Leaning Into Discomfort

Have you ever been sitting in your favorite old chair, feeling oh-so-comfy, only to realize you've been there a tad too long? It’s not just a chair thing – this happens in business too. Sometimes, we settle into our routines so comfortably that it prevents us from moving forward.

I can absolutely relate. There was this project that seemed to be chugging along just fine, and I found myself merely going through the motions each week. Though I was ticking tasks off my list, I wasn’t really growing or evolving. It felt like I was trapped in my own cozy bubble.

But here’s the thing: I wasn’t really after comfort. Instead, I was dodging discomfort, which was the real challenge. True learning comes with taking risks, and let's be honest, risks can be quite daunting. The trick is to embrace the discomfort head-on.

Take this newsletter as a case in point. I sensed that my business was treading water, and I was determined to change that. Embarking on this newsletter was a step outside my comfort zone, acknowledging that it wasn’t my forte.

While signing up was a breeze, the real test was in getting my thoughts down – digitally speaking, of course. That first edition? It took some time to craft and even more time to fine-tune. Yet, when I finally pressed "publish", the sense of accomplishment was immense. Fast forward a month, and producing these newsletters feels like second nature.

And guess what? You can embrace new challenges too! Dive into uncharted territories and give them a go. Trust me, you'll look back without a hint of regret!

🛡️ This Week’s Main Quest 🛡️

Make a Short-form Video

If you've been noticing a lot of bite-sized video content popping up everywhere, it's not just you. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have made short-form videos all the rage.

All of these companies are working hard to push these video platforms and that means there is a lot of opportunity to start using them and building a following without making a significant monetary investment for promotions.

It really is a gold rush right now so you have to take advantage of it. Your quest this week is to pick one of the platforms and make a short-form video. I’m not

Product Showcase

Create short videos highlighting your products or services.

1. Start with a brief introduction.

2. Show your product or service in action

3. Emphasize its key features and benefits.

Keep it concise and engaging, aiming for videos around 15-30 seconds in length. Do your best to use good lighting and clear audio to make your products shine.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Offer viewers a glimpse behind the scenes of your business.

• Show them your workspace

• Introduce your team members (Feel free to include pets if you work at home)

• Explain how your products are made or services are delivered.

These videos help build a personal connection with your audience and humanize your brand.

Customer Testimonials

Reach out to satisfied customers and ask if they'd be willing to share a brief video testimonial about their positive experience with your business. These testimonials can be incredibly persuasive and help build trust with potential customers. Make sure to feature real customers and genuine feedback.

How-To Tutorials

Share your expertise by creating short how-to or tutorial videos related to your products or services.

Break down common problems or questions your customers may have and provide simple, step-by-step solutions. This not only showcases your knowledge but also positions you as a helpful resource in your industry.

Pro tips for this quest:

Keep It Simple: Remember, this is a short-form video. Aim for 15 seconds to a minute.

Engage from the Start: You only have a few seconds to grab viewers' attention. Make it count!

Use Available Tools: No need for fancy equipment. Most smartphones have good enough cameras and there are plenty of free editing apps out there.

Post & Engage: Once you've created your masterpiece, share it on your preferred platform, and engage with your audience in the comments.

🛡️ This Week’s Side Quest 🛡️

Start Using Canva!

Looking to add some pizzazz to your visuals? Say no more. Canva is your treasure chest of design wonders. Whether it's infographics, posts, banners, or even business cards, Canva's got you covered.

Steps to embark on this side quest:

Go to Canva: Head over to Canva's website.

Sign Up: It's free to start! If you love it, there are premium features you can explore later. (But, they aren’t strictly necessary.)

Take a look around: Explore their vast library of templates. Play around and see what resonates with your brand.

Design Your First Piece: Start with something simple, like a social media post or banner.

Celebrate: Once you've crafted your visual, share it with your followers, or use it in a blog post!

💡Something to Think About 💡

For this week's main quest centered on video creation, I found this quote particularly apt. If you're unsure which type of video to create, simply produce content that you'd enjoy watching. That will give you a place to start from.

✨ Something to Remember ✨

Don’t Burn Yourself Out.

In our quest to conquer the digital realm, it's easy to feel like we need to be everywhere, doing everything. But here's a gem of wisdom: consistently posting a small number of high-quality posts is way more impactful than burning out from trying to juggle too many balls. Quality always triumphs over quantity. Slow, steady, and strategic always wins the game.