I started a small business on my own and it’s been tough. No one walked me through anything and I had to learn by failing, losing money, and trying to follow everyone else but myself. I wanted to share a letter to all the business owners who are just beginning in hopes that you don’t give up just because the going gets rough.
Dear Small Business Owner,
Whew……you took the leap to work for yourself. It’s tough out here and you are just beginning. You will learn some things as you go. Here are my business tips for beginners. First off, you may find that some family members won’t support you. Why? Because they want you to have a “steady” paycheck. They don’t want you hustling, hoping for someone to buy your product or use your service. They want you to clock in and work like them because A. they are mad you are stepping out when they wish they could or B. they really are concerned that you won’t make it out here in this cutthroat world of small business owners.
The family members that do support you…probably won’t buy until you’ve made it big. Your parents well that’s another story they will smile and say, do you but secretly they are going to be disappointed you didn’t go to that nice college they wanted you to go to or you didn’t follow through with the degree that they thought was best for you. Don’t worry though, your parents and family members will get over it. You can’t let what they say or do deter you from your dreams.
Getting clients is going to be hard. I would say fake it till you make it but too much of that’s going on these days and people aren’t doing it like they used to do it back when I was first starting out. See I faked it but I was good at it…I just didn’t have the clients to showcase. I knew I was good at what I did, but getting people to buy from me didn’t work, so I had to go another route to showcase my talent. I had to work for free. Don’t say oh hell no I ain’t working for free! I know that’s what you are saying…..but yes I had to have a portfolio because people want to see that. People want to see what they are paying for, and I had to have something to show them.
The above is just the first year.
Things will get easier in the second year.
Maybe………
At least by the 3rd year you will have a rhythm, some clients under your belt, and you will know how you like things done. Also, hire an assistant…an intern will do…..you can’t do it alone…it’s impossible, especially if you have kids to raise or a husband to attend to. Here are some quick tips that I learned, so you won’t repeat the same mistakes
- trust your gut….it will lead you correctly. If your gut says don’t work with a person, then trust me…trust it. You will regret it if you don’t
- Not all money is good money learn how to fire yourself from things…..it will be good for you
- Give back…you will be blessed more
- The word no doesn’t need an explanation
- Don’t build a business based on what you love…..unless you are buying your business on your own….you need to base your business on what consumers want
- If it doesn’t solve a problem or help, let it go
- If you can stand doing it for free…you will always love what you do
- Put a % of your earnings back into your business by hiring out, paying for new tools, or buying things that your product or service may need to stay with the changing times
- Take time for yourself. If it’s a holiday weekend, take the weekend. Your emails will be there (all 1,000+ of them) when you get back
- Be kind to your clients if they go the extra mile for you. Being considerate goes a long way
- We all have the same amount of time in the day……use it wisely
Small business ownership is awesome, and I wouldn’t change the sleepless nights, no money in my bank accounts, and tears for anything in the world. If you aren’t ready for all three…(sometimes at the same time) you aren’t ready yet!
Signed
Kita Bryant
