From Chaos to Clarity: My First Year in Business
Transformation is the word that best describes my 2017. It was a year of unexpected twists and turns, but ultimately, it led me to where I am today.
The Unexpected Leap
I had planned to start my business in the summer of 2017, but life had other plans. In January, I received a call from my boss informing me that I was being let go. This was not the first time I had left a job without a backup plan, but this time was different. I had been blogging since 2012, and in late 2015, I decided to take my blog seriously and explore turning it into a business.
The Struggle is Real
Starting a business is hard, and I mean really hard. It’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about convincing people to pay you for it. I faced significant struggles, from trying to sell a service that doesn’t produce anything concrete to dealing with self-doubt, anxiety, and frustration. There were times when I thought about giving up and going back to a day job.
Pivoting and Adjusting
Originally, I offered blog coaching services to anyone who wanted to start a blog. However, by mid-February, I realized that I needed to change my focus to help small business owners use blogging and social media for their business. A few months later, I pivoted again, deciding to become a consultant and guide small business owners on their blogging and social media journey.
Surviving Year One
Despite the challenges, I managed to gain a small handful of clients and run a successful in-person blogging workshop. I attribute my survival to seeking help from others, networking, putting ideas into action, and continuing to show up. I learned to take advice from people who had a similar target market and to seek out a completely different path.
Lessons Learned
As I enter year two, I still feel like I’m in survival mode, but I’ve gained some basic survival skills to help me navigate the wilderness of business. I’ve learned to be more intentional and focused, and I’ve discovered the importance of seeking help and support from others. If you’re considering starting your own business, I encourage you to be prepared for the unexpected and to stay flexible.
Moving Forward
Starting a business is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and perseverance. As I look to the future, I’m excited to see what’s next and how I can continue to grow and evolve as a business owner.
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