Taking Risks - It's Not Swimming With Sharks

First Byte:  First Bytes are 1-2 minute summaries and suggestions that tie directly to a specific blog post. I'm hoping they're helpful in expanding the topic of the post itself.

So many of you look at risk-taking as if you're about to step off into a sea of sharks. The "sharks" are really just your own insecurities in your abilities. If they're real, then think about what you can do to build more trust...in yourself!

While I often have something in the pipeline to write about, most often whatever I post is the result of issues being discussed in the various forums, at conventions and in conversations with other photographers. Well, this morning is one of those days where I really wanted to hit the topic of risk-taking, which has come up a lot lately.

A month or so ago I mentioned an amazing little book I picked up, "It always seems impossible until it's done." It's a classic at inspiration-building and well worth having on your book shelf or giving it as a gift this holiday season. Just click the cover and it'll link to the Amazon page. 

There was a great quote from Denzel Washington that I ran across:

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I've found that nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks...Fall forward. 
Every failed experiment is one step closer to success. You've got to take risks...
You will fail at some point in your life. Accept it. You will lose. 
You will embarrass yourself. You will suck at something. 
There is no doubt about it...Never be discouraged. 
Never-hold back. Give everything you've got. 
And when you fall throughout life...fall forward. 

A month ago I wrote a post about not using the word "fail" and justifiably got beat up by a couple of people. I was wrong in my approach. It's not about the word, but how you think about it.  The reality is that failures are just speed bumps. Obviously some are bigger than others, but each project or event in your life, that doesn't get the results you wanted, is another stepping stone.  As Denzel Washington wrote, brings you one step closer to success.

In a number of forums lately questions have come up about marketing material, redesigns of websites and blogs and promotional questions. Over and over again there's this hesitancy being expressed by the authors and it's always about taking risks. Everyone seems to want the formula for the "sure thing" and in all honesty, nothing is without risk.  

Most of you need to take more risks, even if business is solid. Risk-taking can be as simple as just changing your exposure, lighting or composition on an image. It can be as complex as your pricing structure or branching out into a new specialty of expertise. 

The bottom line is there's no such thing as a "sure thing", but if you have confidence in yourself and trust what's in your heart, each new step you take will you bring you that much closer to the success you're looking for.

"If you wait until all the lights are " green" before you leave home, 
 you'll never get started on your trip to the top."  
Zig Ziglar

The new year is just around the corner and as you start planning 2015, don't be afraid of taking a few risks. I'm not suggesting you take random shots at new directions...just analyze your skills. Figure out what you need to make your business stronger and then start planning the steps you need to take to grow.

...and if you need help, you know where to find me.

Photo Credit: © Gino Santa Maria - Fotolia