Success stories. The perfect blueprint. The 6-figure launch.
When you read how others are running their solo-businesses, it seems to be smooth sailing. They know what they’re doing. They know where they’re heading. And they execute their plans with precision and flair.
Do you sometimes feel a tinge of envy?
You’re slaving away at your desk, and you get nervous about your ever-growing to-do list. You don’t seem to make any progress at all. How can you create the business you’re dreaming of?
The truth is that few businesses are as successful as those stories you hear. And running our own businesses is much messier than most people like to admit.
Below follow 14 honest lessons and surprising tips about my first 3 years of running Enchanting Marketing. Learn how to run your solo-biz without going crazy, without burning out, and without feeling like a miserable failure.
Ready?
1. A one-person business isn’t agile
No power play. No office politics. No boss.
The life of a solo-flyer sounded like heaven; and often it is.
But in the beginning it feels more like being crushed under the weight of an elephant, and you don’t seem to make progress at all.
Whether you’re growing your email list or writing a book, everything takes longer than you think.
Don’t set yourself impossible targets.
2. When you feel overwhelmed, make a list
When you feel stressed out, a weird thing happens. You get paralyzed; and while you’re crazily busy, you get even less done.
To get unstuck, create a list with everything you want to do.
Once you have your full list, pick the absolute essentials and move them to a separate short list. Put the long list away to free up space in your mind, and focus on your essential tasks only.
3. When the world is against you, stop trying to control it
On your busiest day of the year, your car breaks down.
When you’re ready to launch your new product, your email supplier suffers a DDoS attack and you can’t send any emails. When you finally breathe a deep sigh of relief because your business starts running smoothly, an injury knocks you out.
I’ve been there, and I know how it feels. The world seems to sabotage us. But feeling like a victim doesn’t help us move on. So take a step back and consider: How can you manage the challenges?
4. Don’t set yourself impossible standards
We can learn a lot from others, but it’s dangerous to try emulating work practices of people who are years ahead of us.
Nurturing a writing habit takes time, so don’t think you can write like Stephen King from day one.
Don’t try to be a productivity hero when you’re only trying to figure out what you should do.
5. Putting yourself out there is scary
And that’s okay.
Move out of your comfort zone slowly and define your own boundaries.
6. Each business phase requires a different focus
In the beginning, getting to know your readers and growing your email list are top priorities. You also must build your own credibility.
Later on, growing your list becomes less important and you can re-direct your efforts to creating products to help your readers. Start thinking about sales funnels and converting readers into buyers.
Juggling different goals is one of the most challenging tasks of starting a business. Be clear about what’s important, because you can’t focus on too many different goals at the same time.
7. Don’t get stuck when planning, because you don’t know what will happen
When I started my business, I thought I’d become a content marketing consultant. It turned out I hated it and I felt overwhelmed. So I changed my focus from content marketing to writing. And within a year, I also changed my avatar from a marketer at a small business to a coach running a solo-biz.
When you start your business, you go down the wrong tracks, and you must try different roads. That’s part of the game.
So, get started somewhere. And see where your journey takes you. Keep an open mind.
8. Don’t listen to the naysayers
You get criticized. That’s for sure.
What’s important is understanding whether suggestions are valid or not. Why do people disagree with you? Why don’t they like what you do? Are they your target audience or not?
Feedback tells you what your audience is looking for and helps you improve your business. But some criticism is irrelevant because people don’t know what you’re trying to achieve or they simply are not the people you’d like to work with.
Learn whom to listen to and whom to ignore. Trust your gut-feeling.
9. Don’t expect your business to snowball
Because it won’t.
It’s true that your organic search traffic grows with each post you publish. When your guest post portfolio grows, you get more referrals to your site. And your email list gets boosted naturally when word of mouth spreads.
But don’t wait for a lucky break. Because most businesses are built by hard labor. Day after day. Month after month. Year after year.
10. Content marketing is a tough job
I don’t even dare to estimate the number of hours I’ve spent on this blog. It’s scary.
