Can you believe it’s been seven years since I hung my own shingle as a freelancer? It feels like just yesterday I was trading hours for dollars as a marketing assistant for a realtor, juggling social media, design, and the occasional web project.
Back then, I was clueless. Looking back, that “business” feels like a completely different world. I was stuck in the employee mindset, all about pleasing clients instead of building a sustainable empire.
I’m forever grateful for my first client, but if I could rewind, I’d flip a major switch in myself and my business way sooner. Four years of not taking the reins? Yikes! My bank account definitely felt the burn.
This post is about my biggest business blunders and how you can totally avoid them. I’m sharing these lessons because I want to be your guide to business success. Let’s dive in!
#1 – I Needed a Blueprint, Not Just Dreams
Sure, I had dollar signs in my eyes, but a solid business plan? Zero. For years, I aimed for financial success without a clear roadmap. It was like driving without a GPS – I knew where I wanted to go, but I had no idea how to get there.
Finally, in 2021, I decided to take control. I sat down and outlined all my goals, both short-term and long-term. I dreamed big, setting ambitious targets for income, clientele, and personal growth. But I also included smaller, achievable steps to build momentum.
Creating this comprehensive business plan was a game-changer. It provided the focus and direction I desperately needed. I could visualize my path forward, and I felt empowered to take proactive steps to achieve my objectives.
Want to see how I transformed my goals into a actionable plan? Check out my Check out my free Lead Generation Action Plan masterclass! I’ll walk you through my step-by-step process and share valuable templates to help you create your own blueprint for success.
#2 – Investing in Myself was My Biggest Money-Maker
I quickly realized that with four years of serving clients yet still needing a sustainable income, I was drowning. It was clear I needed expert guidance to transform my struggling business into a thriving enterprise. That’s when I found a business coach who had walked in my shoes. She was a former web designer turned successful coach, and her experience resonated deeply with me.
I was drawn to her ability to package skills into high-ticket offers. She understood the challenges of service-based businesses and could help me create a business model that would not only serve my clients but also provide me with the financial freedom I craved.
Investing in coaching was a leap of faith. The $7,500 fee was a significant chunk of my annual income. But it was a calculated risk. I trusted my coach’s expertise and believed in her ability to deliver results. Within just two months, I recouped my investment. In fact, I ended up generating over $80,000 in revenue during that first year, proving that investing in myself was the smartest money move I ever made.
Hindsight is 20/20, and I realize now that seeking mentorship and guidance much earlier would have accelerated my success.
#3 – Building an Audience was My Secret Weapon
Between working with my business coach and a pivotal moment during a collaboration with an influencer, a lightbulb went off. It became crystal clear that I needed a larger audience to fuel my business growth. Relying solely on social media was no longer sufficient. I needed a direct connection with potential clients. (I share that full story in the Lead Generation Actionplan Masterclass).
My focus shifted to building a strong online presence. I invested time and resources into creating a Facebook group and cultivating an email list. By providing valuable content and engaging with my audience, I successfully grew both platforms.
The magic happened when I implemented a strategic funnel. I offered freebies and lead magnets to attract potential clients and nurture relationships. This approach generated a steady flow of leads, which I converted into paying customers through a combination of low-ticket offers and high-ticket packages.
Building a loyal audience was instrumental in achieving consistent income. It’s a strategy I wholeheartedly recommend to any service-based business owner looking to scale their operations.
#4- Treat My Business like a Boss:
For years, I operated under the illusion that clients would magically appear. My “business strategy” consisted of sporadic social media posts and wishful thinking. Needless to say, this passive approach yielded minimal results.
I realized that consistent, proactive action was essential for growth. It meant dedicating focused time to business development tasks, even when it felt uncomfortable or unproductive. Building a successful business requires discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
I embraced a mindset shift, treating my business like a demanding yet rewarding job. By implementing the action plan I created and incorporating the strategies learned from my coaches, I established effective systems and routines. Gradually, I became more organized and efficient, which led to increased productivity and ultimately, a more profitable business.
#5 – Consistency is Queen (or King):
Consistency is the cornerstone of a successful online presence. Whether you’re active on social media, email marketing, or blogging, maintaining a regular cadence is crucial for building trust and authority.
I fell into the trap of inconsistent posting, which created an unpredictable and unreliable brand image. It was a vicious cycle: a burst of activity followed by periods of silence. This erratic behavior alienated potential clients and hindered my ability to build a loyal following.
Overcoming this challenge required discipline and commitment. I learned that consistent content creation is an investment in the future of my business. Even when I’m swamped with client work, I prioritize scheduling posts and creating valuable content. The payoff is significant: increased visibility, stronger relationships with my audience, and ultimately, more opportunities for growth.
#6 – Nurture My Audience Like a Pro:
Building a loyal audience is like striking gold. It’s a valuable asset that can significantly impact your business’s stability and growth. But simply accumulating followers isn’t enough. You must nurture those connections to transform casual fans into dedicated customers.
I focused on providing consistent value through weekly newsletters and engaging community-building activities within my Facebook group. These touchpoints were essential for building trust, rapport, and credibility. By consistently delivering valuable content and fostering a sense of community, I transformed casual followers into raving fans eager to support my business.
Remember, it’s never too early to start nurturing your audience. Whether you have a handful of subscribers or thousands, focus on building genuine connections. Consistent engagement will lay the foundation for long-term success.
Wrapping it Up!
Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. While there were undoubtedly challenges and setbacks, I’ve grown exponentially as a business owner and individual.
I understand that building a successful business takes time and perseverance. There’s no magic formula or overnight success story. Every entrepreneur faces their own unique set of obstacles. However, by sharing my experiences and lessons learned, I hope to provide valuable insights and inspiration to others on their path.
I wish I had a roadmap to follow when I first started, but that wasn’t the case. My goal with this blog post is to be that roadmap for you. By implementing the strategies and mindset shifts I’ve outlined, you can accelerate your progress and build a thriving business.
Ready to dive deeper? My Lead Generation Action Plan Masterclass offers a comprehensive blueprint for success. It’s packed with actionable steps, templates, and expert guidance to help you achieve your goals.
Let’s connect and embark on this entrepreneurial journey together!
——————————————————————————
Links You Might Love to Have:
Increase Your Income with Free Offers Free Webinar – Watch it Here!
75 Free Offer Types & 600 Free Offer Topics – Get My Free Offer Database
Join my FREE 10K+ member Facebook Community of – Bosses Building Brands
Follow for More Tips on Instagram – Zestful Media & Design Instagram
Schedule a FREE Consult for 1:1 Branding & Web Design Services – Book It Here
