Passion vs. Comfort Zone

Have you ever had to step out of your comfort zone to pursue something that you are passionate about? Have you ever pursued your passion for a career but no matter what you did it just didn’t seem to work out. It can be costly and very frustrating. Has a loved one ever said to “why don’t you get a real job” when you are searching for that perfect fit. Ouch! That can hurt. I’m just not able to sit in a cubical all day. That makes many people happy but I just can’t do it.

For many years I worked as a crime victim advocate, helping people is what I do. I believe that we are all connected and we should help one another. I loved that career but after many years of serving in such a stressful job it takes a toll a on the heart. As you know the justice system doesn’t always work. I had to step away. I missed it, I missed helping people find justice. May office helped crime victims but daily I had to suggest to people to see a civil attorney, which was the best I could do for them. I knew when they left that didn’t have the money to get the answers they needed. There was just something wrong with that!

Alright, I can help all those people that couldn’t afford legal help in the past, but I have to make it happen by talking to people, selling a legal service. It is very affordable with no contract but still me, selling! I would buy all my kids raffle tickets and found raiser goodies just because I didn’t like to sell or ask people for money. I’m not a sales person but I am so passionate about people getting the help they need and that their rights are protected. It is in my nature to help, not to sell. This is my problem; I can’t seem to get past the selling part to work on the passion part. Have any great suggestions? Thank you, Diana

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Permalink Reply by Jen McDonough "The Iron Jen" on October 18, 2012 at 5:33pm

oh Diana, reading your blog, I can so see how it is hard to get use to selling. I am going through this myself, HOWEVER, in listening to Dan's podcasts, he really points out that selling is really about being enthusiastic and passionate about what you are working for.

I know there are some great books on this, but offhand I can't think of what Dan has suggested.

Perhaps working with a life coach for a few sessions (Joel Boggess, etc. ) might help you to get over feeling about "selling". For me, it really has taken me looking around at others and saying you know what, my family is important too, I owe it to them to provide, and I owe it to God to use my gifts and passions. Just because we have gifts and passions doesn't mean we are to automatically live in poverty. Live with abundance. You can always do side work for free if you wish, but remember to value yourself. When you set a price on your services, people tend to value them more and usually will invest more of themselves in the process. If you don't encourage them to do this, you are not helping them as much as you could.

Now having said this, I will say that it was VERY difficult to charge people, however, it does get easier with practice and when you see that you are really adding value by serving, it helps. People will not take you seriously if you always offer to do it for nothing.

Best of luck!

Jen

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Permalink Reply by Diana Wyatt on October 19, 2012 at 8:55am

Jen Thank you, your words of wisdom did connect with me "I owe it to my family" so true! My reason for wanting to be self-employed is to have time with my family. I'm sure that not being confident effects them as well. You just gave me a shot in the arm... Thank you.

I know Joel well, love him. He has been a blessing to me as well.

Blessing,

Diana

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Permalink Reply by Jen McDonough "The Iron Jen" on October 23, 2012 at 8:07pm

Diana,

You are FUN!

That is my one of my reasons to be self employed as well - to spend more time with my family. I want them to work with and around me as well as we climb this journey together.

Oh that is so great about Joel being a blessing to you too - him and Pei are incredible people.

MANY blessings Diana!!

Jen

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Permalink Reply by Lee Smith, ND on October 19, 2012 at 8:48am

It makes sense to find something that scales, like a subscription based service or blog.

Pre-paid legal found a way to sell people who don't use lawyers for that opportunity (I've never bought that one, but plenty or people have).

If you write a book, or several short manifestos, those can scale to be affordable...

As you become known for the book you could have others promote you as a speaker: maybe to inspire lawyers, or teach them at continuing education events, etc.

There are ways to sell without the connection to the buyer that makes you feel uneasy, so I'd look for those techniques.

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Permalink Reply by Diana Wyatt on October 19, 2012 at 9:01am

Thank you Lee, writing and speaking is also in my business plan. I did a lot of public speaking when I was working with the Prosecutor's Office. Legal Shield is going to be the path that I am taking. Great company, great plans. I just have to do it!! Looking for different technigues in selling or landing leads is a smart idea. Thank you again. I'll get up posted on my progress.

Diana