Stop resisting that pivot, claim your next iteration and unlock your next level in business!

 

The grief of outgrowing a clientele is real.

As business owners, we can get stuck between the sense of disloyalty toward the people who gave us those first opportunities and believed in us before anyone else did…

… and an inner knowing, a nudge, that it's time to create different things, for a different kind of client.

Quite frankly, this is what often ends up under “mindset issues”.

When really?

It's a very tangible, valid concern.

With a very tangible solution, that'll unlock the next level of business for you.

 

Let's start with some truths about this process of grieving, growing, pivoting, and the natural unfolding of our evolution as people and business owners.

Truth #1. This is a never-ending process

The misconception is that “once you figure it out”, you can just smooth sail from there, and ride into the sunset with your set in stone offers, messaging, positioning, and pricing.

Yeah… no.

Who we are, and who we serve is a living breathing organism.

One day, you'll wake up and realize it has outgrown your current iteration and I think the more we can embrace those moments, the quicker we can move through that next vulnerable but beautiful ugly duckling stage.

 

Truth #2. There's a payoff for staying where you are

If you're in that boat of having been “nudged” for a while now by, and you're getting sick of being in limbo, here's what I suggest:

Instead of judging yourself, or telling yourself that there's something wrong with you?

Ask yourself:

What's the payoff?

What about my current reality am I not willing to give up for the sake of discovering what the next expression of my business holds?

This is no different than any other important relationship in your life.

The realization it's time to move on.

Paired with deeply caring for those you're “leaving behind”?

It fucking hurts.

They might be disappointed in you.

You might see them hurting.

And like leaving a relationship that's no longer a match for where you are in life, you're most likely walking away from something that “works” at least on some level, for a future that's unknown.

We all have a different risk tolerance level.

Some of us leap, without knowing what's on the other side

Others need to see some data, proof if you will, before making that big next move.

It's OK.

The more you can accept yourself and how you roll, the easier it'll be to simply partner with yourself and navigate the twists and turns in the road.

It's a bit like women who whisper to me that they want to be a “kept woman”, deep down.

There's nothing wrong with that (in my opinion!).

We want what we want.

But when what I desire conflicts with something else I desire, I have this one strategy.

To stay the example of the kept woman.

Yeah… part of me wishes I could just create shit and not have to worry about paying any bills.
Sure.

But my reality is that if I fuck off and not give a shit to what happens inside of our company, not only I, but also my husband will lose his paycheck.

So I read novels about billionaires financially “saving” women and I get my fix.

Now it doesn't have to stop me from making exciting moves in my business.

Sort of like collaborating with your inner saboteur.

More often than not, it's just an unheard or pushed down desire that's sick and tired of going unacknowledged.

Truth #3 If it's not working for you, it's not working for them

You might feel you're doing the right thing by “staying” when really it's not working for the people you are currently with either.

Not really.

If there's anything I know for sure, after 7 years in business, it's this:

The feeling is mutual.

If you just for a sec imagine people expressing they're not thrilled with your work/the experience you create, and your knee jerk reaction is:

“Bitch, you better be grateful, the things I've given up to serve you!”

That's your sign.

That's your sign that it's maybe time to move on, and claim your next level.

Instead of letting resentment grow (again, usually the feeling is mutual), reframing what loyalty even means, is a way for you to honor both yourself AND your current clientele.

Showing your gratitude for all they've done for you isn't something that has to come at the cost of the future that's calling you.

How about actually expressing gratitude:

“I'm so grateful for the chances you gave me before I was a proven thing”

“I'll never forget you opening up your network to me and getting me those first breakthrough opportunities, you've changed my life and made a huge positive impact, I hope you know this”.

“Even though I'm moving on from _________ I hope you know that it doesn't mean I'm moving on from our friendship. You're incredibly important to me”.

SAY.
THE.
THING.

The thing you're afraid they'll forget as they see you soar, that is.

 

Truth #4. Maybe your concerns are about self-preservation, not about hurting people

When I posted about outgrowing a clientele a while ago, it got 150+ comments with people talking about the struggle. And how “leaving anyone behind” goes against their values.

Being loyal is something they identify with.

Something that makes them a good person in their own eyes.

And everyone likes to think they're a good person!

But here's the underbelly of this:

Usually, when I did a little deeper with the clients we support through this process?

Yes, they care about the clientele they're no longer matching with.

But more than anything?

 

• They feel the future is a big unknown, with questions like:
• Who are my new clients?
• Where do I find (more of) them?
• How do I call them in?
• Do I feel equipped to reach out and connect?
• Am I ready to serve them well?
• Do I look polished enough to impress this new clientele?
• Am I worth this new level of investment?

 

(if you want answers to those questions, book yourself in for a call! You might love hearing more about how we support our clients and what we can do to support you!)

It's a bit this principle that's perfectly captured in this Dutch saying:

Don't throw out your old shoes before you have new ones.

A shitty thing to do in intimate relationships.

But when it comes to business, I think allowing ourselves to be strategic about this, is wise.

Question really is…

How many answers do you feel you need?

How much certainty… before feeling ready to take that leap into your next iteration?

And that answer is different for every single one of us.

Also, as I'm writing this article, “Knowing me, knowing you” by Abba starts playing.

Maybe that's what we should do.

A breakup, ugly cry, time to go party.

Crank up the volume, stop pretending that you have mindset issues, own your grief and claim your next level, no matter what anyone is going to think.

It's time.