Lessons
- Jamie Banks
- Nov 23, 2015
- 3 min read
With the holidays nearing and the year coming to a close, I find myself in a reflective mood thinking about the first official year of Banks Statement and developing a plan for the year(s) ahead.
The only way to do this successfully is to learn from your mistakes, be realistic and pay attention to what the world puts in front of you. Although, not exclusively fashion/style related, these are the top three (of many) lessons I learned this year.
COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY
I still fall into the pitfalls of comparing myself to others. My best advice is: DON'T DO THIS – it leads to doubt and misery. Cue the bubble over my head…”I should be doing what they are doing, their pictures are better than mine, I should format my blog like hers!" These thoughts take away from me trusting myself and hinder my creativity. I have a hard enough time putting my words out in the universe without comparing myself to others.
This lesson also applies to fashion – I will never look like Diane Kruger in my clothes (no matter how much I pray - all Hail Queen Diane) so there is no point in comparing.
I have a client obsessed with Kendall Jenner (you know who you are) and what she wears. Funny thing is, my client looks way chicer than her reality show turned supermodel idol because her style statement represents her unique self.
Another client likes to recreate looks she sees on Instagram and is disappointed when her outfit doesn’t look like the picture. Y’all know what goes into those photos (hello filters, professional photography, lighting)! This is a fine place for inspiration, but when you start to compare, it’s a slippery slope. Just because it looks good on another, doesn’t mean it’s your style statement.
STICK TO YOUR STRENGTHS
We all have inherent gifts. Mine is putting together clothes in a way that helps people communicate their unique style. Logically this is where I should focus my time. Instead I spent much of the year trying to determine how to improve my SEO (search engine optimization – I know!). My days were spent trying to figure out keywords and decipher technical language leaving me defeated and sucked dry of inspiration.
This prevented me from working on any part of my business because I couldn’t get out of my self-imposed IT hell. I finally threw up the white flag and hired someone to help me with this part of my business. The relief was immediate. Why did I think just because I started a business I was somehow magically more skilled in technology? What a dope. I need to constantly remind myself to stay in my lane and accept help for the rest. Not easy for someone who wants to do everything herself.
So learn from my mistakes - make a list of all your gifts and then make a list of the things in your life that give you the most anxiety. Can you ask or hire someone to help you with those “other things” and let them share their gifts? You will inevitably be more productive because you can focus on your strengths. Oh, and it goes without saying, if you need help with your wardrobe and personal style, I am here for you!
STARTING A BUSINESS IS NO JOKE, BUT WORTHWHILE
Starting a business consumes your life like nothing else. As my husband (aka my angel investor) can attest, lots more money goes out than comes in. If I were starting over today, knowing what I know I would:
Think through revenue streams versus expenses. Just like curating the perfect wardrobe, start up costs are more at the beginning. Just think through how to market your services to maintain steady income.
Quickly find a good accountant/tax adviser. I missed out on a bunch of write-off opportunities last year because I didn’t have anyone advising me. You can take losses in your business the first three years of operation. At least I can contribute to the family at tax time.
Trust yourself – there is a reason you started a business. You will receive lots of advice, but the most important people to listen to are your clients. They will guide you and your business in ways you never dreamed.
Despite the growing pains, I wouldn't change a thing that happened at Banks Statement this year. I am happily embarking on a new year and a new set of lessons and challenges. My clients are amazing and the joy I receive from helping others with my gifts are worth any challenges that come my way.
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