I’m no longer afraid to dance alone

I’m no longer afraid to dance alone

I’m no longer afraid to dance alone.

I was sitting with a friend over coffee and shared the challenges I was facing.  If you’re at start-up stage like me, these problems sometimes appear to never end; and they often threaten your survival. She listened to me and decided to show me the strangest video.  To some, it could be hilarious. To others, it could border on lunacy. But it hit home for me.  Why? What did it teach me?

For a while, you will dance alone, and this is okay.  This was the biggest lesson for me.  It means you will talk about your business for a while before people can buy into the solution that you have to offer.  People tend to be skeptical, especially if you have a kiss ass idea. But keep at it, sing about it, dance about it – do what you can but keep dancing.  You can change your dancing style, use whatever tools but keep dancing.  At some point, someone will try your products out and before you know it, others will join in.  

Even as you dance, ensure you are doing so within your target market.  The guy in the video would have been kicked out if he attempted to dance in a church setting.  Are you dancing within the proper market place?

A lot has been said about this but you have to love what you do.  That passion is what makes you wake up in the morning even when things don’t seem to be working out.   That is why you should not copy other people’s business ideas because you can’t copy their enthusiasm.  Many times people don’t necessarily buy because you have the best product but because they like you, and what you stand for.  

Not everyone will buy from you, and that is okay.  Whichever way you dangle your product in their faces some will not move an inch.  You know they need it but they don’t want to buy it.  Keep dancing.  Your product is not for everyone.  

Those closest to you will not necessarily promote you.  If you are like me don’t take it personally if your friends and relatives opt not to buy from you.  Your former employer’s clients may not follow you to your business.  Create your own followers, people who believe in your business, and look over those who don’t.  Maybe one day they will, maybe they won’t but keep dancing.  

And for the reasons above I am no longer afraid to dance alone.  Bear the shame, the awkwardness, the loneliness but keep dancing.  One day, just one day someone will join you.  

Dance on.  

Ps, here’s the video my friend shared with me. Let me know what your dance is and let’s keep dancing.