1 00:00:04,440 --> 00:00:05,010 Hi there. 2 00:00:05,280 --> 00:00:06,090 It's Sue. 3 00:00:06,120 --> 00:00:08,700 And thanks for joining me for tips and talk day. 4 00:00:09,330 --> 00:00:13,290 These are bite-sized topics that I pull from community questions and 5 00:00:13,290 --> 00:00:16,830 things that I'm observing in the world of handmade small business. 6 00:00:17,310 --> 00:00:18,900 If you'd like to submit a topic, 7 00:00:19,200 --> 00:00:22,710 DME over on Instagram at gift biz unwrapped, 8 00:00:23,520 --> 00:00:27,270 gosh, this year I've rolled out a number of new opportunities 9 00:00:27,270 --> 00:00:28,170 for you here. 10 00:00:28,560 --> 00:00:31,560 There are the bashes where you have a chance to showcase 11 00:00:31,560 --> 00:00:34,740 your business to this entire listening audience. 12 00:00:35,250 --> 00:00:36,660 There's the new owl app. 13 00:00:36,690 --> 00:00:39,300 When you have a quick question where you'd like my input, 14 00:00:39,720 --> 00:00:45,090 and now I'm excited to bring you gift biz boosts. 15 00:00:45,690 --> 00:00:48,510 Think of these as free strategy sessions, 16 00:00:48,570 --> 00:00:52,260 leaving you with a clear action plan to boost you forward. 17 00:00:53,010 --> 00:00:56,100 Whether you're at the beginning of your business journey and need 18 00:00:56,100 --> 00:00:58,410 concrete steps on how to start, 19 00:00:59,010 --> 00:01:01,860 or you've been doing this for a while and could use 20 00:01:01,860 --> 00:01:02,910 a fresh approach. 21 00:01:03,180 --> 00:01:06,330 These boosts are for you you'll know, 22 00:01:06,330 --> 00:01:07,590 a podcast is a boost. 23 00:01:07,620 --> 00:01:09,360 If you see that word in the title, 24 00:01:10,030 --> 00:01:11,910 want to get your own free boost. 25 00:01:12,270 --> 00:01:15,330 I'm taking these on a first come first serve basis. 26 00:01:15,630 --> 00:01:17,130 Head over to gift biz, 27 00:01:17,130 --> 00:01:22,650 unwrapped.com forward slash boost and sign up for your session today. 28 00:01:24,870 --> 00:01:29,310 My favorite number is two for real. 29 00:01:29,880 --> 00:01:30,360 I know, 30 00:01:30,690 --> 00:01:31,320 I know. 31 00:01:31,710 --> 00:01:33,210 You'd think it would be number one, 32 00:01:33,210 --> 00:01:34,680 right? I mean, 33 00:01:34,710 --> 00:01:37,890 who doesn't want to be at the top in the lead, 34 00:01:38,160 --> 00:01:38,700 the winner, 35 00:01:38,700 --> 00:01:39,570 if you will. 36 00:01:40,140 --> 00:01:40,920 And yes, 37 00:01:41,040 --> 00:01:42,660 that position is great. 38 00:01:43,290 --> 00:01:44,160 And I've been there. 39 00:01:44,160 --> 00:01:48,420 My share of times the leader in sales contests in my 40 00:01:48,450 --> 00:01:49,800 early corporate days, 41 00:01:50,190 --> 00:01:52,590 the manager of the top sales team, 42 00:01:52,620 --> 00:01:56,520 as I advanced in my career and achiever of other things 43 00:01:56,520 --> 00:01:58,320 I've attempted in my life too. 44 00:01:58,950 --> 00:02:01,410 If you want to hear about that on a personal level, 45 00:02:01,710 --> 00:02:05,190 take a listen to tips and talk episode number 78. 46 00:02:05,850 --> 00:02:08,940 I'm guessing you can identify times in your life when you've 47 00:02:08,940 --> 00:02:10,140 been on top too. 48 00:02:10,710 --> 00:02:13,530 So you'll be able to compare what I say here with 49 00:02:13,530 --> 00:02:15,300 your own experiences. 50 00:02:15,930 --> 00:02:20,940 Maybe it's becoming homecoming queen holding a position on the PTA 51 00:02:21,390 --> 00:02:24,960 or being the leader for a nonprofit or a club event. 52 00:02:25,590 --> 00:02:29,820 Spots at the top can have many faces and don't get 53 00:02:29,820 --> 00:02:30,360 me wrong. 54 00:02:30,810 --> 00:02:33,570 I enjoy and work to achieve that position. 55 00:02:33,960 --> 00:02:36,000 But in other cases, 56 00:02:36,120 --> 00:02:38,670 I like being number two better. 57 00:02:39,330 --> 00:02:41,130 Maybe I'll say this a little differently. 