Success in business and in love are actually more connected than many of us realize.
In all honesty, I learned how to make relationships work before I learned some of the fundamental pieces about how to have a successful business.
Applying what I know about healthy relationships to business has helped me strengthen my business foundation.
And of course, I’m most grateful for my strong relationship, which helps me in countless ways, one of which is by supporting me in business.
I’ve found a parallel between business and love that I believe is important to be aware of.
I call this parallel the V’s of Business and Love
These V’s are visibility in business, and vulnerability in love.
Let’s talk about each and how they are similar.
People buy based on feeling. And you’ve all probably heard of the “know-like-trust” trifecta that one must have established prior to people purchasing, yes?
How do we get that in business?
We must be visible.
We must show ourselves, be transparent about our beliefs and our mission, and let people know who we are.
This is especially true for service-based entrepreneurs.
Being visible to the world entails getting out of hiding, opening yourself to criticism, and putting yourself, in some ways, on the line.
Visibility comes easily for some, but many service-based entrepreneurs struggle to let the world really see them.
Often, these entrepreneurs only see great success once they become visible.
The parallel here in love is vulnerability.
Sigmund Freud isn’t my favorite forefather of psychology, but he said it best:
“we are never so vulnerable as when we are in love.”
In order for us to create deep, rich and meaningful romantic relationships, our partner really does need to see us, warts and all.
We need to let them into our inner world that the outer world typically isn’t privy to. We need to let our guards down and open ourselves up, even if that feels risky at times.
Only through vulnerability do rich and deep bonds form between two people.
Being vulnerable in love requires you to really put yourself out there with your partner.
We must show ourselves.
We must let our lights shine, which entails full presence and showing ourselves in business and in love.
Only then can your customers find you and be drawn to you; and only then can your partner see you and truly know you, and love the fuller you.
None of us are perfect.
But we’re all pretty awesome, as tough as we might be on ourselves.
So get more visible in business, and pour more of yourself into the work that you love.
And take risks and be vulnerable in love, so that you can create a deeper relationship with your beloved.
What’s one small action step that you can take to be more visible in business or vulnerable in love?
Leave your comments below.
Cheers to thriving in business and love and getting visible & vulnerable,
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