Thursday, August 23, 2007

It's My Anniversary!

YIPPEE!!! Actually, the true "date" was August 21st - but what's a couple of days in the pot? No..it's not my wedding anniversary (been there - done that!). The occasion I am happily celebrating is all about my freedom.

The "freedom" of which I speak was liberation from my 9-5 corporate gig...it was 10 years ago that I walked away from a really cool job and took the proverbial "leap of faith" by striking out on my own and devoting myself to the business of planning wonderful weddings and events. This "anniversary" is as important to me as the birth of my children - and of course, my own B-day (which happens to be Christmas Day!).

When I wake up in the morning, I thank God for another day to do what I love - and to be with those I love. I am always so grateful and thankful that I literally took control into my hands and left the corporate grind to pursue my passion. I didn’t want to do the "shoulda, woulda , coulda" and wonder what my life may have been like had I not went out on my own. I was 35 years old at the time when I walked away from my job...and now, 10 years later...I wouldn’t change a thing!

So - if anyone out there is even thinking about fulfilling your dream of business ownership and/or entrepreneurship, allow me to share some of my "rationale" with you:

Be true to your passion. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that something can’t be done....because, that's a fallacy. It may sound cliched - but you can do whatever you want. The key - you have to want it bad enough. You have to become one with whatever your drive, your motivating factor is. You have to breathe it, eat it, sleep it, feel it - to the point where folks around you will say "Enough already!!". But you can’t let it go - you have to let it grow and ripen within your conscious self. Every moment that you spend developing and growing your business will only help you realize the dream....and that’s a tall order. It means sacrifice, sleepless nights and angst over whether or not you’re doing the right thing. However - if this is the path you want to walk on - don’t let anyone or anything knock you off your course!!!

I'll finish by sharing two of my favorite "quotes" with you....

1) "When you do what you’ve always done - you get what you’ve always gotten"
In other words - defy mediocracy.

2) "If you advance confidently in the direction of your dreams and endeavor to live the life you’ve imagined, you will meet with a success unexpected in common hours"
-Henry David Thoreau

This is the impetus that I work with all of the time - I am living my dreams and am always pushing forward to more success.


And if you take away nothing else from this post, remember this:
Being successful is the one of the most powerful motivators ever.
I guarantee it.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary Linnyette! I know how you feel, I just left my job 2 months ago, but it was to return as an undergrad. I never received my degree (in economics). And although I am petrified I know I did the right thing and will be able to make it. I want to start my own Wedding Errand Service (not exactly a planner, but to help with last minute running around).

I must say, I have seen every episode of Whose Wedding is it Anyway and you are my favorite. Why? Because you are pure business, professional, fun and genuine. I've learned a lot about presence just watching you on TV.

Once again, Happy Anniversary!

Unknown said...

BTW, thanks for the quotes...they came in handy. I was beginning to wonder if I made a mistake in quitting my job.

Unknown said...

Linnyette,
Congrats to you and Happy Anniversary.
Here's to another great decade of weddings.
-Kelly

Isis said...

Congratulations Linnyette,

You took that leap and landed on your feet with your head held high. You are such an asset to this industry and your love for your work is apparent in everything you touch.

Here's to the first 10 and the many, many more to come!

Linnyette Richardson-Hall said...

Thanks to all of you - I appreciate your kind words and congratulations!!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Linnyette!

I am a huge fan and I've learned a lot by watching your episodes on "Whose Wedding Is It..."

I love your business sense and style. I would love to walk away from my 9-5 job, but since I am single, I must move a little slower..to make my dream of becoming a wedding planner a reality. I am scared just as you and Century21 were, but hearing your stories give me more motivation and courage to continue in my quest. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your story! I just started my corporate planning company and I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. I'm now trying to get my first client so I'm nowhere near leaving my current job which literally bores me to tears!!!! I'm so ready and I just pray that it will be sooner than later. I also watch you on the Style Network and I've been taking notes. Again thanks for your story! Any suggestions on getting my first client? I'm in the Atlanta area.

Linnyette Richardson-Hall said...

Network, network and more networking! You need to let others in the industry know that you are out there and ready to do business! Make sure that you are staying in front of the people who can use your services..otherwise, how will they know about you?

It takes time - but with careful planning, a leveled skill set and lots of fortitude..you'll be savoring your new career choice for years to come!

Good luck!