58 00:02:41,640 --> 00:02:43,260 I like being number two, 59 00:02:43,320 --> 00:02:45,000 just as much. 60 00:02:45,150 --> 00:02:45,840 How about that? 61 00:02:46,650 --> 00:02:50,370 Here's why being on the top automatically places you in a 62 00:02:50,370 --> 00:02:52,710 position of defending your turf. 63 00:02:53,400 --> 00:02:56,670 If you're in an elected position or leading a team, 64 00:02:56,910 --> 00:03:00,670 your performance will dictate your ability to stay in that spot. 65 00:03:00,970 --> 00:03:03,010 So the pressure is on, 66 00:03:03,700 --> 00:03:07,390 you're also in a position where critiquing is at an all 67 00:03:07,390 --> 00:03:10,030 time high by nature. 68 00:03:10,120 --> 00:03:15,730 Unfortunately, we judge people all the time and holding the top 69 00:03:15,730 --> 00:03:18,970 rank, magnifies the analysis of you. 70 00:03:19,750 --> 00:03:22,120 Many expect you to be perfect when you were in the 71 00:03:22,120 --> 00:03:23,140 number one spot, 72 00:03:23,140 --> 00:03:24,490 because I mean, 73 00:03:24,550 --> 00:03:26,590 how did you get there after all? 74 00:03:27,400 --> 00:03:29,320 You're also the benchmark to beat. 75 00:03:29,320 --> 00:03:31,690 If someone wants to challenge your post, 76 00:03:32,170 --> 00:03:35,530 that means there's talking analysis about your performance, 77 00:03:35,860 --> 00:03:37,660 which can be hurtful. 78 00:03:38,380 --> 00:03:41,500 I also learned that being on the top can be lonely 79 00:03:41,980 --> 00:03:43,450 in quite a few positions. 80 00:03:43,810 --> 00:03:48,010 I've been privy to confidential information and behind the scenes knowledge 81 00:03:48,280 --> 00:03:50,350 that had to stay with me, 82 00:03:50,680 --> 00:03:54,520 that meant a limited sounding board to hash through action steps 83 00:03:54,580 --> 00:03:57,520 or ideas for improvement in this spot. 84 00:03:57,520 --> 00:04:00,520 You see behind the scenes and all the messiness. 85 00:04:00,580 --> 00:04:03,970 Most people don't know about to be honest, 86 00:04:04,150 --> 00:04:05,410 sometimes it's nice. 87 00:04:05,410 --> 00:04:10,030 Just not to know of course being number one comes with 88 00:04:10,060 --> 00:04:13,660 a lot of great honors to the achievement you feel when 89 00:04:13,660 --> 00:04:14,890 you've reached your goal. 90 00:04:15,520 --> 00:04:19,420 It can come with recognition and respect with those around you. 91 00:04:19,480 --> 00:04:20,140 And of course, 92 00:04:20,140 --> 00:04:21,790 that feels great too. 93 00:04:22,540 --> 00:04:26,770 And it also includes the ability to affect progress and or 94 00:04:26,770 --> 00:04:28,960 change in your area of control. 95 00:04:29,620 --> 00:04:34,510 Success or failure starts and stops with you when you're in 96 00:04:34,540 --> 00:04:36,070 the Primo position. 97 00:04:36,820 --> 00:04:40,720 Some people thrive on this and some don't care for it 98 00:04:40,720 --> 00:04:41,410 at all. 99 00:04:41,800 --> 00:04:46,360 Me, I've been in both spots times where I've loved being 100 00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:49,810 in the lead and others where I couldn't wait to pass 101 00:04:49,810 --> 00:04:50,620 the torch. 102 00:04:51,280 --> 00:04:52,330 I guess in summary, 103 00:04:52,330 --> 00:04:57,130 to this point of the conversation being number one has its 104 00:04:57,130 --> 00:04:59,860 definite pros and cons. 105 00:05:00,700 --> 00:05:04,270 Now let's talk about the value of being number two and 106 00:05:04,270 --> 00:05:08,710 why this is my favorite number when you're in second place 107 00:05:08,740 --> 00:05:10,330 and you want to reach for the top, 108 00:05:10,750 --> 00:05:13,750 you have a vision and a position to strive for. 109 00:05:14,560 --> 00:05:16,240 Maybe you're like me in that. 110 00:05:16,240 --> 00:05:20,020 It keeps me motivated and energized to go for more. 111 00:05:20,590 --> 00:05:21,550 In that quest, 112 00:05:21,580 --> 00:05:25,450 you may challenge yourself to increase your knowledge or skills around 113 00:05:25,450 --> 00:05:28,420 things you've never considered for yourself before. 114 00:05:29,080 --> 00:05:32,350 Or you may stretch herself to do things you never thought 115 00:05:32,350 --> 00:05:36,610 you'd be capable of when your desire and motivation are great 116 00:05:36,610 --> 00:05:38,350 enough to push you out of. 117 00:05:38,350 --> 00:05:41,620 What's comfortable to see what can be possible. 