Community over Competition

"Power flows to the man who knows how. Responsibilities gravitate to the person who can shoulder them." Elbert Hubbard

You know, I have been feeling this way for quite some time now and I never was fully able to articulate these thoughts.  Until I stumbled upon an article on Forbes.com today.  It was about the psychological work that goes into being a CEO.  This article put into words what I have truly been feeling : It really is lonely at the top.

I am the CEO of POSH PR.  

Now, I know what you are thinking, that the title CEO typically is paired with Fortune 500 companies.  I totally see your point.  Truthfully, I thought it was silly at first when I changed my own title to CEO.  And then I realized this - - I guarantee that I have more responsibilities than any CEO of a Fortune 500 company ever has.  

I am the Sales Manager, the Accountant, the Marketing Director, the Graphic Designer, the Lead Stylist, the Social Media Director, the Creative Director, the Lead Wedding Coordinator, the Receptionist, the Brand Ambassador, the Public Relations Manager, the Photographer, the Lead Designer, the Legal Team, the HR Department, the Assistant, the Master Floral Designer, the Networking Specialist, the Development Director, the Logistics Manager, the Vendor Relations Director.... shall I continue?

I was prepared for all of that.  I was prepared to wear many hats and titles.  What I wasn't prepared for?  I wasn't prepared for the celebrations I would miss, the family dinners I couldn't make, the friends I would let down, and the overall decrease in spending time with friends and family.  On that note, even when I am finally free one weekend, after an 80 hour work week I barely want to leave the house!

The hustle is real, y'all.  

I wasn't prepared to have so many things happen all at once and not have anyone to share it with.  Going through growing pains is exciting yet tough.  I now see why people in this industry, especially planners, have a partner in crime.  It is nice to have someone to share the good (without it sounding like bragging) and the bad!

This is the very reason why I sponsor and attend so many creative community conferences. These creative conferences promote COMMUNITY over COMPETITION. This is why I strive to make friends with others in the industry.  Why I truly support and am happy for the success of my peers.  Why I am in the process of finalizing a curriculum to help mentor others!  (Stay tuned for more information on this... keyword: DOLL DATES!  PS: I wasn't planning on sharing this just yet, but there you go!)  

Friends, we are all in this together.  It is so important to lean on one another for support!

xoxo
Caroline