Being a business owner can be challenging new territory and there are a lot of lessons that can be learned. Whether you’re a freelance writer running a little solo shop, or trying to grow a multinational corporation, there are some incredibly important lessons that you need to learn. Here’s are some of the biggest ones that have come across:
You Need to Advocate for You
At the end of the day, the BIGGEST lesson that I’ve learned as a small business owner is the fact that it’s you against the world. Even if you have employees, you are the top advocate for your company. And, at the end of the day, if you don’t stand up for yourself, no one will.
When it comes to finding opportunities for your business, you need to go out there and get them. In most cases, they won’t simply come to you. It’s time to get yourself out there and really promote you and your business because you’re the only one who can.
You Need Confidence
Speaking of getting you and your business out there, it really all comes down to confidence (and passion). It takes a special kind of person to get out there and promote a business that you’ve built yourself. It’s hard at first and can seem silly to talk about, but at the end of the day, you need confidence.
That confidence will help you talk about your business with passion. It will help you post those LinkedIn posts that are going to attract clients, even though you’re nervous about it. It will help you hold your own, even when the times suck.
You Need to Understand Finances
Money is incredibly important. More so than we think it is on a daily basis. Mostly because without proper finances, you’re simply spending and bringing money in with no rhyme or reason. It’s just financial chaos.
So, one of the biggest business lessons that I’ve learned is to get your finances into tip-top shape. If you can’t do it, you need to make sure that you find someone who can really help you out… and also, don’t do your own taxes.
You Need to Know Your Why
At the end of the day, it’s not really about being a business owner it’s about why you run your business in the first place. If you don’t know why you’re in it. Because, at the end of the day, money isn’t going to be enough of a reason.
You Need to Keep Going
Times will be tough. Every small business owner going through COVID-19 knows that by now. Business is not all easy, fun, and fantastic, it’s often hard, trying, and a bit of a headache. And even when things get tough, it’s important that you keep going.
It’s OK to be upset and have bad days, it’s OK to be frustrated or simply “check out” for a little while. But you will come into conflict during your times as a business owner, and it’s important that you work through it.
Looking for More Small Business Insights?
- Why I Only Work Remotely
- I Started a Business With $0 and No Experience, Here’s How I Did I
- Here’s How I Handle a Financial Crisis With My Business
Tae started out as a journalist before following the money into the corporate world. But it turns out that the grass isn’t always greener and now you can find her spending most of her time writing about all the things she loves. Namely, money, travel and business with a hefty dose of self-deprecating humor. She is a podcast fanatic, blogging aficionado and loves to find new ways to turn passions into cold hard cash!
