My Advice to Small Business Owners as a Newbie

Running a small business is no joke, especially when it's just you. You are the finance department, the operations department, the marketing and social media manager, and everything else in between! So here is what I've learned so far, and my advice to anyone looking at starting their own business. 

1. Just Start

If the idea of starting a small business has been wedging itself into your brain then pursue it! Do the research, take time to figure out what you'll need, and make it happen. One of the most important lessons I've learned is that life is too short to live without regrets. I don't want to lie on my deathbed thinking what if I had started that small business? Why didn't I just do? It is super scary, but I find that it's even scarier to wonder 'what if'. 

2. Having a Game Plan is Super Important

It may seem all fun and games running a business, having more freedom to make your own decisions and just having more freedom in general, but the truth is that you will work 100x harder. Having a strategy, a game plan, is vital in running a business. You need to know where you're going and how you're going to achieve it. It would be a huge mistake to run in blind! Sit down with yourself and ask the hard questions, put together a business plan and have goals you'd like to achieve and milestones you want to accomplish. 

3. Social Media 

Social media as a small business is incredibly IMPORTANT. This is your way to build your following, promote your brand and grow your community. I am not the greatest at social media, and it takes so much of your time, but it is one of the most amazing tools for any small business owner! Take advantage of it. Spend a day coming up with content ideas and creating content. It may seem like a waste of time, but I promise you that it isn't. Customers and clients love to see consistency!

4. It's Okay to Feel Alone

This was most probably the hardest lesson I've learnt... it's okay to feel alone on this journey! Not everyone will understand your need, desire and passion to run your own business, and they don't need to. At the end of the day, you are creating a life for yourself that brings you joy and freedom. Keep focused on your end goals, find a community of business owners, find your people who understand the struggles! It's a long, tough journey to be on... one that not many people are brave enough to go on. 

I hope this helps you. Just remember that this is a brave step you're taking! The world needs more local businesses, it needs more passion and excitement, it needs more people willing to take a chance on themselves.