WEBVTT
00:00:08.560 --> 00:00:17.199
This is the FlowFlex Skill Podcast, your field guide to the Solopreneur Operating System with author and coach Jennifer Britton.
00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:21.600
Daily steps plus consistent action equals momentum.
00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:27.039
That's Jennifer's mantra, and it starts right here, right now, with you.
00:00:27.519 --> 00:00:29.199
Let's get started.
00:00:32.479 --> 00:00:44.159
What if the biggest thing holding your business back wasn't your marketing, wasn't your visibility, wasn't even your pricing or your offers, but actually was about you.
00:00:44.560 --> 00:00:49.520
Hi, I'm Jennifer Britton and I'm the host here at the FlowFlex Skill podcast.
00:00:49.840 --> 00:00:56.560
Over the last two decades plus, I've been able to coach a wide variety of business owners.
00:00:56.640 --> 00:01:04.879
And for those of us that are solopreneurs, as much as we like to say in business, the founder wants to disconnect themselves from their business.
00:01:05.200 --> 00:01:08.159
As a solopreneur, you are your business.
00:01:08.400 --> 00:01:24.799
FlowFlex Scale has been crafted, perhaps even sort of chiseled out of a very rough river, which sometimes is rough, sometimes is smooth, but really it is honed through the course of you.
00:01:25.439 --> 00:01:30.239
You, your partners, your AI-enabled partners, even.
00:01:30.640 --> 00:01:43.120
And today's episode is going to look at what I believe is really one of the most important defining factors for solopreneurs today: exploring your business DNA.
00:01:43.359 --> 00:01:50.480
I first introduced this concept back in 2018 in Coaching Business Builder and Plan Do Track.
00:01:50.799 --> 00:01:55.439
So you may be familiar with this languaging of your business DNA.
00:01:55.680 --> 00:01:58.159
In today's episode, we're going to dive right into it.
00:01:58.239 --> 00:02:02.799
And if this is the first time you're joining us at the FlowFlex Skill podcast, welcome.
00:02:03.040 --> 00:02:09.680
Over the last month of our first four episodes, we've laid the foundation of what I call the FlowFlex Skill framework.
00:02:09.840 --> 00:02:22.319
That framework has evolved out of more than two decades of work as a coach, as an advisor, as a consultant on small business, microenterprise, and solopreneurial business support.
00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:26.479
In episode one, I introduced the whole framework of FlowFlex Scale, which is a book.
00:02:26.560 --> 00:02:27.680
You can read about it.
00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:36.479
Episodes two and four, we met Valerie and we heard from her and her story of being a new solopreneur in the last year.
00:02:36.719 --> 00:02:42.639
We explored the realities of building a business right now in the AI-enabled landscape.
00:02:42.879 --> 00:02:46.560
We explored what it's like to leave corporate and go to your own business.
00:02:46.719 --> 00:02:56.800
We talked about identity shifts and the opportunities and challenges that not only a new business, but a new AI world business encounters.
00:02:57.280 --> 00:03:09.360
In episode three, I came back and talked a little bit about the whole operating system, the solopreneurial operating system of flow, flex, scale, and why it matters in a world of ongoing change.
00:03:09.680 --> 00:03:15.520
For many of us, and this also includes me, on some days, we can feel overwhelmed.
00:03:15.680 --> 00:03:23.520
We can be pulled in multiple directions, and we can also feel like we're constantly chasing the next arc.
00:03:24.240 --> 00:03:39.439
Well, when we look at today's topic of business DNA, that come from that focus actually takes out some of the frenetic energy that is natural for any solopreneurial business.
00:03:39.680 --> 00:03:42.159
So I really look forward to today's episode.
00:03:42.240 --> 00:03:48.879
We're going to be exploring the first of the nine catalysts that make up this solopreneurial operating system.
00:03:49.120 --> 00:03:51.680
So we're just going to take a light touch at this.
00:03:51.840 --> 00:03:54.800
Again, I'm keeping episodes to less than 15 minutes.
00:03:55.039 --> 00:04:00.159
So I am going to make sure that we get through some, but this is where you're going to want to pick up the book.
00:04:00.319 --> 00:04:07.039
The book is going to be out in August of 2026, and I'd invite you to pick up a copy at Amazon.
00:04:07.599 --> 00:04:09.439
So business DNA.
00:04:09.759 --> 00:04:11.680
What is business DNA?
00:04:11.840 --> 00:04:13.919
That is what makes us unique.
00:04:14.159 --> 00:04:21.680
Back in 2020, I launched a series of five-day challenges called the Stand Out Virtually Challenges.
00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:24.959
Because think about it, and you probably experienced it.
00:04:25.120 --> 00:04:27.120
All of a sudden, everyone was online.
00:04:27.360 --> 00:04:28.720
Every business was online.
00:04:28.879 --> 00:04:30.959
And so how do you differentiate?
00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:33.759
Well, one way to do that is you stand out.
00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:35.439
And you stand out how?
00:04:35.680 --> 00:04:46.240
Multiple ways, not only through your brands and your offerings, your pricing and your partners, but that probably reflects you or the business DNA.
00:04:46.560 --> 00:04:54.480
Now, again, as a solopreneur, as a one-person show, our businesses are more likely to reflect who we are.