Writing, editing, staring at my computer, pulling out my hair, and answering lovely comments. How many hours a year?
And then I have spent numerous hours on writing guest posts, too. Yesterday, I submitted my 22nd post to Copyblogger.
It’s a crazy amount of work, and sometimes it doesn’t seem to make sense. But look at the resources I’ve built over time, step by step. (It’s now so unwieldy, I need to re-organize it so my most useful content is easier to find.)
11. Writing brings clarity and joy
Learning to write helps us discover the essence of our ideas. It deepens our understanding. It requires us to communicate with power and conviction. We learn who we are, and we can connect with like-minded people around the world.
I had never thought that learning to write would be such a life-changing experience.
12. Schedule work
Underestimating how long tasks take has been one of the biggest stress factors in my journey so far; and by writing comprehensive to-do lists, I was frustrating myself. Work was never finished, and to-do lists only became longer.
Do yourself a favor, and start appreciating how long simple tasks take. Measure how many hours you spend on social media, on writing your content, on client work.
Once you know how long tasks take, you can schedule your work. For each task you plan to accomplish this week, estimate the number of hours required. Is it doable or not? Be honest with yourself, and build in some slack time.
When you can work stress-free, you get a lot more accomplished. It’s the 90% rule of getting work done.
13. Ignore most online advice
The blogosphere tells us that everything we do, we’re doing wrong. They even tell us we’re drinking with a straw in the wrong way and we should eat tic tacs differently. And that’s before we hear about the business stuff we’re doing wrong.
The blogosphere also tells us we’re never doing enough. You might have been happy with how you’ve been promoting your blog, until you learn you must promote your blog posts in 101 ways; and you think you’re doing okay with social media until you find out there are 56 different ways for marketing our business on Pinterest.
Give yourself a break. Focus on what’s important to you and your business only. Ignore most of the advice online.
14. Don’t ever feel ashamed of feeling stuck or overwhelmed
I could make up a story about the success of my business. How I planned it ahead. How my plans worked out perfectly. And how much I enjoyed every minute of it.
The truth is much messier.
To keep your sanity, find friends who understand what you’re going through. Keep each other accountable, share your doubts, and celebrate your successes.
Remember, this is your chance to do the work you love, and to design your life around your wishes.
Recommended reading on running your solo-biz:
How to write a manifesto for a solo-biz
How to write your tagline
A 5-step strategy to create a must-read blog
Hi Henneke,
I just saw this one while clearing my inbox.
I love the honesty and the straight forward tips. This is all sound advice, Henneke. I remember that putting myself out there was scary for me, at first. Thankfully, I passed that stage.
My experience about writing has been the same. It brings me so much joy and clarity. When I write, I feel fulfilled. Not to forget all the connections I’ve made!
#13 is an important one, your comments are so true. I think a lot of entrepreneurs feel like they’re never doing enough. There’s always 100 ways more to do something, and we get reminded about it a lot, too.
I’m so glad I saw this in my inbox, Henneke. I hope you’re enjoying your weekend.
– Jasper
I am glad you still found this email 😉
It’s amazing how many connections you can make when writing online, isn’t it? It has truly enriched my life 🙂
Thank you for stopping by, Jasper.
Hello,
I stopped sweating success. I am enjoying the journey. I can not lose as I continue to learn.
In the past couple of weeks my traffic has grown as have the results of the traffic. One day people will see my overnight success and wonder where I came from.
From the trenches where I started months and months ago. I have been guilty of a number of your 14 tips and consider it all part of the learning curve. I wish I had tip 13 months ago.
Barry
Thank you for giving me permission to ignore most of what’s on line, throw out the ‘to do’ lists, and listen to my gut. I feel freer and more productive already.
Yay! That’s wonderful.
Love it! Now I want to find out how to use a straw the right way.
Happy anniversary!
