That's right, I said it. And, if someone had told me to fake it 'til you make it when I first started my business I would have said, "You're a cheeseball. Back the hell off."
But, guess what? Everyone's doing it. That guy with the full wrap on his truck that you saw at the stoplight today...fakin' it. The guy with the awesome website that lists a full host of services...fakin' it. Billboard on highway, printed work shirts, slick brochures...fake, fake and fake.
Obviously not all of these businesses can be total fakers. But, I can guarantee you one thing. If they are not faking it now...they were at one time. No doubt.
I think this is a great secret that business owners share only with each other. It took me a long time to unravel that fact. Finally, one day I was talking to one of my vendors who was adding a new service to her tool bag. She had a grand portfolio on this service which prompted me to ask, "why haven't I seen this work before?" She proceeded to tell me that it was all work she had done for family and friends, she's never sold these services to a client...her portfolio suggested a totally different story!
This was my first glimpse behind the curtain, as they say. Since then, several of my vendors have shared with me the things they did/do to enhance their image. One of my vendors and I laugh and always say, "pay no attention to what's going on behind the curtain!" All that matters is what is presented and delivered in front of the curtain.
Even the guy with an awesome retail spot down the street is sweating every day. He's not going to let that show. He's going to fake it. But, you can bet he's worried that someday, he won't be able to cover his overhead.
Why is the realization of this secret so valuable? It was valuable to me because it made me feel more secure in my venture. Those guys I strive to be like with their store fronts, fancy wrapped trucks and printed uniforms might be just like me...trying to make an idea work.
I like to remind myself, things are rarely as they appear. It's like the old phrase, "Grass is always greener..." Sometimes it takes a little spray paint to get your grass green!
See ya next time!
Please note the thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are based on the experiences of the author. The information contained in this blog is in no way meant to take the place of professional advice. It is only meant as insight into the world of a small business owner. As always, thank you for visiting and feel free to share your own experiences or conerns by leaving a comment