Are you Invisible?

Greetings Entreps!

One thing I really like about this Entrepreneurship course is the way in which the classes are structured. It's not one of those classes where you take notes, read from a text book and listen to a lecturer whose only experience in the business... is well in the classroom.
Every week we have guest lectures from real life entrepreneurs in the business! We get practical knowledge from practicing entrepreneurs.

Now, some time last month we had the honour of being lectured or how should I put it... being inspired by David Mullings, the CEO of Random Media who apparently got his Masters Degree at the age of 22
(*side note- What have you been doing with your life?)
 Anyhow, Mr. Good looking  David gave us a tour of his life as an entrepreneur... the strategic moves that he made to get where he is today. What I got most from his presentation is the importance of networking and making the most of that "scratch my back, I scratch yours" relationship. As an entrepreneur you NEED to generate those links in order to be successful. No man is an island!

Anyhow, I'm actually not here to talk much about David.

You see, I usually sit to the back of the classroom with my Tobago Bestie Shaheeda... not because we're delinquent and don't want to pay attention but the room is small and there is simply more space in the back. Moving on, during class we noticed that an older and very "artsy" woman had joined our class. She had with her a very creative looking purse that was made of leaves and other natural/ recycled material. We came to find out that she was actually supposed to present but time ran out. I really wanted to know what she was going to say to us so Shaheeda and I struck up a convo.

Apparently, she was going to tell us what NOT to do when you have a business. This lady, who is actually a Carimac alumni, makes jewelry for a living (well I'm not sure if this is her only job) and has a blog called Healthy Green Blog  (I think).
Now, during our conversation she mentioned that her jewelry business is a partnership with another lady and they often sell their items at the various University market fairs. The thing is, Shaheeda knew her business partner and bought a few items from her BUT she never saw this lady selling even though she professed to have always been present at the stall! So, although she may have been there it really didn't matter because she was not visible.

What really struck me about this lady was how unmemorable she was. I know it seems harsh and contradictory since I'm writing about her but although she had amazing jewelry, she, as a brand, did not resonate with me as a consumer. She seemed so " all over the place", unsure about what she was selling and if she wanted to sell it. For a moment I wondered if she was trying to convince me or convince herself about her business.
I am all for the artsy life. I support it. I am it. However, as much as we try to be out of the system, we are affected and influenced by it. What am I saying? There comes a time when as an artsy entrep. you need to seek guidance on how to best market and sell your product.
In life, and especially as an entrepreneur, you NEED to be bold. Even though you're shy, you need to appear fearless... not intimidated by the drop of a pin. Most of all you need to believe in your idea. How else are you going to persuade a stranger if you can't sell it to yourself?

Now this post may seem all over the place and that's exactly how I felt when I interacted with this lady. Confused. I was also scared because I don't want that to be me. I don't want to have a talent and be too scared and sheltered to put myself out there. I don't want to be invisible.

Anyhow entreps, my message for you today to keep focussed. Don't be intimidated by the potential for your idea... embrace it and put yourself out there!

Be the best that you can. 

Blessings,
Janelle