Thank you! We had a lovely meal of mussels and wine to celebrate. And we didn’t use straws 😉
Yum – sounds like you’re doing it right. 🙂
Fabulous post Henneke,
Being a solo entrepreneur and becoming successful is one of the toughest things to do. The above mentioned are perhaps the most important reasons why most solo entrepreneurs don’t succeed. It just gets overwhelming most of times that leads to lack of clarity, burn out etc, etc. Each of the above mentioned tip requires focus and efforts to learn and master, which if done can help you move mountains with quite ease.
Yep, it’s amazing how much effort and focus is required. I’ve been surprised by the steep learning curve. But yes, when you can move the mountain an inch or even just a millimeter, eventually you can move it a mile 😉
Thank you for stopping by!
My pleasure! 🙂
Great stuff, Henneke, as always. This quote made me laugh: “…you think you’re doing okay with social media until you find out there are 56 different ways for marketing our business on Pinterest.” So true 🙂
Thank you, Sarah. I think I’ve given up trying to keep up with all social media tactics. 😉
Hi Henneke,
Another fabulous blog. Yes, I realize that what I never thought is true: it takes quite some time to find your groove in copywriting or blogging. I thought it would go faster, but this learning process is a life process, and I so get that now, and I embrace all challenges that come my way, because they force me to stretch to find solutions. It’s all good, as W.Clement Stone would say.
And here is to you, Henneke:
HAPPY 3RD ANNIVERSARY – I WISH FOR YOU MANY MANY MORE TO COME!!!
Thank you, Elvire 🙂
And yes, it takes a lot of hard work to get into copywriting or blogging. I hope you’re not setting your standards too high and that you’re enjoying the learning process!
I so appreciate your honesty and can identify with much of what you say in this article. PLUS I found a little jewel I can apply to my business right now. Eureka! (And thank you.)
That’s great to hear, Linda. Thank you.
Wosah! Woosaah! Wooosaaah!
Thank you. A much needed reality check and perspective. I was crazily feeling the highs and lows of all 14 points – some at the same time. Whutt!? I read (sadly can’t remember who or where) that being a writer is a lonely solitary pursuit but being a blogger is a writer with a community for company! Cheers Henneke and tribe!
Awww, I love that idea – being a blogger is a writer with a community for company. That’s how it certainly feels to me. I get so much support here. Thank you for being part of our Enchanting community, Nicole!
That is the best reading I got in the last month
Thanks and I appreciate you time to put all these together
Thank you so much, Zvi 🙂
So timely!
I just recently was yelled at (in a public library!) by a fellow author who is certainly not among my intended audience, but who thought I was doing everything wrong because I do not do things her way. So demoralizing…
She accused me of listening to too much “crxp writer advice”… When I asked her if she meant Jon Morrow, Jeff Goins, Michael Hyatte, or our own dear Henneke, she had never heard of them. Still she ranted, saying all I needed was to write “a dxmn good book”.
Did I mention she yelled all this? In public? In a library?
I left the building as soon as I could, but I’ve lingered, picking through “ground zero in my heart” for days, looking for evidence that she is wrong.
And she’s never read any of my work, so how could she even know anything? How can I even let her words be so destructive?
I’ve decided to dust myself off and get over it. The Librarian, herself, is taking me to lunch, her treat, today. I know she was appalled that other day and who knows what kind of friendship I’ll be able to salvage from the ashes and in the meantime, I’m going to keep reading this kind, lovely, true, helpful “crxp” that I SO need to help me through the life of being a writer. And I thank you so much for daring to publish it.
Because now I know that I know what to do.
Hey Katharine, that was a sobering experience. Just remember, that person had and probably still has an issue, not you.
Suggetion for reading: What you think of me is none of my business ~Terri Cole Whittaker.
Just keep going and we all love Henneke who helps us see the daily from the sunny side!
Thanks, so much, Elvire! I love the title of that book–it sounds perfect! 🙂 Yes, LOVE Henneke! And thanks for reminding me of her “sunnyside” post!
Yes, I was going to say the same thing as Elvire. When people start ranting like that, it probably has nothing to do with you. They’re having a bad day, they might be consumed by self-doubt, or something else is going on. Don’t let it distract you.