00:04:54.720 --> 00:05:01.680
For example, when I left my corporate role more than 20 years ago, um, some of you heard my story, right?
00:05:01.759 --> 00:05:03.040
I lost vision in one eye.
00:05:03.120 --> 00:05:06.000
I was unable to do the work that I was doing in those days.
00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:19.600
And it really meant that as I sat down to think about my next pathway, I'm glad on reflection, that I looked back and really took stock of what made me unique.
00:05:19.839 --> 00:05:32.319
How could I come to Canada, a country I hadn't lived in for more than 15 years, and open the doors on day seven in my journey back to say, okay, I'm here.
00:05:32.399 --> 00:05:41.040
I'm going to now generate revenue, which really became generating revenue for my entire family as a primary bread earner, even now.
00:05:42.160 --> 00:05:50.560
What has worked and what has, I believe, been a big factor to be part of the sustainable business model has been building a business that matches strengths.
00:05:50.720 --> 00:05:54.240
And as we meet, we've met Matt Valerie, you're going to meet other guests.
00:05:54.319 --> 00:06:02.319
One of the questions that I'm going to be asking them is really about this piece around their strengths and how their business reflects their unique talents.
00:06:03.279 --> 00:06:08.959
Another component of the business DNA is also looking at things like our values.
00:06:09.199 --> 00:06:11.759
How do our values shape what we're doing?
00:06:11.920 --> 00:06:18.480
How we're doing, what choices we're making, what we're prioritizing, where we're putting attention.
00:06:18.800 --> 00:06:27.839
I think I better qualify some of this because you know you can build a business that is not aligned for a few years, for some time.
00:06:28.800 --> 00:06:31.040
And maybe that's your vision.
00:06:31.519 --> 00:06:55.439
For those who want to have a business that is perhaps not only their business but their life, maybe it is the vehicle for contribution, for revenue flow, for creative endeavor, which is really what FlowFlex Skill is built upon, to have a business that can grow with you and evolve with you and evolve in an evolving workspace.
00:06:55.600 --> 00:07:02.319
I do believe that the business DNA, your DNA, is critical in imprinting your business.
00:07:02.560 --> 00:07:13.040
So when I say it's critical, it's critical that we get clear on what our DNA is and how that creates opportunity and also how it might create challenge.
00:07:13.519 --> 00:07:18.000
Again, the challenge of a one-person show is what are the blind spots that are left?
00:07:18.079 --> 00:07:21.360
If we're only leading from strengths, where else do we need help?
00:07:21.600 --> 00:07:27.680
So if we are not engaging human partners or human team members, what is your AI need to know?
00:07:27.839 --> 00:07:30.560
Where do you need your AI to step in?
00:07:31.279 --> 00:07:38.399
You know, as a business owner, at all stages, it's very easy for us to connect, compare ourselves to others.
00:07:38.639 --> 00:07:48.879
One of the beauties of leading from DNA, leading from your strengths, leading from your values, leading from your lived experience is we no longer have to compete because we're unique.
00:07:49.040 --> 00:07:49.920
We're different.
00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:57.519
What I can offer as a group and team coach is going to be very different from what other colleagues can offer.
00:07:57.680 --> 00:08:10.879
And that's not just a time in the industry, but there are lived experiences for myself and for the work that I've done with clients that are always going to create its own playing field.
00:08:11.439 --> 00:08:27.600
I want you to think about that because I think there is often a fear, especially in this moment of AI, where everyone looks and sounds very similar, that we want to really just double down on that.
00:08:27.920 --> 00:08:39.360
Well, in fact, fluflex scale is double down on you, double down on your unique identity, your unique passions, your unique story.
00:08:41.360 --> 00:08:44.720
Some might say, but Jan, that's a little Pollyanish, isn't it?
00:08:44.960 --> 00:08:45.360
Simple.
00:08:45.600 --> 00:08:53.600
Well, again, if we're building from non-alignment or non-foundation, what will happen?
00:08:53.840 --> 00:08:54.960
Think about it.
00:08:55.200 --> 00:08:59.679
Have any of you built a deck of cards or taken a deck of cards and built a house?
00:08:59.919 --> 00:09:01.919
Well, how how stable was that?
00:09:02.159 --> 00:09:05.600
Or maybe you've played Jenga, right?
00:09:05.840 --> 00:09:08.559
Maybe as a kid you played, I don't know, we had something else.
00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:12.480
They were like little sticks and you could pull them out one at a time.
00:09:12.639 --> 00:09:17.679
I think that those metaphors have really influenced me and influenced the way I see the world.
00:09:17.840 --> 00:09:23.519
It's also influenced the way that I work with other businesses, small and very large businesses.
00:09:23.840 --> 00:09:25.759
Culture is critical.
00:09:26.159 --> 00:09:32.559
Now, as a small business, we may not be evolving culture, but that's where a DNA can step in.
00:09:32.879 --> 00:09:36.559
It influences our stand, it influences our priorities.
00:09:36.879 --> 00:09:39.440
As businesses grow, they evolve culture.
00:09:39.679 --> 00:09:42.720
And where does culture get stuck?
