and somehow she created the eponymous brand globally associated with all things chic, and what is your point Little Miss Blogger? This woman rose to the top of the fashion world in the early 1900s, shall I remind you women did not have a seat at the table back then (Thank you Sheryl)? Enter Chanel with enough ambition to drive a V8 engine. She was extraordinary in every way and was known to posses an unshakable conviction in her instincts.
Instinctive behaviour is that which is not based on experience, often referred to in many forms, “a gut feeling” “a knowing.” Entrepreneurs who develop their instincts are habitually decisive. Tapping into your instincts thumps any business model. A business model has been tried and tested, it is a conceptual structure, which is important. However, your instinct goes beyond the model, it is EVERYTHING! Your instinct will guide you completely, because it stems from deep within. It tells you clearly what should be done. It cannot always be explained but somehow it is always right. No, it is not paranoia (that is another problem, darling) because it feels good, it is not forced and there is no conflict, it’s easy. Connecting with your instincts can be developed, by probing yourself with questions, allowing yourself to think freely as opposed to constantly seeking out facts, through expressive writing and by paying attention during those eureka moments. Said moments are when you are in your most creative space and where things start flowing.
Our dear Gabrielle, had the sheer nerve to trust her instinct, she felt it, instead of thinking it. As per her advice, “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” Grab your No. 5, give it a spray, sit back and let your instincts take over. Your business will thank you handsomely in the long run and you’ll smell absolutely divine, leaving that scent trail, a trail created by instinct. In the meantime, remember, to, share your secrets, share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Instinctive behaviour is that which is not based on experience, often referred to in many forms, “a gut feeling” “a knowing.” Entrepreneurs who develop their instincts are habitually decisive. Tapping into your instincts thumps any business model. A business model has been tried and tested, it is a conceptual structure, which is important. However, your instinct goes beyond the model, it is EVERYTHING! Your instinct will guide you completely, because it stems from deep within. It tells you clearly what should be done. It cannot always be explained but somehow it is always right. No, it is not paranoia (that is another problem, darling) because it feels good, it is not forced and there is no conflict, it’s easy. Connecting with your instincts can be developed, by probing yourself with questions, allowing yourself to think freely as opposed to constantly seeking out facts, through expressive writing and by paying attention during those eureka moments. Said moments are when you are in your most creative space and where things start flowing.
Our dear Gabrielle, had the sheer nerve to trust her instinct, she felt it, instead of thinking it. As per her advice, “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” Grab your No. 5, give it a spray, sit back and let your instincts take over. Your business will thank you handsomely in the long run and you’ll smell absolutely divine, leaving that scent trail, a trail created by instinct. In the meantime, remember, to, share your secrets, share your success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Failing Fabulously
Failure is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. As entrepreneurs, we accept that we will fail and that these failures will ultimately lead to our successes’, right? So, why is it that so many of us choose to fail all on our own and in the depths of misery? How many times have you met a fellow female entrepreneur, who suddenly falls off the radar or goes into hiding when things don’t work out? Instead of going into a state of suspended consciousness, why not shift into a state of total awareness and consciousness. Fail with your team, that is all those people that are accompanying you on your venture, this list includes your allies, networks, peers, the intelligent people you have hired to advise you with your venture and of course your relatives and friends. Any accomplishment, achieved on its own is lonely, unfulfilling and quite boring, so we share it. In a similar vein, the failures should be equally communicated.
Like all things fabulous there are a few requirements: Work It, Define It, Express It, be Real About It and Laugh About It. Work the failure, because you have failed but you are still amazing, you own a business, which will thrive and survive and honestly, there really is no time for shame. Define the failure because without understanding and exploring it, you many never overcome it and we all want you to move on. Express the failure, because you are human and holding in all those emotions is torture, not to mention, unhealthy! Be real about the failure, it has happened, to YOU and it will happen again, to YOU and so what? Now to the best part, laugh about it, living life to the fullest includes laughing, if you take your failures too seriously, you will constantly be in fear of the next stage. Laughing will also lower your blood pressure and reduce stress, which is a plus! As an enlightened and aware darling, you will now be able to connect openly with others who have failed and learn from their mistakes too. Success is not a natural state, whether in the beginning, middle or end of your venture, there will ultimately, be a failure and then another failure, because this is the flow of business. So, fail fabulously and prepare consciously for your next step: Success!
