Lessons I Learned in 2015

As 2015 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on this past year. It’s been a busy one filled with new beginnings, some endings, and an endless amount of growth and learning. I’ve had so many incredible opportunities and met some amazing people along the way.

The last few weeks I’ve been spending some time thinking about the important lessons I’ve learned for business this past year and wanted to share my top 5 with you.

Be patient

When you start a business, you are so excited about the path you are embarking on that you want to climb to the mountain tops and scream it to the world. You’ve finally done it! You’ve made that decision to go after your dream. You have everything in place and so now you begin. You wait to get your first client or customer. Months pass. You wait some more. This can be a very discouraging time. Please know growing your business takes time. Be patient. I can’t stress that enough. It will be worth it. It takes time to grow your business and get your name out there. Try different strategies. Talk to other business owners. Take notes and see what works and what is not working. It can take time to get your first client. If you truly believe in your idea or product, never give up on it. Someone out there needs what you have. You will find that person, and then others will quickly follow.

Be flexible

Never shy away from breaking your own rules. It’s great to have a plan, but be flexible with that plan when you can be. Compromise can be crucial. Be open-minded to suggestions. When you have a business, it’s not about you anymore. It’s like any relationship. It’s a give and take. When you’re willing to work with someone to ensure you’re both happy, it is a great quality to have in any relationship, including your work relationships.

Network

This is a huge one! Find as many networking groups in your area as you can and go to meetings as often as possible. There are so many groups that are either free or allow you to attend meetings first and decide if it’s worth it for you to join later. Never shy away from any either. Networking opportunities can arise when you least expect them. I’ve found them in coffee houses, talking to parents at school drop off, and made some amazing connections through social media as well. Talk to people. Tell them about what you do or sell. Even if that person doesn’t need your service, they may know someone that does. I’ve made many clients through word of mouth from people who did not use my services. Build your network (or as I like to call it, build your empire.) The more people you meet and the more groups you are around, the more exposure you give your company.

Collaborate

In business, instead of looking at other businesses as your competition, look at them as your likeminded soul mates. Collaborating with likeminded people and companies can create amazing results for everyone involved. Collaborating also allows you to build long lasting relationships with other businesses and people. Partner with other bloggers, caterers, bakers, schools, and local businesses to create beautiful opportunities for all of you. I’ve found that entrepreneurs and small business owners are more than willing to sit down and talk, exchange ideas, give advice, and collaborate in many different aspects of business. The possibilities are endless once you open your mind to it. When businesses rally together it creates something really special and amazing.

It really does matter who you surround yourself with

Positive influences will make all the difference in your life. I’m very grateful to have a wonderful husband, amazing daughters, along with family and friends who I love and trust around me. I will continue to surround myself with a team of people who bring positivity into my life. I truly encourage all who read this to take notice and surround yourself with people who truly support you no matter what. People who truly make you happy, are happy for your accomplishments and want to see you succeed. Not just in business, but in life. Spend as much time with these people as you can. Life is too short for you to settle for anything less. Remember to give back to them as well.

I want to say thank you to my husband, to my daughters, to my family & friends and to each and every person who has contributed not only to making my life amazing, but for always supporting me as I continue to grow my business. It’s been an exciting and a bumpy ride at times, but it’s an incredible journey, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us.

Natalie

xoxo