Hey everyone and welcome back for another deep dive with us.
This time we're tackling a topic
that I think will really resonate with all of you out there,
especially with the stuff you sent us.
We're gonna be diving into a podcast episode
all about resilient entrepreneurs.
Guys was called the game winning strategies
of resilient entrepreneurs.
Yeah, and I think this is something that's,
you know, absolutely crucial when it comes to building
a successful business.
Because, you know, everybody talks about the hustle
and the grind, but what really separates those
who make it from those who don't,
is that ability to bounce back from setbacks,
to learn from those failures, and to just keep going.
Yeah, it really is about weathering the storm.
You know, it's not just about pushing through,
it's about being able to adapt and learn
and come out stronger on the other side.
So it sounds like there's a real strategy
to this resilience thing.
It's not just about, you know,
gritting your teeth and hoping for the best.
Exactly, it's about having a plan
and it's about understanding that setbacks are inevitable.
But it's how you respond to those setbacks
that really defines you as an entrepreneur.
So how do we actually do that?
How do we cultivate that kind of resilience?
Well, the podcast that you shared
outlines a few really interesting strategies.
Yeah, the first one they talk about
is embracing failure as feedback.
Which sounds kind of counterintuitive, right?
It does, but think about it.
Every time you fail, you're actually gaining
valuable information that you can use to improve.
Yeah, they actually use Sarah Blakely,
the founder of Spanx as an example.
Yeah, that's right.
And her dad actually encouraged her to fail
when she was younger.
You know, to kind of get her used to that idea
that failure is not the end of the world.
Yeah, which is kind of a wild concept, right?
To actually encourage your kids to fail.
It is, but it's about shifting your perspective on failure.
You know, seeing it as an opportunity to learn and grow
rather than something to be ashamed of.
So how do we practically embrace failure as feedback?
What does that actually look like in the day to day?
Well, it starts with asking yourself the right questions
after a setback.
Like what went wrong?
What assumptions did I make that maybe weren't accurate?
What could I have done differently?
And it's about really analyzing the situation objectively.
So it's almost like turning a failure
into a research project.
Exactly.
And by doing that, you're extracting valuable lessons
that you can apply to future endeavors.
That makes a lot of sense, but let's be honest,
failure can feel pretty isolating
even when you are trying to analyze it objectively.
And that's where the second strategy comes in,
which is building a strong support network.
Oh, absolutely.
Yeah.
You know, you can't do this alone.
You need people in your corner
who understand what you're going through,
who can offer advice, encouragement,
and maybe even a shoulder to cry on when you need it.
Yeah.
And they use this great analogy in the podcast
about hiking.
I love that analogy.
They talk about how much easier it is
to hike a challenging trail
when you've got a group of people with you.
Exactly.
You can help each other out.
You can motivate each other
and you can celebrate the victories together.
So it's not just about networking in a general sense.
It's about finding those specific people
who can really support you on your entrepreneurial journey.
Absolutely.
You need mentors who can offer guidance and advice.
You need peers who can relate to your struggles.
And you need advisors who can help you
navigate specific challenges.
And the podcast mentions a few ways
to actually go about finding those people.
They did.
Like attending industry events,
joining workshops or mastermind groups
and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn.
Yeah, but it's more than just showing up at these things.
You have to be intentional about building relationships.
So it's not just about collecting business cards
or racking up LinkedIn connections.
It's about having real conversations
and finding those genuine connections.
Exactly.
You know, I think about it as building your tribe.
I love that, your tribe.
So once you've found those people,
how do you actually nurture those relationships?
Well, it's just like any other relationship.
You stay in touch, you share updates,
you offer support when needed.
You know, you celebrate each other's successes
and you're there for each other during the tough times.
So it's about being genuinely interested
in the people you're connecting with,
not just seeing them as potential resources or contacts.
Exactly.
And that authenticity is what builds trust
and creates those strong bonds
that are so essential for resilience.
Okay, so we've got analyzing our failures.
We've got building our tribe.
And then there's this idea of a growth mindset,
which is the third strategy the podcast highlights.
Uh-huh.
It's all about being a lifelong learner.
Yeah, they use this great analogy of a sponge,
constantly absorbing new information and experiences.
Because the more you learn,
the more adaptable you become.
And that adaptability is crucial
for navigating the ever-changing landscape
of entrepreneurship.
