The Power of Vulnerability

[#1]

I want to share a video that inspired me over the weekend: Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability: http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html

You know I'm always encouraging you to make connections – connections with each other, with your buyers. Ms. Brown says, "Yet all too often, connection — in relationships, in classrooms, etc. — is missing. Why? Fear is a big reason why we fail at making connections." I wholeheartedly think success is directly related to our ability to open ourselves up to connections.

I'm curious to hear what you think! Share your thoughts...

[JamJewels1]

JoJosArtisticDesign!
Come on girl..you have a great product! It took a while for us to make the 1st sale too! Believe in yourself and it will come. Spend some time perfecting. That's what we keep doing-photos, product etc. It's all a learning process. Never give up! I'm lucky to have a hubby who's been very successful in his business. His advice? Persistance!

[Former_Member]

I'm actually in the midst of reading an article by Tara Gentile (of Scoutie Girl) that discusses, amongst many things, our fear holding us back from striving toward our goals. It's so true that we get self-conscious about what we want and we end up not going after it. But the steps we need to take, as Tara outlines, are:
1. Accept that criticism and rejection are necessary to the creative process and to your growth as an artist.
2. Let go of the self-conscious feelings that are rooted in your negative perception of criticism and rejection.
3. Recognize that failure is part of the journey and don't let it change how you strive toward the ultimate goals in your life.


(If anyone wants to read Tara for themselves: www.scoutiegirl.com/downloads/bestofscoutiegirl.pdf

[Georgiasita]

I thought this video was excellent and she really tells it how it really is. I am putting my stuff in a craft bazaar this weekend and I am SO scared, I have put it off for weeks but now after watching the video I feel that unless I commit to this bazaar and show what I have I will never know my potential, but I know I will have fear and a lot of vunerability as I wait for the first customer but at least I will be real and there. My 15 year old daughter is helping me and she said Mom if they like your stuff thats great if they don't, they don't and there is not a lot you can do about it.
Thanks Danielle it has really helped me get myself into perspective.

[Former_Member]

thanks for the link ~ found this enjoyable and funny. i like how she tied in the emotional stuff with all aspects of life and society so well {i guess that's her job!}.
i think i've always lived closer to the vulnerable side of life! not so good at keeping things tidy! or energy efficient.
interesting . . .

[Former_Member]

JoJosArtisticDesign - those pillows are fantastic!! They're the perfect Etsy product because they're unique enough to attract the buyers on Etsy, they're clearly high-quality, and you make a nice variety of colors/sizes.

In my shop critiques, I always tell people photos are the first thing to look at when you aren't getting sales. There's probably some promotion/marketing missing, but photography is your main issue. You photos are too cluttered. Try clearing away the stuff and just showing the pillow on the corner of your couch, maybe with the table in front of it with one object on it (but off to the side, not blocking the pillow). Simpler photography means the buyer can immediately see what's for sale even with the small thumbnail in a search. If they can't tell, they'll pass right by it.

Hope that helped a little!

[Former_Member]

This is my biggest hurdle. So this couldn't come at a better time for me. I need to get out of my shell and be okay with being vulnerable. I need to get out and network in person in order to grow my business. Gulp!

[Former_Member]

Danielle, Thanks so much for, once again, putting something out there that helps. My daughter and I were recently talking about not being enough and how so many women feel this way. I've been putting off getting all of my stuff on Etsy. Right or wrong, sale or no sale, at least I can say I tried. Wanting to do it since Sept.2010 when I joined Etsy. My brain feels like it's going to explode sometimes trying to figure out the "how toos" of the computer and business end, but I always find something somewhere on Etsy that helps me. Thanks again.

[LookAgainVintage]

Bookmarked this to watch every day! So true and real. Thanks, Danielle, for the link that may change the way I do (and don't do) everything! It's so easy to hide behind an avatar and just be nice to everyone without really connecting. Think that's also why I've put off asking for a shop critique, which is much needed. And JoJosArtisticDesigns, you have a gorgeous shop! Those pillows are to die for. I also love the vintage pics, but the fact that I noticed them means that RameOttone is right. Mostly, I loved the flower pens - but - they are too fabulous to hide on my cluttered desk. I want to wear one!

[puciPetPortraits]

Brene Brown speaks from the heart! Thanks for the recommendation, Danielle!

