This post about starting my own business is by Steph Gillies our guest from episode 269 published on the 5th of September 2023. Here are the link to the video and audio.

Ever since I was young, I dreamed of starting my own business. I wanted to work for myself and experience the flexibility of time and money I saw so many entrepreneurs experience.

Once I started working in my career, I found myself busy and distracted and instead of starting a business, I focused on my job. I was working long hours, the pay wasn’t great but I loved the impact we were making.

Until I got laid off.

Once I was laid off, I had a decision to make. Go back to work at a job where I was overworked and underpaid or take a risk and start a business.

I decided to jump full time into starting a business and it was quite the adventure.

Here are some valuable insights of the things I wish I had known when I first started my business:

Embrace Uncertainty

Getting out of your comfort zone is crucial for business success. When I start to feel comfortable in my business, I notice that my business tends to slow down. Feeling uncomfortable is natural, especially when you are first starting out!

You Don’t Have to Spend Money to Make Money

When I first started my business, I didn’t have a lot of extra money to burn. I had heard so many experts say “It takes money to make money,” and I was concerned that I wouldn’t grow without having money to spend on a website or advertising.

I’m here to tell you that with social media, you don’t need to spend money. There are so many creative ways to build your business without spending money.

Outline a Target Market

Ok, in all fairness, this one I was told but I didn’t believe it. I thought having a target market would limit the people who would reach out to me and I would eliminate business. Instead, what I have come to understand is that having a target market allows you to create content that speaks directly to your audience and allows more people to relate to your posts.

Define your Why

Just like anything, business has highs and lows. Defining your why – the reason you are in business and what makes you excited about building this every day – will help keep you motivated during the hard times.

Celebrate Small Wins

When I achieve a goal, I tend to look to the next goal and forget to celebrate what I have achieved. Celebrating even the smallest achievement fuels your motivation and reminds you of how far you’ve come. Every milestone counts!

Business is an exciting and challenging journey, one filled with excitement, failure, growth and learning. Even through the challenging times, I love every minute of it. Being in business has pushed me to be more of myself than anything in my life has ever done.

If you have been thinking of starting a business, take this as a sign that today is your day to start!

Here are a couple of ways I can help:

Business Brainstorm Session:

If you are looking to transform your passion and experiences into a profitable business but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place!

My business brainstorming sessions are designed to provide you with a collaborative environment where you can spend time exploring exciting business ideas tailored to your interests and expertise.

We begin by delving into your passions, interests, and experiences to understand what truly excites you. This will help build a business idea that resonates with your core values.

If you want to get started but don’t know what business to start, this session is for you!

Passion to Profit Three Month Coaching Program:

This three-month coaching program will provide you with the support you need to start your purpose-driven business.

It will be the springboard for you to get started on your business, making sure you are focusing on the right things every day.

You will receive 6 individual coaching sessions, chat support, and a business launch plan.

If you are ready to dive into business, whether you have an idea or not, this program will give you the confidence and tools you need to achieve success.

Connect with me:

Website: https://stephgillies.com/businesscoaching

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies

Calendly: www.calendly.com/stephgillies/discovery