118 00:05:42,160 --> 00:05:44,230 It's the best feeling in the world, 119 00:05:45,040 --> 00:05:45,940 but guess what? 120 00:05:46,540 --> 00:05:49,660 Most of the time we get trapped in our heads and 121 00:05:49,660 --> 00:05:52,390 we become the obstacle standing in the way. 122 00:05:53,260 --> 00:05:56,140 There is nothing like the feeling of success. 123 00:05:56,140 --> 00:06:00,050 When you break through your self-imposed barriers, 124 00:06:00,620 --> 00:06:02,210 by being a business owner, 125 00:06:02,300 --> 00:06:04,160 you hold both spots. 126 00:06:04,250 --> 00:06:05,000 Number one, 127 00:06:05,180 --> 00:06:06,620 and number two, 128 00:06:07,520 --> 00:06:08,360 as the owner, 129 00:06:08,390 --> 00:06:09,230 you run the ship. 130 00:06:09,230 --> 00:06:10,130 Of course, 131 00:06:10,490 --> 00:06:13,100 even if you have a team of people working with you, 132 00:06:13,250 --> 00:06:16,520 you're the one who envisioned and started the ball rolling with 133 00:06:16,520 --> 00:06:17,300 your company. 134 00:06:17,990 --> 00:06:19,880 You put in place the structure, 135 00:06:20,150 --> 00:06:21,020 the plan, 136 00:06:21,170 --> 00:06:22,880 no matter how formal it is, 137 00:06:23,330 --> 00:06:28,070 and let's not forget the whole maker methods behind production and 138 00:06:28,070 --> 00:06:29,930 presentation of your products. 139 00:06:30,590 --> 00:06:33,650 You're also the one who people come to with questions or 140 00:06:33,650 --> 00:06:35,540 to get approval of new ideas. 141 00:06:36,080 --> 00:06:39,650 That's all part of your role as the leader and owner 142 00:06:39,650 --> 00:06:40,760 of your business, 143 00:06:41,600 --> 00:06:45,560 your number two spot comes in when you consider your business 144 00:06:45,590 --> 00:06:47,750 among others within your industry, 145 00:06:48,440 --> 00:06:51,140 depending on what definition do you want to give to these 146 00:06:51,140 --> 00:06:55,790 rankings? There's always someone doing things that you perceive to be 147 00:06:55,790 --> 00:06:57,320 a step higher than you, 148 00:06:58,040 --> 00:06:59,900 bigger or better if you will. 149 00:07:00,590 --> 00:07:03,110 And I know this can be intimidating. 150 00:07:03,140 --> 00:07:04,430 I've experienced it. 151 00:07:04,940 --> 00:07:08,690 Another maker who's been in business longer and has more sales. 152 00:07:09,380 --> 00:07:13,100 Someone who seems to be more creative than you in product 153 00:07:13,100 --> 00:07:18,140 promotion, or is ahead of you with social media followers and 154 00:07:18,230 --> 00:07:23,780 on, and on the next time you see someone progressing ahead 155 00:07:23,780 --> 00:07:24,260 of you. 156 00:07:24,770 --> 00:07:28,340 I want you to reposition your thinking and open your mind 157 00:07:28,370 --> 00:07:30,890 to the benefit of being second. 158 00:07:31,700 --> 00:07:33,770 Seeing a fellow maker succeed, 159 00:07:34,070 --> 00:07:38,090 proves that it's possible for you to it's evidence that there's 160 00:07:38,090 --> 00:07:41,870 a path to that level while your road does not, 161 00:07:41,960 --> 00:07:45,500 and actually should not mimic someone else's. 162 00:07:45,860 --> 00:07:49,310 You can take clues from their actions to spark ideas for 163 00:07:49,310 --> 00:07:51,440 your own forward progress. 164 00:07:52,160 --> 00:07:56,330 Seeing others do what you've been afraid to do can spark 165 00:07:56,330 --> 00:08:00,050 action in you and open your mind's eye to a whole 166 00:08:00,080 --> 00:08:02,120 new level of opportunity. 167 00:08:02,330 --> 00:08:04,790 You never dared believe is possible. 168 00:08:05,540 --> 00:08:08,900 I'm here to tell you that it is possible and being 169 00:08:08,900 --> 00:08:12,710 number two provides the motivation for you to get there. 170 00:08:14,810 --> 00:08:15,740 That's a wrap. 171 00:08:16,130 --> 00:08:17,990 I'm a get to the point kind of girl. 172 00:08:18,140 --> 00:08:20,900 And this is what you can expect from these quick midweek 173 00:08:20,900 --> 00:08:26,000 sessions. Now it's your turn go out and fulfill that dream 174 00:08:26,000 --> 00:08:26,720 of yours. 175 00:08:27,080 --> 00:08:29,210 Share your handmade products with us. 176 00:08:29,480 --> 00:08:33,500 We want them and they bring us both so much happiness.