Why starting your first small business will always be worth it!

Starting a small business can be perceived as both scary and hard for a variety of reasons. Let’s break down some of the thoughts you might be having that are holding you back, and debunk them along the way!

Firstly, I get that the uncertainty of success can be daunting. People who are passionate about what they do not only take this project on professionally, they take starting a small business on personally too, as if the success of the business means something about them. But- it doesn’t. It just doesn’t. There are A LOT of outside factor OUTSIDE of WHO you are that contribute to the success of a company, so my first bit of advice is to stop looking at this so personally. But, if you can’t get over that, which I get, I couldn’t for years either, I have another questions- what does it mean about you if you DON’T ever try!? Because that is a personal choice.

YOU are the only one standing in your way of starting. You might want to ask- but what about outside factors to start!? And I have to burst your bubble- where there is a will there is a way. It is up to you to find that way. I didn’t say it was easy. But I am saying- you can do it.

Failure is a funny thing. To me, failure can only happen when you stop trying. If you “fail” and you carry on, that “fail” is just a lesson to make you better, stronger, smarter, and it’s slowly pushing you in the direction of success. So again, although this can be daunting, just remember- you’re not the only one to ever fail. But will you be the only one to give up on your dream?

I am sure you’ve heard these stories before, but I truly hope you let them sink in this time when thinking about starting, and failing, and finally succeeding. Here’s a great article talking about 15 Highly Successful People Who Failed Before Succeeding. Yes, their successes were big… I dare say their “failures” were bigger. I mean…. would you fail 5,126 times over 15 years to eventually make 4.5 billion dollars? Something to think about!

Next thing I hear a lot about are the “financial risks” involved. This might be true for big start ups, tech companies, people looking to get patents and special licensing (although there are work arounds for all of these too like grants, investors, loans, etc. ) but if you make some bomb ass candles in your kitchen this risk can be nearly non existent. Chances are you are already rocking at a hobby and you have everything you need to get going, so it’s not going to take much to hop over to being a “professional.” If you’re good at a task aka a service based business then you’re even luckier because the only thing you probably need to invest in at first is your time. Great at pulling weeds, cleaning, answering phones, organizing data… you probably have everything you already need to get going, no money down.

They just need to know they can hire you. That’s where marketing comes in aka telling people they can hire you. Building a business requires dedication and perseverance, which can be exhausting for many small business owners, I get it. But there are so many new ways now to automate and simply your workflow, free ways to constantly be marketing yourself locally and online… It used to be that you had to buy a building, put up a huge sign, buy a billboard, and check all the professional boxes. Now all you need is a name and a way to get paid and you can be in business.

Once you start making even the tiniest bit of money you can use that to reinvest in your business. Is there some item you need in order to make a larger quantity of what you sell, or something that would cut down on the time it takes you to perform your service, or perhaps you’re looking to up the quality of something. Whatever it is, honestly at whatever stage your business is in, there’s always room for growth, and a bit of gap to get there. Sure, in the very beginning you might have to do some DIY, scrappy stuff to make a few bucks, but once you do that- you’re on your way to getting to that next level, without any financial set backs.

The numerous responsibilities that come with running a business, such as managing finances, marketing, and day-to-day operations, can be overwhelming for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially it it’s new to you and you already have a full time job. The lack of a guaranteed steady income can add to the stress of starting and maintaining a small business. But here’s the thing- no one said you had to do all of that, NOW! I asked on Instagram what was a real fear holding you back from starting your own small business or selling your Art and someone said- financial security. But what if starting could bring you extra financial ABUNDANCE, almost immeditaly!? You can start small and when you feel ready you can step into this things full time, if you wish. Or, never step into it full time and leave it as a thing you can pick up when you want. Sure, this mindset might not bring you $40,000 / month like all the influencers are telling you about but would you be happy with working 1 weekend event and bringing home an extra $1,000? I wouldn't say no to that.

Despite these obstacles, the potential for personal and professional fulfillment drives many to overcome their fears and pursue their dreams of small business ownership.

