In Business, You Have To Fake It 'Til You Make It, OR NOT
When To Fake It ‘Til You Make It In Business
… And when you should probably take a step back.
Hi everyone! Owner of Robles Designs and founder of Digital Hustle Tribe, Yasmine, here. If you don’t know about Digital Hustle Tribe, we are a group that gets together for events to help grow our digital empire… Yes, wine is sometimes involved. We also get together for big workshops to help us with everything from building our website to social media strategy! If you are looking for more 1:1 coaching, hit up Robles Designs. Today I am going to talk about a hot topic: when do we “fake it ‘til we make it” in our business?
NOT WITH FINANCES. PERIOD.
Recently, I was at a lunch-in for NAWBO and one of the speakers was discussing finances and when business owners need to fake it ‘til you make it. If you have never heard this saying, I am referring to (typically) new business owners who don’t have a ton of experience or the funds to do everything that they aspire to do eventually. This sparked my interest in determining when this is appropriate and when it’s not.
First of all, DON’T FAKE IT WITH YOUR FINANCES AND ACCOUNTS. In other words, if you don’t have the funds (yet, of course!!) for a Venti Starbucks every morning, don’t do it! Go for your homemade cold brew for now. You’ll save a few of your well-earned $$$ and appreciate it more in the future.
Okay, so no Starbucks… But when should I use it?
Imagine. You’re starting a business and trying to get your first client base. You miiiight pretend that you have a big company so clients believe you do and then eventually, you actually will! Is this a good idea?
So, here is my personal opinion on when to use the fake it ‘til you make it in your business. Let me build a scenario: You are offered a big proposal and you know that it might be hectic for you… I’m talkin’ lots of bad words, caffeine, and very little sleep. BUT, it’s a great opportunity. Let’s consider some more aspects of the project and ask yourself these questions:
Does it involve partnering with others and allow you to make awesome connections?
Can actually you get it done?
Does it require alternative resources that you don’t even have yet?
Does it postpone paying until you’re finished and you get stuck paying for machinery?
Are you going to IMPLODE trying to get this thing finished!?!?
If you don’t get it finished, are there going to be worse consequences than not taking it in the first place?
Here is my personal opinion: If you can handle it, get to make great connections or can phase it out, fake it ‘til you make it baby! If you answered yes to the other questions (I think you know which I am talking about…), let’s walk away from the project.
When faking it worked for me and why.
Contrary to how it may seem, I am actually an introvert. I grew up as the oldest child and (unbeknownst to my younger siblings) I was thrust into tasks that were uncomfortable. I was the first to learn how to work a phone, I called the taxis, did my parents’ rescheduling, made grocery lists and was responsible for asking for correct change at the store. As I grew older, I applied this to my career and signed up for responsibilities that were uncomfortable for me. I’m talkin’ speaking engagements in front of all sized crowds and recording videos that started off stiff or going on tangents. I was faking it! Now, I actually know what I am doing and feel confident doing both of these at any time. If you’re invited as a speaker, apply your knowledge, practice, do it and fake it ‘til you make it.
Be uncomfortable until you’re comfortable being uncomfortable.
To wrap this up, in my opinion, and from my personal experiences, I think that there are times when it is absolutely appropriate to fake it ‘til you make it and taking risks is part of being a business owner. Be uncomfortable until you’re comfortable being uncomfortable. #YouAreBadAss. However, don’t mess around with your finances and accounts or taking on a big project that will leave a heavy burden.
I want to hear YOUR opinion and experiences. When have you faked it ‘til you made it and were successful!? When were you… not so successful? Tell me about it in the comments below!
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