Key Takeaways:
- Embrace the power of networking and never shy away from making a “big ask” to unlock incredible opportunities.
- Shift focus from competition to creating unique value tailored to your desired clientele.
- Maintain a balance between pursuing future goals and appreciating present achievements to ensure long-term fulfillment and joy.
Building a business that aligns with your passions and lifestyle while setting aside the relentless hustle culture often advocated can be overwhelmingly challenging. Nicole Matthews, founder of The Henley Company, illuminates a path toward entrepreneurial success, focusing on creativity over competition and advocating for a mindset of abundance and self-care. Through her experiences and wisdom, captured in Bree’s Rebel CEO podcast, we uncover the essential steps to transform an initial dream into a sustainable, joy-filled venture.
The Power of Intentional Networking and The Big Ask
Nicole’s journey shows the impact of daring to articulate your goals and seeking support from your network—a concept she calls the “big ask.”
“I made a big ask, lots of people helped me, and then that rolled into an event portfolio that has included three Olympic games, multiple Super Bowls, and then the World Cup in Qatar back in 2022.”
Nicole created pivotal opportunities by reaching out to her network for help in securing work at the London Olympics. This proactive approach not only positioned her in significant global events but also exemplified a broader principle: opportunities often stem from community and connection.
Bree contextualizes this for early entrepreneurs:
“Your big ask can be as simple as, hey, I want to build a photography portfolio, or I want to be a planner for a wedding and put that out just to your local network.”
The concept of the “big ask” extends beyond grand-scale opportunities and is fundamentally about accountability and networking. By communicating your goals, you invite others to support you and keep you on track, which often turns into unexpected yet substantial results.
Redefining Competition to Foster Creativity
The endless pursuit of competition can be counterproductive and exhausting. Nicole advocates for a mindset shift from competing to creating, which can fundamentally transform your business approach and outcomes.
“If you are starting your business in a mindset of competition, then it’s going to always feel like it’s a race all of the time. Like, I have to be bigger, I have to be better.”
Rather than focusing on outdoing competitors, emphasize your unique value proposition and the specific demographics you aim to serve. Nicole elaborates on diversifying through unique offerings, as implemented in The Henley Company:
“For the Henley Company, my business, it’s the fact that, yes, we do events, but we also do these other things as well.”
By identifying and honing in on your unique strengths and services, competition becomes less daunting, and the emphasis shifts to providing exceptional value to your clients. This strategy is not just about circumventing competition but aligning your operations with your genuine interests and expertise, which fosters sustained satisfaction and growth.
Mindfulness and Gratitude: Core to Business Longevity
Mindfulness and gratitude are not merely buzzwords but core principles for lasting entrepreneurial success. Nicole’s narrative continually circles back to remaining grateful and being present in the journey.
“We can’t lose sight of that. We can’t.”
It is easy to fall into the trap of perpetual striving without acknowledging the milestones already achieved. Bree addresses this, pointing out that continually seeking the next big thing can dilute the joy of present successes:
“Realistically, if you’re working towards bigger things, then you’re bound to maybe fail at some things along the way. And that’s just part of it, and that’s fine.”
Adopting practices of mindfulness can help balance the pursuit of future goals with present contentment. Nicole mentions the small but significant practice of finding beauty in daily activities, like a walk in the neighborhood:
“I try to challenge myself to find two to three things that I find really beautiful on that walk.”
Likewise, self-care is paramount for entrepreneurs. Without health, the foundation of any entrepreneurial venture crumbles.
“Without your health, you cannot do the thing that you started your business to do.”
Nicole’s personal health scare exemplifies why prioritizing self-care is not just preferable but critical. Entrepreneurs often delay these priorities, but health is indispensable for long-term productivity and fulfillment.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Key to Sustainable Success Building a successful business requires more than just entrepreneurial skills; it entails a holistic mindset that integrates curiosity, continuous learning, and a balance between striving for future goals while savoring current achievements.
Nicole ends with an insightful piece of advice:
“Keep curious and keep learning.”
Curiosity fuels innovation and resilience, two critical ingredients for entrepreneurial success. By maintaining a learning mindset, you open doors to adaptability and creativity, ensuring your business can pivot and thrive amid changing landscapes.
Resources:
- Nicole’s Book: Permission: Stop Competing and Start Creating the Life You Want to Live
- The Henley Company: thehenleycompany.com
- Nicole on Instagram: @msnicolematthews
About the Guest:
Nicole Matthews is the founder of The Henley Company, LLC, a global event, travel, and lifestyle concierge firm. Nicole launched the company in 2007 with a mission to help clients live life to the fullest by providing comprehensive event production, travel coordination, and personal assistance. With a profound portfolio including the 2012 London Olympics, FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and multiple Super Bowls, she also published her first book in 2014 titled “Permission: Stop Competing and Start Creating the Life You Want to Live.”
BREEANNA KAY’S INSTAGRAM: @breeannakayphotography
REBEL CEO INSTAGRAM: @rebel.ceo.podcast
BREEANNA KAY’S WEBSITE: breeannakay.com
REBEL CEO PODCAST SHOWNOTES: breeannakay.com/stop-competing
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