Commencing one’s own business may appear to exude a sense of glamour, however, the reality is that it is an arduous endeavour. Having transitioned from a thriving career to a vocation as a success coach, leadership consultant, and author, I swiftly discerned that there were numerous aspects I wished I had been apprised of prior to embarking on the entrepreneurial path.
Lesson 1: Self-discipline is more demanding than anticipated
As the proprietor of one’s own venture, there are no fixed deadlines, performance evaluations, or structured work hours. While this may initially seem liberating, it can actually present significant challenges. I learnt the hard way that lacking a structured routine led to wastage of valuable time. Consequently, I began formulating a schedule, outlining my priorities at the onset of each week and steadfastly adhering to them. By establishing objectives and KPIs for myself, I was able to sustain motivation and focus.
Lesson 2: Selecting the right clientele and partners
During my inaugural year, I erred in accommodating clients and partners without due diligence on whether they were a suitable match for my services. It eventually became apparent that engaging with incompatible individuals only depleted my energy and time, leaving me unfulfilled. It is imperative to reserve space for those who are congruent in their perspectives and objectives. In the context of selecting vendors, I now engage in comprehensive research and solicit referrals prior to finalising any decisions.
Lesson 3: Solitude may ensue; incorporate human interaction into your daily routine
Transitioning from a collaborative environment to working autonomously led to unforeseen feelings of isolation. To address this, I began scheduling regular lunches with clients, engaging with others on social media, and creating and sharing videos on subjects that are of significance to me. These interactions assisted me in overcoming sentiments of solitude and maintaining connections with like-minded individuals.
Lesson 4: Cultivating a network of peers is imperative
Initially, I was apprehensive about engaging with others in analogous fields, perceiving them as competition. However, I expeditiously realised the value of networking with peers who comprehend the trials and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Nurturing associations with fellow authors and coaches has proven to be immensely advantageous, enabling us to mutually support and learn from each other.
In conclusion, establishing one’s own business is anything but straightforward; however, by integrating these lessons, one can fortify oneself and their enterprise. As someone who has confronted the tribulations of entrepreneurship, I can confidently assert that these lessons will wield a considerable impact on your journey as a business proprietor.