Running your own business can be incredibly rewarding for a number of reasons.
Flexibility and Independence:

• One of the most alluring aspects of running your own business is the flexibility it provides. You have the autonomy to set your own schedule, make important decisions, and create a work environment that suits your needs. This independence allows you to prioritize your personal and professional life in a way that works best for you. If it works with what you offer you may be able to work any time, anywhere with a phone or computer. Sick? You won’t get punished. Need a vaca? Don’t have to ask for permission. Want a raise? Hustle a little more. Want to go down in hours. Work less.
  THIS is the NUMBER ONE REASON why I LOVE working for myself and will probably NEVER go back unless I have to, or unless I just want to take a backseat and not be responsible for having to find and retain paying clients.

Passion and Creativity:

• When you are the owner of a business, you have the opportunity to pursue your passions and see your creative ideas come to life. Whether it's a product or service that you truly believe in, being able to build a business around something you're passionate about can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your work. This is also key for me. Even when I worked for other small businesses I couldn’t keep my creativity offline and they often implanted MANY of my ideas! I’m not good at doing tasks every single day that do not allow for any “play” or growth. And creativity doesn’t mean Art. To me the whole process of running any business is creative! Marketing = writing. Branding = colors and design. Products / Services to offer = photos to show off items / skills. Meetings = brain storming.

Potential for Financial Reward:

• While the financial aspect of running a business can be unpredictable and fluctuating, there is great potential for financial reward. As the business owner, you have the opportunity to directly reap the benefits of your hard work and success. Yeah, you are responsible for the downfalls too, and that’s the give and take of running your own business. No one is there to hand you a check every time you leave the house to work or pick up a phone and talk to a client, but no one is there to put a cap on that either. If you find a way to save your company money, you just increased your paycheck. If you come up with a new product to launch, you just increased your paycheck. Nearly all jobs you get, unless they are based on commissions, will have a cap on what they are going to pay you for your time. When you work for yourself, as you grow, you can blow the cap off that with enough dedication to your business.

Learning and Growth:

• As a business owner, you are constantly faced with new challenges and opportunities for learning. The experience of running a business can provide valuable lessons in leadership, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making that can contribute to personal and professional growth. If you’re someone who hates getting stagnant, loves learning, and is always looking to progress, a business, especially a small business, will bring this in various different ways, so much so that you might look around 1 day and realize, oops, while aspiring to just be a photographer you accidentally also became a website designer, marketing guru, graphic designer, business coach, blogger, etc. I learned all those skills for me, to expand my business as affordably as I could, and through out the years found myself making additional income doing it for others!

At the end of the day it’s always smart to ask yourself- realistically, what are the real risks vs rewards here? Note if the “risks” are just fears based in ego. Also, don’t avoid real problem solving to justify sitting in your fear! You know you want this. Yes, it’s going to be uncomfortable. Will there be anything other than my ego getting hurt? No. Then let’s try it!

And if you find yourself here, still, with either of the two main excuses (yes, excuses, NOT legit reasons) I hear - I got you.

Time. Let me guess. You don’t have enough of it.
Neither do I. Neither does that dude over there, that lady over there. We’re ALL busy. MAKE the time.
Shut down Netflix. STOP scrolling. Wake up an hour earlier. Stay up an hour later. Set aside your weekends. Sacrifice plans with friends for a couple of months. Cancel the yoga class in place of business planning. Power through your kid’s nap time. Ask your partner for help. Ask your friend’s to babysit. Get creative.

And.

Money. Let me guess. You don’t have enough of it. This could be true. I don’t know your financial situation. And I don’t need to.
Because I’ve done my homework over the last 13 years of running my own business and I KNOW how you can get everything you need to start your business for FREE.

I’ve found over 20 FREE resources that every small business needs to get going and keep growing, and I’m spilling it ALL in my latest workshop:

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I want to see you succeed. I know you can succeed.
And now, I KNOW, there’s nothing stopping you, except you.

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