Developing a Team: A Lesson in Letting Go
I am grateful. As I sat down to write this weekly message, gratitude was the first thing that came to my mind. I am thankful for many things: good health, a loving relationship, Spring, having enough, and a growing business. This week, I am also in Thanksgiving for the B. Well Team. As I write "the B. Well team" my mind is still kind of blown. Is this real? I cannot believe I have a team of people who support me in realizing my vision of a creating a coaching business that is grounded in whole life wellness. In April of 2017, I was up all night working on my website, reading important emails 10 times hoping I could catch my own mistakes, and calling on my friends and family asking for feedback about my business ideas. Although I had the emotional support of those who loved me and the help of others who wanted to volunteer, I was really doing the work of building a business by myself. I was the promotions and marketing department, web designer, social media team, accountant, administrative assistant, facilitator, coach, and CEO. It was hard. But now, with the B. Well team, we have grown and expanded our capabilities, allowing us to serve you better.
This past week, I participated on a panel at Women's Empowerment. It was one of the coolest things I've ever done as an entrepreneur. Preparation for this event required several new and urgent tasks:
▪Prepare the materials to share with those who came to our booth
▪Say the right things on the panel
▪Collect email addresses so new potential clients can get this email
▪etc...
There was so much to do! It took me about 3 days before I realized it was going to happen because B. Well has a team. I created new pamphlets on Vistaprint, Leticia updated the decorations for the table, Shay brought the materials we needed from Charlotte, and my brother Julian showed up to help out. An hour before I was supposed to be on stage, I was picking up boxes and dragging a cart filled with supplies. Leticia grabbed the handle of the cart from my hand and said, "Adrianne, stop carrying all this stuff. Let me help you." I still wouldn't let go of the cart. She added, "Seriously, Adrianne you have on heels and a dress. This is ridiculous. Just be the coach today." It was hard...but I let it go. It is just starting to sink in. Shay and Leticia do the promotions and marketing. I can focus more on coaching. I am no longer alone. Wow. There are angels on my team. And this was proven at the Women's Empowerment panel, where our collective efforts shone through and we made a significant impact.
Many clients seek coaching because they are overwhelmed, unsupported, and tired. They come to me to help them change. Together, we work on essential life skills such as help-seeking, creating reciprocal relationships, delegating tasks to others, and letting go. "Doing the work" is a lifetime commitment. When life presented a new experience, even I had to take a breath and remember that I could trust others to support me. I can let it go.
On Saturday, April 14th, I sat behind the booth and watched three amazing people promote B. Well with zeal as if it were their own. Have you ever seen someone else put effort into your dream? Do you know what it is like to have someone believe in or value what you created? I was overwhelmed. I am still overwhelmed. I am working to let it sink in. I am experiencing the exact thing I prayed for, and it is taking some getting used to. Despite my speechlessness, I have found the words, "Thank you." I repeat those words throughout the day.
By the end of the event, we were parched, hungry, and our feet hurt, but somehow, we all agreed that it was a really amazing day. We even treated ourselves to some ice cream to celebrate our victory! Thank you, team, for pushing so hard. We met phenomenal women and invited them into the B. Well community.
To those who are new to the weekly email, WELCOME! B. Well is an excellent coaching and facilitation service, and we would be honored to serve you on your journey to being happy, healthy, healed, and whole. B. Fierce. B. Powerful. B. Still. B. Honest. B. Kind. B. Thankful. B. Well.
In Gratitude,
Dr. Adrianne R. Pinkney
Integrative Wellness & Life Coach
