Have you ever been afraid of something so much that it paralyzed you into inaction?
For me – the answer is yes – 100 times over.
One of those times is when I launched my company last year. I was a new Mom and I had been recently downsized and was given a severance package.
My first instinct was to apply for another 9-5 job but it’s always been my dream to run my own business and to be my own boss and really, I realized it was only fear that was getting in the way of this happening.
After a few short weeks I turned challenge into an opportunity to make my dreams a reality, faces my fears and launch my own business.
I want to share with you 6 lessons (of probably 1000) that I learned last year – I hope this helps my fellow entrepreneurs!
1. FEAR NEVER GOES AWAY: What I learned in my first year of business is that the fear never goes away – whether you’re making a million dollars or a thousand. What you need to do is learn how to embrace it, move past the fear and go for it anyways.
2. LOWS: All businesses will have highs and lows. I’ve learned that when you experiencing a low in your business, you’re just around the corner from a high.
3. MY WHY: I’ve learned that I do this because I want to provide and be a role model for my son, my husband, my friends and family – to teach them that it’s okay to be different, it’s okay to have a dream and go for it, ultimately saying “no” to the fear.
4. THE REALITY OF ENTREPRENEURIALSHIP: It’s not about working in your pajamas or taking days off whenever you feel like it. It’s all about working, and working smart!
5. BEING YOUR OWN BOSS: Being your own boss requires you to check-in every once in awhile and ask yourself if you like how you’re managing yourself. Are you exhausted, overworked and feeling under appreciated? That’s your own fault! Make sure you treat yourself the way you way to be treated!
6. MISTAKES: Mistakes are lessons too – if you treat them like that, adjust and move on, they will not bring you down!
What lessons have you learned as an entrepreneur? Please share them in the comments below!
I’ve been in business for many years and it’s amazing how your gut instincts seldom let you down. Relationships are key for me, based on my instincts.
1. Be clear about what you do and why – in your eyes and in those of your prospects and clients
2. Work with the clients and customers with whom you really want to work. A client who is both professional, sincere and has a sense of humour can enhance the experience tenfold. I have always gravitated to those kinds of people.
3. Work on, versus in, your business
4. Learn how to insulate yourself from the internal politics that can come with working with large (and small) organizations
5. Understand that clients and prospects get busy and can’t always make decisions quickly. You sometimes just have to wait it out – graciously
6. Set business goals that are realistic, especially if you are a sole proprietor
7. Practice selective networking: time is indeed money
8. Accepting and acknowledging praise from clients makes them feel good – they are giving you a gift. Value yourself and your skills and others will follow – as long as you don’t screw up!
9. Maximize and nurture your relationship with your banker
10. Reach out to the best suppliers you can find and make them your trusted strategic partners: You get what you pay for and you can’t do it all yourself.
Thanks for your great feedback Evan! These are great lessons!