Three platform launching lessons I've learned

The following post is a guest post from Charity Goodwin, a member of the Platform Launchers Members' Club.

I just changed it. 

After nearly 21 days of recording my podcast in one order, I changed it. That’s it. That’s the post. 

JK

It seems so simple to say. Something wasn’t working as well as I had hoped so I changed it.  

How long do you know something isn’t working before you fix it? Now this simple switch up is what leadership experts speak of as technical change. A pull of a lever made something better. Do you have changes like that in your platform, church, and family? It is low-hanging fruit that you could celebrate. Those small successes can create momentum for new longer-lasting  changes for which you’re planning. So pull the lever. 

First, changing my podcast format was a demonstration of iteration, which I define as moving to the next phase of the same thing. Too often, organizations, institutions, and people do one thing the same way forever! Iterating happens when we review a system, process, or space and ask what’s the next best way to do or be this. I’m learning that an important approach to building a platform is making it better along the way. 

Second, early on, a mentor said to me, “Action brings clarity.” This means that as we do something, we gain clarity about what to do. It feels circular, I know. Initially, platform building is less about having a perfect plan for the next three years and more about taking action and allowing clarity to follow. Write the plans but not at the expense of putting it into action. This was truest for me as it related to starting my podcast, which I launched in two weeks thanks to nudges from John and being in a positive, encouraging community of others doing the same. Furthermore, I believe so much in the concept of “action brings clarity” that I use it in my blog to help readers take action and not just be inspired. 

Lastly, having a platform has been like a masterclass in personal development. I’m learning who I am and what I’m made of. I know my areas of confidence and areas of fear. When I don’t take action, I begin coaching myself because a limiting belief is at play or I need to ask for help, which is not always easy to do. If you want to grow as a person, launch a platform—and stick with it. You’ll experience an elevation in your mindset and skillset. 

My name is Charity Goodwin, and my platform trains church leaders to develop Christ-centered, holistic ministries.