As you start failing fabulously, don’t forget to… Share Your Secrets. Share Your Success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Like all things fabulous there are a few requirements: Work It, Define It, Express It, be Real About It and Laugh About It. Work the failure, because you have failed but you are still amazing, you own a business, which will thrive and survive and honestly, there really is no time for shame. Define the failure because without understanding and exploring it, you many never overcome it and we all want you to move on. Express the failure, because you are human and holding in all those emotions is torture, not to mention, unhealthy! Be real about the failure, it has happened, to YOU and it will happen again, to YOU and so what? Now to the best part, laugh about it, living life to the fullest includes laughing, if you take your failures too seriously, you will constantly be in fear of the next stage. Laughing will also lower your blood pressure and reduce stress, which is a plus! As an enlightened and aware darling, you will now be able to connect openly with others who have failed and learn from their mistakes too. Success is not a natural state, whether in the beginning, middle or end of your venture, there will ultimately, be a failure and then another failure, because this is the flow of business. So, fail fabulously and prepare consciously for your next step: Success!
As you start failing fabulously, don’t forget to… Share Your Secrets. Share Your Success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
The Vulnerable Entrepreneur
There has been much research lately into management styles, which seem to reveal that true leadership embraces traits such as empathy,humility, inclusiveness, collaboration and vulnerability. There is also much ado in popular business magazines about the importance of leaders connecting deeply in order to motivate and inspire. At the root of this deep connection is vulnerability. The research and business magazines are drawing attention to what is often referred to as feminine leadership. This style of leadership embraces those traits which are characterized as uniquely female. Yes, Birds, our time has arrived, we are now on the world stage. Vulnerability is in (like the hash tag #vulnerability), get on that as quickly as possible, they say it is indeed good for your business (ummmm).
You are now having a Brene Brown (The Power of Vulnerability-2010 TED Talk Houston) moment. You’re thinking, I need some help in this area, this vulnerability thing but, “No family stuff, no childhood shit, I just need some strategies.” The fact is, you are already vulnerable and have always been (yep). You have taken the step to start your own venture, which requires vulnerability. Only a vulnerable individual has the courage to step into this realm of risk and uncertainty and to survive the roller coaster ride that entrepreneurship brings. Business is about relationships and building relationships, also requires vulnerability. So, hello wonderful you, meet the “Vulnerable Entrepreneur.” She is innovative, passionate, creative, adaptable to change and does not have all the answers. She is also imperfect, honest, and understands that there is strength in saying, “I am sorry” “I do not know” and more importantly, “I need help.” Now go ahead, embrace “The Vulnerable Entrepreneur”, she may just bring some new opportunities your way! She is also really cool, just like you!
As you and your new girl get more acquainted, don’t forget to..Share Your Secrets. Share Your Success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.
You are now having a Brene Brown (The Power of Vulnerability-2010 TED Talk Houston) moment. You’re thinking, I need some help in this area, this vulnerability thing but, “No family stuff, no childhood shit, I just need some strategies.” The fact is, you are already vulnerable and have always been (yep). You have taken the step to start your own venture, which requires vulnerability. Only a vulnerable individual has the courage to step into this realm of risk and uncertainty and to survive the roller coaster ride that entrepreneurship brings. Business is about relationships and building relationships, also requires vulnerability. So, hello wonderful you, meet the “Vulnerable Entrepreneur.” She is innovative, passionate, creative, adaptable to change and does not have all the answers. She is also imperfect, honest, and understands that there is strength in saying, “I am sorry” “I do not know” and more importantly, “I need help.” Now go ahead, embrace “The Vulnerable Entrepreneur”, she may just bring some new opportunities your way! She is also really cool, just like you!
As you and your new girl get more acquainted, don’t forget to..Share Your Secrets. Share Your Success.
Every Bird has two wings, some chose to fly with one. Are you flying with both wings? Find out more about our London Nest by sharing your secret here: www.secretbirdslondon.com, we can’t wait to hear from you.