So it's not just about being open to learning,
it's about actively seeking out opportunities
to grow and expand your knowledge base.
Absolutely.
And that might mean reading industry publications,
taking online courses, attending workshops,
or even just having conversations
with people who are smarter than you.
They even suggest scheduling dedicated time for learning,
like it's a meeting or an appointment.
Which I know can be tough
when you're juggling a million things,
but even just 30 minutes a day
can make a huge difference over time.
That's a really good point.
So you've got to analyze your failures,
build your tribe, be a sponge.
And then there's this, I don't know,
this almost cliche idea of self-care,
which is the fourth and final strategy
that they highlight in the podcast.
Right.
And I have to admit, I used to kind of roll my eyes
at the whole self-care thing.
I get it.
You know, especially when I was first starting my business,
I felt like I just didn't have time for it.
Yeah, I can feel indulgent.
Yeah, exactly.
Like a luxury I couldn't afford.
But I'm starting to realize
that it's not about pampering yourself,
it's about investing in your most valuable asset,
which is you.
It's about recognizing that you can't pour from an empty cup.
Yeah.
You know, you have to take care of yourself
physically, mentally, and emotionally
in order to show up fully for your business
and for everything else in your life.
So how do we actually do that?
How do we make self-care a priority
when we're already so busy?
Well, it starts with understanding
that self-care isn't one size fits all.
What works for one person might not work for another.
So it's about finding what truly replenishes you.
Exactly.
For some people, it might be exercise.
For others, it might be meditation.
It could be spending time in nature, reading a book,
or just taking a few minutes to relax and do nothing.
So it's about being mindful of our energy levels
and making sure we're taking breaks when we need them.
Absolutely.
And it's about scheduling those breaks into your day
just like you would any other important appointment.
So even if it feels counterintuitive at first,
making time for those things can actually make you
a more effective and more resilient entrepreneur
in the long run.
You got it.
Because when you're taking care of yourself,
you're better equipped to handle stress,
make sound decisions, and bounce back from setbacks.
OK, I'm starting to see the light here.
So we've got analyzing our failures,
building our support network, cultivating a growth mindset,
and prioritizing self-care.
It sounds like all of these strategies work together
to create this, I don't know, this foundation of resilience.
Yeah, it's like a holistic approach to building resilience.
Yeah, and it's not just about surviving.
It's about thriving.
Absolutely.
It's about creating a sustainable rhythm
for your entrepreneurial journey.
One that allows you to pursue your goals with passion
and purpose while also taking care of yourself along the way.
That's a great note to end on.
But before we get too carried away,
we're going to take a quick break.
And when we come back, we'll dive deeper
into each of these strategies and explore
how you can practically implement them in your own life.
So stay tuned.
Welcome back, everyone.
Hopefully you had a chance to kind of let
all that resilience goodness sink in.
But now let's get practical.
Let's talk about how to actually implement
some of these game-winning strategies in our own businesses
and in our own lives.
Yeah, I'm ready to dive in.
OK, so let's start with that first strategy we talked about.
Embracing failure as feedback, which is a nice idea in theory.
But how do we actually do that without getting bogged down
on all those negative emotions that come with failure?
Yeah, failure can really sting.
But the key is to shift your perspective.
Instead of seeing it as this like personal defeat,
try to view it more like a scientific experiment.
Oh, like that?
Yeah, you had a hypothesis, which was your business idea.
You tested it, and maybe the results
weren't what you expected.
But a resilient entrepreneur, they
don't just throw their hands up in the air and give up.
They dig into the data, they analyze the variables,
and they ask themselves, OK, what can I learn from this?
So instead of beating ourselves up, we become investigators.
Exactly.
I love that.
So what are some specific questions
that we can ask ourselves to make that process more productive?
Well, first try to identify the core assumptions
behind your hypothesis.
Like, let's say your business idea was based on the assumption
that there was this huge, untapped market
for left-handed spatulas.
But then your sales are like totally dismal.
Well, you might need to reevaluate that assumption.
And then look at the data you gathered.
Did you actually validate that assumption before launching?
Or were you just relying on gut feeling or anecdotal evidence?
So data is key.
But even with good data, sometimes things just
don't go as planned.
And it's not always about faulty assumptions.
Sometimes it's about those unexpected external factors,
right?
Oh, absolutely.
You know, market conditions change, competitors emerge,
global pandemics happen.
