5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Business
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There are so many things I wish I could go back and tell myself about starting a business. One year into my venture, it’s my mission to share what I’ve learned with you so you can avoid my mistakes and embrace the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey.
My motto about starting a business is this: Whether your passion is a side hustle, a full-time business, an idea for a business, or even a hobby, never discount its value or think it isn’t worthwhile.
Here’s what I wish I had known:
You don’t have to have a perfect plan - just start. I used to waste so much time in what I call ‘overthinking paralysis.’ Sometimes, you have to just begin and change gears along the way. Nothing will ever be perfect, so take that pressure off yourself.
Hiring a coach does not mean you’re a failure. We all need support. However, I resisted this fact for years. I thought I could do everything on my own. When I finally hired my first coach, I felt like I had someone who could help me put my dreams into actionable steps. If I could go back, I would have sought support much earlier.
Get prepared for rejection. Avoid taking ‘no’ personally. Rejection is feedback, not failure.
Everyone will have an opinion, but that doesn’t mean you have to listen. Be careful who you ask for advice. Keep your integrity, and stay authentic to what you truly envision for yourself.
You will have higher highs and lower lows than you can imagine! It’s all part of the entrepreneur’s journey. When you can accept this, it becomes a lot more manageable. Remember to celebrate each of your successes, no matter how large or small, and enjoy the process.
There are so many business coaches out there, and choosing the right one is essential. Next week, I’ll be sharing my top tips for picking a business coach.
Read more: The Tough Road to Starting a Business