00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:50.639
Where is it hard to shift culture in times of change when there's non-alignment with vision, with values, with mission, with mandate?
00:09:51.120 --> 00:09:57.039
These are things that even as a small business, we want to embody.
00:09:57.279 --> 00:09:58.639
We want to incorporate.
00:09:58.799 --> 00:10:00.240
Because what happens if we don't?
00:10:00.480 --> 00:10:02.960
Well, that's where we start to chase things.
00:10:03.200 --> 00:10:12.480
I saw this a lot over the last six years, really, is so many businesses came online and all of a sudden people heard, oh, I gotta do this, I gotta do that.
00:10:12.720 --> 00:10:14.159
And they burned out.
00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:16.159
They stopped doing it.
00:10:16.639 --> 00:10:18.879
They threw in the towel.
00:10:19.360 --> 00:10:30.720
Many times the throwing of the towel in might have been just where success was around the corner, but it's really hard to sustain something that is not uniquely ours.
00:10:31.759 --> 00:10:44.960
Personally, and many of you know how much work I do in the strengths world, especially as a Gallup Strength certified coach, you know, a lot of my work really is helping people identify where they are naturally talented.
00:10:45.840 --> 00:10:48.399
I've said it a few times, but I'll say it in this frame.
00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:55.039
You know, when we are able to lead from our strengths, we can really focus in on what makes us great.
00:10:55.360 --> 00:10:59.200
We can also find more flow in our work.
00:10:59.919 --> 00:11:06.960
We know that the most highly productive teams are teams that are able to leverage their strengths.
00:11:07.200 --> 00:11:14.559
Now, if we don't have a team, we really, again, need to rely on our own strengths.
00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:17.440
So think about it.
00:11:17.759 --> 00:11:19.039
A couple of layers here.
00:11:19.200 --> 00:11:21.440
Number one, AI.
00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:27.120
AI means we need to stand out, unless you want to sound like everyone else.
00:11:27.360 --> 00:11:46.000
Even though my first two books, Effective Group Coaching and From One to Many, Best Practices for Group and Team Coaching, were fed to the machines to teach, to train the system around group and team coaching, I realized very quickly a few years ago that I needed to continue to differentiate.
00:11:46.960 --> 00:11:50.559
My work 15 years ago is not my work of today.
00:11:50.720 --> 00:12:01.120
And while my DNA has remained the same, my values, my vision, those have remained anchors, but the work that I've done has changed.
00:12:01.360 --> 00:12:03.120
And so we can stand out.
00:12:03.279 --> 00:12:04.720
We can differentiate.
00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:07.679
We need to stand out and differentiate.
00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:19.360
While AI can do a lot of great things, create new fancy graphics, maybe pull lots of data, synthesize data, do research, all of these things.
00:12:19.519 --> 00:12:21.360
It can't replace us.
00:12:22.159 --> 00:12:26.960
And FlowFlex Scale is not about building a business that is for a year.
00:12:27.200 --> 00:12:29.840
It's about building a business for a lifetime.
00:12:30.159 --> 00:12:36.320
And so, really, I hope that today you'll be thinking about what is that form?
00:12:36.639 --> 00:12:38.320
What is that shape?
00:12:38.720 --> 00:12:41.200
So, a couple of questions for you to think about.
00:12:41.600 --> 00:12:44.320
What strengths do you naturally bring?
00:12:44.799 --> 00:12:48.159
What experiences have shaped your decisions?
00:12:48.399 --> 00:12:50.960
What values guide your decisions?
00:12:51.120 --> 00:12:54.080
And what is the work that really gives you energy?
00:12:54.559 --> 00:13:01.039
One of the things I love about FloFlex Scale, the book, which I'm still we're recording this in mid-July.
00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:07.360
The book is not out of editing stage, but already I can feel it metaphorically in my hands.
00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:09.519
And so in it are a couple of things.
00:13:09.679 --> 00:13:17.200
There's reflection exercises, there's brain tips, there's AI prompts, and there's momentum moves.
00:13:17.840 --> 00:13:21.919
What you hear on the podcast is not exactly what you're going to read in the book.
00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:25.759
So I wanted to make sure that they're complementary to each other.
00:13:26.080 --> 00:13:34.159
One of the things I am recommending, and maybe this might feel a little different for you as a podcast listener, but I would invite you to do some journaling work on this.
00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:37.039
Earlier today, I delivered a keynote.
00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:46.559
I like to think of it as an interactive conversation to a large group in an organization, several thousands of people that will watch this in person and on demand.
00:13:46.799 --> 00:13:55.840
And one of the things I invited was to really get people to think about taking note, whether it's in an app and whether you prefer to do that on paper.
00:13:56.159 --> 00:13:59.360
The art of journaling is so powerful.
00:13:59.679 --> 00:14:09.519
And we may think that we know things about ourselves, but we might uncover even more through our writing or reflecting on our writing.
00:14:09.840 --> 00:14:14.159
We may also learn even more as we get into dialogue with others.
00:14:14.320 --> 00:14:26.720
That's why one of the driving forces for my work as a group coach, bringing people together so that they can see the uniqueness of themselves as they are in contrast with their peers.
00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:29.120
So I'd love for you to grab a notebook.
