What Learning Tennis Has Taught Me about Business
I’ve been on these online streets for a while now and there are many cliche’s out there. I want to remind you of this because I am living proof of one of these cliches that is more of a philosophy than anything. And as a parent, it is true when our kids are learning something new:
The most mediocre person who is showing up consistently working on their_____ (Insert craft, hobby, business, social media) will gain more traction and growth that someone with MORE talent who is inconsistent and on the sidelines.
The only time I’ve ever played tennis, was in my early 30’s with a group of friends and ahem I dated a college player. We played maybe five times and that was it. I never saw myself as anyone with hand/eye coordination because I never played sports.
I was always the girl who was afraid of the ball, yet I always admired anyone who was able to dive for the volleyball like my Cousin Jenny, or seeing my niece Peyton dominate the soccer field. Good for them, I thought. I was the girl that the schoolboys loved to peg during dodgeball, defenseless and shy. And she lived in me until one day this past summer.
One day over the summer that all changed it for me— it was an act of out of the norm kindness from my friend Mary Ann, a client that I did photos for 10 years ago I lived in the South Bay, turned friend and nearby family.
She was wearing a tennis dress at soccer camp that our kids went to , and I asked if she played tennis as some of my friends do, and she enthusiastically said yes. I told her I had considered it in the past, but it felt really intimidating. And here’s what she did to help me get over that initial fear.
She told me about the next beginner class, and she offered to join me.While I’m as extroverted as they come, it was honestly really helpful to have someone there with me that day.
She introduced me to her coach and encouraged me that first day then, and now.
When she knew I was keeping costs down as much as possible, she dropped off some clearance rack tennis skirts at my door.
She let me share her private lesson with her coach.
And week after week, I kept going to the beginner class. I found myself on the court at least twice a week. The more I learned, the more overwhelmed I got, and the worse I felt I was getting. But as the 2 times a week turned into 3 to 4 and once 5 times a week of practicing…I got better. While I am still far from being the player I want to be, I can say that I have improved and I have grown leaps and bounds.
I gained confidence.
I metabolized the feedback better.
I got momentum.
I applied the knowledge.
I continued to have fun.
I found people that shared the same light hearted approach to learning a new skill.
I invested in a 1:1 lessons.
I checked out 3 different tennis clubs before joining one.
I started asking people who had more skills than me, to join me so that I could also get better.
What does this have to do with business and working with me? A lot. Let’s apply it.
I gained confidence — because week after week of focus, I showed up differently
I metabolized the feedback better. - I worked 1 on 1 with someone who was ahead of me, and they saw my weaknesses.
I got momentum. - I was working in tandem with others like I would in a Mastermind.
I applied the knowledge. - I had someone to hold me accountable.
I continued to have fun. - Business doesn’t have to be intense. And trust me, there are intense tennis players and I’m just not one of them.
I found people that shared the same light hearted approach to learning a new skill. - It’s important to surround yourself with other entrepreneurs who are taking action, bold action.
I invested in a 1:1 lessons. - Yup, I went several weeks before working with a coach and he had to correct my bad mistakes. Imagine if I worked with him from day 1?
I checked out 3 different tennis clubs before joining one. - You are welcome to check out other programs before joining mine!
I started asking people who had more skills than me, to join me so that I could also get better. - Feedback and accountability will take you so much further than being a true solopreneur.
When you are a new entrepreneur, those online streets are scary AF.
Putting yourself “out there” was scary.
And here’s what I know… I have NEVER been consistent with ANYTHING in my life. I would joke with colleagues that I am consisent with being inconsistent. And it’s because I don’t want bigger and better results, is that my focus is everywhere.
It’s as though when I’m not intentional about my time. I’m living life with too many tabs open and not focusing on the tabs the TRULY will make a difference. Is this you? I realized that my consistency and focus on tennis is what ultimately can be applied for all business owners—- if you show up for that part of your business that you’ve been intimidated by (ex: Facebook ads, sales and marketing, social media) and give it the time it deserves, you will see growth and invest in yourself. Whether it’s a coach, whether it’s classes or course, it’s far easier to get further when you dedicated time week after week on your goals.
My current revenue streams are coaching and photography. And last year at this same time, I was offering photoshoots, I was collaborating on a fashion line, I had a physical retail location pop up shop, I was even making hand made goods for holiday craft fairs and you know what? That did not serve me. I loved all of it, but financially, I was too widespread and I wish I had someone remind me that just because I could offer so much, doesn’t mean I should. It’s ok to simplify. It’s ok to narrow down your services so that you can see how far you can go when that happens.
With the final weeks of 2023 happening, I’m reminding you that I am that business coach that wants to see you in the arena. In the arena (if you don’t know what I’m alluding to, watch this ), it’s where all the work happens. The thing is, as a business owner, you must be ok with the messy middle. In other words, you have to be ok with sucking at something. I can tell you that even in these past 12 weeks, I know that ladies around me formulate tennis dates simply because I’m not at the level where it challenges them…and after working my tail off, guess what? The invitations are now coming in as I’m showing up to get better and it’s noticeable. My actions are noticeable, my commitment, and my investment back to me is noticeable
So if you are in a season of that messy middle, where you are tired of no sales, tired of no one liking your instagram posts, tired of playing small, I’m inviting you into the final days of IGNITE. I’m closing the doors to my Mastermind so that I can focus on the women that are showing up for their dreams.
Quoted from Brene Brown… If you’re committed to creating in your life, you will get your ass kicked. So you have to decide at that moment, if courage is a value that you hold, you can’t avoid it, this is a consequence you can’t avoid. If you’re not in the arena, also not getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.
The doors are closing for 2023 in 1 week, on Nov. 11th, and for just this weekend, you can join for a special rate that will go away this Sunday 11:59pm PST. You’ll still get a few more days to decide, and as a mom I’ll say this. Life is busy, and it’s up to use to be intentional about where our time goes. I believe working with a coach will free up your time more than figuring out how to make more sales.
Think of it this way — I’m Mary Ann, I’m going to be there to support you and see your goals through. I’m going to give you feedback and you aren’t doing to do business alone. You will be there in the messy middle among others who will also want to get better at their craft. And you will have traction because you’ve committed to your dreams these final weeks of 2023.
I will also be unapologetically holding you accountable for what you want to create in your life. I offer payment plan as well and you join our next call
