I am now officially at the beginning of my 11th year in business.
Whilst it feels like yesterday, I certainly cannot recognise the person I was back then through the lens I have now.
What I do know is that the feeling and the pull is no different now than it was then to create opportunity and expansion for my clients. Despite pivoting, despairing, celebrating, creating, deconstructing and digging deep, over and over, that feeling is still there, unchanged and unchanging.
I have been reflecting back on the lessons I have learnt along the way. These are my top 10.
It’s a Calling
If you heard the call there is no turning back. Your business put you on a path to doing, creating and being more no matter what happens with your business or if it evens survives. What you do matters. It’s not a pipedream. It’s not self-indulgent. It’s not selfish. It matters. You are doing important work and people need you to show up for them.
Find your voice and use it. The only person who will doubt what you have to share is going to be you.
Above all else, do it for you and believe in yourself.
Doubt
It’s easier to doubt yourself than believe in yourself. You will listen to far too many “experts” who say they have it all figured out and it will make you question your capability and wisdom. Experts aren’t experts. They are working it out too. Markets are constantly in motion so everyone is learning on the job. It’s not experience that makes the difference but creativity and flexibility.
Don’t sign up for everything that catches your eye only what speaks to your core at this moment in time.
Define what success looks like for you and don’t listen to anyone who tells you what you should be aiming for.
Change is Constant
Consciousness is always evolving which means what is needed changes. The more tapped into this you are, the easier it is to expand and grow. Doing what you think will sell takes you away from what you excel at. Focus on what you are built to offer and how to sell it – there is always someone out there looking for you. Selling is a gift to your clients – always.
The People Who Walk With You
Choose your network wisely. Don’t fill it with people who are the same as you but do fill it with people who will support you and help you get your message out there.
Don’t be afraid to let people go when you have outgrown the relationship. Set your boundaries and stick to them. People will come along to test them and others to celebrate them.
You will pivot, it’s part of business life. Your circle will pivot with you because you are the heart of your business. The more “you” you are, the more your confidence to lead will develop and the more your audience will grow.
Don’t be afraid to share everything you know. Tomorrow you will know more and the day after that even more. You cannot give away the farm. Be generous and transparent with your community.
The End of the Road?
There will be times when you think you can’t go on. Everyone has them, they just don’t talk about it. It’s ok to support yourself in other ways when these times come, you are not betraying your purpose or business.
Foundations First
Build your foundations first. They are the hardest to build but will give you strength. Your foundations are internal and will make the external aspects of your business easier. Never build your audience or bottom line at the expense of your integrity. Without integrity your business has no foundations.
Be Your Energy
Know your energy and how to use it. When you are in your energy it is impossible to blend into the crowd. Energy is the single most important aspect of business. It is what people move towards and understand before you utter a word.
The vision you are holding is a missing puzzle piece for many. Even if they can’t see it, your energy will inspire them to trust that you can.
Nature is Your Ally
Virtually every business problem can be resolved or put into perspective with a little time in nature.
Ditch the Label
You aren’t a label. Don’t fixate on what to call yourself, just do your work. You find out who you are, what you do and why by doing it. Perfectionism is an illusion that will keep you from finding out.
The things that frustrate you are trying to show you your genius. The biggest challenges you face personally are often where you shine in helping others. Don’t listen to the nonsense that says if you haven’t done it for yourself, you can’t be credible to others. You are on the hard path of learning to offer the deepest wisdom to your clients.
Your gifts are hiding in plain sight. Do the inner work, get a mentor, find support – whatever you need to look in a mirror and see it for yourself.
The Whole of You
Your business is a part of you, not the whole of you. Nourish your life outside of business and your life inside business will be richer for it. Have some fun. Create, play, test, experiment and explore – it’s all part of the journey.
What would you add to this list?
