“Who says you don’t have a real business? Just because you don’t have angel investors knocking down your door doesn’t mean you don’t have a real business. Be careful what you believe.”
My shoulders dropped, and I felt my jaw unclench. That clench was 9 years old.
I must show the world that I mean business, that this is a real business, and that I’m here to make my mark (thought my entrepreneurial mind since the beginning).
I’m laughing a little.
“Wow, you’re helping me practice something I preach—questioning everything I’m told, especially the stuff I believe is right.”
Being a book publisher in the sea of publishers feels hard sometimes. But more ease flew in when I realized that idea Esther Hicks always rampages on: You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. You have everything you need. You’ll never get it done. Just focus on feeling good.
I’m meant to help you write your book. This is what I was born for. The Universe started me off on a holistic healing path (that took 30 years), because the who of my journey are my Brave Healers. It was all perfect.
Looking for the best book publisher for healers on the planet? Look no further. This is a real business with an even realer heart and soul, born from divine orders and thriving due to continued alignment with Source. How much more real do you need?
It’s not thriving because I’m following every single business coach’s advice, or because I’m playing in rooms with billionaires. OMG, don’t get me started with how many times I hear about Necker Island. Is that the mark of success?
Listen, you have a business, and it’s real. You define this no matter what the size, how many team members (including none), and how big your email list is.
If growth excites you, be unapologetic about it. There’s a lot of room for that in this world. If where you’re at pays the bills and allows you to take care of yourself in the way you desire, you’re good. But wherever you are in terms of goals, dreams, or desires, just find your footing, dig in, and go for it, no matter what others are telling you.
I came to a conclusion with my friend above: “I feel like I have a lifestyle business.” She looked at me and clapped her hands together with excitement before blurting out, “Yes! Exactly! And there’s nothing wrong with that.”
“I want it to be inheritable, whether my kids decide to sell it or keep it. I want it to have stamina like that.”
“Yes,” she continued with her excitement. “Now, let’s get to the way you’ll become the true CEO of this business and start getting some of your time back.”
That was music to my ears. Because precious time is what we think we’re signing up for when we decide to go into business for ourselves. The time freedom is the craving. And the thing that disappears the quickest when you move from founder to CEO.
The one statement I agree with: Don’t create a job for yourself; build a business that can run without you.
Now, almost ten years into the empire, I can tell you that I’m only recently moving toward having my time freedom back. Yes, that was a long road, but only because my idea of a “real” business was one that was growing and supporting my team. It’s not just about me.
What I knew for sure about Brave Healer Productions (back then and now) is that it was born to change the world, and that meant it had to become bigger than just me. It wasn’t “Laura Di Franco” it is “Brave Healer Productions!”
It’s not just about publishing your amazing book. It’s about the community and support you have afterward, and how that community and support nourish your own world-changing mission and legacy.
Yes, I have a real business, even though it’s not quite something an investor might purchase at this point in time (although they’d be smart to make me an offer). I have a business that is creating a daily ripple of goodness in people’s lives, whether those people are my clients, vendors, readers, team members, networking partners, family, or friends.
That’s real and it’s badass.
Don’t let people tell you what’s real. Carry on with your dreams and goals. Get support if you need it. Grow and evolve. Stay aligned with your mission, values, and vision. Take a risk. Invest in yourself. You got this.
And if you’re ready to write your business-building book, reach out. We’re ready to help you leave that legacy.
