My Tiny Summer Vacation Transformed My Thinking

My husband and I went on vacation last week with another couple. (Check out the farm-y pictures above) We stayed close to home, rented an AirBnd and filled our days with games, wine tastings and hikes. It was a blast. Sadly, since we’ve been back in Austin and have reconnected with co-workers, post vacation, Summer small talk begins with one question, “Been anywhere fun this Summer?” Everyone is always so amazed we stayed close. We didn’t travel far and in reflecting about our vacation, I’ve redirected my thoughts to the topic of community.

It’s a generalization, but most people are most surprised and impressed by affluence. The larger the better. It’s true, we each have our own thoughts about the relationship between Summer and work. Some take it light; spending more time with family and their kiddos is the ideal Summer. This resting season can be filled with a small community, only people that are loved are visited. Others attempt to attend as many networking events as possible to grow their business. Those who travel to a handful of networking events are go-getters; they are thought of as aspirational leaders. The larger the community network, the better. We are pushed as entrepreneurs to network, network, network. Of course, many positive outcomes derive from networking. But it’s a false positive to believe ‘the more people you know the better’ or the ‘larger community you have the more successful your business will become’. A strong, small community can be more powerful for your business. Here is why.

Over This Past Week My Small Community Came Through

It’s a fact, I receive repeat clients from friendships I’ve developed over months, even years. These are people I’ve had coffee with, talked through life’s big questions with and exchanged multiple emails with. These friendships have even developed intentionally over social media. It’s so amazing how connections come about. At the foundation of our business lies the relationships we hold with others. Our community shapes what our business can become.

Let’s dive even deeper. People purchase what they know. They tell their friends to buy services they trust. The point of purchase comes from emotion...and I only realized it this past week. (I’ve heard it time and time again; who knew it was true!?) On Sunday evening, I had three emails in my inbox. Two from entrepreneurs who I’ve met face to face, both of whom I’ve done work for in the past. The last was from an entrepreneur who had viewed my portfolio via an Instagram hashtag. The two first emails, are continuing to work with me. They reached out about a tangible project that I could help with. They know my work ethic, my passions and my personality. The Instagram “price shopper” emailed concerning the possibility of a free design. He wasn’t the ideal customer.

Connection matters. It’s impossible to connect with everyone, but the tangible ways to show who we are and what we stand for weighs heavy with our potential client base. A small community can be powerful for your business.

Hamlet Had it Down, “To Thine Own Self Be True.”

To be an avid part of a whole society you must stay true to you. It’s so true, the world is huge. The possibilities of your network are endless. To me, that’s SO daunting. But it’s helpful to realize, I can make more of a rippling impact if I stay exactly who I am. For some, it’s harder than others to understand yourself and the core. But it’s extremely compelling to do so, not only for you, but for the lucky souls who know you.

So Who Am I

It’s easy to reveal my food likes and dislikes or the home decor styles I’m fond of. (I’m in love with crepes and the idea of concrete floor tiles.) But at my core, I’m a believer of the two J’s: Jesus and justice. I care deeply for people and their stories. My ultimate life’s work is to transform people’s businesses by adding the heart of their character to their company’s mission statement and branding. If your story and passions are wrapped up in the foundation of your business, going to work isn’t a chore. Work is a joy.

Relationships Take Time

Remember, building a core community of people, who respect and love you, takes time. Your business won't transform over night with a few intimate posts on Facebook or Instagram. I have to keep reminding myself that. Here in Austin it’s been an ebb and flow of friends who I’ve connected with and then have moved away. Again, I'm searching for new people to go out with. It’s hard. But even though my Austin community is in constant flux, my friendships and past co-workers across the country are an amazing support system. I'm so grateful for their love and mentorship. I know my dream, I know who I am and I’m excited to see what’s in store for my core community in the future.