In 2015, I needed to make a change, and I knew I wanted my life to look different, but I knew virtually nothing about being a business owner.
Turns out, when you decide to hang out a shingle, there are myriad things you need to figure out!
While the learning continues with each passing year, I thought I’d share 8 ½ nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way – one for each year of self-employment.
- There is no one “right” way to do things. I am surrounded by amazing coaches, most of whom have been at it much longer than me. If you were to line us all up, you’d see broad similarities around how we run our businesses. And many places where we each take a different approach. They are all good, and they are all “right.”
- Connect, connect, connect. We live in a relationship economy. Work gets done with and through other people, and operating in a vacuum was nearly my downfall when I was in-house. I vowed not to do that in self-employment. I need to connect with others for inspiration, innovation, perspective, support, fun, joy, learning, health, and overall well-being.
- I am not a superhero – trying to do it all on my own is not a path to success. I learned this the hard way. It took time to enlist help in different areas. Some areas are easy to cede control of (bookkeeping!), others less so. Every time I ask for help, the work is easier and more fun.
- It’s ok to say no. Not every opportunity that comes my way is the right fit. I’ve learned to give myself permission to say “No.” (Or, more realistically, “I have a colleague who would be perfect for this.”) And this creates space for when the “Hell, yes!” opportunity comes along.
- Systems and structure are important. It took me longer than I care to admit to learn that creating repeatable processes makes it easier for me AND the client.
- Keep it simple. See above – some structure, but not too much structure. Left to my own devices, in my never-ending quest to provide a great client experience or build a strong brand, I will overcomplicate things (just ask Katelyn!) Simple is usually better – for me and the client (and Katelyn.) 🙂
- Well-being is non-negotiable. Well-being is not on my to-do list. It’s the thing that enables me to tackle my to-do list. For me, well-being is a leadership imperative. If I’m operating from a deficit mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, or financially, it’s ridiculously hard to run a business, be a good friend, colleague, or family member, or live life to the fullest.
- To thine own self be true. I started my business so I could live my life differently and do work that feeds my soul. If I can’t honor my values and show up in a way that I can feel good about, I’m probably heading down the wrong path.
8 ½. Give myself the same grace and support that I offer to others. Not everything goes to plan. It’s ok to slow down, it’s ok to not have all the answers and it’s ok to not always do “it” perfectly, whatever “it” may be. (This is ½ because I have not fully absorbed this into my consciousness – yet.)
This week’s call to action: Identify five lessons you’ve learned over the last five years. What’s on your list?
