sometimes we start on a path that we believe to be our cup of tea just to be sucker punched later into reality that we have no idea what we’re doing.
well newsflash, no one knows what they are doing in this thing called life we’re figuring it out as we go, but use this vast space called the internet to soak up all the information you can to make some of the best decisions you can for you, your brand, and your business without having to make some of the same mistakes someone else already did.
these are 5 things no one tells you about owning your own business and here are my tips to put you ahead of the game if you’re thinking about starting your own business (even if you already have):
it takes more than 100 percent
you must have effort everyday to work towards your goal. you have to be completely invested in seeing yourself win. no one is gonna be there to talk about you and what you do (at least not yet), you have to be willing to talk about yourself and hype yourself. while other people are sleeping you’re up working on what you’re passionate about — thing about it is, if it’s something you’re truly passionate about it, it won’t seem like work; it will seem second nature to you.
now grant it, there will be days where you can only give 50 percent (trust me, i know) but you have to pick up the other 950 percent the other days. this one is still the one that gets me.
you’re your own hype man
in my situation its a little different because i work with my family so we can hype each other up. we can talk about one another to clients but when you’re working for yourself by yourself you have to be willing to talk about yourself, like i said before.
on social media you have to talk about what you do, how you do it, why you do it, and who/what you do it for. if all you have to do is talk about yourself so you can get the clients that you’re looking for so that you can eat and have a roof over your head it seems real simple, right?
strategy matters
you must plan. everything.
plan your marketing strategy, plan your instagram posts, plan your tweets, plan your sales, plan your days.
plan. plan. plan.
lately, i have been super into lists and writing everything down. i want to make sure i am crossing things off my list. i have downloaded apps to help me stay organized and plan my posts. if you’re trying to start something new to make your process of providing your service or good to your client: test it, make sure it is as seamless as possible.
this makes it simple for your business to look cohesive and that you actually care about your business that you’re willing to make sure that it goes to the next level to become your definition of success.
slow and steady wins the race
some days will be slow. and that is a guarantee. there will be times when you’re confused about why your business isn’t gaining traction, why your posts aren’t gaining you likes, followers, and new clients? trust me i have been there — and there are periods of time when i still am there.
but what i’ve learned is that i have to be consistence.
even when you’re not getting new clients keep posting about your business because that day that you don’t post someone could be looking for what you have to offer. consistency is huge.
stay in people’s faces about what you do (remember, you are your own hype man) but be tasteful about it. no one wants you yelling at them to get your services — add a story to your pitch; people love stories. be consistent — tell them about you and your services, people are more apt to buy something from you if they like you as a person (and sometimes it has nothing to do with the quality of the product, but to me that’s just as important).
you are you
of course there are people who do the same thing that you do that’s bound to happen but there is only one you that does what YOU do, and that is your advantage and your selling point. show how your work is different and show what you do through your lens. remember this when you see other people/brands who look successful.
also, if you have seen post on instagram then you know i said, “no one really knows what they’re doing” because they don’t. everyone is figuring themselves, their business, or brand out. everyone is trying to figure it out.
it’s okay, you got this.
keep these things in mind when having your own business:
- it takes more than 100 percent
- you’re your own hype man, so don’t be afraid to talk about yourself
- strategy matters; get to organizing!
- slow and steady wins the race, so be patient with your business; everything won’t take off immediately
- you are you — no one can do what you can do, that’s your advantage!
say it with me: my business will thrive! i will be successful.
do you have your own business? what are some tips you have learned?