More Than Enough

Hi Friends,

Let's talk business. There are two ways to think about business. The first comes from a place of abundance, saying, “There is enough business out there for us all.” The other comes from a place of lack and fear. It says, “If you get a client, then I’ve just lost out on that client.” The former encourages collaboration and sharing ideas while the latter works strategically to undermine those viewed as competitors.

In my experience people in the “scarcity mindset” never have enough. They may be well-accomplished and have impressive titles. They may be rich and have successful businesses. But they are always striving for more, more, more. Their thirst can never be quenched because in their minds, they are missing out on what someone else has. In short, they cannot be content.

The “abundance mindset” people radiate warmth and are inclusive. They give ideas away. They share openly about their failures and teach others how to become successful. These are the people who are constantly teaming up with others to achieve greater goals.

This past week, while at High Point Market, I was invited by Gretchen Aubuchon to attend a dinner at Emerywood Country Club with several other designers, vendors, and industry colleagues. I found it refreshing and interesting to hear other people’s take on what’s happening in the design world right now. We shared ideas, opinions, stories, and I think a few professional connections were made that we will see fruit from in the future. This is a perfect example of an abundance mindset. There were no hoarding of ideas and knowledge. There was no fear that one of these people might try and steal my idea or my client (at least I wasn’t feeling that vibe). In fact, I believe that no one can steal my clients. If a client chooses to leave me and go with another designer, then they weren’t ever my client in the first place.

However, as I sat looking around the table, I was reminded of something— We are all people. We all put our pants on one leg at a time, whether we are CEO’s or assistants, presidents or interns. And we all can share, teach, grow, and learn from one another by being open. By consciously choosing to help lift others up, we are elevating ourselves automatically. Diana Vreeland once said, “Give ideas away. Under every idea there’s a new idea waiting to be born.” I like that.

Thanks Gretchen for including me in this fun, informative, and inspiring dinner and reminding me that together we are stronger! Let's get to work!

Yours always,

Andrew