You are so successful at such a young age. What's your
secret - To what do you most attribute your success?
Number one would be my spiritual practice as a Christian. There have been so many times I’ve wanted to give up, throw in the towel, but instead I ask God to provide a way, to give me the right words to say and to bring the right people into my life. There’s way too much to try and tackle on your own. When things get tough, what keeps me going is knowing He’s got much bigger plans for me than what I can see. Number two would be my husband, Ken. We met young, we married young. I think having the ability to grow up with such an optimistic and entrepreneurial individual really taught me a lot. I talk about the importance of a significant support partner with my clients. I’d have to say Ken’s definitely been that for me. Pushing me to go after my dreams and cheering me on, along the way. And lastly, being taught the necessity of hard work at a young age. My parents chose to home-school us, all the way through high school. We were raised to be responsible, self-starting and mature. I remember growing up carrying on more conversations with my parent’s friends than kids my own age. I’ve always jokingly said: “I feel like I have the thought process of someone twice my age,” and I am beginning to think there’s some truth to that.
We love tips + tricks - Tell us, what entrepreneurial hacks have you developed
to stay focused and productive in your day-to-day?
Good ole to-do lists. I love making lists. That’s honestly what keeps me on task. I love being able to check things off the list. Having accountability (especially as an entrepreneur) – Ken and I do a pretty good job of keeping each other in line. Setting deadlines and sticking to them as much as humanly possible. Allowing for regular breaks or short outings during throughout the day.
What’s your favorite metaphor for describing entrepreneurship?
Surfing! Although, I’ve never surfed :) Shhh, I have a fear of large bodies of water due to almost drowning and just about losing a toe once, one day I’ll conquer that fear. OK, back to surfing, I read an article on www.TheInertia.com that lists 8 reasons why surfing is a great metaphor for entrepreneurship. Those points include: 1. Every time you fall down, get back up, 2. Surfing, like entrepreneurship, is a spiritual journey, 3. Mind over matter, 4. Be present, 5. Ego is no amigo. 6. Persistence and perseverance pave the way, 7. Camaraderie and character are key and 8. Patience pays.
In my program, Discovering Your Brand Story®, we cover many of the topics listed above. Most importantly the NEED to incorporate spiritual practice in business, using your past experiences to impact your present and future success – without letting your past define your present, incorporating gratitude and how to LOVERAGE™ these things SO that you can follow your dreams. A dream is just a dream unless there is action put behind it. Allow your inner entrepreneur to surf every once in a while.
NICOLE ZAAGMAN is the creator of the Discovering Your Brand Story® program, founder of the LUX CHIX™ (a movement empowering other health conscious WONDER WOMEN to follow their dreams) and host of the LUX CHIX™ Radio Show. To learn more about Nicole visit, www.NicoleZaagman.com.
