It’s been a few years since I started my own business, and in that time, I’ve learned a lot of lessons – both good and bad. If I could go back to the beginning, there are a few things I would do differently. That’s hindsight for you! But overall, I’m happy with my business’s progress so far. In this blog post, I want to share some advice with any new entrepreneurs who are just starting their business journey. These are some of the things that have worked for me, and they may help you as you venture into the world of small business ownership.
Lesson # 1 – Networking
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the importance of networking. Starting out can be easy to feel like you have to go it alone. But in reality, there are so many people out there who are willing to help and offer advice! Attend events to meet new people, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I attended Kay Hillman’s Mind Your Business event, which was life-changing! I made so many great connections that I am still in contact with today, and it was a great way to get started on my business journey.
Lesson # 2 – Mindset & Balance
Mindset as an entrepreneur is fundamental. You have to work hard, and you have to believe in yourself and your business. If you don’t have the right mindset, it will be hard to rise through the hardships of entrepreneurship and succeed. If you operate from a scarcity mindset, you will always be struggling. If you have an abundant mindset, you will be able to attract abundance into your life (be sure to check out my post with my top 4 tips for managing your entrepreneurial mindset).
Another challenge I’ve faced as a small business owner is work/life balance. And with that, time management. Trying new things and doing everything yourself was easy in those early days. But as your business grows, you quickly realize that you can’t do it all! You must learn to delegate and outsource tasks, or you will soon become overwhelmed. I’ve also learned (the hard way) the importance of self-care. When you’re running your own business, it’s easy to get caught up in work and forget to take care of yourself. Use this blog post as a reminder to always take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you certainly can’t run a successful business that way.
Lesson # 3 – Invest in yourself!
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in business is not to be afraid to invest in yourself! Take courses, hire a coach, or attend a mastermind group. Whatever you do, make sure you are constantly learning and growing. If you want your potential clients to invest in your business, you need to be investing in yourself too. The more you invest in yourself, the more confidence you will have in your business journey. And that confidence will shine through to your clients.
Thinking Back on 3 Years in Biz
Keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to pivot! (I quit my 9-5 and then went back to 9-5, all while building this business! Maybe that’s a story for another post).
Things change quickly in the business world. If something isn’t working or doesn’t feel right, don’t be scared to change course. Be flexible, and be willing to try new things. You never know what might end up being the best thing for your business!
That’s it for now! These are just a few lessons I’ve learned in my three years of business. If you’re new to this business stuff, I hope this advice was helpful for you. And if you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, I would love to hear some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way! Leave a comment below and let me know.
Happy entrepreneurial journey! 😃
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