In the last blog, I started to outline the lessons and mantras from the last decade, that I’ll bring forward. Whilst the lessons are delivered to us in different ways, the key takeaways can resonate with us all and hope they may be of value to you too.
Check out part 1 here if you’ve missed it.
10 Business Lessons To Take Forward Into 2020…..Part 2 – now coming up!
#6 Find Your Tribe
Many business owners say they feel isolated running a business by themselves. In 2015 I wanted to connect to business owners who shared the same values, challenges and drive.
As well as meeting people through work and networking events, over the years I found some great online groups particularly, Blooming Founders, Female Entrepreneur Association, Simply Smart Business and Janet Murray’s Love Marketing Community. I’ve been profoundly blessed with the people I’ve connected with who have provided support, accountability, inspiration and friendship.
Lesson: If you’re a solopreneur or business owner, find your tribe. We can’t do everything ourselves – we won’t get far as fast and it’s not sustainable. Talk to others but also don’t forget to embrace those in your industry. There is enough business for everyone, collaboration over competition is actually far more productive.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” – Helen Keller
#7 You’re Always A Work in Progress
There are milestone years in our lives, where we hit a turning point or we close a chapter. Early in 2016 KV Comms turned the big 5. The stats of small business failing before year 5 is high – so to get to this point I felt most proud for what I had learnt along the way.
In addition, that year I turned the big 4-0. I appreciated the person I grew into during my 30s and thought I’d learnt a lot already, but even more lessons were coming my way. You never stop learning, evolving and improving. Every day’s a school day!
Lesson: Your business and personal self requires constant work and development – the two are interlinked. We need emotional, financial and business intelligence and that will always be tested and require upgrades. Remember to document these milestones, be proud and celebrate them.
“Every next level of your life will demand a different version of you” – Leonardo DiCaprio
#8 You Have More Control Than You Think
Dealing with issues management and PR crisis scenarios, you review and assess a situation from all angles before delivering a response, or see what the best steps are to minimise damage and what action needs to be taken to move things forward in a more positive way.
I was having issues with late-paying clients and consequently cash flow, which for a small business is dangerous. Despite terms and conditions and contracts in place, getting upset wasn’t going to solve anything. Persistent chasing and debt collection agencies recouped the money, but I realised I needed to change the model and business practices that require now payment upfront.
Lesson: There are situations outside of your control, both professionally and personally, but ultimately you alone are responsible for how you manage your reaction and handle these situations. You’re also the one to rectify situations as best as you can. We have the power to change things we don’t like and move forward, rather than accept it’s just the way it is.
“At any given moment, you have the power to say this is not how the story is going to end.” – Christine Mason Miller.
#9 No One Died And In Five Years Will This Matter?
This mantra helps me find my ‘zen’.
I had a run of bad luck in the space of months in 2018. My data drive was damaged without backing up. I’d lost work for a client launch I had to re-do. I went through a break-up. I had my boiler break down. My electric shower died and needed replacing. I was having issues with subsidence….again!
Each time when I was ready to flip, I would remind myself that no-one died and in five years, no one would care. I would work rectify the situation but otherwise, I would just ‘put it in the f*ck it bucket’ – it was incredibly calming and freeing and thoroughly recommend this.
Lesson: When we break out of our comfort zone, we’re going to experience highs and lows like no other. Meditation and mindset are two powerful tools to help regulate and keep things calm when things around us can descend into chaos. Perspective is also extremely valuable to help us push on.
“Busy is a choice. Stress is a choice. Joy is choice. Choose wisely” – Ann Voskamp
#10 Trust Your Instincts. Intuition Doesn’t Lie.
I have always had a battle between logic and intuition. When I’ve ignored intuition, it makes me listen.
In 2019, health issues forced me to a complete stop. It turns out this was a blessing for me. I could do nothing but listen. I listened to my body first, it was telling me what it wanted and needed to look after myself better. Then I dug deeper to connect, trust and find the answers and direction I needed to take. It’s helped shift my direction to better serve clients and do what will benefit me the most.
Lesson: When we don’t listen to our intuition and what it’s telling you, you often find the path even harder. Like ‘wading through mud’. Deep down we have our own answers, we need. Yes, life is hard work but when you’re doing what’s right for you as opposed to what others will tell you is right, the work becomes lighter.
“The more you trust your intuition, the more empowered you become, the stronger you become and the happier you become” – Gisele Bundchen
I hope these tips bring you some guidance on your journey this year. I’d love to hear which of the lessons resonated with you most, or which ones you found more helpful.
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May your 2020 business journey bring you fulfilment, success, and abundance.