Being a small business owner is HARD WORK. You gladly work more than 40 hours to be able to work for yourself to create a life that you love, but it’s still difficult when you have to make every single decision and be an expert at marketing, accounting, tech, etc. There are SO many hats you have to wear as a small business owner but let me remind you that it’s all worth it if you put the right time, dedication and sweat into it.
For me and how I thrive, it’s worth being able to have creative control over my life, create a schedule that works best for me and my family, have the ability to take a random day off of work, schedule appointments and vacations without having to ask permission off of work. I recently took a trip to Paris with my husband, parents and sisters and I didn’t have to ask anyone for the time off nor feel guilty for being away.
Here are 5 encouraging reminders and tips for small business owners from me to you.
Encouragement You Need to Hear From a Small Business Owner
1. Your Worth is Not Defined by the Amount of Money in Your Bank Account.
Your worth is more than a number in a bank account. Even though it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle culture where everything is centered around the number of figures that you make in a year. How many times have you seen a small business owner talk that they make 6-figures in a year?
If you’re in the beginning stages of starting your own business or have been in business for over a decade, the truth is that your worth is not tied to a number.
You were created to share your gifts with the world, to invest in your community over competition, and to always lead with a kind heart. And these values can’t be measured by a number in your bank account. Although, I admit that I have lofty financial goals, but when I have to think of the trade-offs that come with working longer hours, is it really worth it?
2. If You Feel like You’re Failing at Something, It Means You’re Trying.
Failing is not permanent even though it might not feel like it while it’s happening. It’s not pleasant but if looking at it with the right perspective, failing will be able to teach you great lessons and how you can improve to become the best version of yourself.
If you fail, it means that you were brave and tried something that was out of your comfort zone and that’s what life is about. Trust me, I feel like I’m failing all the time. There have been many times where I have felt like throwing in the towel and start to review open job listings. That’s when I usually know it’s time to me to disconnect, step away from the computer and emails and social media and do something I enjoy. With anything you do, there will always be rough days but usually that means that you’re growing. I mean, would it really be rewarding if everything was easy?
Frequently on Saturdays, I join up with a few older businessmen to pay golf. (It’s a funny dynamic, I know- I’ll post more about this later.) Many of the guys own very successful businesses and I asked them once, “If you were to start over today, what type of business would you build?” Instead of answering that question, one particular guy asked, “Do you not like what you do?” I responded with, “I do like online marketing but I feel like I’m constantly behind and making little money.” He said something to me that seems so obvious now, but at the time it was a big lightbulb. “Jessica, some of the biggest companies in the world involve digital marketing (ex. Google), I think you need to pivot as there’s a lot of opportunity there.”
So next time something doesn’t go as you hoped, remember this was preparation for something better that’s ahead for you or an opportunity to think of your situation in a different way. Don’t be afraid to try again.
3. Asking for Help Is Not a Sign of Weakness. It’s a Sign of Strength.
You might think that you need to do everything by yourself in order to be successful but that’s a myth.
If you’re overwhelmed or unsure of how to do something in your business, ask for help. I’ve actually only been turned down once in asking for help or guidance and that was when I requested to meet with a local designer. Other than that, business owners and friends have always been willing to provide answers when asked. If you do find someone who isn’t willing to help, don’t take it personally and move on as there are so many others that are willing to help.
If you’re a fellow creative, the creative community is filled with some of the most generous people who will gladly help you with a question if they can. There are a lot of online business communities and groups that were specifically created to help you. Personally, I kept to myself for many years until I finally came across a community that was helpful, made me feel welcome and focused on women business owners in particular – Amber Housley. There are many other communities so feel free to search around until you find the one that is a good fit for you.
And if you’re at the point where you’re able to outsource parts of your business, do it!
I’ve never regretted outsourcing work to team members who can focus on important elements with my guidance so that I have more time to invest and focus on my client work and other plans that I have for my business.
4. You Are Doing Better than You Think.
Do you ever have imposter syndrome or compare yourself to others? I’m right there with you but this reminder is for you to always know you’re doing better than you think. It is very easy to compare yourself with others on social media, but think of all the other business owners that aren’t spending a ton of time, money and resources to make their social media presence large?
You started a business, have the confidence to put your talent out there for others to see, and are figuring everything out as you go so you are doing amazing. *applause*
Being a small business owner is tough but so are you and this a reminder that you might want to write on a Post-It note or your mirror to always keep in sight.
5. When You’ve Feeling Overwhelmed, Focus on Taking the next, Smallest Step.
Ever look at your to-do list or Asana tasks and just want to go binge on Netflix because it’s too much? I’ve been there but you don’t have to stay stuck. Look at the next thing you need to accomplish and break it down into manageable steps.
Instead of needing to create or update your whole website, begin with one page.
Instead of creating a month of social content, start with one post.
There’s power in starting small and when you do, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more productive since you’re making progress on your tasks.
I hope that these reminders encourage you when you’re having a bad day and struggling with being a small business owner. If all of these didn’t work, I encourage you to go back to the beginning and figure out why you are creating your business.
Which reminder did you need to hear most today?
