Stand
It happened. I was replaced. As a freelancer, it happens. Sometimes you know why, sometimes you don’t. A humbling experience and one I know I’ll face again. I’m old school. I recognize that. I believe in telling it like it is and taking a stand. It may not be what a client wants to hear, which is ok. My experience, reliance on numbers and research, and the ability to step back and find the white space are what got me here.
In years past, an experience like this would have stopped me in my tracks. After many successes and failures, I realize now that the ending of a business relationship creates an opening. It gives you the time to pause, face north, and think about direction, both personally and professionally.
Calibrate.
Give yourself the grace of acceptance. Tune into the ways you can add value and learn from the experience. Do something good for yourself. Me? I prayed, called my sponsor, and talked to a good friend.
Listen to reason.
Surround yourself and do business with people who share your common ground. In every instance, the relationship you build will enhance your work. Do not compromise. The moment you do, you lose direction.
Carry a compass to guide you along.
Your work, your persona, and the people you surround yourself with are your compass. I got lucky. I found a business partner who could call me out on my mistakes and, at the same time, make me better at what I do. My compass is the Bible—today and every day.
Founders are no different.
Every founder has a true north. Listen to reason. Think about direction. Stand in the place where you are.
