December 19th, 2024
By Maryann Baldwin, The Works Business Coach and SBDC Counselor
When I started seeking an image for this month's theme, Versatility, I did some online searches and was presented with graphics where many arrows pointed outwards from a center point. And while I agree much of our time and attention as entrepreneurs and small business owners is directed outward, there's a whole lot of time directed inward as well. Imagining, visioning, planning, reviewing, and likely some second guessing as well. We operate in an incredibly dynamic environment that asks much of us.
So with all that in mind, the more apt image for Versatility, in my opinion, looks like an entanglement of the dozens of activities we must think about, navigate and juggle endlessly. And hopefully we practice Versatility with a joyful attitude - after all, our business is something we chose to do because it represents something for which we have a talent or passion. Versatility is a superpower we can't live without!
So let's celebrate all the strengths and benefits of your Versatility:
1) While our business represents a talent or passion, our business demands much more of us than just doing what we love. There are many things we do that we like, and there are some things we must do that we aren't terribly happy about! What are the things that you handle in small business that you didn't really sign up for? For some, it's bookwork, for others, it's mopping the floors or cleaning the bathroom; for others, it's negotiating prices for merchandise or materials. Whatever those responsibilities are, it's your Versatility that allows you to handle it all, the good, the bad and the "do I really have to do this?" tasks. Give yourself a pat on the back for doing it all!
2) Versatility also means that we need to operate at different speeds - some days come at us fast, others offer the opportunity to catch up and figure out where we are. And with that, we adjust and go with the flow, wherever it might take us. Being at ease with different paces most certainl requires versatility.
3) And while we wear many hats within our business, there's another collection of hats we wear in our lives outside of the business - friend, partner, sibling, spouse, volunteer and more. So there's even more switching of gears beyond the scope of our business roles. Shifting those gears with grace and ease demands energy from us as well. So here's another chance to recognize and celebrate your versatility in life. Being flexible and directing your attention to all that demands our energy, day in and day out, is a feat worth recognizing and rewarding!
4) Versatility also comes in the form of resourcefulness. Versatile entrepreneurs can make the most of limited resources by leveraging their creativity, skills and knowledge. This resourcefulness helps us navigate unexpected challenges and handle the ups and downs of business and customer activity.
5) Resilience is a form of Versatility as well. Resilience equips us with the tools to handle setbacks and failures, allowing us to pivot and explore alternative paths, keeping our momentum going, even when faced with challenges.
6) And Versatility can create opportunities for us as well. Keeping our eyes and ears open to new possibilities and being open to adopting those that can improve our business - whether it's sales, marketing, operations or staffing, being willing to evaluate and try new approaches can help us make continuous improvements in our success.
In essence, versatility is a fantastic virtue to embrace: it’s rooted in the ideas of growth, adaptability, and resilience. It equips us to navigate life’s complexities with creativity, confidence, and grace. Let's celebrate versatility today!
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