One of the biggest (and most difficult) lessons I’ve learned in my first year and change as the owner of a small creative business is the value of patience.
I don’t have much of it, frankly. But I need more of it.
I work quickly. I’m efficient. Once an idea sparks, my writing process moves without delay. I reply to e-mails quickly, return phone calls promptly and … well, you get the picture.
My business connections, on the other hand … they don’t act with the same speed or respond with the promptness that I do.
I get it, truly. I was there just over a year ago: over my head in work and responsibility, dealing with a constant stream of “drop this and do this instead” requests, shifting on a dime to deal with the latest business initiative.
I work as fast as I ever did, but the pressures on my time are far less. In effect, that creates a perception that others are not moving as quickly as I am. Not the case, certainly. And that’s where patience comes in. Patience to know that prospects will respond to my persistent follow ups when they need my writing help. That clients will provide feedback I need as soon as they’re able.
I had a recent podcast conversation about this very topic with my good friend and sherpa, Ilise Benun. If you’re in a creative business and you’re interested in marketing, you should know about Marketing Mentor and Ilise’s wonderful advice. Listen to our conversation here.
What virtues are you struggling with?
photo by SierraTierra, used under creative commons license