Being a new entrepreneur is a crazy life. It’s fun, exhilarating, freeing, but for some, it can be a little intimidating or even scary. It’s a huge shift to go from being on a company’s time clock to creating your own daily schedule. You are not just in charge of not only what your income will be, but also what products you will create, how you will promote yourself and who you will work with and allow into your business. There will be some hit and misses as you develop schedules/systems that will work for you and your business. The last thing you want to do is create stress as you are finding your own way.
Check out the points below for some tips on avoiding needless headaches.
1. Are you being stubborn?
There will be plenty of advice on what you should and shouldn’t do. Try out different methods to determine what suits you. Don’t get stuck on following a course of action because it’s recommended by “experts.” Don’t continue to stick to plans/products/courses of action that are not benefiting you. It’s better to save time and revamp when you see things are not working rather than to continue to struggle. Evaluate your business monthly and set goals. For products that are not working monitor them closely, and develop plans to either revamp them or scrap them. Very few will get it right on the first or even first few tries, so don’t let that discourage you.
2. Not reaching out for help.
You can’t do it all alone. Many of us consider ourselves to be one woman/man shows and take on all the tasks of running a business alone. That is the perfect way to not only stress yourself out but overextend your talents. Make a list of everything you need to handle yourself and which tasks can be delegated to others. Join support groups and build your network.
3. Neglecting customer service.
Customer service will be a defining factor in your long term success, Your business must be more than the sale. How do you respond to customers once they’ve made a purchase? Do you have a followup system in place? What makes your clients become repeat customers? How do they refer you to others?
Overall, take the time to find your way and learn what will work for you in the long run and keep you feeling sane!
