Michelle Mangen has been a member of the V3 team for the past three years and we couldn’t do what we do without her. I saw this post she wrote about getting out of your comfort zone and realized it was perfect in so many ways. And the key to success–in life and in business–really is doing what you think is out of your league.
Most of us don’t like change. Most of us like feeling in control of our respective universes and “mastering” whatever it is we’re doing. But really? When you do that, how do you ever get any better? How do you challenge yourself and go beyond what you think you’re capable of?
On a personal front, there are countless times when we take on a new client and are diving in and beginning the process of learning their industries, target audiences, establishing goals and objectives as part of a comprehensive strategy and I think “Oh my, this is a lot. This is unknown territory and will require me to step up my game in some key areas. Can I do this?” And the answer is almost always, “Of course we can — now get off your ass and get going.” But that’s the way I’m wired–I love challenging myself and I think that’s what keeps me perpetually in love with what I do for a living. And I am ever grateful for that.
Michelle’s advice in this lovely post shares her own experience at getting out of your comfort zone, learning new things and diving in even when you’re a bit intimidated. Now what are you waiting for? Go read Dancing With a Partner Who is Better Than You If You Want To Succeed.
Shelly Kramer is a Principal Analyst and Founding Partner at Futurum Research. A serial entrepreneur with a technology centric focus, she has worked alongside some of the world’s largest brands to embrace disruption and spur innovation, understand and address the realities of the connected customer, and help navigate the process of digital transformation. She brings 20 years’ experience as a brand strategist to her work at Futurum, and has deep experience helping global companies with marketing challenges, GTM strategies, messaging develoment, and driving strategy and digital transformation for B2B brands across multiple verticals. Shelly’s coverage areas include Collaboration/CX/SaaS, platforms, ESG, and Cybersecurity, as well as topics and trends related to the Future of Work, the transformation of the workplace and how people and technology are driving that transformation. A transplanted New Yorker, she has learned to love life in the Midwest, and has firsthand experience that some of the most innovative minds and most successful companies in the world also happen to live in “flyover country.”