Starting my consulting and mentoring business has been among the most rewarding choices I have made, but I won't sugarcoat it. Along the way, I encountered various challenges that tested me.
Here are five things I wish I had known before I launched my online business:
1. Accept that being challenged is part of the process.
When you are on a journey of creating what matters, you will be challenged – you will be stretched. Sometimes, you have to take on tasks and responsibilities that take you outside of your comfort zone. You will have to do things you don't want to do – that you wish you could skip over.
Things won't always go as planned, and you may face setbacks and disappointments. But every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Lean into the learning process, and don't hesitate to ask for help.
Embrace that challenges are a natural part of entrepreneurship and use them to develop new skills and knowledge.
2. There's no one way or "right" way to run a business.
Everyone has their own way of doing business, from tools to processes. The secret is finding what works for you.
As I've built my business, I've had the privilege of getting a behind-the-scenes look at how other small businesses operate. And let me tell you, each company is unique! We all use different tools, software, and leadership styles that best suit our needs and preferences.
There's no universal playbook for entrepreneurship—the "right" approach is simply the approach that aligns with your values, strengths, and long-term vision. Don't feel pressure to do things a certain way just because someone else does them that way. Experiment, iterate, and trust your intuition to figure out the systems and strategies that empower you to thrive.
3. Manage your mind, not just your time.
Your thoughts can be your greatest asset or your biggest barrier. Get a grip on your brain's negative wiring and spread positivity into your life and business.
It's important to start doing the inner work to control any negative thought patterns or self-limiting beliefs that may hold you back.
Challenge the voice in your head that says you can't do it or that you're not good enough. Speak positivity and affirmations into your life and business. Invest time in personal development through coaching, therapy, or simply building self-awareness.
4. You don't have to build it alone.
While you can certainly succeed on your own, having supportive peers and mentors will help you have a greater impact. Since day one, I've been building a local and online community around my business, and I am grateful for those relationships.
Surrounding yourself with other like-minded women running their businesses can lift you up, inspire you, and provide invaluable perspective and advice. Join industry groups, online communities, or local networking events to build your support system.
Having that camaraderie and sage counsel in your corner can make all the difference when facing challenges or needing to exchange ideas.
5. Anything is possible when you stick with it long enough
Take the time to explore, learn, and test your ideas and services. To truly be your own boss, you must commit to your idea fully. During my first six months of freelancing, I still checked LinkedIn Job alerts. Truth is, that action always triggered doubts and simply distracted me.
Once I was aware of these reactions and turned off the alerts, I felt confident and more dedicated to my goal of building a life-first business.
Start an Online Business with Support
Overwhelmed on how to get started? Don't do it by yourself. Join a community of women building their dream businesses and gain support and tools to help you start and grow your online business. Join Your Freelance Future, an online community and program where you can receive one-on-one support tailored to your goals.
Over 3-months, I will guide you in defining your services, creating your brand, and attracting your clients. You'll learn to freelance like a pro and launch a business aligning with your goals and values. Join the insiders' list to book a complimentary mentoring call to discuss your goals and visions!
Hello! If we haven't met yet, I'm Kirstin, a former corporate professional who has successfully transitioned into a small business owner. I teach women how to launch a freelance career and discover the joys on leading an online business.
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