00:14:29.200 --> 00:14:34.879
If you haven't done that yet, with listening to FlowFlex Scale, open a tab on your phone.
00:14:35.039 --> 00:14:39.519
Hopefully, I think with most phones these days, you can have multiple apps open.
00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:41.600
Here are some questions.
00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:46.960
I want you to actually do a bit of a Venn diagram, but perhaps with six slices.
00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:51.279
So in one circle, I want you to think about your strengths.
00:14:51.600 --> 00:14:55.200
In another circle, I want you to think about your skills.
00:14:55.840 --> 00:14:59.519
In a third circle, what are your experiences?
00:15:00.960 --> 00:15:08.000
Going to spotlight this one on experience because what is making businesses stand out in today's AI-enabled landscape?
00:15:08.159 --> 00:15:09.679
It is experiences.
00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:12.639
I've been an experiential educator for 40 years.
00:15:12.799 --> 00:15:24.960
I've been an experienced designer for the last decade, and really as a certified experienced designer now, I think this is truly a big piece of what is going to create differentiation.
00:15:25.519 --> 00:15:27.279
So, what have been your experiences?
00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:29.840
What have been the paths that you have navigated?
00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:32.879
The hard ones and the easy ones.
00:15:33.679 --> 00:15:37.440
In your next circle, I want you to write down your values.
00:15:37.840 --> 00:15:42.159
What are those things that really are a non-negotiable for you?
00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:48.399
One of my non-negotiabas as a business is that we offer a variety of things.
00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:51.840
We also are a global organization.
00:15:52.720 --> 00:15:56.639
My business is not just in one location.
00:15:56.879 --> 00:16:00.080
We serve people all over the world.
00:16:00.399 --> 00:16:16.000
That not only reflects my lived experience of working and leading teams within multinational environments, but also it's a belief that conversations are important all over the world.
00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:18.240
So what are your passions?
00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:20.720
And finally, what's your vision?
00:16:21.360 --> 00:16:24.720
We'll be doing further conversations around vision.
00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:30.960
I really hope that one of my mentors, Patty Doblavowski, will say yes to another podcast episode with me.
00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:38.960
I did one, you can find it years ago about her work in Draw Your Future over at the Remote Pathways Podcast.
00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:42.639
But our vision hopefully becomes something that is a pull.
00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:46.559
Now, in times of change and times of complexity, it can be hard.
00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:50.480
I think we can often censure ourselves to say, that's not my vision.
00:16:50.639 --> 00:16:51.679
I can't do that.
00:16:51.919 --> 00:17:05.519
But really, when we have a clear vision that is aligned with who we are and our values, it can really create an amazing pull, even when we get in the eddies or the whirlpool of life and work.
00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:11.759
So I hope as you go through this exercise, this momentum move, that you are encouraged.
00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:16.000
And as you look at those areas, I want you to ask yourself these questions.
00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:18.720
Where is my business aligned with my DNA?
00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:20.559
And where is it not?
00:17:21.440 --> 00:17:24.799
Maybe you're offering services you no longer enjoy.
00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:30.559
Maybe you're spending time creating content that just doesn't sound like you anymore.
00:17:31.039 --> 00:17:37.759
Maybe you're trying to build a business because someone on social media said that this worked for them.
00:17:38.480 --> 00:17:41.119
What works for one may not work for all.
00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:46.160
And one little sage piece of, I'm going to call it advice.
00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:52.559
It was a piece of advice that a mentor of mine shared, and I'm going to pass it on here.
00:17:53.119 --> 00:17:57.359
Um, is really continue to lead from who you are.
00:17:58.720 --> 00:18:02.160
When we do that, we can get into flow.
00:18:02.400 --> 00:18:08.480
When we do that, that natural momentum and rhythm evolves.
00:18:08.960 --> 00:18:11.200
Doesn't mean that we're not going to have challenges.
00:18:11.359 --> 00:18:22.720
It doesn't mean that everything's going to work, but it does mean that we probably are expending less energy because we're working with how we're naturally wired than against it.
00:18:23.039 --> 00:18:25.440
I hope that you enjoyed today's episode on DNA.
00:18:25.599 --> 00:18:30.400
I hope that you'll check out the chapter in the book on this first of nine catalysts.
00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:35.359
Again, flow, flex, scale involves nine different areas.
00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.799
This is just the beginning.
00:18:36.880 --> 00:18:40.079
And really, though, the DNA, our DNA.
00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:44.000
And if you want, you could do this through the lens of the business DNA.
00:18:44.079 --> 00:18:48.240
If you see the two as separate, this sets our foundation.
00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:50.240
So I'm going to be back with a guest.
00:18:50.319 --> 00:18:52.960
I'm also going to be back with our second catalyst.
00:18:53.119 --> 00:18:58.960
We will see in the organic nature of the recording of this podcast where we go next.
00:18:59.039 --> 00:19:00.000
So stay tuned.
00:19:00.079 --> 00:19:01.599
And thanks for listening.
00:19:01.839 --> 00:19:08.480
Please subscribe and also share within your network to those you know would find value.
00:19:08.720 --> 00:19:10.400
With that, be well, everyone.
00:19:10.559 --> 00:19:11.279
Take care.
00:19:11.519 --> 00:19:12.960
See you next time.
