Do you wonder how you belong in today’s world, especially with such polarizing opinions and “my way or the highway” attitudes? If so, be sure to check out Brene’ Brown’s book, Braving The Wilderness.
In this book, Brown teaches us what it means to truly belong, meaning that true belonging starts within us. If we can belong within ourselves, even if it feels like we are alone in the wilderness, we share our most authentic selves (without changing who we really are).
To guide us through the wilderness, Brown shares these four behavioral practices:
- People are hard to hate close up. Move in.
- Speak truth to bullshit. Be civil.
- Hold hands. With strangers.
- Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart.
She delves into each practice, offering real-life stories that drive her point home. As always, Brown is a master storyteller, and her anecdotes will move you.
My three takeaways:
#1: We are much more than our political ideologies.
When we lean into each other’s humanity, we see our greater connectedness. I’m a Democrat, but I am also a mom, wife, daughter, sister, Tampa Bay Bucs fan, entrepreneur, lover of flamingos, and animal advocate. I have travel anxieties and a restless spirit, and often stick my foot in my mouth. I am so much more than my political ideology – as are my friends, neighbors, colleagues, and, yes, politicians.
#2: Social media is wonderful for connecting, but it’s the face-to-face interactions that create the strong bonds.
Don’t let online relationships transcend the in-person ones. I took this as a personal reminder (as an entrepreneur: Have in-person events, Jill. Deepen those bonds with your community even more (this is something I’ve been avoiding).
#3: Once you step into the wilderness, you are not ever alone.
The others who have stepped into the forest are there too. Have faith in yourself. Have faith in your beliefs. And stay kind.
How Braving The Wilderness relates to entrepreneurs
I am a firm believer in entrepreneurs using their marketing platforms to advance their causes. Furthermore, I believe female entrepreneurs are the changemakers that will shepherd us to a better world.
Therefore, female entrepreneurs must learn to brave the wilderness, even if it means upsetting someone. We must stand in our authentic selves, knowing that our community will love and support us. This includes our ideal clients, who I define as those people who buy from us and believe in our causes.
This is scary as hell, but it’s necessary. Braving The Wilderness is our guide book on how to navigate this scary-as-hell path.
I encourage entrepreneurs, especially females, to read Braving The Wilderness to help them lean into more authenticity and vulnerability. Translate what Brown says into your marketing, and you have struck marketing gold. ( )
Grab a copy of Braving The Wilderness from Amazon (this is an affiliate link).
Need more marketing inspiration?
If you need more ideas on how to get clients, check out my Magnetic Marketing Checklist (it’s a free download!). It’s packed with ideas on how to authentically attract more customers to your business.
ABOUT JILL
Hi, I’m Jill Celeste. I teach purpose-driven entrepreneurs (just like you) everything you need to know about marketing so you can become the Director of Marketing for your business.
Because when you put your Director of Marketing hat squarely on your head, marketing is your number one priority (which will result in more clients!).
When I am not teaching about marketing, you’ll find me hanging out with my husband or my teenage boys, or taking a nap with my basset hound, Emma. I also like to play with my two kittens and feed the backyard ducks (much to my neighbor’s chagrin).
If you’re feeling alone in your entrepreneurial journey, I invite you to check out my monthly membership group, The Celestial Circle. Affordable, loving, supportive, informative, and fun – that’s how we roll in The Celestial Circle. We would love to welcome you!