Keep writing! 🙂
You are so right, Henneke! I need to think of her as she really is, not as she presented herself that day. Recently widowed, just having finished a huge event, forced to change publishers/editors, in the middle of a 4-book series…enough to make anyone surly. I also need to remember that she has chosen to use me as her steam vent, and I should just keep out of her way! It’s not like this town is to small for the both of us. 🙂
Henneke you nailed it! I love this post and shared it on FB Twitter and Linked as a resource for clients. Thank you for persevering. I so badly wanted to be at the top of my game when I started and here I am 10 years on and still learning, and loving it. Over the years there has been so much advice that I could’ve easy gone nuts. Thank heavens I choose my own path. I love writing and it’s improving I believe. People like you are a godsend. Question: Why did auto-correct want to turn Henneke into Whence? lol
I think it makes a big difference when you can enjoy the learning experience.
Thank you for sharing, Joan!
Hello Henneke,
A super duper, great post. I don’t like long posts, but this one I savoured like a consommé.
Thank you for all the support you have given me with your course and the great Blogs.
It is always a pleasure to read them, some are especially valuable to me for arriving at the exact time of need.
Love Annamarie
That’s what I love most – when people say a blog post arrived exactly at the right time.
I appreciate you’re stopping by, as always!
Hey Henneke,
This was awesome. So many points you made I agreed with whole heartedly. So many great ones too. #8, 9, 10 and 11 and definitely true and ones I completely agree with.
#13 is a special one because if you’re starting out, it’s difficult to ignore advice. But, most advice that’s given isn’t good advice to begin with. You have to sift through and follow what works for you.
Excellent post here.
– Andrew
Yes, sure. We do need good advice. What I mean is that often we get stuck because we keep consuming advice (both good and bad advice) without taking action, so at some point we should say, I know enough to get started or I know enough to take the next step.
Glad you enjoyed the post!
Yes. I remember that post. The 56 ways to market with Pinterest. Hahaha.
Don’t tell me you’re not implementing all the 56 tips, Kitty! 😉
Hi Henneke,
#Number 10 is definitely my favorite.
It’s a long road of working hard and working smart. Sometimes, you even wonder if you are doing enough, though you have invested hours and hours.
At the end of the day, if we remain focused and constantly work on getting better, it’s always worth it.
Been following your guest posts everywhere (just read one on problogger before reading this) and loving them.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi Hannah
Nice to “meet” you. 🙂
And yep, you read about “overnight success stories”, but usually there’s a lot that isn’t told – like the failed attempts with other businesses.
Hi Henneke, thank you for the post. For your honesty. Being psychologist I have an idea about, what is going on with me and my new, stuck, meant-to-be new online business. Your post gives me so much needed support and motivation. You understand what we are going through. While lots of copywriting and marketing websites make me feel from bad to worse.
About criticism. In my opinion criticism is never helpful. Even well-meant criticism, turners on our self-defense. We feel hurt and try to protect our dignity. Growing up with a very critical mother I know what it feels like. Defensive behavior is counterproductive most of the time. I learned to communicate without criticizing my spouse. It gives a lot of positive energy to both of us. I teach my clients to communicate without using criticism, to help their relationships to grow. I believe that we can disagree, dislike what the other person does, but criticism is not a way to change anything. On the contrary.
Henneke, I understand how you feel about being criticized. Everybody feel that way, even people who say that they don’t care. Trying not to be oversensitive to the critics is a grate thing to work on. Feeling some hurt is natural for the most. We can’t stop all people from criticizing us. We can take it for what it is and use it, when we can, for something good. Otherwise leave it with the critic himself where it is truly belong.
My very best.
Yes, I guess there are different ways to phrase feedback. When people make their feedback personal (“your presentation skills are bad”), then it’s difficult to deal with. We feel criticized as if we’re not good enough.
Another way to phrase it would be to say “I struggled with understanding this point in your presentation. Can you clarify?” When people ask questions it’s a sign that I can improve things, but it’s not a personal attack.