00:00:08.560 --> 00:00:17.199
This is the FlowFlex Skill Podcast, your field guide to the Solopreneur Operating System with author and coach Jennifer Britton.
00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:21.600
Daily steps plus consistent action equals momentum.
00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:27.039
That's Jennifer's mantra, and it starts right here, right now, with you.
00:00:27.519 --> 00:00:29.199
Let's get started.
00:00:32.479 --> 00:00:44.159
What if the biggest thing holding your business back wasn't your marketing, wasn't your visibility, wasn't even your pricing or your offers, but actually was about you.
00:00:44.560 --> 00:00:49.520
Hi, I'm Jennifer Britton and I'm the host here at the FlowFlex Skill podcast.
00:00:49.840 --> 00:00:56.560
Over the last two decades plus, I've been able to coach a wide variety of business owners.
00:00:56.640 --> 00:01:04.879
And for those of us that are solopreneurs, as much as we like to say in business, the founder wants to disconnect themselves from their business.
00:01:05.200 --> 00:01:08.159
As a solopreneur, you are your business.
00:01:08.400 --> 00:01:24.799
FlowFlex Scale has been crafted, perhaps even sort of chiseled out of a very rough river, which sometimes is rough, sometimes is smooth, but really it is honed through the course of you.
00:01:25.439 --> 00:01:30.239
You, your partners, your AI-enabled partners, even.
00:01:30.640 --> 00:01:43.120
And today's episode is going to look at what I believe is really one of the most important defining factors for solopreneurs today: exploring your business DNA.
00:01:43.359 --> 00:01:50.480
I first introduced this concept back in 2018 in Coaching Business Builder and Plan Do Track.
00:01:50.799 --> 00:01:55.439
So you may be familiar with this languaging of your business DNA.
00:01:55.680 --> 00:01:58.159
In today's episode, we're going to dive right into it.
00:01:58.239 --> 00:02:02.799
And if this is the first time you're joining us at the FlowFlex Skill podcast, welcome.
00:02:03.040 --> 00:02:09.680
Over the last month of our first four episodes, we've laid the foundation of what I call the FlowFlex Skill framework.
00:02:09.840 --> 00:02:22.319
That framework has evolved out of more than two decades of work as a coach, as an advisor, as a consultant on small business, microenterprise, and solopreneurial business support.
00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:26.479
In episode one, I introduced the whole framework of FlowFlex Scale, which is a book.
00:02:26.560 --> 00:02:27.680
You can read about it.
00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:36.479
Episodes two and four, we met Valerie and we heard from her and her story of being a new solopreneur in the last year.
00:02:36.719 --> 00:02:42.639
We explored the realities of building a business right now in the AI-enabled landscape.
00:02:42.879 --> 00:02:46.560
We explored what it's like to leave corporate and go to your own business.
00:02:46.719 --> 00:02:56.800
We talked about identity shifts and the opportunities and challenges that not only a new business, but a new AI world business encounters.
00:02:57.280 --> 00:03:09.360
In episode three, I came back and talked a little bit about the whole operating system, the solopreneurial operating system of flow, flex, scale, and why it matters in a world of ongoing change.
00:03:09.680 --> 00:03:15.520
For many of us, and this also includes me, on some days, we can feel overwhelmed.
00:03:15.680 --> 00:03:23.520
We can be pulled in multiple directions, and we can also feel like we're constantly chasing the next arc.
00:03:24.240 --> 00:03:39.439
Well, when we look at today's topic of business DNA, that come from that focus actually takes out some of the frenetic energy that is natural for any solopreneurial business.
00:03:39.680 --> 00:03:42.159
So I really look forward to today's episode.
00:03:42.240 --> 00:03:48.879
We're going to be exploring the first of the nine catalysts that make up this solopreneurial operating system.
00:03:49.120 --> 00:03:51.680
So we're just going to take a light touch at this.
00:03:51.840 --> 00:03:54.800
Again, I'm keeping episodes to less than 15 minutes.
00:03:55.039 --> 00:04:00.159
So I am going to make sure that we get through some, but this is where you're going to want to pick up the book.
00:04:00.319 --> 00:04:07.039
The book is going to be out in August of 2026, and I'd invite you to pick up a copy at Amazon.
00:04:07.599 --> 00:04:09.439
So business DNA.
00:04:09.759 --> 00:04:11.680
What is business DNA?
00:04:11.840 --> 00:04:13.919
That is what makes us unique.
00:04:14.159 --> 00:04:21.680
Back in 2020, I launched a series of five-day challenges called the Stand Out Virtually Challenges.
00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:24.959
Because think about it, and you probably experienced it.
00:04:25.120 --> 00:04:27.120
All of a sudden, everyone was online.
00:04:27.360 --> 00:04:28.720
Every business was online.
00:04:28.879 --> 00:04:30.959
And so how do you differentiate?
00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:33.759
Well, one way to do that is you stand out.
00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:35.439
And you stand out how?
00:04:35.680 --> 00:04:46.240
Multiple ways, not only through your brands and your offerings, your pricing and your partners, but that probably reflects you or the business DNA.
00:04:46.560 --> 00:04:54.480
Now, again, as a solopreneur, as a one-person show, our businesses are more likely to reflect who we are.
