In a previous blog post, I shared how my children’s encounter with a friendly dog brought me a client and a business partner. That blog post started out as a post on my personal Facebook profile. However, most people didn’t realize that the post was part of a series of marketing posts…until I told them.
I got onto social media primarily to market my business. This wasn’t easy given that I’m almost a recluse if the extroverts in my life were to be asked. There was also a time when I feared talking about myself or sharing my views publicly. That changed when I learnt a system of using storytelling not just for marketing, but to also change people’s lives.
Speaking from the heart is now a normal way of life for me. In fact, one of my sisters keeps an eye on it and calls me out when I write differently. The conversation starts with her saying, “The last post you wrote…that was not from your heart. It was from your mind.”
Marketing with a difference
While I do a lot of marketing in my posts, it’s done with a difference. Each marketing post must do at least 3 of the following for the reader:
- Inform.
- Educate.
- Inspire.
- Motivate.
- Change.
This doesn’t mean that the reader has to like what I say or even agree with me. But if my post leaves you reflecting about something, or even upset with me for daring to put something like that out there, then my work is done. Change is never easy and we all have hot buttons that we probably don’t know about until someone pushes them.
As someone who reads my posts, feel free to give your feedback in the Comments. I love feedback and take no offense even when it’s criticism.
Having said that, let me get to today’s story…
2017 was a pivotal year for me. I had been a solo-parent for 3 years and was still struggling with all the challenges that come with that. I had lived a privileged life for many years and never had to worry about the big bills like rent, utilities, school fees, medical, car stuff, and such.
Suddenly, not only did I have to take care of these after leaving my husband. I also had to re-build my confidence and business. All done while working on healing myself from the inside out and letting go of all the negativity that comes with a relationship going bad.
Financially, I had a choice to get back into employment. However, something deep inside said, “No, just keep at this…hold on.” Many people didn’t understand why I stuck to coaching and business. But my family, and especially my mum and sisters, gave me immense support.
A surprising insight from my mum
One day, just as I was about to give up, I had a chat with mum and asked her, “Looking back at your life, what advice would you give to your younger self…when she was at my age?” That conversation sparked a long discussion. I can’t remember much of it, but one part has stuck in my mind to date.
Mum paused, looked at me and said, “You know what? When you were a young girl of about 12-13 years…you used to say that you’ll make money helping people. I never understood what that meant, but I do now. Isn’t that what you’re doing? Aren’t you doing the same thing as Alabastron and helping people?”
My mum was referring to Renewing Self by Alabastron (Laimani Bidali). She had taken the program in her late 60s and it changed her life.
This conversation was probably the first time since I moved into coaching that mum understood exactly what I do. As we spoke, it became clear to both of us that what I do is not just something I’m doing, it’s what I was born to do. It’s my purpose.
Since that day, my mum is an even bigger supporter than before. Additionally, her words gave me the confidence I needed to keep moving forward and hang in there when I encounter obstacles.
The journey of purpose is never easy!
Now, becoming more confident and having the courage to go full blast for something are two different things. While I’m very confident about my skills, at that point, I didn’t have the courage to stand up and declare my purpose to the world. Hiding behind the phone and computer was much easier.
That was until October 2017 when I stepped up and moved to the next level as a co-founder of Biashara Threesixty. At that time, I thought I was moving to a more relaxed business with my then business partners. That story unfolded in a totally different way, proving once again that the journey of purpose is never easy.
I’ve been reflecting about the conversation with my mother and the changes I’ve been through since 2017. Biashara Threesixty started with a big dream. I tried scaling it down without success. I tried running away from it and found myself back.
It’s been a full 360° turnaround. I’ve floundered along the way. However, the growth experienced is something I would never wish away! I may not know what comes ahead and how it will pan out, but I am living on purpose and doing what I was born to do.
Are you on Purpose?
My story is just an example. Everyone has their own story, their journey, and their purpose to fulfil. Have you claimed the space that is uniquely yours – a space that no one else can fill?
You don’t need to work with a coach, go on a retreat, attend a workshop, or read a book to know whether or not you’re in your unique space. You’ll know you are there if you’re using all your skills, knowledge, talents, experiences, and intuition in whatever you do.
The industry you work in doesn’t matter. Maybe you’re an employee or work in your business. Or maybe you’re in civil society or involved in humanitarianism for no pay. It doesn’t matter.
The common thing is that there is a deep sense, an inner feeling that you are in the right place. Your work also fills you with joy and peace. You love it so much that you’d do it for free if possible.
If you’re already there, let’s celebrate together because it’s an awesome space to be!
If you’re not there, explore and find out what it is. Then step into that space boldly.
If you’ve lost your job and are thinking of starting a business, read this article first then consciously choose your next step.
And if you’re a service-based entrepreneur and you’d like some help getting there through your business, MaryG Waithaka and I have something for you. Join us each week in the Expertise to IncomeWebinar where we’ll talk about what it takes to become a highly paid expert doing what you were born to do.
Over to you…
I hope that this post has managed to do at least 3 out of 5 of my goals: Inform, Educate, Inspire, Motivate, or start a process of mindset Change for you.
I’d love to hear from you, as always. Are you on purpose? If you are, have you managed to align your business or career with it? Share your thoughts, questions or experience in the Comments below.
(Image credit: Unsplash)