[Former_Member]

Thank-you so much....Brene Brown's message hit home both personally and professionally.
We have had a shop since July 2010 and have never posted anything to sell! I have a lot to offer but have been afraid (to expose my vulnerability?)
My pictures don't look as good as others, I don't understand how payment and shipping work, what is a convo! the learning curve is long and I might make a mistake....yada,yada.
I am taking small steps toward listing, I spend hours just looking at other Shops and items. I love Etsy.
I will have a listing within two weeks and I will make mistakes and that's a good thing. Gratefully, Sue Wilson

[JulesMarieDolls]

Vulnerability is something I would say I am good at in most areas of my life except my angel dolls. I love making them and I always hear how much joy they bring to others. But I have difficulty promoting them. I believe everyone should have one as inspiration during these tough times but I am not brave enough to "push them on people". How do I use my vulnerability to make the right connections???
I am vulnerable and open to all feedback (Smile).

[Former_Member]

I keep telling myself: it will get better!
merci Danielle for trying to help out:)
we got to believe in the power of our dreams!
best wishes to all of you:)

[Former_Member]

I watched the video and joined this team with hopes of connecting with more Etsyans from here on out. I have been a seller for over a year and struggle with investing more time on my Etsy page. Thank you so much for sharing this Danielle. It is very inspiring!

[Former_Member]

I was just included in The Independent newspaper's 50 Best UK Florists list, and have spent 2 weeks thinking they must have made a mistake! Watching this talk has inspired me to start believing that I was included for a very good reason and to start to let people know about it...

[CrochetBabyBoutique]

When I first launched my shop on Etsy I was paranoid about the kind of feedback I would get. I thought it could make or break my shop. After 81 good reviews, 100 % positive, I still live under the perennial fear of a bad review. I think a lot of Etsians must feel that way too. How do you handle it?

[Former_Member]

Hi, Danielle,

Funny that I should stumble across this, although I do think that there are no accidents in life. I just started doing some personal and professional work w/ my uncle who's a life coach, and he asked me to watch this same video. The biggest takeaway for me was Brown's belief that the wholehearted -- those who are willing to live with vulnerability -- develop the deepest and most authentic human connections. It takes courage to be imperfect and that vulnerability is the birthplace of joy, love, gratitude, happiness, CREATIVITY, authenticity and belonging. Yeehaw!

[TinksTreasure]

Very interesting. I need to digest this & step outside my comfort zone. I'm going to ask my hubby to watch this tonight with me. I feel that we connect very well but how could more be bad? :-)

[Former_Member]

Incredible video. I feel that vulnerability all the time, even embarrassment for the creative things I do like blogging and opening up my shop. It has definitely held me back from creating connections with people "in real life" that would help to get my business off the ground.
Points taken!

[SimonesRoseBoutique]

Wow - I think I needed that this morning! It's given me a lot to think about... Especially the part about being compassionate to yourself in order to be able to have compassion for others. So true! I'm going to go eat a banana nut muffin now. ;) just kidding!

[RaesSpirit]

I can really relate to all of the comments. I told my priest once that I am already stepping out of my comfort zone. He said "step out a little further." I survived and it was a positive step!

[Former_Member]

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Berkshire-Baskets/177828972255996

[sugartreecreek]

well that was extemely interesting. I never thought to break down vulnerability by data. As a whole, I think crafts people are a pretty whole-hearted bunch. So that makes me glad to be one. I mean we're really putting ourselves out there aren't we? Creating something and seeing if the etsy market decides it's good enough, unique enough, special enough to sell.

[Former_Member]

Thank you, Danielle for sharing this powerful video. The thought of being vulnerable can make me uncomfortable, but when I open myself up to it I find much more joy. When we truly live in the moment and focus on each experience (without letting our minds worry about hundreds of other things), we can be so happy. That is how young children live - they are completely in the moment. This is a great discussion that can be applied to so many areas of our lives. I could invite you all over and we could talk about this for hours :)

[Former_Member]

Wonderful and inspiring to find some one who has put into words what many of use struggle to express!

This really spoke to me & I for one have put myself out there often in life & have & will continue to see the rewards, regardless if others don't!

Off for another vulnerable adventure/ Life lesson!

Thank you for sharing this! :))))
Londi

[GraniteMountainGems2]

wow, what a great video! (and neat lady!)

I love the idea of living from your heart. Embracing the full range of emotions. I experience life very emotionally, and I'm glad for the fact I can feel, that I haven't numbed myself. I like to seek truth and be authentic.

But taking risks in personal relationships can be hard, and I don't think I'm very good at it. And that whole thing about "being enough"? That is such a big deal! It is so easy to feel I am not "enough" (of whatever quality). And often we get that message from others around us, and it's hard to stand up to it. It's easy to accept it as true.