What do you think of when you think of Dora the Explorer?
You probably think of a kids show with a talking backpack, a pesky swiper, and a map. (And now you probably have the theme song stuck in your head… You’re welcome).
Earlier this year, I joked about my Klim Nac Pak being like Dora the Explorer’s backpack. It goes on every trip with me from coast to coast, season to season, and activity to activity. Whether it comes to a conference room, a hike, or a snowmobile ride, it would tell you it’s “been everywhere, man.” (And now you have that song by Geoff Mack stuck in your head)
During my most recent travels, my mom gave me the nickname Dora the Explorer; it was only a natural progression. I’ve embraced the travel part of my identity and foster it more and more over time.
But the Dora the Explorer attitude spans beyond my travels and into my business.
So let’s talk about how you can benefit from embracing an explorer attitude in your business.
Learn New Skills
Chances are your business is built on one or a few specific offerings. It’s what you’re known for and what you advertise, but it doesn’t mean you need to be boxed into the same skills.
You can learn new skills to enhance your current offering or new skills to expand your offerings.
For example, when I was starting my business, I was helping clients with written strategic communication and marketing. This led to the development of a few non-writing skills, including helping clients make reels and podcast production.
By opening myself up to trying, I learned that I don’t like providing social media services at all but that I love podcast production.
When you embrace an explorer attitude, you open your mind up to trying your hand at new skills. Some you may love and some you may not, but you ultimately learn more about yourself and your business. And if you end up loving the skills, you may be able to expand your business or enhance your current offerings.
Open Yourself Up to New Opportunities
Exploring new skills also helps you to embrace new “Heck yes!” opportunities.
You may connect with someone that you really vibe with, but what would best serve them is not something that you’ve specifically offered before. However, you may have a variety of experiences that create a skillset that can still serve this person.
If this opportunity feels aligned for both of you, be transparent about your experience, get creative, and get going on the project.
You may open up a whole new realm of possibilities in your business. Similar to new skills, this may help you expand or enhance your offerings or even pivot your business all together into something you’re even more passionate about.
By embracing an explorer attitude, you help to diversify your business, which creates stability while also helping you to develop an unshakable belief in yourself.
Network with New People
Networking with new people can open almost endless doors for your business. This may lead directly to new opportunities, may lead to new partnerships, or may lead to you meeting another awesome human being who loves your work and will hype you up to others.
This, however, requires you to embrace an explorer attitude and get out of your normal circle of folks. When I first started reaching out to people that I didn’t really know, I felt a bit uneasy, but I’ve made some incredible connections through that process and now enjoy networking out of my circle.
And I’ve learned to never underestimate the power of LinkedIn. Of course, it’s great for networking and connecting, but you may even develop friendships through the platform. I’ve experienced this with my friend, the amazing Aleya Harris. Check her out if you’re not already following her.
By embracing an explorer attitude, you can meet the most amazing people who inspire you, uplift you, and create a mutual support network.
To learn more about how my explorer attitude may serve you or your business, visit my website to set up a free strategy call or check out my free Non-Fiction Book Blueprint!
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.