Some people provide feedback to help, and others want to score points. It’s hard to deal with the point-scorers, they just want to make themselves feel better. Often people provide feedback without thinking about the person receiving the emails. They don’t even think about how it might come across.
Hi Henneke,
I like #2. Making lists helps me to focus on the important things I need to work on and helps me to stay on top of things. This practice has helped me to be a lot more productive and focused.
Thanks again for everything that you shared on this blog. My writing has improved so much thanks to the advices on your blog.
Yes, I love making lists, too.
I’ve learned that I can’t manage my work with lists only. I must schedule work otherwise I drive myself crazy. Hence #12.
Glad to hear my blog has helped you!
Thanks Henneke for the post. I have allowed life to interfere (a grandson who I help care for) and haven’t done much with my website for the last two years. but I am ready to get back into it. Your post is perfect. I don’t have to feel bad, I can write as I want to and when I want to. Just getting into writing helps me clarify my feelings and my thoughts. It is wonderfully healing and helpful. I will get back on the track. I’ll see you on your blog as well.
Wise words, Laraine. Don’t make yourself feel bad because you’ve had different priorities for some time. We can’t do everything, and writing shouldn’t become a burden.
Thank you Henneke for writing this important blog with such clarity! You did covey the message intended with this just 14 points. Indeed we are not bionic or superman. We are the real thing–human! Easy does it! It is not ?
And I agree with Marlene, “we should take time to play”. For the sake of sanity of course.
The illustration it is so funny! Never saw an elephant having look so wired. He must be a relative of the lady under him… having the same eyes! Ha! Ha, ha! Tell me who teach you to draw… I might go unto that…. Grandma Moses started painting when she became centenarian. The things is… the comedy was inside you already.
When I finish reading all the points and the commentaries, is when I realize that being a blogger is not an easy task. Can be a full time job! But should be a relaxing job also… because, no one is pushing us to perform when working. No one bossing around us.
Everything in life takes time to mature. We born with instincts, not knowledge. And we grow slowly. The school of life is tough, anyway we see it. Thanks again brainy lady. God bless!
The lady in the cartoon is Henrietta – my alter ego. She’s a little braver, more extrovert, and more creative than me. And, in a way, the elephant is Henrietta, too, because while we might feel the world is against us, we’re sabotaging ourselves. That’s why the elephant has the same eyes. I drew the elephant before as a symbol of Henrietta’s self-doubt: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/overcome-self-doubt/
The cartoon drawing course I’ve taken was the Da Vinci course: http://www.psychotactics.com/davinci/
I have also taken some courses from Koosje Koene: http://koosjekoene.blogspot.nl/
Hi,
Great post that comes at a best time with the Holidays coming. Several tips in the post will make my business go smoother this holiday season for my online and store front Shops.
Thank you!
That’s great to hear. Thank you, Marti!
Number 13 has been the most important thing I’ve learned in the last few months. Once I stopped listening to others’ advice and just freakin’ DID the work, I moved my business forward several steps. Without that advice. Big surprise.
That’s great to hear, Bree. I think the problem with all information on the internet is, that we always feel we need to learn more because there’s always more to learn. But instead of asking ourselves Do I need to learn more?, we’d better ask Can I start somewhere? Is there something useful I can do? Otherwise, we keep stuck in analysis, planning, and learning mode for ever!
Thank you, Henneke, for your words of truth.
You’re welcome 🙂
Ignore most of the advice online – oh so true!
Happy 3rd Anniversary for this Friday Henneke. You have a lot to be proud of and I’ve certainly enjoyed reading your posts.
Kind regards
Mark
PS. Fabulous having the weather back on your email notice 😉
The weather update was especially for you, Mark 🙂
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it!
That gave me a big laugh about the weather! Thank you Henneke, I’m most touched ….
Impressive mind-reading. You relate to small business owner’s feelings so well that I thought you might have spied on me this past few months 🙂
#12 – Schedule Work is right to the point, Henneke. It’s the perfect tip to start managing time efficiently. Thank you for this smart article. You made my day.
