I can’t believe it! Ten years in business as The Proper Place. The years have flown by and equally felt long. I feel seasoned with experience, yet have so much to learn. I’ve shifted the business focus multiple times muddling through trial and error. I’ve landed on productivity coaching/consulting, but still value physical order. I’m not sure I can say: “this is where I thought I’d be” at ten years of business – in many ways, I probably thought I’d be farther along – but I’m content and humbled.
The journey of ups and downs have allowed me to meet so many amazing women at different life stages. It’s given me appreciation and perspective around the success of running a business. I am incredibly grateful for the women who have trusted me to be their listening ear, advocate, accountability. I owe them the biggest hug of gratitude!
I’ve reflected on the advice I wish I could have told myself when I started my business ten years ago. I probably wouldn’t have truly understood these points without going through the journey, but I’d go back and try to explain them to my younger self. So! If you are starting off in your own business or deep in the trenches of growth, these might resonate with you, too.
LESSONS I'VE LEARNED: 15 pieces of advice I would tell anyone starting a business
Try and fail is the best method – when I began, I didn’t want to do anything in my business unless I could “do it right” (recovering perfectionist, here!). My husband told me: “you will fail, but you are relentless.” I still have this sticky note on my desk.
I have inherent talent – we all have skills that are already within us. We can learn and improve in variety of avenues, but our inherent talent will shine through. When I first started my business I was unsure of how “to organize” women’s lives and a wise friend reminded me that I already have that within me. Everyone has their own inherent talent.
Imposter syndrome is real – if you’re a woman in business, you get this. You feel like you’re not good enough and self-doubt rules. You don’t think you’re sufficient and you shouldn’t be running this business when you’re still figuring out your own life. It’s a lie; fight through.
No one right way – there is no one right way to run a business, maximize your time, recruit clients, post on social media, etc. Find the way that works and that’s the best way.
Ignoring other’s is hard – everyone has an opinion about how you should run your business (and life). There is so much influence – good and bad – knowing what is true for you and filtering out the junk takes intention.
Don’t use someone else’s measuring stick – its’ so easy to line my ideas up to others and conclude that I don’t measure up. My success and priorities can only be measured by my own values and standards. Using my collogues measuring stick, instead of my own, will only hinder my growth. (or sometimes we don’t need to measure at all)
Stick to your values – know your path and values so you know which way is North when you doubt, compare, and have challenging situations to navigate.
Charge what you’re worth –Knowing what your service is worth and talking about money is tough. Understand your value and be confident.
Discouraging days will come – not every client is going to love you and not every year is going to be profitable. Expect hardship and know you have the tools to overcome. Trials refine us!
Just do it – get started with your new idea and the rest will come. Planning is important (believe me I’m a planner!) but you have to get your toes in the water to learn and gain momentum.
Be yourself – don’t try to be like others because it never works out. Be you. That’s who people want to hire. It’s the best version.
It’s ok to change course – I started as an organizer and have niched down to productivity. That doesn’t mean I don’t love organizing or even still organize sometimes, but shifting your business is natural as you learn your talents, love, and audience. Change is a part of growth!
Be grateful and gracious – others will get in your way – be gracious. Others will help you – be grateful. You will get in your own way – be gracious to yourself.
Give and you will receive – help others, network, give back. Competition isn’t negative; work together. Help others and your own work will be rewarded.
Take care of yourself – Learn the self-care you need to be in a healthy mental and physical place. When you prioritize wellness for yourself, you can prioritize wellness for your business, clients, and family.
THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT AND TRUST!
I can probably go on and on, but I’ll stop there. Thank you for your support and believing in me as a business woman, organizer, productivity expert, coach, consultant, friend. My favorite and biggest blessing is getting to know women and being trusted to be a part of their growth stories. Thank you for the business and the vulnerability.
Saying a prayer of gratitude and I’m open to what’s in store in the next decade!
