Going out on your own after the security of a salaried position can be a scary thing—but it’s also one of the most exhilarating and rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. Because I’m a big believer in helping others achieve their goals, I’ve shared a few of my own mistakes, in the hope that they will help as you embark on your small business journey.
I failed at being my own boss
Self-discipline is essential to being a successful small-business owner. The first two weeks of being my own boss, I binged on the entire series of Dawson’s Creek and finished work at 5pm, regardless of whether I’d completed my tasks. It was like I’d never even heard of the concept of self-discipline, let alone possessed it. The truth is, self-discipline is a learned skill, not an attribute—it takes practice. Acknowledge your weaknesses and establish a clear plan before you start your working week… and remove any distracting temptations from your work environment.
I didn’t audit my circle
The people around you affect your personal success, and I’m a huge believer in the theory that you are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with. So choose your inner circle wisely. I needed people who stretched me and supported my goals, and instead I had doubters. In the early days of a small business, you’ve got no time for doubt. Find your tribe and stick with them.
I didn’t work on personal development
The more you broaden your mind, the more creatively you can approach problem solving and strategy. When I started out, I didn’t believe in allocating time for extracurricular activities—I thought it all had to be about my business. These days, I am obsessed with learning. Podcasts, journal articles, YouTube videos, audible books… I can’t get enough. Elevating your own knowledge enhances not only your wellbeing, but your business too.
I invested money (and time) into the wrong areas
I invested money in all the wrong places, and what’s more, I valued money over time. It took awhile, but I finally realised the benefit of paying an expert to do a task I didn’t have either the time or knowledge for. Outsourcing (and automation) gives you more time for the things that you’re good at, the things that drive growth and keep you inspired and engaged. You’ll save money (and time) in the long term.
I failed to be okay with failure
Running your own business can be summed up with the statement: “fail, fail, fail, fail, success.” Initially, I thought that everything that I tried with my business would work, and was bitterly disappointed when it wasn’t always smooth sailing. It was naïve of me — things will go always wrong, and it’s just the nature of learning how to operate a small business. The magic happens if you have the ability to stick with it, despite the failures. Success is waiting for you!
Jemimah Ashleigh, Founder, Epic Social