You can't control everything.
Right.
But what you can control is how you respond.
And that's where the feedback part of embracing failure
as feedback really comes in.
Instead of seeing those external factors as roadblocks,
we can see them as opportunities to maybe pivot
or to refine our strategies.
Or maybe even to come up with a completely new approach.
So resilience isn't about avoiding failure altogether.
It's about having the agility to navigate all those inevitable
bumps in the road.
Exactly.
And to see those bumps not as the end of the road,
but as a detour, that might actually lead you
to a more interesting destination.
I love that.
Yeah.
And remember, you don't have to figure it all out
on your own.
That's where that strong support network we talked about earlier
comes in.
Right.
So if you're a member of a tribe,
they can be our sounding board, our cheerleaders,
and even our guides sometimes.
When we need help finding a new path.
But let's be honest, building a network
can feel really intimidating.
Especially if you're an introvert
or if you're just starting out.
So any tips on how to actually go about building
those meaningful connections?
Well, first off, remember that networking is not
about collecting business cards.
It's not about like racking up LinkedIn connections.
Right.
It's about building genuine relationships.
People, is it just about attending every industry event
and hoping for the best?
Well, events can be a good starting point, for sure.
But don't just show up and wander around aimlessly.
OK.
Have a plan.
Identify a few specific people you'd like to connect with.
And do a little research beforehand
so you can have a meaningful conversation.
OK, so be prepared.
What about online networking?
Do you think that's as effective as in-person networking?
I think online platforms can be incredibly valuable,
especially if you're geographically limited,
or if you're just starting out and don't have a huge network
yet.
OK.
But just like with in-person networking,
the key is to be authentic.
Right, be genuine.
Engage in meaningful conversations
and offer value to others before asking for anything
in return.
So it's about building those relationships
organically, both online and offline.
And once you've made those connections,
how do you nurture them?
Is it enough to just send the occasional happy birthday
message on LinkedIn?
It's definitely more than that.
Think about how you nurture any important relationship
in your life.
You stay in touch.
You share updates.
You offer support when needed.
And those same principles apply to your professional network.
So share interesting articles.
Yeah.
Congratulate people on their successes.
Check in with them regularly.
And offer your help even if they haven't specifically
asked for it.
Exactly.
So it's about being genuinely interested in the people
you're connecting with, not just seeing them
as potential resources or contact.
Precisely.
People can spot inauthenticity a mile away.
So just be yourself.
Be helpful and be patient.
Building a strong network takes time and effort,
but the rewards are immeasurable.
And this network becomes a crucial part
of your resilience toolkit.
It does.
Because these are the people who are there to catch you
when you fall, to offer advice when you're lost,
to celebrate your wins, and to just remind you
why you started this crazy entrepreneurial journey
in the first place.
Exactly.
They're your tribe, your support system, your cheering
section.
OK.
So we've talked about analyzing our failures
and building our tribe.
Now let's move on to that third strategy we talked about,
cultivating a growth mindset.
The knowledge sponge.
Yes.
That's the one.
But honestly, in the whirlwind of running a business,
it can be tough to find time for learning.
So how do we practically incorporate a growth mindset
into our already jam-packed schedules?
Well, it starts with being intentional about your learning,
just like you wouldn't watch a product without a plan.
You shouldn't approach your personal development
any differently.
So we need a learning plan.
Exactly.
Start by identifying your learning goals.
What skills do you need to develop
to take your business to the next level?
What knowledge gaps are holding you back?
OK.
And once you have a clear understanding of your goals,
you can start creating a plan to achieve them.
So it's about being strategic about our learning,
just like we are about every other aspect of our business.
Exactly.
And then block out time in your calendar for learning,
just like you would for any other important meeting.
Even 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference over time.
OK, set aside the time.
And then explore different learning formats.
Reading industry publications is great.
But don't limit yourself to just one format.
Consider podcasts, online courses, webinars, workshops,
even mentoring or coaching.
So create a personalized learning menu for yourself.
Exactly.
The key is to find what works best for you
and to make it a consistent part of your routine.
But let's be realistic.
Even with the best of intentions, life happens.
Emergencies come up, deadlines loom,
and suddenly that learning time disappears.
Yeah, it happens.
So how do we stay committed to our growth
even when things get crazy?
That's where that self-care piece comes in.
When you're taking care of yourself physically,
mentally, emotionally, you're much better equipped
to handle those inevitable curveballs.
