A little over three years ago I took a major leap of faith and stepped out of my comfort zone, laying everything on the line. Every day since, I step a little further outside my self-imposed boundaries. Though unknown challenges and insecurities make me question my sanity daily, my deep belief in my end goal and myself is what keeps me taking the next step.
This belief is what started me on this journey and keeps pushing me further down the road to success. Today I sit here ready to take another leap of faith, facing my insecurities head on, convincing myself that I can and will come out stronger in the end. Baby step or a giant leap…whatever it takes…my determination is steadfast.
“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” ~Brian Tracy
For those who have not followed my blogs in the past, let my give you a quick recap. I have spent the bulk of my professional career as a marketing and business development professional working within the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) market. In 2009, I was the unfortunate victim of the most recent economic recession.
At that time I decided to go out on faith and try my hand at providing marketing and business development services for AEC firms on a consultancy basis (Baby Step 1- still within comfort zone…but pushing the boundaries!). Luckily, I had already decided to pursue this avenue before my demise…it just happened sooner than I anticipated.
It was not long before I realized that I needed to rethink my initial business model approach. The looming economic depression had the local AEC market skittish and pulling back, putting a halt to any new active pursuits, holding out for the market to turn around. I decided at that point that it was time to create my own position in this market rather than waiting for the market to open a position for me (Baby Step 2- Challenging…but still not outside of my realm of capability).
I still did not know where I was going with this until a conversation over dinner with a close Brazilian friend shed light on potential possibilities. During our conversation the topic of Brazil and how it’s current economic growth efforts along with the upcoming 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic games, stood to catapult the country to world economic status. I remember thinking that it would be really nice if I could help to capture just a little bit of this potential windfall for some of my colleagues and firms struggling to make ends meet here during this recession.
I had a little experience dealing internationally, but nothing that qualified me for this. As the conversation progressed, the possibilities also presented themselves and I immediately donned my ‘analytical’ hat to uncover and weigh all of the pros and cons associated with pursing the Brazilian market. To my amazement, opportunities were immediately placed within my path that made the decision extremely enticing. Without getting into details on these opportunities, let’s just suffice to say that I took the chance on exploring and entering the Brazilian market (Step 3- Giant Leap – into the deep end! Definitely outside my comfort zone. No turning back now!)
The past three years have presented numerous challenges causing me to second guess my resolve. Each time I have managed to weigh my options and trudge forward, busting through the walls of self-doubt that I face daily. All with one goal in mind…Success!
Today, I face one of my most compelling and scariest roadblocks in front of me. I am amazed that the drive for success still pushes me forward. In August of last year my choice to move forward was almost taken from me when I was hit by one of Brazil’s rapid buses while crossing the street to my apartment. If anyone has been keeping up with the progress happening in Brazil, you will know that their repaid bus program has been plagued with issues resulting from negligent operations. The bulk of these issues have resulted in mortality. Needless to say, the injuries I received were pretty extensive and required a 2-month stay in Brazil before being able to return home to the states.
I say almost because I could have ended up completely paralyzed or even worse…6 feet underground. But instead I have been able to come through this whole ordeal intact and functioning. I believe that my being spared from this accident further emphasizes my resolve that I am meant to be in Brazil. My work is not complete there. Perhaps I could capitalize on my tragic experience to open potential opportunities for American traffic planning firms in Brazil?
Now I am facing with returning to Brazil next week for the first time since the accident. After visiting the country on average three times a year to maintain relationships I find myself anxious about this trip. Although I have three representatives working diligently for me in my absence, the fact that I have not been there in more than 8 months has me worried that my previous efforts have been diluted to some degree. As I pack for this next trip I realize I am taking yet another step further, pushing my comfort zone boundaries. Facing not only the possibility of having lost some of my foothold within the Brazilian market…but also coming face-to-face with the emotional impact associated with returning to the scene of my accident. (Major leap!)
When I first began this journey I had colleagues and friends tell me that I was crazy. Not only was I stepping out of my field of expertise by introducing a completely different business model that I refer to as “systematic teaming”, but I was doing it on an international platform. What I told them at the time, is the same thing the drives me today. The past several years have opened up the world as our economic platform. With the introduction of the Internet and social media, we are no longer restricted by our geographical, physical or emotional boundaries. The AEC market, as well as all other markets that have survived this latest economic downturn will forever be changed moving forward. No longer do large conglomerates control the world economy. Smaller firms working as synergistic teams are maneuvering the fast-paced, changing business climate. They are the ones coming out on top. Systematic teaming…provides the catalyst to not only manage today’s rapidly changing economic environment but also ushers in the opportunity to push service and geographical boundaries quickly and efficiently.
In order to continue to grow and avoid stagnation, as an individual or a corporation, it is important to step out of your comfort zone and flex your mental muscles a bit. Facing new challenges will surprise you, exposing your true capabilities. The discomfort can reveal hidden fears and prejudices ushering in the confidence to move in a different creative direction.
DAVNA Enterprises, LLC is a Marketing and International Partnership Brokerage firm dedicated to the Architectural, Engineering and Construction, Transportation and Technology industries to improve their marketing initiatives and the effectiveness of their international positioning efforts through market partnering and positioning.