Yep, I’m a spy and a mind reader 😉
Good to “see” you here, June. Thank you for stopping by.
You are right on every single point.
I can only speak for myself, but I really appreciate your posts. Really truly. It’s the best blog on writing out there (with extra bits of useful marketing thrown in for good measure.)
🙂
Thank you so much, Kerstin. That’s a wonderful compliment. I appreciate you’ve been sticking around for so long!
Hi Henneke,
Many thanks for the timely content. Love to read your writing tips. Already signed for your FREE Snackable Writing Course.
Best Regards,
Mohammed
Nice to “meet” you, Mohammed. I hope you’re enjoying the snacks! 🙂
As usual, good stuff Henneke. A prioritised list always helps me get back on track. As a writer, your on-line advice is the most relevant of all “author advice” blogs. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Paul. That’s a wonderful compliment 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Henneke. The cartoon and the article are both like visiting Grandma’s house and being poured a warm mug of hot cocoa. Ahhh…. Balm to my soul; just what I needed right now. You’re the best! Really.
Enjoy the hot cocoa, Marcella! 🙂
Great advice as usual, Henneke. I especially love the one about letting things happen in their own time. Its easy to look around and see people farther along (in half the time). But each of our journeys are unique, something I always have to remind myself. Thanks again.
Yes, that’s so true. Each journey is unique, and we never know what other people’s journey have really been like.
Amen to that. All of it.
Thank you for stepping up and saying what needs to be said.
I like your #13 too: Ignore most online advice.
But if it’s okay with you I think I’ll put you in my “exceptions to the rule” category? 😉
Well, if you really REALLY insist, you can make an exception and not ignore me all the time 😉
Thank you, Bart!
Henneke:
It’s a little relief for a struggling me to hear super successful you tell an enchanting and horrific story of your solo struggle! I have built a business before so what the heck is wrong with me now? Nothing at all is the answer as you are confirming. Thank goodness. I’ve been through exactly some of your same paths in my own writing journey, like shifting your initial focus, for example.
The thing that just recently slapped me in the face is the realization that trying to listen to everyone else and taking in the wisdom of the Internet “they” was absolutely hindering my progress. I have even had completely opposite advice on the same topic. Now what? Who has it right and why does it sound so simple and easy for everyone else?
I’m with you, Henneke, I decided to stop the overwhelm and listen to my heart and my own mind. I have to focus on doing the best I can, as much as I can, and continue to improve and grow. The harder I work, the luckier I get. Which is to say, I’m not afraid to work and create a nice little business, step by step, inch by inch, until I reach my goals, one at a time. And again, like you, working in a way that feels good and not like a stressful drain makes it all so much easier and fun. It allows you a chance to practice and grow.
I’ve always found in business that working for money doesn’t work, at least for me. I find that, instead, I work to delight my clients and do the best work for them I can. And the paycheck follows. That’s how I’ve operated in business all along. Makes sense again.
Thanks for reminding me and sharing your story to help us all breathe easier today:)
Take care and thank you. Sue-Ann
Yeah, I know. There’s many different ways to build an online business, so the advice can be contradictory.
I love the point you make about not focusing on money so much. Once we can make a reasonable living, then doing good work and enjoying what we’re doing gives us more energy and happiness than more money.
I needed this today Henneke, thanks! I will be sharing this, great post… Now I am going to take a deep breath! 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Jo. And keep breathing 🙂
Hi Henneke!,
Been enjoying your articles and art work for some time now! First time commenting however, because your points and tips in this article REALLY resonated with me at this point in the busy-ness of really pushing forward with my business. I’m printing them out, hanging them up, and implementing your advice…esp #13…like a lot of others that commented!
Thank you so much,
Ayo
Thank you, Ayo!
“I had never thought that learning to write would be such a life-changing experience.”
That line really resonated with me (and I’m still learning!)
I’m still learning, too. 🙂
Henneke, thank you.
This is just what I needed to read this morning.
I see other commenters are jumping on the No. 13 bandwagon, which I completely agree with. But to spice things up a bit, I’d say No. 11 spoke to me most.