00:04:54.720 --> 00:05:01.680
For example, when I left my corporate role more than 20 years ago, um, some of you heard my story, right?
00:05:01.759 --> 00:05:03.040
I lost vision in one eye.
00:05:03.120 --> 00:05:06.000
I was unable to do the work that I was doing in those days.
00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:19.600
And it really meant that as I sat down to think about my next pathway, I'm glad on reflection, that I looked back and really took stock of what made me unique.
00:05:19.839 --> 00:05:32.319
How could I come to Canada, a country I hadn't lived in for more than 15 years, and open the doors on day seven in my journey back to say, okay, I'm here.
00:05:32.399 --> 00:05:41.040
I'm going to now generate revenue, which really became generating revenue for my entire family as a primary bread earner, even now.
00:05:42.160 --> 00:05:50.560
What has worked and what has, I believe, been a big factor to be part of the sustainable business model has been building a business that matches strengths.
00:05:50.720 --> 00:05:54.240
And as we meet, we've met Matt Valerie, you're going to meet other guests.
00:05:54.319 --> 00:06:02.319
One of the questions that I'm going to be asking them is really about this piece around their strengths and how their business reflects their unique talents.
00:06:03.279 --> 00:06:08.959
Another component of the business DNA is also looking at things like our values.
00:06:09.199 --> 00:06:11.759
How do our values shape what we're doing?
00:06:11.920 --> 00:06:18.480
How we're doing, what choices we're making, what we're prioritizing, where we're putting attention.
00:06:18.800 --> 00:06:27.839
I think I better qualify some of this because you know you can build a business that is not aligned for a few years, for some time.
00:06:28.800 --> 00:06:31.040
And maybe that's your vision.
00:06:31.519 --> 00:06:55.439
For those who want to have a business that is perhaps not only their business but their life, maybe it is the vehicle for contribution, for revenue flow, for creative endeavor, which is really what FlowFlex Skill is built upon, to have a business that can grow with you and evolve with you and evolve in an evolving workspace.
00:06:55.600 --> 00:07:02.319
I do believe that the business DNA, your DNA, is critical in imprinting your business.
00:07:02.560 --> 00:07:13.040
So when I say it's critical, it's critical that we get clear on what our DNA is and how that creates opportunity and also how it might create challenge.
00:07:13.519 --> 00:07:18.000
Again, the challenge of a one-person show is what are the blind spots that are left?
00:07:18.079 --> 00:07:21.360
If we're only leading from strengths, where else do we need help?
00:07:21.600 --> 00:07:27.680
So if we are not engaging human partners or human team members, what is your AI need to know?
00:07:27.839 --> 00:07:30.560
Where do you need your AI to step in?
00:07:31.279 --> 00:07:38.399
You know, as a business owner, at all stages, it's very easy for us to connect, compare ourselves to others.
00:07:38.639 --> 00:07:48.879
One of the beauties of leading from DNA, leading from your strengths, leading from your values, leading from your lived experience is we no longer have to compete because we're unique.
00:07:49.040 --> 00:07:49.920
We're different.
00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:57.519
What I can offer as a group and team coach is going to be very different from what other colleagues can offer.
00:07:57.680 --> 00:08:10.879
And that's not just a time in the industry, but there are lived experiences for myself and for the work that I've done with clients that are always going to create its own playing field.
00:08:11.439 --> 00:08:27.600
I want you to think about that because I think there is often a fear, especially in this moment of AI, where everyone looks and sounds very similar, that we want to really just double down on that.
00:08:27.920 --> 00:08:39.360
Well, in fact, fluflex scale is double down on you, double down on your unique identity, your unique passions, your unique story.
00:08:41.360 --> 00:08:44.720
Some might say, but Jan, that's a little Pollyanish, isn't it?
00:08:44.960 --> 00:08:45.360
Simple.
00:08:45.600 --> 00:08:53.600
Well, again, if we're building from non-alignment or non-foundation, what will happen?
00:08:53.840 --> 00:08:54.960
Think about it.
00:08:55.200 --> 00:08:59.679
Have any of you built a deck of cards or taken a deck of cards and built a house?
00:08:59.919 --> 00:09:01.919
Well, how how stable was that?
00:09:02.159 --> 00:09:05.600
Or maybe you've played Jenga, right?
00:09:05.840 --> 00:09:08.559
Maybe as a kid you played, I don't know, we had something else.
00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:12.480
They were like little sticks and you could pull them out one at a time.
00:09:12.639 --> 00:09:17.679
I think that those metaphors have really influenced me and influenced the way I see the world.
00:09:17.840 --> 00:09:23.519
It's also influenced the way that I work with other businesses, small and very large businesses.
00:09:23.840 --> 00:09:25.759
Culture is critical.
00:09:26.159 --> 00:09:32.559
Now, as a small business, we may not be evolving culture, but that's where a DNA can step in.
00:09:32.879 --> 00:09:36.559
It influences our stand, it influences our priorities.
00:09:36.879 --> 00:09:39.440
As businesses grow, they evolve culture.
00:09:39.679 --> 00:09:42.720
And where does culture get stuck?
00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:50.639
Where is it hard to shift culture in times of change when there's non-alignment with vision, with values, with mission, with mandate?
