Yes, You DO Bring Value

I spent the last week masterminding and learning from brilliant business leaders. How blessed am I to have in my home at arm’s reach Business Strategist Shelly Rice and Branding and Marketing Advisor Carol Smith. The purpose for this gathering of brilliance was to attend a two day event, the Sought After Speaker Summit led by another amazing woman: Caterina Rando.

There were a few moments that I wondered to myself, and out loud, “What value could I, as a graphic designer, possibly bring to these powerful business leaders?” I have never worked for HP and implemented marketing plans that paved the way for other corporations. I’ve never built a nationally recognized company through events across the nation. And I questioned my worth and place in the group: I am a graphic designer. I am gaining TONS of advice from them. What exactly do they gain from me? Even writing this I get tears in my eyes, because I want to give back to them what they generously gave to me. I wanted to give powerful light-bulb moments and hear the words “Oh that’s a great idea, Alicia! Thanks!” Words I seem to say over and over to them because they are always turning on a light-bulb in my business strategy.

Fortunately, my friends took time with me and explained that I have my own value, my own brilliance. Even though I have a successful one-person agency and in the process of building a power-house business, I do not have the business experiences they have to impart strategy advice on their level. I do have stellar graphic design skills and develop professional business images for clients, of which they have no knowledge. So, I DID bring value to the group, not just because I’m funny and cute, but because of what I already do. I would give them the world if I had it, but I only have so much to give and it IS of value. And there was no doubt in their mind. I’m so glad I learned this sooner than later.

If you are struggling with “fitting in” or questioning your value to the group, stop it! You DO bring value! Want proof? Ask those you admire and respect for feedback on your value. You will operate with a totally new and positive perspective. And if you do not get the feedback you need? MOVE ON! Because you DO have value! Surround yourself with people who recognize it and will do anything for you to promote it. Because YOU HAVE VALUE and should share it with the world!

Alicia White is the CEO of Back of the Room Productions, home of the Speakers Briefcase™, Authors Briefcase™, and The Speaklet™ and North America's first Back of the Room Branding and Marketing Materials Provider. Copyright 2013.

I am Fearless

A business associate posted a photo on her Facebook wall hat said “I am Fearless.” I took note but it didn’t quite resonate with me as it did with another person. She replied “I woke up thinking about this and realized that I am not fearless, but I really should be and want to be. I've always been a risk taker and I've always been one to push the envelope but I still have fear and there are areas in my life that I still hold back on due to fear.”

I replied “I am fearless and have been most of my adult life. Join me!” Yes, after graduating college I did everything I set my mind to and without fear. I traveled to Europe by myself backpacking from France to Switzerland to Italy and then flew to Egypt for a 7 day tour. Then a few years later I visited Egypt again and walked the streets of Cairo, fearless. I moved to a new city, with a little bit of trepidation as to my future, but I risked it and did it, becoming fearless as each day passed. I met my soul mate, Rick, on the Internet. Again, fearless. Taking a risk, meeting strangers, to find “the one.”

Do I have any fears at all? Oh yes. When I unexpectedly come within 25 yards of a bear in Yellowstone that is a REAL fear! I fear being injured in a car crash. I fear my loved ones dying too soon. But that is not the context in which I define myself as fearless. The context to which I refer to the term “fearless” is my personality and the actions I take to be who I am. My actions are a bit more risky than most, and there are times when I question, “am I being fearless or just plain dumb!” Like the time I walked through a dark park in Rome at 10pm, only to learn the next day from a handwritten sign in broken English on the bank door to watch out for “thiefs, robberys, and rappers.” The latter meaning rapists, not hip-hop singers.

So do you fear that prevents you from being who you want to be? Is it realistic? Or are the thoughts in your head lying to you? Because you do know that thoughts are NOT facts, right? Just because you “think” it doesn’t make it true. Ah, gotcha you on that one, didn’t I? Mull that over a bit and apply that statement to your next thought filled with fear or uncertainty. Are you really that shy or do you lack trust in people until you get to know them? Do you allow your thoughts about your body image control your actions thus hindering your success?

Get this: I was 240 pounds when I did a zip-line course through the jungles of Belize. I was 260 pounds and sang my first solo in front of an audience of 300. My weight didn’t stop me but it would stop a dear friend of mine. I’m not saying I don’t experience fear, I do. I just get over it quicker than most. For example, I WAS afraid of the height of the zipline and I WAS afraid of singing in front all of those people. But only for a few seconds and I sure didn’t let that stop me.

So, what is it that is stopping you? Write down your fears, check off the all non-factual thoughts from the list, and then act as if you have no fear. Get to the point of being fearless to succeed in your dreams!

Alicia White is the CEO of Back of the Room Productions, home of the Speakers Briefcase™, Authors Briefcase™, and The Speaklet™ and North America's first Back of the Room Branding and Marketing Materials Provider. Copyright 2012.