I work with women at all stages of their business. With women who are considering making the leap into business ownership right through to those who have multiple business and who want to expand and evolve their business further.
Last week I met with a friend who is contemplating starting up her own business. The conversation went as you would probably expect, “I know I’m capable, I’m just scared of making that leap. What if no-one wants to work with me?”
Of course, I had lots to offer her in the way of support, ideas, and encouragement but I thought, hold on….what would 750 women in business have to say if I asked this question? So I asked them. Over in my Facebook group, a group packed with women who have done just that. Set up their own business. So I know we could get some amazing support going on.
Keen to know what they said? Here’s a selection of top tips and ideas. I hope this helps anyone who’s considering making that leap or have recently made it and looking for tips and advice.
“Be authentically you, then you will attract the right clients for you rather than just wanting ‘any client’. Have a belief in you and your capabilities that will not waiver in the tougher times, network at least a couple of times a month and from those book in 1-1 sessions and build relationships with those people seeing how you can help them with your contacts. Have a business coach as it’ll set you on the right track from the start”. Lindsay G, owner of www.praemando.co.uk
“Do it, and remember what is the worst thing that could happen? It doesn’t work out you get a new job BUT you will have tried”. Michaela V, owner of www.michaelavaux.co.uk
“To go for it! I think every emotion is felt, you work different hours to most but the flexibility of being your own boss it worth its weight. also find a good graphic designer who will help her with her brand, its the first thing your customers see” Caroline M, owner of www.wearebigbarn.co.uk
“Be clear about your boundaries, then set yourself some core working hours and treat it like a job. It IS still a job – only you pay yourself and nobody tells you what you have to do or when you have to do it”. Jo L, owner of www.lifeatlascoaching.com
“Life’s too short, go for it, it’s better to think ‘at least I tried’ rather than ‘I wish I had’”, Penny E, owner of www.krazykidzfunforest.co.uk
“Starting a business on your own after the security of corporate is no different than going from being single to being a mum, you cope with it, it works out we deal with bumps in the road. If you can remember to always be genuine and real when dealing with customers. Don’t be scared to ask for help from friends in the self employed field it shows you are willing to learn”. Toni-lea, owner of www.facebook.com/arbonneToni
“Plan – get clear in your purpose, intention and long term vision. Get a coach and get childcare. Without support, it takes longer to get going, get things done and can be overwhelming”. Yvette A, owner of www.yvetteankrah.com
“Be yourself. Be passionate about your offerings or services. People do ‘buy people’ and your existing skills from your career And being a mum will serve you very well”. Ros G, owner of www.yogaros.co.uk
“Network network network!! Finding the right Tribe to support you, and share their own knowledge and experience, is worth so so much”! Lizi, owner www.facebook.com/NakedGoalsCoach
“That good is good enough – don’t waste time waiting to make everything perfect, just make a start. Agree with Lindsay, be you – don’t compete with anyone else, there is enough business for everyone”. Lorraine P, owner of www.cmconnection.co.uk
“Don’t expect your brain to function the 100% the way it did before, hormones rule – that was my experience anyway! Baby brain fog lifts eventually! In the meantime talk lots and get support from like minded motivators, don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t achieve a goal as quickly as you expected. Collaboration is key- I loved the fact I made Mum baby friends but wished their had been more Mama based Mumtrepreneur groups around 8 years ago, there are some truly lovely ones now. Version one is better than version none”. Sam B, owner of www.facebook.com/BeautyBusinessBuddy
Be you and don’t compete. Be prepared for ups and downs but always remember why your started the journey. Faye, owner of www.facebook.com/Fayebodyfit
And my advice? Before setting out really know your why. Why you want to start your own business. What’s the driving motivation? Self-employment is tough. There are times when you need to dig deep for motivation, resilience, and determination. But my goodness, the benefits it brings are pretty awesome too! Know your ‘why’ and you’ll have that driving determination to succeed.
I’d love to hear your own additional top tips. Drop me an email with your feedback hello@thrivewithsam.com
I’m Sam Dixon, founder of Thrive In Business – an experienced Marketing Coach & Consultant to ambitious businesswomen who want to launch, grow and scale their business with flexible marketing support. For a free 30 minute discovery call get in touch by email hello@thrivewithsam.com
And if you’re looking for the support of like-minded women, come and join the conversation on my Facebook group Women Who Thrive in Business