Qs 11-16 : Ready, Set, Go!

The last in an installment of questions inspired by a blog post by Seth Godin, 16 Questions for Free Agents. A little introspection on my plans to begin Gaia Greetings as a new entrepreneur. You can also view Q's 1-3 and 4-10.

Q11: Choose: teach and lead and challenge your customers, or do what they ask...

The way I have thrived in life is in being taught and inspired. I read, I seek, I challenge myself—and I hope the Gaia Greetings tribe is open to new lessons and leadership, influenced by my experiences and powered by a vision that has a positive effect on those it touches.

Q12: How long can you wait before it feels as though you're succeeding?

I already feel like I am succeeding. I have always been inspired by this quote (usually attributed to Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe but I just learned it is actually from W. H. Murray in The Scottish Himalaya Expedition, 1951).

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”

Paraphrased by Goethe, “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!”

It is because of that quote that I was able to move out of fear and into success—personal success, an intrinsically motivated feeling of accomplishments for moving forward, working hard and creating something from my ideas.

Q13: Is perfect important? (Do you feel the need to fail privately, not in public?)

While failure is ever looming and a difficult pill to swallow, I am not in a rush to become an overnight millionaire. I have been failing privately for as long as I can remember so, just taking the risk and beginning this venture, though scary, is forcing me to work harder because everything is public. If I fail publicly, so be it. At least I took a chance. I know I can approach this business with an open mind and as long as I have enough to put back into it, I can continue to creatively market Gaia Greetings until I reach a place where I am comfortable. Perfect is not important, striving to do my best is.

Q14: Do you want your customers to know each other (a tribe) or is it better they be anonymous and separate?

ABSOLUTELY. I want my customers and vendors and partners and distributors to know each other. I want to know them—personally. The fabric of our company recognizes that we are all one and the actions of one affect many. It is imperative for me to work alongside others who share a similar personal and business philosophy. I want this company to affect those who interact with it with a RIPPLE of positivity.

Q15: How close to failure, wipe out and humiliation are you willing to fly? (And while we're on the topic, how open to criticism are you willing to be?)

Hmmm. Tough question. Been there, done that—mentally, physically, and financially. Have I learned from my lessons? Do I continue to grow and build a new future? Absolutely. I will continue to build and utilize my resources wisely. I think the key for me is knowing when to say when. Bring on the criticism because it will only improve Gaia Greetings and the people it touches.

Q16: What does busy look like?

Busy is a 9-5 job, being a 24-7 mom, blogging and interacting on twitter and facebook regularly, planning and executing a business, maintaining a multitude of friendships, spending time outdoors, exercising, remaining true to myself, and finding time for me.

Love and gratitude,

Bridget