The other day on social media I saw something about being open about your failures. Not only be open but that the masses NEED to know about our failures. The post stood out to me cause it was different, for one. And secondly, I personally like to know about entrepreneurs failures because it helps me relate. It humanizes the brand and individual. And yes, we’re talking about our business related failures here. For the personal, gossipy kind, I will have to refer you elsewhere, lol.
Back to my point… I know that I’m not the only one who’s ever felt lesser than or inadequate or a “wannabepreneur”. Hearing and reading about other’s failures lets us know that if THEY could end up where they are despite all that they’ve gone through. Then maybe, just MAYBE, so can I. Encouragement comes in different forms, and transparency is one of them. This is why personal testimonies are so powerful. The Bible even says that it’s through our testimonies and the blood of the lamb that we’ll overcome the enemy (Rev 12:11). I believe that business testimonies have the ability to be as powerful as personal ones.
One lady who’s gaining media’s attention of late is actress Tiffany Haddish, whom to many appeared to be an overnight success after her role in the hit movie Girls Trip. However, upon reading just a snippet of how she’s BEEN grinding, and how her past environment literally tried to kill her, she deserves every praise and media publicity coming her way. And it goes to show, there is no such thing as an overnight success (of course there are exceptions). We just weren’t privy to the preceding hard work. At 38 years-old, Tiffany is letting other black, female, aspiring actresses know that just because they turned 30, it isn’t too late. A single testimony can make the difference in someone throwing in the towel versus dusting themselves off and getting back in the ring.
So if sharing our testimonies help us overcome why isn’t everyone’s trials and tribulations common knowledge? Well, for the same reason that yours and mine aren’t. We don’t like to be vulnerable. Especially not if we’re kind of still in that place of still overcoming. Oh, it’s SO much easier to share when you KNOW the outcome is you ended up on top. Peoples opinions matter less because the proof is in the pudding. You won! But for some reason sharing your struggles while you’re in the midst of them, lessens your credibility. And as a Brand, your credibility is EVERYTHING!
That said, I think it’s HOW you tell the story. With the correct motive and attitude behind sharing, it will become apparent that you want to help. You’re not looking for pity or sympathy, or even praise for making it out. Instead, your story is part of your servitude. And someone who wants to serve will never be without a client or customer.
2 Comments
Concita Thomas
August 22, 2017 at 11:45 AMGreat post, Violette. I totally agree with your points on how and when you share the struggle. It matters.
It is kind of unfortunate because there is something so powerful about WATCHING how someone overcomes rather than having them tell you how when it is over. That privilege of seeing the journey up close and personal is usually reserved for those who can do it without losing respect for the person going through.
Concita Thomas would like you to check out…3 Consistency Killers That Make it Hard to Get Results
Violette Willis
August 22, 2017 at 10:39 PMAww, thank you for your comment. Greatly appreciate it! And totally agree with you. It’s unfortunate, yet also understandable.