You can succeed by being comfortable in your own skin
Three women and the marathon
A few days ago my daughter, Jeanette ran in a women's 5K marathon with two of her husband's sisters. As she prepared for the run, she clicked a few pictures and sent them to me. Each woman looked great, in shape both physically and mentally they were ready to tax their bodies, to put to the test their coaching and training.
Our daughter has always been athletic and played sports in summer leagues and school. She has not always been comfortable in her own skin. Season to season, the only difference was which sport she would participate in and who her coach would be. Softball, soccer, basketball or volleyball she was coached and trained to perform the best she could using her talents and abilities.
One of the pictures Jeanette sent to us made me laugh. Her husband's sisters are very tall and their build is on the slender side. On the other hand, our daughter is shorter standing at five feet four inches. After giving birth to her fourth baby just six months ago she is working on toning her body and losing the "baby fat" as she calls it. This picture really drove home how different we all are, and yet we all make a contribution to succeed.
School sports, the coach and our daughter's differences
Even though she was of slight build, her trained muscles performed like a well-oiled machine. Because she used the vitaminswe sold, her endurance outlasted those of the other players. Her coach noticed and gave her more playing time, which in turn allowed her skill to improve.
Each player brought her individual skill and strengths to the team effort. Each game saw those abilities and differences put to the test all for the chance of winning each game. At the end of the season, the coach watched as individual girls who trained and worked together as a single unit won the league championship.
The championship team, like my daughter and her sisters-in-law, was different. Tall ones, short ones, thin and not so thin, all brought what they possessed to the game for the good of the team. Combined, those differences made up a complete whole that rocked the league that year. Years later, our daughter is comfortable in her own skin because her coach helped her train to excel and be her best.
As for the marathon, my daughter ran a few days ago; short legs or her sisters-n-laws long limbs did not matter, all three women finished the race side by side. The only difference that day was Jeanette took many more steps than the other girls did, but she finished holding her head high using the finely coached and trained body she lives in.
Sports, business and being me
I could not help but think about how each of us is so unique, all competing in the business world for our piece of the action. How do we succeed while being comfortable in our own skin?
When our auto transport business opened its doors back in 2005, it quickly became evident that we needed to do something to set ourselves apart. Hundreds of other auto transport brokers were competing for the same business and customers we were giving free quotes. Why would a customer want to do business with me? If I were in their shoes what would make me do business with me.
It did not take long to figure this out. By listening to our customers, those potential car shippers told us how we were different. Simply by being "me" I won them over. What does that mean?
- When answering the phone you can tell if someone likes what he or she is doing. Happily, with a smile on my face, answering in a professional manner gives the caller a sense of security.
- If they asked a question, I did not know the answer to I never faked it. Telling the truth, I would call them back after doing my homework to find the right answer. If a problem arose, dealing with it promptly helped diffuse angrycustomers.
- When an owner-operator requested more money for the transport, being willing to share my piece of the pie helped build trust and relationships with them. The old adage of "you scratch my back and I will scratch yours" has paid off over the years with being able to ship a car when others have a three week wait.
There you have it. This is how we were able to succeed while being comfortable in our own skin. By using the God given talents I was born with, people connected with me. So, if you want to succeed in business as in life, get comfortable in your own skin.
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Here to Serve,
Carla J Gardiner
Carla J Gardiner is an ex-banker turned entrepreneur who built an auto transport brokerage and dispatch center from the ground up. With half a days training and little else Carla learned the business inside and out the hard way…by doing it. Her passion and purpose lies with the people she works with daily; the client, dispatcher, broker and truck driver. Her frustration within the industry has birthed a new division of her company; one to properly train, encourage and mentor other professionals in auto transport.
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"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."