The past few weeks have been ones filled with mistakes–and lessons learned from those mistakes. I suppose as one navigates the world of entrepreneurship we learn what works, what doesn’t, and what we will never do again in a million years.
I’ve lost money and precious time recently as I saw one of my grandiose plans fail miserably; but I had it coming. I had discussed my plans for a travel show with my business coach, he recommended I start small and slowly and I should’ve listened. I ended up investing money and time with people I didn’t fully trust and I ended up losing in the end. I should’ve listened to my coach and my gut.
I lost precious time and personal credibility while dealing with a supplier that had a great idea and wanted to work on a project with me. In the back of my mind I had doubts about how serious they were; and again, I didn’t listen to my gut. They didn’t stand behind their proposal and my clients did not get the experience we had been planning. I wish I would’ve paid attention and listened to my gut.
Most recently I had what I thought was a minor finger cut. It turned into a huge medical situation that included multiple visits to specialists, the operating room and more importantly I was forced to cancel the only major trip I had planned for the entire year. I should’ve listened to my gut and had gone to get stitches as soon as I realized the cut was not a superficial wound. I lost time, money and an important business trip I needed in order to achieve certain goals.
The month of August brought important lessons I intend to not forget as I move forward in growing my business. I forgot to apply everything I learned in the past when it comes to expecting, planning and managing risks both in my business and in my daily life.
What about you? Have you had situations in which you knew you didn’t listen to your gut and learned a lesson from them. Were they early on in your business like me?
Brenda Llamas Young is the owner of Encore Romance Travel which specializes in weddings and honeymoons to exotic beaches to include the South Pacific, Asia, Australia, Indian and African Coast. Brenda entered the travel industry in 2009 and after two years of education, opened her own home based agency.
3 thoughts on “Encore Romance Travel — August, a month of learning”
Brenda,
Outstanding article, and so very true! I am sorry that some thing did not work out as you had hoped, and that you had to cancel your bucket list trip to Africa. BUT… you have to know that something better will come along for your trip. Also, you will start listening to that gut, and believe in what it’s telling you. Thanks for sharing these wonderful personal insights.
You handled it all, like a boss!
I am so sorry but I know we have all gone through similar costly errors. I’ve told myself “don’t do that, you will be sorry” and then gone ahead anyway and have regretted it.
I always hope it is a learning curve for me.
Thanks Tracee and Chris, I feel a bit better knowing I’m not alone on this.