Over the past 10 years, I’ve been blessed to start a few different businesses. Even though the industries are all different, there are a few things I’ve learned along the way that I wish I had known before getting started. In this post, you will learn some ideas or strategies that you can apply to your own business.
Lesson #1: Start where you are
When I first began my career as a natural hair stylist, the only thing that I knew without a doubt is that I knew how to do hair. That’s it. My goal was to find clients and do their hair and get paid. Sounds simple right? The advice I received at the time was to go to cosmetology school first, then focus on building a business. I already had a few clients and they had no issue with referring their friends and family to me. I wasn’t in a position to enroll, so I focused on making sure that people could contact me. Back then there was no FB or Twitter, so I took a few dollars and ordered simple business cards through Vistaprint. I had 0 logo, no brand colors, and no website. I added my name and a phone number and a free image Vistaprint offered. Was that my final business card? Not even close… but it got the job done.
Lesson #2: Delegate
This is one of the lessons I still find it difficult to apply. More and more every day, I’m learning that I don’t have to know how to do everything. In order to fully focus on the things I really love to do, I can delegate the things that someone else knows how to do well.
For example, as a hairstylist, I had a list of services that I offered. Some services I could do in no time and efficiently, others were added to the list when I thought I had to do everything. Cutting and color were not my specialties! And whenever someone would schedule those services, I would get really anxious. Life changed when I decided to partner up with someone who loved to do it. Not only did it save me time, but I was able to make more money doing the things I loved, and it gave someone else the opportunity to make money and do more of what they love. I call that a win-win.
Lesson #3: Pace yourself
How often do you scroll through Facebook or Instagram and get distracted or bombarded with articles about how to quickly grow your business, or how to make 6 figures in a month? Sometimes those posts make me feel a little anxious. Every once in awhile, I get caught up in those posts and my brain goes into overload. I start thinking about all of the things I’m not doing in my business, and a huge list of things I need to do immediately. Overwhelm eventually leads to mental shut down and I stop putting any energy into anything.
This is your reminder to pace yourself! It’s not a race, but a journey. Listed below are a few things that you need to keep in mind and take into consideration when you first get started.
Accounting
Keeping track of your business income and expenses doesn’t have to be difficult or take a lot of time. It’s better to get set up early, instead of waiting until the business is booming, and you’re overwhelmed with importing expenses, mileage, and receipts. I use Quickbooks for my accounting. Here is a short video on how to get set up in Quickbooks.
Basic Website
You don’t need to be a tech guru to create a website. First, you must secure your own domain, choose a reliable host , install WordPress, and choose a template. You don’t have to have 5 page of content. You can start with a one-page site or landing page that tells who you are, what you offer, and how to contact you.
One social media account
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and the list goes on. Guess what? You don’t have to choose them all. Just pick one, and focus on creating consistent content, and connecting with potential customers.
What lessons have you learned thus far in your business? Which lesson resonated with you the most? Comment below and let me know your thoughts.