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Shut Down Setbacks by Paring Purpose with Persistence ðŸŒ
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​ Hey Reader - Missy Park had an a-ha moment in 1989: a mail-order business specializing in athletic attire specifically designed for women. Her goal was to help women feel confident on the playing field, and that meant rethinking clothing designs. She named her new venture "Title Nine" after the 1972 law enabling gender equality for women athletes. Soliciting funding would have been a natural first step. But Park decided to manage the business solely on the merit of its sales. Surviving without independent funding or affiliation with an established brand gave the Title Nine crew a surprising upside: Freedom. Suddenly, Title Nine could design product lines that made sense to them, rather than snapping to corporate mandates. They could experiment, fine-tuning and piloting collections as they wished. And they spent more time talking with customers than bankers. Missy Park sums up their success by highlighting everyone's contributions, stating, "The story of Title Nine is a story of hitting singles." Single after single added up to a $100 million business. Big Successes Start with Small MovesIn the September series, Pivot with Purpose, we're discussing how people skills can help you take charge of your next chapter. The case study shows how challenges and uncharted territory will happen, but you can still work towards your purpose. Wanting splashy, instant success isn't a shortcoming—it shows you're passionate. So, a setback here or there doesn't mean you're behind, less than, or that this "purpose" thing is wishful thinking. It's a signal to be persistent. For instance, did you catch how Missy Park and her team honed soft skill competencies like becoming a trusted collaborator to designers, combining emotional intelligence with discernment to understand customer needs, and staying adaptable as the online marketplace evolved? Likewise, if you're experiencing a holdup or even a mistake or two, reframe difficulties as a normal part of the process. Use these mindset swaps to handle them in stride: Purpose and persistence work hand-in-hand. Like the case study, keep listening, learning, and playing your own game (even if others don't see your vision yet). Press forward with integrity, grit, and determination. All the best, Michelle Mains ​ Keep the Soul Boss inspiration going!
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Soul Boss Soft Skills
Don't leave your career to chance. Skill up with inspiring tips, tactics, and affirmations and become the creative, wise CEO of your life. One mail a week. Always free.
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