A Makeup Metaphor (stick with me here)
I remember the time that a friend first told me she had never been to a make-up counter at the mall.
In the pre-Sephora days, if you wanted to level up from a drugstore brand, you had to go to department store make-up counter where some incredibly old and overly eye-shadowed lady invaded your privacy.
It was nerve-wracking if you really had no idea what you were doing. And the great fear was that you would end up looking like her!!! No thank you.
Luckily, I knew what I was doing enough to act as my friend's Nordstrom-sherpa.
We first talked about what was missing in her routine, her goals, her want to maintain, and her budget. Then I went through my mental files on which counters were most likely to meet her needs.
It was, without me realizing, the first time I helped someone create their public image in a way that felt authentic, but also like the most confident version of themselves.
This past week, my daughter came home from school and was telling me about a video presentation the class had to do in Spanish, and a friend came to her saying “I have no idea how to be on camera. I know your mom does video stuff for her job. Can you help me?”
My own child 2.0-ed the experience of taking a friend to the make-up counter by getting her friend in the right light, showing her where to look, and how to use cue cards. (Her friend thought cue cards were “cheating”, but mine explained it was “standard.” 😂)
Sometimes, our expertise can make a significant impact on the lives of others, both personally and professionally.
Years later I went deep with that college friend, learning about the roots of her make-up counter fears. (You've probably already guessed that it was about far more than a fear of blue eye shadow.)
In what you do professionally every day, there will come a time when you hit an emotional space for your client that you couldn't have anticipated.
By bridging the professional and personal divide, you create loyalty that extends beyond traditional business boundaries. Embrace the potential of your expertise, and watch as the ripple effects of your knowledge and passion (make-up, video, or otherwise) improve the lives of others.
Speaking of “finding your light”, here's a great little demonstration video I made that clearly shows the radical difference in which direction you're facing.
How do balance the personal and professional
We've talked a good deal about what it means to protect yourself fromyourself as a solopreneur. (Too easy to get wrapped up in our work 24/7, etc). But small business work also requires a balance of the personal and professional with our clients.
1.Maintain composure: Set clear expectations and boundaries with clients to maintain a professional relationship while still allowing room for personal connections. Example: Communicate your working hours, response times, and preferred methods of communication upfront, so clients know when and how to reach you without encroaching on your personal time.
2. You like to skateboard? Me too!: Take the time to learn about your clients' personal interests or experiences, and find common ground to build rapport without overstepping professional boundaries. Example:During an initial consultation, ask clients about their hobbies or recent events in their lives. Share any common interests or experiences, which can help create a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere without compromising professionalism.
3. Don't be a robot: Be mindful of your clients' emotions and needs, showing empathy and understanding while maintaining a professional approach. Example: If a client is experiencing a personal challenge that affects their professional relationship with you, acknowledge their feelings and offer support or flexibility where possible.
A Modern Summary of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” - the most defining musical of my childhood.
Referrals are the lifeblood of every small business, including mine!
Do you have a friend who is looking to go into business for themselves?
Is your mom looking to take her jewelry making side hustle to the next level?
Does your brother need new professional photos or a portfolio website for a job search?
You can:
Give them my website: www.StefanieSmall.com
Introduce us over email: sjsmall560@gmail.com
Reach out through LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-small
THANK YOU!
