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Episode Transcript:

Most of my guests on the Passion Business Podcast share how they started in one direction and then something happened, they met someone or learned something that put them onto an entirely different path.

So I want to remind you that you won’t be able to see the entire path ahead of you.

Welcome back to Nº5 of my 7 biggest pet peeves about how to build your own business.

I remember the moment I had the idea for my sewing business.

After a day at the office developing software at a London bank I came home, had a bite to eat, put on some flamenco music – Camaron de la Isla with Paco de Lucia in case you’re into flamenco and curious to know – and cleared the dining table.

I pulled out the beautiful white fabric with a colourful flower print and went on to cut out the pieces that would turn into a ruffly, floaty summer dress.

I relaxed into a lovely state of creative flow, you know the one — when time no longer exists — and there it was, the image of the business I would start was crystal clear.

I would have my own sewing studio where I would sew made to measure flamenco inspired garments, unique items designed specifically for my clients and sewn with impeccable craftsmanship. I was so excited!

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Now on my next trip to Granada I noticed that big retailers were selling clothing of very much the style I had in mind and I remember feeling pretty discouraged.

And then I walked past a shop that sold flamenco dresses. When I had a closer look I could see that they weren’t factory produced and the next thing I saw was a sign in the window saying they were looking for a dressmaker.

No, in case you’re wondering, I didn’t end up working for them. I did ask but the lady in the shop wasn’t very friendly at all and pretty much told me to get lost.

And over time I realized that the dresses in that shop were made for what’s called the feria, which is an annual festival most towns and villages in Andalucia celebrate, and not at all fit for dancing, and that it was flamenco dancers who had their dance costumes custom made.

Even then I had no idea what a bata de cola was. It’s a skirt or dress with a long train with ruffles on top and underneath – pretty amazing to watch on stage – , and it’s what ended up being my flagship product.

So why am I telling you this?

It’s because in many ways my story isn’t unique. Most of my guests on the Passion Business Podcast share how they started in one direction and then something happened, they met someone or learned something that put them onto an entirely different path.

So I want to remind you that you won’t be able to see the entire path ahead of you. The path isn’t straight and you can only see the next corner. You have to walk to that corner to see what’s behind it.

You can’t work out who your ideal client is and what you want to offer to them from behind your desk, before stepping out, before telling people about your business, before creating something.

It works the other way round – you have to start walking, you have to start talking to people, you have to start taking action for clarity and opportunities to unfold in front of you.

If you have a story to share, if you’ve found “your thing” while you were going after something different I’d love to hear from you.

Talk to you again soon.