The word entrepreneur conjures up visions of glamour, intrigue, and success. But the reality is quite different - it's more like a rollercoaster ride, with mazing highs, a few scary moments, and lessons around every turn. To navigate this journey, I've turned to a variety of resources, from AI-powered tools to insightful books and YouTube videos. Constantly learning and improving is key.
One of the most surprising things I've discovered is just how much helping hands can matter when you're building a business from the ground up. I've been amazed and grateful for the friends, family, and connections who have stepped up to provide advice, make introductions, and lend their time. Whether it was a chance meeting or someone I knew well, so many people went out of their way to support me. I’ve also had more meals at Country Kitchen this year than I have in decades.
At the same time, I've also experienced the sting of rejection and unresponsiveness. Not everyone returns calls or emails, and it's easy to take that personally. But the feedback I've received, even when it comes after being passed over, has been invaluable. One client's critique taught me to communicate my ideas with simple text, get creative, and price my services appropriately. I learned that I don't have to be the lowest-cost option - I just need to deliver unique, high-impact solutions.
This journey has also taught me to differentiate between the "givers" and the "takers" in my network. While I'm always eager to help others, whether it's sharing contacts or supporting their goals, I've realized that not everyone will reciprocate. Some people offer assistance but never follow through. I've had to learn to manage my expectations and focus my energy where it's most likely to pay off.
One piece of advice I keep coming back to is the importance of consistent outreach. Building a business requires constant communication - whether it's calls, emails, or social media posts. I make it a point to reach out to a handful of people every day, sharing what I'm working on and asking for their input. It's time-consuming, but persistence pays off in the form of leads and connections. If you’re one of those amazing people that made time for me, THANK YOU!
When it comes to social media, I've found that consistency is key. I aim to post on LinkedIn five days a week, which at first felt daunting. I’m constantly using the notes app on my phone to capture ideas for content. I also pay close attention to which types of posts get the most engagement, and I rely on my friends and family to help boost my content as "social ambassadors."
Of course, no entrepreneurial journey is complete without its fair share of failures and setbacks. I've had training sessions where I went too fast because I crammed all the info I could into the session to show I’m an expert. That taught me to slow down, and worse case, you leave participants wanting more. Rather than beating myself up, I reflect and adjust.
Failure is inevitable, but the key is to view it as an opportunity to grow and improve.
Through it all, I've learned to maintain a sense of perspective and not take myself too seriously. When I start to feel stressed or overwhelmed, I pause to reflect on my successes, no matter how small. And I think that’s what my clients appreciate it. I’m going to bring fun, energy, and creativity to help them reach their goals.
If you're considering hopping on this entrepreneurial rollercoaster, buckle up and get ready for an adventure. I'm happy to chat with anyone interested in making this jump. The highs can be incredibly rewarding, and I'd be glad to share more insights from my journey.
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