So you’re getting ready for your next launch. Yay! That’s exciting. And also, yes, it can be nerve racking, too. Trust me, I get it.
There are so many moving parts when it comes to a successful launch, and each of those components are certainly important. However, more often than not, people can get so caught up in making sure everything is *perfect* to the point of never launching anything at all.
Spoiler alert: perfection isn’t possible!
This post will outline what perfectionism is, how it can block your success, and then detail the steps of the “done is better than perfect” launch strategy.
Why Done Is Better Than Perfect
What is perfectionism
Perfectionism is “the refusal to accept any standard short of perfection,” according to the Oxford dictionary.
In other words, you want things to be perfect. All of the time, in every way. And while this might actually sound like a good thing in business (you know, having high standards and all), perfectionism is actually a serious problem when it comes to getting things up and running.
Sure, having high standards is great. And pushing for high quality products and work ethic is important. But there’s a big difference between high standards and perfectionism, especially when it comes to action in launching.
How perfectionism can block your success
The truth is, perfectionism is often rooted in the deeper need for control. And we all know that life is really about letting go of control. In fact, sometimes the more we try to control it, the less controllable it becomes.
Whether you’re running a business, or launching a merch line, or small product- it’s important to maintain a balance of both structure and flexibility. I know I have a lot of yogis here reading, so you’ll appreciate this idea of taking strength and flexibility off the mat, and into your professional life, as well.
Think of strength like the structure from which you’re working with. There’s rules, regulations, and a certain order to things when you’re launching something new. That structure is important! However, within that structure is a need for flexibility and fluidity, because life will inevitably happen.
If your structure is too firm, then you become rigid to the point of collapse. And if you’re too fluid, then you don’t have any sort of boundaries to support all of that movement. This is why we need a balance of both.
Perfectionism is like having more strength than flexibility when you’re doing yoga poses. You might be able to muscle your way up into a handstand, but you can’t breathe, and the lack of flexibility stops you from finding your sweet spot of balance. Because perfectionism is rigid and strong, it needs a healthy dose of flexibility in order to balance it out.
Oftentimes, perfectionism stands in our way of business, because like a firm structure: it doesn’t move! Movement is necessary in business, because otherwise you’re just someone with a bunch of ideas in your head, and no action to prove it.
When you wait for something to be *perfect* before sharing it with the world, then- guess what- you’ll be waiting forever. Because perfection isn’t possible. And life is ever-evolving, as are you and your business.
Done is better than perfect strategy
Trust me when I say I know it can be scary to put something out into the world that you care a lot about, that you’ve spent a lot of time, money, and energy on. It’s vulnerable. And within that vulnerability there can be a lot of fear. Perfectionism comes in here and tries to control things, because control feels safe. Even if it’s an illusion. And the excess of control just might stop you from showing that masterpiece to the world at all.
Practicing the “done is better than perfect” strategy for your next launch is an act of facing your fears. It’s about putting your precious ego to the side, and trusting the integrity of your launch as it is. As well as trusting your ability to adjust and refine as needed along the way.
Step 1: Create
The first thing you need to do is create whatever it is you’re creating. Remember, a launch can be a full on business. Or, it can be an idea, a podcast, a blog, a course, a product line, so on and so forth.
My guess is the creation part is no problem if you’re someone reading this post. You’ve probably got more than enough ideas running through your head, in fact.
Step 2: Refine
Now that you have a creation, you need to refine it. Look at it from all corners to get clear about your vision. Notice what you need to carve off, or what can be put off to the side for right now. Try to stay laser focused on the now, instead of getting too caught up in the big picture of it, as this can overwhelm things.
It’s helpful to have a mentor to consult in this process, too. You can always book a mentorship session with me, or ask a trusted friend, family member, or teacher. Make sure this person has experience, a strong work ethic, and valuable opinion on the matter.
Step 3: Launch
Launching comes with its own set of steps, as there are a lot of components to consider. Everything from photoshoots, to social media, to website, mailing list, and inventory. There’s a lot to keep track of here.
Make sure all of your ducks are in a row, pick a launch date, and stick to it! Take time to tease your audience about the launch beforehand with things like social media posts, newsletters, and countdowns. Perhaps you even include a special pricing for the launch, or some sort of perk for participating in the newness of it all.
The most important thing here is to just do it. Press the publish button. Put it out there, even though it’s not perfect.
Step 4: Ask your audience
Now that your launch is live, you can ask your audience for feedback. I know that sounds scary, but the truth is, your customers are the ones keeping you in business. So, if you don’t have any kind of connection with them, or if you don’t know their needs and wants, then you don’t have a business at all.
Nowadays, there’s so many ways to gain insight from your clients. Whether you post a question box or polls on your social media stories. Or, perhaps you even have a space for reviews online. Whatever it may be, get in touch with your audience in a meaningful way to collect insight about what’s working, and what isn’t working with your latest launch.
Step 5: Readjust
Feedback from your customers is valuable. Put that value to good use! As you’re taking in all of this information, make sure you’re filtering through the feedback in a meaningful way. Remember, you can’t please everyone. And, oftentimes, when we try to please everyone, then we stretch ourselves thin- putting out some watered down version of what we actually wanted to do. And, guess what, that watered down version doesn’t serve anyone.
Make sure to keep the integrity of your vision, your brand, and yourself within the business. You are the heartbeat to it all, and if you bend to other’s needs to the point of losing yourself- then it all becomes quite counterproductive.
You will be in this readjustment period for the lifetime of your business. Needs, desires, and demands are constantly changing. You are constantly changing. The culture of the world, the topics of conversation, and technologies are constantly changing. So, how can you expect your business to stay exactly the same? You can’t!
Adding in this element of flexibility to your business model and your next launch is going to be the thing that saves you. It’s going to be the thing that forces you to put your idea out there, even if it’s scary, and keep it alive by fanning the flames.
Even if your launch felt like a flop, because you had huge adjustments after customer feedback- remember that you should be proud of yourself for just doing the damn thing at all.
You’ve got this.
xx,
K
