Here's how to get out of your own way

This is the one where Heather is talking about goal setting with accountability and how not to let imaginary boundaries stop you in your tracks.

Transcript

[Opening music]

Heather: Welcome to Talking Pools, the podcast for service-related small business owners in the pool industry. I'm your host, Heather, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into a topic that many of us can relate to: overcoming fear and embracing growth in our businesses. Joining me today is a very special guest, Sarah, a successful pool business owner who has conquered her own fears and grown her business to new heights. Welcome, Sarah!

Sarah: Thank you, Heather. I'm excited to be here and share my experiences with our fellow pool industry entrepreneurs.

Heather: That's fantastic, Sarah. Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room. Fear is something that can hold us back from taking risks and growing our businesses. How did you personally overcome your own fears when it came to expanding your pool business?

Sarah: It wasn't an easy journey, Heather, but it all started with acknowledging my fears. I had to identify what was holding me back and understand that fear is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. Once I accepted that, I began taking small steps outside my comfort zone.

Heather: Taking those small steps is often the key, Sarah. Can you give us an example of a fear you faced and how you overcame it?

Sarah: Absolutely. One of my biggest fears was hiring employees. I was worried about the added responsibility and the financial risks involved. But I realized that I couldn't grow my business without a team. So, I started by hiring part-time help for specific tasks. As I gained confidence and saw the benefits of having support, I gradually expanded my team. Now, I can't imagine running my business without my amazing employees.

Heather: That's a great example, Sarah. Sometimes, starting small is the best way to overcome our fears. What advice would you give to our listeners who are hesitant to take the leap?

Sarah: My advice would be to evaluate the potential rewards versus the risks. Fear often stems from the unknown, so take the time to research and gather information about the specific area you're afraid of. Talk to other entrepreneurs who have gone through similar experiences and seek their guidance. Remember, knowledge is power, and being well-informed can help alleviate your fears.

Heather: That's excellent advice, Sarah. Seeking support and guidance from others who have been in similar situations can make a world of difference. Now, let's talk about the fear of failure. It's a common concern for many business owners. How did you handle this fear and prevent it from holding you back?

Sarah: Fear of failure is something we all face, Heather. To overcome it, I shifted my perspective and reframed failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. Instead of dwelling on the negative outcomes, I focused on what I could gain from every experience, even if it didn't go as planned. Embracing a growth mindset allowed me to see failures as stepping stones towards success.

Heather: I love that mindset, Sarah. Viewing failure as a learning experience rather than a setback can be truly transformative. Now, let's discuss the fear of competition. It's common for business owners to worry about being overshadowed by competitors. How did you navigate this fear and maintain a competitive edge?

Sarah: Competition is indeed a concern for many small business owners, Heather. To overcome this fear, I focused on what made my business unique and differentiated myself from others. I honed in on providing exceptional customer service and building strong relationships with my clients. By delivering value beyond what my competitors offered, I was able to cultivate a loyal customer base. Remember, there's room for everyone in this industry. By focusing on your strengths and delivering quality work, you'll naturally stand out.

Heather: That's a great reminder, Sarah. Focusing on your strengths and delivering quality work is key to standing out in a competitive market. Now, as we wrap up our discussion, do you have any final tips or words of encouragement for our listeners who are struggling with fear in growing their pool businesses?

Sarah: Absolutely, Heather. I would like to remind everyone that fear is a normal part of the entrepreneurial journey. It's okay to feel afraid, but it's important not to let fear paralyze you. Take small steps outside your comfort zone, seek support from others who have gone through similar experiences, and embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Trust in your abilities and the value you bring to your customers. Remember, you have the power to shape your own success.

Heather: Wonderful advice, Sarah. Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. I'm sure our listeners will find your journey inspiring and valuable in overcoming their own fears. And to our listeners, don't let fear hold you back. Take the leap, embrace growth, and watch your pool business thrive. That's all for today's episode of Talking Pools. Join us next time for more valuable discussions and insights. Until then, stay fearless and keep making a splash in the pool industry!