In 2021, a former finance professional made the bold decision to leave behind a 21-year career and venture into the world of entrepreneurship as a success coach, leadership consultant, and author. Despite his initial optimism, he quickly realized that starting a business was far from easy. Reflecting on his journey, he shared four key lessons he learned along the way.
The first lesson he highlighted was the importance of self-discipline. As the boss of his own business, he found it challenging to stay organized and focused without the structure of a traditional corporate environment. To combat this, he implemented a strict schedule and set specific goals and key performance indicators to keep himself accountable and on track.
Secondly, he emphasized the significance of choosing the right clients and partners. He admitted to making the mistake of working with individuals who were not aligned with his goals and values, leading to wasted time and energy. By being selective and only collaborating with like-minded individuals, he was able to create a more productive and fulfilling work environment.
The entrepreneur also acknowledged the loneliness that can come with running a business solo. To combat this, he actively sought out opportunities for human interaction, such as scheduling lunches with clients and colleagues, and engaging with others on social media platforms.
Lastly, he stressed the importance of building a network of peers in the same industry. Initially hesitant to connect with potential competitors, he eventually realized the value of collaborating with others who shared similar experiences and challenges. By joining a community of authors, agents, and publishers, he found support, camaraderie, and valuable connections that ultimately strengthened his business.
In conclusion, the entrepreneur shared that while he wished he had known these lessons from the start, he was grateful for the growth and resilience they had brought to his business. By implementing these key takeaways, he believed that any aspiring entrepreneur could set themselves up for success in the challenging world of business ownership.