Stepping into the world of full-time entrepreneurship was like embarking on a rollercoaster ride through the unknown. As I reflect on my first year as a full-time business owner, I can’t help but marvel at the whirlwind of self-discovery and growth that I’ve experienced. It’s been a wild journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. So, grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let me take you through the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
When I first dipped my toes into the entrepreneurial waters, I was met with uncertainty, especially since I didn’t know anything about running my own business. Having been in Corporate for 25 plus years at the time, there were things I leaned into with vigor, like business workflows and operations, testing out and selecting the best photography products for my packages, and creating my client experience. These things were already in my wheelhouse from Corporate, or I was just doing them.
On the business operations side, I tested out numerous client management software over the years. On the client experience side, I purchased numerous products. All of it was a huge investment, not only in terms of money (which came from my salary) but also time. In 2018, I finally launched with my current niche and stepped into the networking space. However, I still had a major blind spot — marketing my business. Actually, I would say it was a complete avoidance of something I hated the idea of.
Clients didn’t materialize, and I didn’t know how to change that. Since I still had my full-time job, I chipped away at the learning during my spare time. There was a time, I was working full-time, was working with a business coach on a 10-week program, networking, and taking on smaller photography jobs to keep my skills up. It was all pretty daunting. Out of that experience came a rough but written marketing plan, which was better than none.
Despite conquering my biggest challenge, I hesitated to fully embrace the path of entrepreneurship. I kept telling myself, “I can do it all” until my client base became more stable. Well, let me share what I’ve come to realize after a year of running my own business full-time. Every month I postponed fully committing to my business, I was postponing investing fully in myself.
In the past year, my personal and business growth has been absolutely mind-blowing! Every ounce of my time and dedication has been poured into myself and my business, and the results have been off the charts. It’s crystal clear to me now that before taking the leap, despite working tirelessly into the late hours of the night, I wasn’t truly experiencing growth and self-improvement. And you know why? Because growth demands energy, pure and simple. As long as I was tied down to the demands of a job, I had to be stingy with my energy. I had to conserve it for endless meetings and the grind of daily tasks. If I had stayed in that job, I would still be merely scratching the surface of my potential. So…
Lesson 1: Embrace the Unknown
Embracing the unknown is where the magic happens. When faced with uncertainty, we are challenged to tap into the depths of our creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness. It is in these moments of uncharted territory that we truly discover the depths of our inner strength and unearth our hidden potential.
Rather than succumbing to fear and doubt, I now have chosen to view uncertainty as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Each obstacle that materializes becomes a chance for me to acquire new knowledge, pivot my perspective, and adapt to the changing tides of life. It is within this fluidity of uncertainty that I have witnessed remarkable transformations take place.
Uncertainty has a way of revealing our hidden strengths and encouraging us to push beyond our perceived limitations. It fosters a profound sense of resilience as we navigate through the uncharted waters, facing unforeseen challenges head-on. It is through this process that we tap into the boundless potential that resides within us.
So, rather than fearing the unknown, I invite you to embrace it. Embrace the uncertainty that life presents, for it is within these uncertain moments that the true magic happens. Open yourself to the possibilities that lie ahead, and with every step you take into the unknown, you will find yourself growing, evolving, and ultimately discovering the infinite power that resides within you.
Lesson 2: Take the Leap of Faith
Leaving the security of my corporate job was an audacious and empowering decision. Let’s make it crystal clear: I walked away because I felt suffocated. I refused to tolerate the constraints any longer—this was the unmistakable sign that it was time for me to thrive, though I didn’t know WTF that meant. But I knew overwhelming uncertainty was better than stagnance. Deep down, I recognized that embracing this new path would lead to remarkable accomplishments and profound personal growth.
So, I took a deep breath and leaped into the unknown. And you know what? It was the best decision I could have made. Yes, there were challenges along the way, but each hurdle became an opportunity for me to soar higher. Taking that leap of faith was like unlocking a hidden reservoir of courage and determination within myself. It propelled me towards growth and self-discovery in ways I never thought possible. Take the leap of faith.
Lesson 3: Trust in Your Journey
As entrepreneurs, we’re often bombarded with advice and success stories from every direction. It’s easy to get caught up in comparison and self-doubt, wondering if we’re on the right path. But here’s the truth – your journey is uniquely yours, and it’s okay to take detours, stumble, and make mistakes along the way.
I’ve learned to trust in my journey, embracing both the highs and the lows. Each setback has been a valuable lesson, and every small win has been a cause for celebration. Trusting in my journey has allowed me to cultivate patience, resilience, and an unwavering belief in myself. It’s a reminder that success is not just about reaching the destination but relishing the entire journey – the messy, beautiful, and unpredictable ride.
So, to all the aspiring entrepreneurs out there, I urge you to embrace the unknown, take that leap of faith, and trust in your unique journey. It’s not always smooth sailing, but it’s in those moments of uncertainty and challenge that we truly grow and discover our full potential.
As I raise my metaphorical glass to toast to another year of entrepreneurship, I’m filled with gratitude for the self-discovery and growth that this journey has brought me. Here’s to embracing the wild ride of entrepreneurship – may we continue to learn, evolve, and thrive as business owners!