I’m a “situational extrovert”, but if I can go a day without talking to people, I’m A-Okay with that! Writing is where I feel most confident and open. It’s my best form of communication.
Wonderful points and post, Henneke! I always love reading your content. 🙂
Always,
Sara
I agree. Writing helps settle my active mind, and allows me to focus better with most everything else I need or want to do.
Thank you for giving me permission to be human! Things always take longer than you plan.
I’ve learned that for anything totally new I undertake, I’d better multiply my time estimation by three.
Hi Henneke,
Great post, as always. Your writing is so vivid and clear.
I love #7 and #8. The two go together, for me. I know I’m getting caught up in the small details before launching my blog. I tell friends and family about my idea and they look at me like I’m from another planet. I know my main hurdle is taking the leap and not worrying about what other people say.
Thanks for the great advice!
Eric
Yes, I know what you mean. In the beginning, I didn’t tell friends and family much about my online business. And I still write as if only my online friends read my content.
When offline people mention something about one of my posts, I start to panic a little. Weird, eh?
Hi Henneke,
I’ve been reading your blog and ebooks for a while now and this is my first posting.
I relate most to number 7- Don’t get stuck when planning. I spent the whole year being honest with myself and really working out what I wanted to do. I had so many ideas and it was really hard to narrow it down and after much retrospection and introspection, I finally did! I have a beauty blog, but I decided that I wanted to run an online beauty store in addition to writing. It hasn’t launched yet (Nov.11), but I’ve sold out of product before it opened! I honestly enjoy every aspect of it- well almost. But I love it! Even more than just writing a blog with no products. And so far, I have a good feeling about it.
Also number 5- Putting yourself out there is scary. Well, yes it is. Even though I spent years in the fashion and beauty industry as a model and writer, it’s still scary to introduce something new! But just like you mentioned, transition slowly out of your comfort zone. Nothing needs to be rushed. Relax and go with the flow!
This was the perfect read to start my day;)
Thanks again!
Zephorah
Wow, congrats on selling out your product before your store has even opened. That’s fabulous.
Good luck with your launch!
And thank you for stopping by 🙂
Thank you Henneke.
It is nice to hear from you.
With regards,
Singaravelu
Hi,
I love “ignore most online advice”, I have a chosen few whom I believe I will always follow (luckily your one of them ;-)), but there are so many people confusing us when we think we’re on the right track, they throw the entire train off the track and we think we’re doing everything wrong – then it takes months to get the train back on track and running again. (first getting out of the I can’t do this mode into the I CAN do this mode and then taking it from there again)
Be blessed
Linda
I feel honored to be one of your lucky few, Linda. Thank you.
Thanks for #13.
Been feeling so overwhelmed by all the online resources, spending more and more time doing catch up but my output isn’t increasing.
I shall give myself a break. 🙂
Yeah, it’s impossible to keep up with all the advice being published online, so it’s better not to try and focus on what matters.
Taking a complete internet break for a few days can be refreshing, too.
Hi Henneke, Great advice here! I can especially resonate with #13.
I nearly chucked it all in a couple of months ago. I was even ready to dump my subscriber list just last month, because I was so sick of feeling like I was not good enough at marketing, selling, face booking, pinning, writing … everything. I unsubbed from 90% of the lists (and groups) that I was on, and the feeling of lightness was immediate. I then just focussed on what I love to do most, and I make time to play every day. I let everything else go, and made a new plan and a three line vision statement that I read every morning before starting work. I have a short to-do list and if I can get one project completely done every day, I’m very happy with that.
I think the problem started because I was in a circle of marketers (which looks cult-like to me now) who were marketing to each other and the “advice” just kept swirling around, and around. I lost my way. Once I got out of that circle, I was able to see things clearer and also get back to doing what I love and what I do best.
Yeah, part of the online marketing world feels like a kind of pyramid scheme sometimes. Online marketers make money by teaching other online marketers to make money so these new 0nline marketers can teach even newer online marketers to make money, so these newest online marketers can start teaching etc. But fortunately, that’s only part of the internet world.
