Entrepreneurs are the "go-getters." They're the early risers, late to bed, middle-of-the-night writing down their brilliant new idea as fast as they can so it won't escape them kind of people.The energy of their ideas fuels them through endless days of hard work.
Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and solopreneurs are facing a world of unknown challenges and relentless obstacles - and they're usually doing it alone. The pressure of running a small business, networking, marketing, keeping the books, and (of course) doing the work all lays on their shoulders!
Here are a few things for entrepreneurs to remember when it all gets to feeling like too much:
1. You're not alone.
In 2016, there were 25 MILLION Americans who were just starting or already running their own business. If you look at worldwide stats, the numbers just get bigger. There are millions of people working hard toward their dreams - just like you!
2. Consistency is more important than perfection.
A bad day or week (even a bad month or year) doesn't mean the end of your business or your entrepreneurial journey! Entrepreneurship does take work, but it's more important to show up than to be perfect.
Mistakes will happen on this journey - sometimes BIG mistakes - but they don't have to mean the end of your entrepreneurial journey. Each and every one of our mistakes teach us something important, and make us better, smarter, and more prepared for the road ahead.
3. It's hard for a reason.
You've heard, "no risk, no reward," but "no hard work, no reward" is also true (just wayyyy less catchy). Entrepreneurship is hard because there are great rewards just on the other side of all of this hard work.
4. Remember why you started.
Every entrepreneur has their "why." Maybe you longed for the freedom of working for yourself while sitting at your desk job, maybe you wanted to provide a better financial future for your family and knew that YOU could make that happen, or maybe you've known that owning your own business was the right move for you from the moment you had your first idea.
Whatever the reason, remember it, focus on it, and let it remind you why you started this journey in the first place.
5. Of course you failed. We all have.
Entrepreneurship holds vast opportunities for success - and just as many for failure. Failure is a natural part of growth and development, and guaranteed to experience it as an entrepreneur. When you do, take the time to lean on your support system (but don't stop so long that you forget to get back on your feet)!
6. Outsourcing when you need to.
You're working all the time, the business is growing, you feel success at your fingertips... but you're not really getting to enjoy it? It's probably time to outsource some of your workload.
Hire a marketing team or bookkeeping firm (we know a few GREAT bookkeepers) so that you can focus on what you really love - your business. You should be able to enjoy the successes of your hard work!
7. Time is a valuable commodity.
You already know that there are too many things to do, and not enough time to do them in. It's important to learn where to focus and when.
Which part of your business will most benefit from your undivided attention? What part of your business can do without you for the time being? Where can you outsource?
8. Confidence is key.
I'm sure you've heard it before, but it's a cliche because it's true - whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right. There are many factors that contribute to your success as an entrepreneur, and your belief in yourself is one of the big ones.
It's not always easy to focus on your strengths or remember how truly awesome you are, so it's important to have people around who will remind you when you're feeling down. Reach out to your family and friends, or join a network of professionals online to get the support you need to remain confident in the face of the challenges ahead!
9. Serve your audience, and put them first.
As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get so excited by your ideas that you don't take your audience into account. You think it's an amazing idea, so that must be true! Usually (of course) that's true, but if something's not working, check in with your audience and yourself - make sure they're at the forefront of what you're doing!
10. Don't Quit.
Whether it's been a tough day, tough season, or you're just at your wits end - remember that success comes from the culmination of your efforts over time. You may not be seeing the results of your hard work yet, but you will.
Share this with an entrepreneur you love!
Anna Hodges