11 Lessons learnt over 11 Years in business
As I find myself celebrating 11 whole years in business this March, I can't help but reflect on the incredible journey that small business branding has taken me on. And I have learnt a huge amount, not only about running a business, but about myself, along the way.
From the highs of professional growth to the art of managing client relationships, here are my 11 top lessons from 11 years in business. Cheers to 11 years and the exciting chapters yet to unfold!
My lessons:
1. Set boundaries and make them clear.
2. You are going to get dream clients and nightmare clients, and you might not be able to tell them apart.
A dream client can quickly become a nightmare client, so ensure you have things written down (contracts, sign offs etc). Trust me, it pays off to be organised on this front!
3. Have a circle of people who are also self-employed.
They get it and they’ll make you feel so much better when you need to have a good moan. They’ll also give you some of the best business advice and ideas. Internet pals count too, that support matters, even if it’s from someone you haven’t actually met!
4. Never underestimate the power of going for a walk.
5. Learn what your values are - both your business values and what matters to you personally.
They might not be the things you think you’re ‘supposed to care about’, but finding out what they are will help you make important decisions and feel satisfied by your business. (You may need to work with someone else to gain this insight).
6. You are growing, and you are getting better at what you've do.
Unlike in a traditional career where you might be rewarded with promotions that demonstrate your growth, it can be harder to measure when you are running your own business, especially if you're on your own. But you are getting better, every week, month and year that you do what you do. If you were to look back at your work from the start of your business, you would see that growth!
7. Don’t feel guilty about taking days off and holidays, it’s an essential part of making running your own business sustainable.
8. When you feel overwhelmed, start with just one thing.
9. Make time for your hobbies
It will improve your work (especially if you’re creative).
10. Don’t do it all alone!
I’m so grateful for my wonderful team – the designers who have worked with me for years, as well as the VAs/specialists I work with on an ad-hoc basis. Even outsourcing a single piece of work will make you feel more supported, and make you take your business more seriously.
11. The world really does need your product or service.
When I was starting my business, I used to watch Marie Forleo's videos religiously and this was her closing phrase.
Over the 11 years I have run my business, there have certainly been times when I’ve considered giving it all up and getting a ‘Proper job’, there's no shame in having those thoughts. But, if you gave up your business, there would be customers or clients who would feel sad that they are deprived of your product or service, and that just shows how important the work you do is!
To celebrate making it to 11 years in business, I’m running a huge giveaway! Find out more