It can be hard though to find a group of like-minded spirits, who aren’t in it for the money only.
I’m happy to hear you found a new way of working and getting some distance from the mad internet world! I always appreciate seeing your name pop up in the comments. 🙂
Congratulations on 3 years! That’s super exciting and a well deserved accomplishment!
I love all your lessons – especially #13. There comes a point where you after you’ve learned a bunch on your topic, that you have to shut everyone else out and move forward with the plan you have set for yourself.
Otherwise, you’ll get distracted, or feel bad about yourself, or some other thing that’ll keep you from progressing.
Yes, it’s sooo easy to get distracted and feel we have to learn a little more, do another course, or read another book before we are ready.
The 3 years have been quite a journey. It feels good to have made it so far. Thank you for all your support!
Hi Henneke,
I hope you are not frozen due to the cold climate out there 🙂
Yep, you are right, starting a business is a huge task.
Right from building the concept, design, location, business limits (area), customer base, good will and more over profit are the primary focus area.
Right article at the right time for the right people is the speciality of Henneke.
I am in my baby steps to start a moonlighting business.
Mainly working for Boonze Media Solutions, I am in the process of building my baby Kungumayi Sports.
Out of 10 inspirations I got, you are the one in the list, who got me to write and plan for my little business.
Let me try out and see, how far I go and fare in the business.
This is an acid test to me. You made quick decisions and changed the track in the right directions and feel good. For me this is the only option to make as I have the passion for Sports. I love to build my Kungumayi Sports Academy for the sports enthusiasts.
I will follow you and learn from you through your valuable articles and build my business.
Wish me success,
With warm regards to Henneke,
Yours lovingly,
Singaravelu.A.P
Fortunately, the weather isn’t that cold yet, but the colder temperatures are quite a change from the pleasant and sunny October weather we’ve had. 😉
Good luck with your business, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate!
#13 is one I’m currently learning to bask in. It’s so impossible to even think about trying to do everything out there, so I’m learning that the best (and actually most effective) way to grow my business online is to listen to myself, my own experience of what works, and to ONLY do those things… not those 101 social media must-dos.
I am also into #13: all those tips drive me crazy and there is no way I can do all of that stuff. I also decided to listen more to myself and less to all those blogs — there are some helpful ressources though. But I don’t need to read all those blogs telling me that I just have to do x and I will have more clients than I can dream of. Come on, that might be true for one out of a million — what about the rest of us? We still have to work hard for success.
And I am into #14 feeling completely stuck and overwhelmed. I am glad, I am not the only one.
The internet seems to conspire against us, making us feel like we never know enough and we always need to learn more and do more. Another podcast. Another blog. Another ebook. Another course. But as you say, it’s better to start implementing what we’ve learned already and then see how far we get.
The internet conspiring against us – haha, love that line! (But it’s so true. Love/hate the internet.)
What great advice and insight you have!! You are so very encouraging! With much love and respect for all you do!
Thank you, Sue.
Wow you nailed this! I’ve been paralyzed trying to ramp up my content marketing and running into brick walls. Just as you described — feeling like a failure, becoming less productive. This is so inspiring 🙂
It’s easy to waste a lot of energy trying to make ourselves work harder, when we just can’t work harder.
Work becomes easier and more enjoyable when we accept that it takes as long as it takes. It took me a long time to get into this mode, but I’m enjoying it now (and strangely enough, I get more done than when I was trying to push myself to do more).
Perfectly timed piece. My desk is very messy right now and I was feeling very slow to achieve anything. Running a business solo is messy. Thank you. I am now giving myself permission to be in a the messy stage of my business.
I always feel I’m too slow. Join the club 🙂
Thank you for stopping by, Elizabeth. Slow progress is still progress!
Number 8 is my favorite.
Great post, I appreciate the honesty 🙂
Yes, #8 is important to keep your sanity. I still find it tricky to ignore unhelpful criticism, because it can gnaw away at your self-confidence. But I’m getting a lot better. 🙂