Being authentic opens more doors than it closes for this entrepreneur

It’s tempting when you first strike out on your own to fall into a rut of people-pleasing as a business plan. 

But if I’ve learned anything in my 20 years as a marketing communications and PR pro — I own ImageWords Communications in Las Vegas — it’s that constantly saying yes to everyone else won’t do your own brand any favors. 

Some of the lessons I’ve learned since starting my business in 2001 stem from authenticity and figuring out through trial and error what behaviors draw energy and opportunity away from me and what attracts and maintains joy.   

And, surprisingly, having the courage to say no to work I don’t feel is right for me or my brand has actually led to some pretty amazing insights and new opportunities.  

These days, prospective clients have to check all my boxes; it’s not just about how much they can pay or if I can help them. I’m looking for a certain combination of qualities that I know are required for me to do my best work. 

This philosophy has helped me become more deliberate about the type of work I take on. I’ve had to practice pushing fear aside to make room for abundance. I know now that I can say no to a job that isn’t right for me and there will be another one just around the corner. 

Deciding whether or not to work with a client is really more about the individual than anything else. 

Promoting Free Cone Day at a locally owned Ben & Jerry’s in Henderson, Nevada to raise funds for the CASA Foundation non profit

If I’m afraid something is outside my scope, I’ll find a way to say yes if it’s a good fit – perhaps by bringing in a collaborator.  And having the self-confidence and courage to say no to unrealistic deadlines and projects that put core clients in a second-place position has helped me hone in on the work I do best. 

In my industry, everything I do requires my eyes and involvement, although I do have a virtual staff to assist. 

There’s also lots of rejection in the type of work I do, so someone with a fear-based mentality will have a difficult path to success. 

If others can sense your fear, they aren’t going to be comfortable working with you, particularly when you’re fearful while performing in your area of expertise. 

But the good news is, it’s never too late to learn and practice makes perfect. I practice positivity, gratitude and pushing through fear every day to live as authentically as possible.