00:09:51.120 --> 00:09:57.039
These are things that even as a small business, we want to embody.
00:09:57.279 --> 00:09:58.639
We want to incorporate.
00:09:58.799 --> 00:10:00.240
Because what happens if we don't?
00:10:00.480 --> 00:10:02.960
Well, that's where we start to chase things.
00:10:03.200 --> 00:10:12.480
I saw this a lot over the last six years, really, is so many businesses came online and all of a sudden people heard, oh, I gotta do this, I gotta do that.
00:10:12.720 --> 00:10:14.159
And they burned out.
00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:16.159
They stopped doing it.
00:10:16.639 --> 00:10:18.879
They threw in the towel.
00:10:19.360 --> 00:10:30.720
Many times the throwing of the towel in might have been just where success was around the corner, but it's really hard to sustain something that is not uniquely ours.
00:10:31.759 --> 00:10:44.960
Personally, and many of you know how much work I do in the strengths world, especially as a Gallup Strength certified coach, you know, a lot of my work really is helping people identify where they are naturally talented.
00:10:45.840 --> 00:10:48.399
I've said it a few times, but I'll say it in this frame.
00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:55.039
You know, when we are able to lead from our strengths, we can really focus in on what makes us great.
00:10:55.360 --> 00:10:59.200
We can also find more flow in our work.
00:10:59.919 --> 00:11:06.960
We know that the most highly productive teams are teams that are able to leverage their strengths.
00:11:07.200 --> 00:11:14.559
Now, if we don't have a team, we really, again, need to rely on our own strengths.
00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:17.440
So think about it.
00:11:17.759 --> 00:11:19.039
A couple of layers here.
00:11:19.200 --> 00:11:21.440
Number one, AI.
00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:27.120
AI means we need to stand out, unless you want to sound like everyone else.
00:11:27.360 --> 00:11:46.000
Even though my first two books, Effective Group Coaching and From One to Many, Best Practices for Group and Team Coaching, were fed to the machines to teach, to train the system around group and team coaching, I realized very quickly a few years ago that I needed to continue to differentiate.
00:11:46.960 --> 00:11:50.559
My work 15 years ago is not my work of today.
00:11:50.720 --> 00:12:01.120
And while my DNA has remained the same, my values, my vision, those have remained anchors, but the work that I've done has changed.
00:12:01.360 --> 00:12:03.120
And so we can stand out.
00:12:03.279 --> 00:12:04.720
We can differentiate.
00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:07.679
We need to stand out and differentiate.
00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:19.360
While AI can do a lot of great things, create new fancy graphics, maybe pull lots of data, synthesize data, do research, all of these things.
00:12:19.519 --> 00:12:21.360
It can't replace us.
00:12:22.159 --> 00:12:26.960
And FlowFlex Scale is not about building a business that is for a year.
00:12:27.200 --> 00:12:29.840
It's about building a business for a lifetime.
00:12:30.159 --> 00:12:36.320
And so, really, I hope that today you'll be thinking about what is that form?
00:12:36.639 --> 00:12:38.320
What is that shape?
00:12:38.720 --> 00:12:41.200
So, a couple of questions for you to think about.
00:12:41.600 --> 00:12:44.320
What strengths do you naturally bring?
00:12:44.799 --> 00:12:48.159
What experiences have shaped your decisions?
00:12:48.399 --> 00:12:50.960
What values guide your decisions?
00:12:51.120 --> 00:12:54.080
And what is the work that really gives you energy?
00:12:54.559 --> 00:13:01.039
One of the things I love about FloFlex Scale, the book, which I'm still we're recording this in mid-July.
00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:07.360
The book is not out of editing stage, but already I can feel it metaphorically in my hands.
00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:09.519
And so in it are a couple of things.
00:13:09.679 --> 00:13:17.200
There's reflection exercises, there's brain tips, there's AI prompts, and there's momentum moves.
00:13:17.840 --> 00:13:21.919
What you hear on the podcast is not exactly what you're going to read in the book.
00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:25.759
So I wanted to make sure that they're complementary to each other.
00:13:26.080 --> 00:13:34.159
One of the things I am recommending, and maybe this might feel a little different for you as a podcast listener, but I would invite you to do some journaling work on this.
00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:37.039
Earlier today, I delivered a keynote.
00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:46.559
I like to think of it as an interactive conversation to a large group in an organization, several thousands of people that will watch this in person and on demand.
00:13:46.799 --> 00:13:55.840
And one of the things I invited was to really get people to think about taking note, whether it's in an app and whether you prefer to do that on paper.
00:13:56.159 --> 00:13:59.360
The art of journaling is so powerful.
00:13:59.679 --> 00:14:09.519
And we may think that we know things about ourselves, but we might uncover even more through our writing or reflecting on our writing.
00:14:09.840 --> 00:14:14.159
We may also learn even more as we get into dialogue with others.
00:14:14.320 --> 00:14:26.720
That's why one of the driving forces for my work as a group coach, bringing people together so that they can see the uniqueness of themselves as they are in contrast with their peers.
00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:29.120
So I'd love for you to grab a notebook.
