There are a million books, college courses, online articles and resources on starting a business. This trove of knowledge offers prospective entrepreneurs an opportunity to learn, gather insight, and embark on a path of their own.
However, nothing will prepare you for the entrepreneurial adventure like actually doing it. Here are seven of the most important lessons that I’ve learned since founding Trinity Web Media.
Consistency is Key
Whether it’s rolling out a content strategy or getting the team together for a weekly call- following through on efforts and initiatives is critical. In my experience, internal tasks like publishing content and day to day housekeeping are the first items to fall victim to a busy schedule. Don’t let them. If you are going to take the time to organize, and put resources towards something make sure you see it through.
Transparency in a Small Print World
With the world quickly moving in a digital direction, transparency is becoming more and more important. Showing your audience who you are, how you do business, and taking the time to educate them goes a long way.
The same applies internally. Keep your team involved and up to date on matters that are relevant to your brand and how you conduct business.
The Value of Feedback
As people, we enjoy hearing positive praise and receiving the occasional pat on the back. However, as a business owner, I’ve grown to appreciate all feedback, especially when insight into what can be improved is the focus of the conversation.
We are lucky to have such fantastic relationships with our clients. If they are going to take the time to say- “Hey, have you ever thought of this” or “Can you do this that way in the future,” I will gladly take the time to evolve our process if the experience can be improved.
That is what makes good companies great.
Time is the Most Important Resource You Have
Time and time management is everything. Making sure your time is spent providing value to clients, and your brand is of crucial.
Time is the only resource we cannot replenish.
Find a Work-Life Blend
Work hard, push yourself to new limits but establish boundaries. It is impossible to do right by your career or business when family, health and well being aren’t top of mind.
Starting your own business provides you with the opportunity to do what you love for a living but remember it is not who you are.
Do Business People2People
It’s simple. We are all people.
Forget B2B or B2C. Don’t use industry terms and jargon that complicate conversations and your audience doesn’t understand.
Treat your clients/customers the same way you want to be treated, and you cannot go wrong.
Don’t Ride the Highs too High or the Lows to Low
Just like life, in business you will have good days, great days, meh days, and terrible days. Don’t get hung up on the ebbs and flows, just keep an even keel and it will be smooth sailing.
The above 7 lessons are rarely found in the myriad of course material, how to’s, and published material on how to start your own business. In my opinion- they are just as important.
