Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

?You Can Do This; Just Keep Going?

I started my first company in 1993 and I remember sitting with my mentor who said ?Trish, everything you have ever done in your career has set you up to be in business for yourself, you can do this!?

For three years, I literally had a dollar in my wallet, I pored everything into the company and the business grew, I was self financed. I was determined to do it on my own and step outside my comfort zone. As you can imagine, there were both challenges and successes in those early years and every time I questioned my decision I would look to my mentor and she would say: ?Just keep going; You can do this.?

In 1997, I incorporated the business, completed my first rebrand, changed the name and expanded my product offering. I looked to my mentor for advice and she said: ?You can do this, just keep going.?

That year things finally came together, the business was indeed a success. Clients were happy, referrals were abundant and we were ?running at mock two with our hair on fire.? I took a deep breath, and with a smile looked at my mentor who said, once again: ?keep going, you can do this.?

In 2008, I hit a wall, corporate burnout.

I had been working too hard for too long and my body could no longer sustain the pace of my business. After a great deal of soul-searching, I decided to close the company, regroup and reorganize, take a little time off and start something new?little did I know what else life had in store for me.

I had not only closed my business but at the same time experienced an unexpected change in marital status. All within 30 days. OMG – What was I going to do now?

I looked to my mentor who said: ?Get up, and get going – YOU can do this.?

I?ve had the influence of many mentors throughout my career but this mentor is special, she is not only my Mom, but, my biggest cheerleader. She is both an informal and inspirational mentor.

So, I took her advice, completed my second rebrand, changed the name of the company to Phaze2inc. and took a break from entrepreneurship.

As a Brand Ambassador, I took a little time to work for other companies ether as a consultant or employee on contract creating innovative marketing strategies that increased revenue streams, created brand loyalty and mentored teams. A different kind of entrepreneur.

In 2015, I reopened my rolodex after spending time investing in my own brand. I successfully completed certifications that combine not only my business experience but passion for mentoring and started a new journey. I looked to my Mom who said ?You can do this; Just keep going.?

If I have learned one thing over the years it is this: Everyone has a story and if we share our stories they may encourage and inspire someone else on their own success journey.

We need to all step outside our comfort zone.

In 2017, as an author, coach and speaker I have had the pleasure of being recognized for my work through community nominations for women in entrepreneurship. It is both humbling and exhilarating to be nominated by your peers. As an entrepreneur, I recognize that my journey has not always been filled with roses and accolades but it has been exhilarating.

I have had to step outside my comfort zone and recognize my own accomplishments in the company of many outstanding female entrepreneurs. My mentor will say: ?If you don’t share your story and allow others to recognize your work how will anyone else know what it is like to

be an entrepreneur? Keep it real: If you touch only one person to pursue their dream isn’t it worth it?? She?s right, so here I am stepping outside my comfort zone and humbly accept the opportunity to be present in the company of other female entrepreneurs who share their journeys of success.

My heartfelt thanks to RBC for the nomination in the Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards presented by Women of Influence.

To all of the people who have provided inspiration in support of entrepreneurship my humble thanks for your encouragement, inspiration and mentorship: ?You can do this; Just keep going.?