Over the past few weeks, I’ve been sharing what has been happening behind-the-scenes as I’ve been creating my first digital course, Brand New Brand. If you missed the previous installments, you can catch up on them here, here, and here.
As my deadline is rapidly counting down (I’m opening the course up for students next Wednesday!), I’ve been reflecting on my timing and circumstances that have surrounded this project.
In spite of my constraints, this course is going to be ready next week.
Now, THAT is empowering to say.
I feel like I’m back in college staring at a list of four term papers that are 15 pages each with two weeks left to complete them. It seems impossible before you start. It’s almost magical when you wrap up that last one. (Even in spite of the recent memory of pulling all-nighters laced with copious amounts of caffeine and Hot and Ready pizzas.)
Instead of term papers, I’m wrapping up the content for 20 video lessons that’ll walk you through all of the major decisions to building a brand that is authentic to you and attracts your ideal clients. Sound like something you need? Learn more about Brand New Brand!
Here’s been the reality of my constraints…
Time is Short
I announced publicly that I was going to be embarking on this journey when I was just finishing up the first trimester of my pregnancy. I’m now in my 34th week. Nature’s countdown has certainly kept me into action. I only have so many hours each day. I only have so many days before the baby arrives. The baby is kickboxing in my stomach as I type this, reminding me, “I’m coming…!”
I’m a One-Woman Show
I recently transitioned away from being a part of a bigger team at an agency, so I’m back to executing all of the work on my own. I’ve had to build my audience, complete client work, get myself ‘back out there,’ AND create all of the moving parts of this course in the last few months. (I can’t wait to hire my first team members!)
This Isn’t My Only Priority
Have I mentioned that we’re moving to Italy in January? (Yes, 6 weeks after the bambino is due.) We own a house here in Hawaii that we need to sell before we leave. I also have a three-year-old and a hubby who deserve some of my time and attention as well. On top of all of that, I still needed to pay my bills, so normal client work continued, too.
Tech Hurdles Galore
This is a post for another day, but let’s just say everything that could have gone wrong technology-wise this week, has. I suppose that I should have expected it, since I’m in the middle of something new and scary.
Whew.
To be fair, I absolutely couldn’t have done this on my own — I’m not going to pretend for a second that I’m superwoman. My husband has talked me off a ledge a few times. My mastermind sisters have been a constant source of love and support. My mentors and peer-tors have talked me through tough decisions. I’ve bought courses to fill in my knowledge gaps. I’ve invested in software to make this process more efficient.
But still, having that little spark that knows that I powered through in spite of everything going on makes me proud.
#SISU <- (for my Finnish friends)
I’m not sure that it’s worth asking myself, “What if?” at this point. If I didn’t have the constraints that I do now, I’m sure that the course could have been made larger, I could have reached more people, and I could promote it more effectively. That will all come later. Once we get settled in Italy, I’m sure that I’ll be able to answer those questions and take action then.
For now, I’m happy with how far I’ve come.
What could YOU do in spite of your constraints?
Could you launch that business on the side that you’ve been thinking about while you continue to work your day job?
Could you hustle to get more clients so you can afford to invest in your business?
Could you build your course, product, or brand?
(I’m betting on YES.)
If you’re building a business, bet on yourself and sign up for Brand New Brand.
