Over the last three years I’ve spent a lot of time on and in my gardens. My dream is to have lots of color and variety throughout most of the year. The last two falls, I planted bulbs –lots of them. A few weeks ago, I was wandering through my garden areas looking at what was blooming, starting to pop out of the ground, and the bare areas even though I was sure I planted something there. It occurred to me how much this garden work and planting was very similar to creating and developing my business.
Just standing in the nursery looking at all the bulb choices in all the buckets and shelves is overwhelming. There were decisions about how tall, what kind of soil, what color, bloom time, or shade/full sun. I had those same thoughts about the focus of my consulting services and what kind of coaching practice I wanted to grow. Although most of my experience was in the public and non-profit sector, should I also look for private sector connections? What kind coaching did I really want to do? What kind of coaching clients did I want to work with? How did I want to collaborate with other colleagues for consulting work? How do I find coaching and consulting work of my own?
Even questions about what the right amount of work is—busyness. How do I balance working for now and for future work along while enjoying the other parts of life? What’s that sweet spot? Just like with those bulbs, I had to decide what color palette I wanted and what was most suitable for my yard. I had to pay attention to that garden vision in my head and how to make that happen step by step knowing it would take several years to make it a reality.
Ever think about how MANY bulbs come in a bag—25—50—100 or even more? If you want lots of flowers, you must plant A LOT of bulbs. You never know which ones will bloom, be dug up by squirrels to be eaten or replanted somewhere else in the garden, or just be total duds. Also, the bulbs you plant may not actually be what you think you planted. Initially, I had the same experience connecting with people, making connections, speaking at dinner programs and conferences, and having calls with prospective clients. Lots of those led nowhere, many started to lead somewhere and then the ghosting began, some started to lead somewhere and then were put on hold, and a handful actually led to work.
I learned that while most calls and meetings don’t always lead to a consulting gig or a coaching client contract, they do lead to connections which may pay off later in ways I never imagined.
Just like having the patience to wait for those spring, summer, and next fall blooms, it takes perseverance to stay focused on the vision of my business. It also requires the willingness to acknowledge that I will encounter some duds, have someone else get that job, and be rewarded with truly gratifying and fulfilling work and relationships.
And…I am already looking at the bare areas and thinking about whether I want to plant something or just enjoy the open space.