...and it inspires a blog post about business.Last week we discovered we had a skunk in our window well. It had been there at least 24 hours when we first realized we had something trapped. It was dark outside but when we saw it was a skunk common sense was to drop a long board from a safe distance and wait for the light of day. We were hoping for the best case scenario that the unfortunate visitor would climb out overnight on its own. No such luck. Being a creative minded person I have a lifetime of being inspired and seeing possibility and insight from the oddest of places. So as I stood looking at the skunk in full panic, I was struck on how the experience this skunk was having was familiar and a great story to mirror business and life experiences we have all seen or been in ourselves. You find yourself in a hole.... How many times have you or a member of your team ended up in a situation where you didn't know how to get yourself out? In the case of our skunk, heavy rains played a part in his circumstance but what he did once he was stuck was to panic. Granted, I wouldn't expect much more from a skunk but people do the same thing. You are so focused on the wall that you forget to take a breath and assess the options... and maybe see if someone has dropped you a board. Is help available?... After the initial board drop in the dark, we made a few calls, emails and Facebook messages to wildlife experts we know to get as much advice as we could. With a few tips, recommendations and "Good Lucks", we moved to phase 2 of skunk extraction without getting sprayed, the upgraded board drop wrapped in fencing was put in place. As with our skunk, we see this with people we work with everyday or even ourselves. There may be options or people willing to assist but seeing the possibilities and being willing to listen to others that are trying to assist do not happen. Our skunk didn't react to our second offer for him to help himself out of the window with joy. He sprayed and hid under the board. Resisting help when we need it most is common, no one wants to admit they failed, got in over their head or took on more than should have but that is where personal growth elevates us as people to become better because we make mistakes not because we do not want to admit them. Sometimes you have to get the net... When all else fails, someone will need to take action. For our skunk, it meant getting the large fishing net and scooping him out while getting out of the way as quickly as possible. For people, sometimes we have to remove them from a situation because they are not a good fit, intentionally or unintentionally doing damage or need to be retrained so they are on mission for your business. And if you are suddenly the one scooped out of bad situation, it may be time to be reflective of the situation you were in and how to be better in the future or make a run for it and find where you really are at home. When the damage is done... Although, we can prepare, we cannot prepare for everything. There will be times when members of your team or you get in situations that are complicated and are overwhelming.. If there is panic there will be damage done and with that costs of structural damage, time lost, or loss of relationships will be possible. But if you can stop and assess the situation, look for options or even a helping hand you can greatly reduce those costs and maybe learn something in the process. I don't want to be in front of the camera or be the center of attention. Not because I have a fear or an aversion to it but because I care more about what I do than that I am seen or how I am seen. Although I am trying take it more into account. But here is the truth of it, having a great photo is a fantastic reminder of who you are, especially when you are growing your business, changing directions in life or taking on new roles in your work because it is really easy to forget when you are deep into the day to day. We forget.... we forget the person we want to be seen as by others but more importantly we forget how we want to see ourselves. When we are under the stresses of events, life, and responsibilities we are busy and focused on other things and people. Under that pressure things can become distorted and how we see ourselves can become less confident. By having a great head shot for business, family photo or just a wonderful image that captures your essence as a reminder for yourself of who you are when you are feeling and looking your best. It is an investment in yourself. So let's talk photographers because you need one....and yes, they are worth it. Why do you need to hire a professional photographer- expertise. Lighting, styling, and positioning are all important but also having a photographer that can help you bring out your most authentic self for the purpose of the photo project. Seeking out a photographer whose style matches the outcome you wish to achieve is key. Share you goals, review their work and choose the person that is the best fit. Whitney Warne of Ivory House Photography worked with me for the photos in this blog. I wanted to have photos I could use for business marketing and promotions. Questions I asked myself- How did I want to be represented? What purposes would I use them for? How do I want these to be a reminder of who I am at my core for me? One of the draws for me to work with Whitney was all the images I had seen by her had a strength I felt I had and felt she could capture. So what did I want to have captured... I am a business owner, professional but not traditional ... confident and approachable. Whitney was able to do exactly that for this project. Thank you also to Ivy Boyd, Makeup Artist. (Having great people to assist is fantastic.) Photo Credit: Ivory House Photography
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