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The Fear Of Failing
I came across an inspiring post on Olivier Blanchard's BrandBuilder blog entitled 'Fear is Irrelevant'. He talks about fear and failure as crucial 'points on a learning curve'. Here's a taster:
Don't settle for being the best. Instead, work your ass off to be the first. This isn't about beating the other guys. You can't. You won't. Those kinds of victories are short-lived and meaningless. Be unique. Become an icon. Become a legend.
But expect to fall on your face a lot. It's the price you pay for getting there, and getting there first. By first, I don't mean necessarily first to market. I mean first to success.
Since establishing Phatgnat over a year ago, I have experienced many 'failure points' during the steepest learning curve of my life. Recently, I posted then deleted a piece on how I completed a project proposal for a high-profile clothing brand which didn't get adopted. Obviously I was disappointed, but also knew it was part of the journey and I shouldn't be afraid to illustrate it.
Going back to Oivier's post, I can still say there is no-one offering the service I am offering. No-one. (If you you know different tell me).
Sure there are a small number of companies developing projects for brands/companies as part of their cause-related marketing campaigns, their corporate social responsibility portfolio or their community investment commitments—however, no-one has a specific focus on youth. No-one has my unique background. My experience. My passion.
Don't get me wrong, I know I have a long way to go and I'm still learning so much from the contacts I make and the people I speak to, but I truly believe there is both a need for Phatgnat services and that I can create/deliver them.
Tom Peters said—'have the audacity of vision'—my vision is to see Phatgnat establish itself over the next three years as the market leader in developing youth projects for brands and companies… not much to ask is it?
(Please do email me if you are interested in Phatgnat, our services/focus or even if you want to work for us).
Filed by DK on October 26 2005
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