This week marks a huge milestone for me – one year as a full-time entrepreneur. I thought it would be good for me to reflect on the last year and share some things I’ve learned.
The number one thing that came to mind is that it has been way harder than I thought. There’s a lot of advice out there for first-time business owners: prepare to work harder and longer than you did as an employee, and to have a financial reserve because sales may take longer than you expect. Amen! This has all been true for me.
But right after I identified the struggles, I immediately thought of the blessings. It has been so exciting to be the master of my own destiny, and the relationships have been way more fulfilling than I expected. I have loved interacting with others on a similar path. We’ve worked through challenges, shared hard times, rejoiced in each other’s wins, and encouraged each other to keep going. Gaining new relationships and friendships is easily the best thing about being an entrepreneur.
It’s not about me! As a task-driven person, it’s been a really good thing for me to focus on others and the strengths they bring so we can collaborate more effectively. After all, that’s what I do with the teams I work with. I use personality assessments, workshops, and executive coaching to raise awareness of each other’s strengths and blind spots so teams can work together more effectively. When teams put these principles into practice, projects run smoother, retention improves, and profitability goes up because people like what they’re doing, want to stick around, and are even more productive.
Lots of things that mattered as an employee don’t matter in this space. Hours? Pfft. No such thing as beginning or ending the day at a certain time. Sometimes I’m hopping on calls at 0600. Other times I’m working late into the next day to get something done (although admittedly not too often because I generally plan pretty well). Status reports? I do these for myself and the mentors I’ve brought into this adventure. Vacation? Well, not yet. Sick days? Oh, you mean when I sleep in a few hours, maybe take some meds, then get up anyway because I have to get stuff done?
Speaking of mentors, the next point is to get help. So many people are willing to spend an hour listening and talking through the challenges. I’ve been the recipient of many such conversations, and I’ve also tried to pay it forward to others. I’ve had people make introductions that have led to great relationships, and sometimes a sale. But equally as satisfying is doing the same for others. Just recently I caught up with someone who got a steady contract in place because of an introduction I made. Lifting each other up is what it’s about.
Being an entrepreneur has taught me so much about myself. Interacting with so many others has revealed where some of my strengths truly lie. It has also exposed some cracks in the foundation. I’m grateful for both. I can’t think of a better way to improve myself than to teach leadership, communication, and personal growth, and realize where I still have work to do. And I don’t mind telling others where I fall short. The important thing is to gain some self-awareness and work toward a better future self. Progress, not perfection.
I’ve come to understand that although I need to make money to pay my bills, the way to do that is by cultivating real relationships, adding value to people, and solving problems for others with knowledge and experience I’ve gained through years of navigating and overcoming similar challenges myself.
I’m grateful to all my friends, longtime and new, for your love, encouragement, and support. Let’s keep going together!
