According to a recent survey, entrepreneurs regard themselves overwhelmingly as visionaries, with an ability to see beyond the horizon and accomplish lofty goals. However, leadership coach and Joy of Business facilitator, Kerry Garner Venter warns that most entrepreneurs are more limited than they would believe. She is on a mission to help business owners recognise the unconscious boundaries they abide by, and teach them how to approach business in truly limitless ways.
“The borders on our planet don’t actually exist – they are arbitrary lines that our society has created – and yet we all acknowledge and adhere to these limits. The same is unfortunately true in business. Even individuals who believe themselves to be truly visionary or limitless will function, to some degree, within the boundaries of what they think is possible or credible.”
The boundaries of Kerry’s life dissolved at the age of ten, when a near death experience left her with an unusual, and expanded, view of life. As an adult, she spent years researching and exploring beyond the frontiers of conventional knowledge – studying various healing modalities, consciousness and cutting edge science – and she lived a borderless existence for many years, working and residing between South Africa, Australia and the USA.
Through these experiences, Kerry learned the importance of confronting self-imposed boundaries. She suggests the following tips for entrepreneurs wanting to venture beyond the limits of what is considered possible in business:
Business can be wherever you are. There has been an obvious evolution in this area in recent years, but many business owners still limit their business’ potential because of location. “What if you don’t need a physical office or location? Even if you have a physical business, what are literal borders that you have defined? Have you not gone global because you don’t think that’s possible?” asks Kerry.
Don’t look for a purpose or mission. According to Kerry, these can actually limit you. “Be careful if you are have a particular businesses purpose or mission, as it may blinker you to what is possible for you right now. If your next opportunity doesn’t fit your purpose, you will overlook it.”
Forget expectations – It never shows up the way you think it will. “The best opportunities often come from unexpected angles. Beware of opportunities that pop up and look shiny and enticing – the ones that everyone else would say ‘Oh, you must do that’. The unconscious pressure to conform is powerful. Stay attuned to what is true for you”, Kerry suggests.
Stop compare-itis: When you are attempting to fulfil your vision by looking through the eyes of, or emulating the journey of, others you will never find what is true for you and your business. “I call this compare-it is”, Kerry warns. “When you inject the values of others into your business, you subordinate what’s true for you and function from others’ expectations and projections. That’s when you start feeling overwhelmed and unable to make decisions; you feel like you’re spinning your wheels but not getting anywhere.”
Redefine profitability: Business success has come to have very a limited meaning; making money. “Business is the adventure of living”, Kerry remarks. “Profit is not just about expanding your wallet, it’s about expanding your life. When you view business this way, you seek horizons that will not only bring you monetary success, but also personal fulfilment.”
Above all, Kerry encourages business owners to have a willingness to embrace the uncomfortable, and the unknown. “You will have to work to cross the border; you will have put some effort into being able to take advantage of the new landscape. But if you are willing to step out of where you feel safe and comfortable, you will discover all that is new, challenging and exciting”, she advises.
About Kerry Garner Venter
Kerry is a business and leadership mentor, life coach and certified Joy of Business facilitator. A near death experience as a child forever changed her views on human potential, and inspired decades of study into psychology, consciousness, and subtle energy. Her profound insights into the mind and the constraints of perceived limitation led her into a successful career as an executive coach and consultant, covering a diverse portfolio such as leadership, team optimisation, culture transformation and learning and development. As a facilitator of Joy of Business, a special program by Access Consciousness, Kerry now travels the world leading business classes and retreats, assisting and business and team leaders to transcend the limitations of conventional business. www.kerrygarnerventer.com