00:14:29.200 --> 00:14:34.879
If you haven't done that yet, with listening to FlowFlex Scale, open a tab on your phone.
00:14:35.039 --> 00:14:39.519
Hopefully, I think with most phones these days, you can have multiple apps open.
00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:41.600
Here are some questions.
00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:46.960
I want you to actually do a bit of a Venn diagram, but perhaps with six slices.
00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:51.279
So in one circle, I want you to think about your strengths.
00:14:51.600 --> 00:14:55.200
In another circle, I want you to think about your skills.
00:14:55.840 --> 00:14:59.519
In a third circle, what are your experiences?
00:15:00.960 --> 00:15:08.000
Going to spotlight this one on experience because what is making businesses stand out in today's AI-enabled landscape?
00:15:08.159 --> 00:15:09.679
It is experiences.
00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:12.639
I've been an experiential educator for 40 years.
00:15:12.799 --> 00:15:24.960
I've been an experienced designer for the last decade, and really as a certified experienced designer now, I think this is truly a big piece of what is going to create differentiation.
00:15:25.519 --> 00:15:27.279
So, what have been your experiences?
00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:29.840
What have been the paths that you have navigated?
00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:32.879
The hard ones and the easy ones.
00:15:33.679 --> 00:15:37.440
In your next circle, I want you to write down your values.
00:15:37.840 --> 00:15:42.159
What are those things that really are a non-negotiable for you?
00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:48.399
One of my non-negotiabas as a business is that we offer a variety of things.
00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:51.840
We also are a global organization.
00:15:52.720 --> 00:15:56.639
My business is not just in one location.
00:15:56.879 --> 00:16:00.080
We serve people all over the world.
00:16:00.399 --> 00:16:16.000
That not only reflects my lived experience of working and leading teams within multinational environments, but also it's a belief that conversations are important all over the world.
00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:18.240
So what are your passions?
00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:20.720
And finally, what's your vision?
00:16:21.360 --> 00:16:24.720
We'll be doing further conversations around vision.
00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:30.960
I really hope that one of my mentors, Patty Doblavowski, will say yes to another podcast episode with me.
00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:38.960
I did one, you can find it years ago about her work in Draw Your Future over at the Remote Pathways Podcast.
00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:42.639
But our vision hopefully becomes something that is a pull.
00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:46.559
Now, in times of change and times of complexity, it can be hard.
00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:50.480
I think we can often censure ourselves to say, that's not my vision.
00:16:50.639 --> 00:16:51.679
I can't do that.
00:16:51.919 --> 00:17:05.519
But really, when we have a clear vision that is aligned with who we are and our values, it can really create an amazing pull, even when we get in the eddies or the whirlpool of life and work.
00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:11.759
So I hope as you go through this exercise, this momentum move, that you are encouraged.
00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:16.000
And as you look at those areas, I want you to ask yourself these questions.
00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:18.720
Where is my business aligned with my DNA?
00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:20.559
And where is it not?
00:17:21.440 --> 00:17:24.799
Maybe you're offering services you no longer enjoy.
00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:30.559
Maybe you're spending time creating content that just doesn't sound like you anymore.
00:17:31.039 --> 00:17:37.759
Maybe you're trying to build a business because someone on social media said that this worked for them.
00:17:38.480 --> 00:17:41.119
What works for one may not work for all.
00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:46.160
And one little sage piece of, I'm going to call it advice.
00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:52.559
It was a piece of advice that a mentor of mine shared, and I'm going to pass it on here.
00:17:53.119 --> 00:17:57.359
Um, is really continue to lead from who you are.
00:17:58.720 --> 00:18:02.160
When we do that, we can get into flow.
00:18:02.400 --> 00:18:08.480
When we do that, that natural momentum and rhythm evolves.
00:18:08.960 --> 00:18:11.200
Doesn't mean that we're not going to have challenges.
00:18:11.359 --> 00:18:22.720
It doesn't mean that everything's going to work, but it does mean that we probably are expending less energy because we're working with how we're naturally wired than against it.
00:18:23.039 --> 00:18:25.440
I hope that you enjoyed today's episode on DNA.
00:18:25.599 --> 00:18:30.400
I hope that you'll check out the chapter in the book on this first of nine catalysts.
00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:35.359
Again, flow, flex, scale involves nine different areas.
00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.799
This is just the beginning.
00:18:36.880 --> 00:18:40.079
And really, though, the DNA, our DNA.
00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:44.000
And if you want, you could do this through the lens of the business DNA.
00:18:44.079 --> 00:18:48.240
If you see the two as separate, this sets our foundation.
00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:50.240
So I'm going to be back with a guest.
00:18:50.319 --> 00:18:52.960
I'm also going to be back with our second catalyst.
00:18:53.119 --> 00:18:58.960
We will see in the organic nature of the recording of this podcast where we go next.
00:18:59.039 --> 00:19:00.000
So stay tuned.
00:19:00.079 --> 00:19:01.599
And thanks for listening.
00:19:01.839 --> 00:19:08.480
Please subscribe and also share within your network to those you know would find value.
00:19:08.720 --> 00:19:10.400
With that, be well, everyone.
00:19:10.559 --> 00:19:11.279
Take care.
00:19:11.519 --> 00:19:12.960
See you next time.
