Being an entrepreneurial mind means constantly coming up to gaps. Places where we don't know what to do or how to do it - especially in the beginning.
This entrepreneur's journey began when I was 14 years old...in 1980something.... and had no idea what I was doing.
I did know that all my friends wanted to borrow my clothes. And, I had a feeling I could make some money off of it.
But, I had no one to tell me how to do it. I had reached a big, scary gap in where I was, versus where I wanted to be.
Teachers and school counselors couldn't help me. My friends didn't understand what I was talking about (and they were my intended customer). And, I didn't tell my family in fear that they would not be happy with the idea. I mean they actually bought the clothing.
I remember being so nervous and so unclear.
I remember the first time I said to a friend, "yes, you can rent my clothes. Here is my rate card."
Is that what I should say? Too formal?
I stumbled a lot along the way. I tried some things that worked better than I expected, and some that totally bombed.
That summer in 1980something I was an entrepreneur, renting out my clothes to my customers...I mean friends. I had nothing to wear, but I had a lot of cash in my lock box under my bed. I made $1,376.50 which wasn't bad for a scrawny kid with big hair. I think the late fees really helped!
I share my 80s pegged pants, feathered hair, padded shoulders story because as entrepreneurial minds you are also hitting big, scary gaps. How you propel yourself over those gaps can be daunting and eerily overwhelming.
As entrepreneurial minds and disruptive innovators we kind of like carving our own paths. It's part of the thrill. But, wouldn't it be great if you could at least get a map, a compass and a water bottle as you set out on this journey. A little something to help you along the way?
I know my 14 year old self really wanted that guidance. You are my peeps so I won't leave you hanging.
As I mentioned above, I did pretty well with my first business in 1980something. But, I didn't do it all on my own. Well kind of, but part of the process was figured out what the heck to do. I knew I didn't have all the answers so I decided I needed to learn from others. I decided to stalk some innovative people. No I didn't go through anyone's trash but I did get up close and personal to learn a few lessons.
Ok, back to 1980something. I figured if I watched what they did I could transfer those learnings over to my entrepreneurial idea. Here are the three people I stalked and what I learned from them. A quick note, this is pre-internet days so there were no websites, blog posts or googling it, so try not to laugh.
1) My dad. At the time he owned a resort. I spent most days after school, weekends and in the summer working and playing there. My dad was (and still is) a master marketer. I'd listen to how he talked to potential hotel guests and take notes. I noticed that when referring to the room prices he would say, "let me refer to my rate card." And when he did this people didn't argue about the price. It was as if having a rate card set things in stone. Hence, I created a rate card.
2) The clothing boutique down the street. There are a million clothing stores to choose from but this one was my go-to. While browsing one day the shop owner, Jill, came over and said, "I put some clothing I think you'll like in your dressing room." What?! She used my past purchases to recommend clothing to me? Amazon, Zappos, Fabletics and all the online retailers do this now. They put what you will probably like front and center for you and so did I. I would lay out outfits before my friends came over. Most of the times they rented the entire outfit.
3) TV. I know this one sounds a little weird, especially because I don't even have cable now, but back then TV commercials were it. I would spend hours watching and taking notes on which commercials caught my attention, which ones made me want to buy the product and which ones sucked. Most commercials were excuses for bathroom and snack breaks, but every now and again I would see a commercial that was worthy notes. Doing this helped me create my first tagline,
"Wear Today's Fashion That Won't Take Up All Your Allowance."
Ha! Sounds kind of funny now but it was a good try based on what I learned from stalking.
Now, many years later, I still stalk people. If you are doing something innovative I am stalking you. I am reading your blogs, subscribing to your site, checking out your website, etc. If you stalk innovative people you have no choice but to up your own game. And when you hit those gaps, you'll have some ideas for how to deal with them.
Find 3 people that you think are innovative and can teach you something and go stalk the heck out of them.
Who do you stalk and what have you learned? Create some magic and share in the comments section below