Right, because you have the energy and the mental bandwidth
to deal with those unexpected challenges.
Exactly.
And you're more likely to stick to your learning goals
even when things get tough.
So it's all connected.
It is.
OK, so speaking of self-care, let's dive a little deeper
into that fourth and final strategy.
And I have to admit, I used to be pretty skeptical
of the whole self-care thing.
It felt a bit indulgent, maybe even selfish,
especially when I was first starting my business
and working around the clock.
But I'm starting to realize that it's not
about pampering yourself.
It's about investing in your most valuable asset, which
is you.
It is.
And it's about recognizing that you
can't pour from an empty cup.
You have to take care of yourself in order
to take care of your business.
So how do we actually incorporate self-care
into our lives in a way that feels sustainable and not just
like another item on our already overflowing to-do list?
Well, it starts with recognizing that self-care is not
one-size-fit-fall.
What works for one person might not work for another.
So the key is to experiment and find what truly replenishes
you.
For some people, it might be daily meditation or yoga.
For others, it might be spending time in nature
listening to music or pursuing a creative hobby.
So figure out what fills your cup
and then make time for those things.
Exactly.
Even if it means saying no to other commitments
or delegating tasks.
So it's about prioritizing our well-being.
It is.
Both for your own sake and for the sake of your business.
Remember, a burnt-out entrepreneur
isn't good for anyone.
That's a good point.
And it's not just about the big things.
It's about incorporating little moments of self-care
throughout your day.
Like take a few minutes to stretch.
Step outside for some fresh air.
Listen to your favorite song.
Whatever helps you de-stress and recharge.
So be mindful of our energy levels
and take breaks when needed.
Exactly.
You're not a machine.
You need time to rest and recharge
in order to be your best, both personally and professionally.
So it sounds like self-care is really
the foundation of all the other strategies.
Because if you're not taking care of yourself,
you're not going to be able to effectively analyze
your failures, nurture your network,
or stay committed to your growth.
You got it.
It's all interconnected.
OK.
I'm really starting to see the big picture here.
It's not just about pushing through.
It's about creating a sustainable rhythm
for your entrepreneurial journey.
Exactly.
A rhythm that allows you to pursue your goals
with passion and purpose while also taking care of yourself
along the way.
So before we move on, any final thoughts on self-care?
Well, just remember that self-care isn't selfish.
It's actually the opposite.
It's about taking care of yourself
so you can show up as your best self for your business,
for your team, for your family, and for everyone else
in your life.
It really is.
It's like we've been given all the ingredients
for this amazing resilience recipe.
And now it's up to each of us to figure out
the right portions and the right combinations
to create something that really works for our own unique
businesses and situations.
It is a little bit like that, isn't it?
It is.
So what are your final thoughts on all of this?
You know, I think what's really striking me
is how interconnected all of these strategies actually are.
It's not about just picking one and hoping for the best.
It's about weaving them all together.
Yeah.
It's like creating this tapestry of resilience.
Exactly.
And each thread supports and strengthens the others.
Yeah.
When you're analyzing your failures,
your support network can offer a fresh perspective.
When you're feeling burnt out, prioritizing self-care
gives you the energy to tackle new challenges.
And that growth mindset keeps you open to learning
and adapting no matter what comes your way.
It all works together.
It does.
So it sounds like resilience isn't something you're born with.
It's something you develop over time.
It's a skill.
It is.
And like any skill it takes practice,
the more you intentionally incorporate these strategies
into your life, the stronger you become.
Exactly.
And the better equipped you'll be to handle whatever
challenges come your way.
So it's not about being invincible.
It's about being prepared and about having the tools
and the mindset to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
And to remember that you're not alone.
You've got your tribe, your support network,
and you've got us here at the Deep Dive.
Always here to offer encouragement and support
and to dive into any resources that you send our way.
We love getting those.
We do.
So as we wrap up this deep dive into the world
of resilient entrepreneurs, we want
to leave you with this one final thought.
Resilience isn't about avoiding failure.
It's about embracing the messy, unpredictable nature
of entrepreneurship.
And having the tools and the mindset to navigate those twists
and turns with grace and determination.
You've got this.
You do.
Believe in yourself.
Believe in your vision and keep building
that tapestry of resilience one thread at a time.
One thread at a time.
Until next time, keep diving deep.