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Starting a business is equal parts amazing and terrifying. I remember the first time I posted about my business on social media, I was so worried what my friends and family would think of me. I mean, I went from being a wine gal to a spiritual life coach…a not-so-obvious transition.
Sure, there were a few who scratched their heads wondering when I would come to my senses, but overall, people were supportive. “It’s about time you work for yourself!” and “I always thought you should own a business!” were two very common responses I received.
It’s amazing how others can have more faith in us than we do in ourselves!
I guess there were several signs pointing to entrepreneurship that I ignored along the way, yet people close to me knew it was inevitable. I’ve always been super creative, hard-working and usually had issues with my bosses. Not in the personality type issues (although that’s happened), more like the thoughts that started with “If I was in charge…I’d change/fix/implement this”
For those of you who are Enneagram enthusiasts, I am a Type 1, The Reformer, I see issues and solutions EVERYWHERE I GO! So, its natural for me to want to take over and fix things. When I decided that I was going to become a life coach, I jumped in with fervor, getting certified immediately, reading and learning all I could about starting a business and spending hours on my website because I wanted to understand how it worked.
There were several times where my certainty waned and I wondered if this business would ever be successful. It’s really hard to go from getting paid on a regular schedule to not knowing when a sale would be made. There were so many things that I launched that tanked. But I learned the strength of resilience through the process.
It’s been 5 years since I started my coaching business and I am so happy I did and stuck through the tough periods. I am so grateful for the jobs I picked up along the way to help me fund my next level of growth and keep my lights on. I am grateful that I never gave up on my dream, even when it would have been so easy to walk away.
I harness my bravery every day so I can inspire others to do the same. Bravery reaches past fear and pulls us to the other side where a new level of joy and a sense of pride reside. Getting through slow seasons, learning curves, failures and uncertainty can either make you courageous or resentful.
Choosing courage over resentment takes a lot of faith in yourself!
If you are wanting to start a business or are in the first years of your business endeavor, I want to encourage you to keep going and seek help, when you need it. You don’t have to do it alone. Find a community of other entrepreneurs in your area and co-work, even if you are in different industries, the communal feeling will help you feel like you’re on a team of world-changers.
I have so many women ask me how to start a business. Most of them want to become coaches. This thrills me because we need more women who want to start their own business, share their voice and inspire in their own way.
You were born with a gift to deliver to the world; we need you!
If you are thinking about leaving your job to create a business, here are 3 things to consider:
- What problem or issue do you want to help solve? All businesses have a reason people need them. Figure out how you want to help.
- Finances: come up with your “freedom number”, the amount of money you need to bring in or have in savings to maintain the lifestyle you desire. Once you know this number, you can work on the next step…
- Timeline: Be realistic. Overnight success is an anomaly. Give yourself a timeline of when you want to quit your job / start your business / receive training / market to your audience, etc…
When you can realistically answers these questions, you will have a better concept on moving forward with your brilliant idea. Taking things step by step will help you move forward quicker than trying to do it all at once. I’ve watched several people approach it that way and give up before they hit year 2.
Consider these 3 things and then you can lay the foundation. In business, slow and steady is key. Remember, that even people who have been in business for decades are still learning because the economy, platforms and technology continue to evolve.
The road to freedom is full of lessons that never end.
Embrace this time of figuring it all out. You are creating and expanding. Soon, you will offer something amazing to the world and it will feel amazing, scary and exciting all at once because you made it happen and took the time to trust yourself and have faith in your dreams!
