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Running a business is hard work.
There are so many benefits of running a business like becoming your own boss, no cap on income, and creating your days.
We may see people living their dream life and running their dream business but what we don’t see is what happens behind the scenes.
So, much happens behind the scenes that no one knows about or people don’t share.
Here are some truths about running your own business and tips to help you with this journey.
1. It Gets Lonely
When you are spending all your time building and running your business at times it will get lonely.
You end up spending a lot of your time isolating yourself with all your ideas and work.
Although sometimes it is a lonely journey, it doesn’t have to be.
You can start connecting with like-minded people online by joining Facebook Groups and different online communities.
2. You will be in comparison mode a lot
Do you ever scroll through Instagram and see someone in your niche with a beautiful feed looking like they are living their best life. Or you go on YouTube or Clubhouse and feel like people are considered more of an expert than you are?
Although as much as we try to fight it sometimes we end up in comparison mode.
But, what you need to focus on is your own journey.
These people have their own journeys like you they have struggles and failures.
When you compare it holds you back from showing off your skills and the unique person that you are.
3. Got to spend money to make money
It is possible to start a business with very little money.
Many people have done it but if you want to scale and grow your business you have to spend money to make money. Whether it is on new software, new products, courses, or even a mentor.
When you start investing in your business and yourself you are able to grow and scale your business quicker.
I know it is hard to spend money when you aren’t making much money yet but before you do ask yourself if this investment would pay off and make you even more money.
Related Reads:
• How to Embrace Failure
• How to Be More Confident in Life and Business
• 10 Attitudes That Are Holding You Back in Your Business
• How To Recognize And Stop Self-Sabotaging Yourself
4. Family and friends may not support you
In the journey of entrepreneurship, your family and friends may or may not support you.
They may think you are crazy especially if you are putting all your money, time, and effort into your business. They may say it is too risky or your idea will never work.
As hurtful as it is that they may not support you don’t let it get to you.
Use it as fire to prove them wrong.
I too have people in my life that don’t support what I do and I think they either just don’t care or they don’t understand.
Just know that it is okay not everyone will support your dreams.
But, if you have a vision don’t let anyone stop you. It’s your life, live it on your own terms and no one else’s.
5. Take a lot of risks
When you step into the world of entrepreneurship you are taking lots of risks. Some will work and some won’t.
According to the dictionary, “An entrepreneur is one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise.”
Analyze your risks, weigh the pros and cons. You never know what risk will reap the best rewards.
6. Lots of failures
When starting or running a business, there will be A LOT of failures.
Maybe you had a business idea that didn’t work out or a system you put in place failed miserably.
So much can happen but you can’t have failures without success. How else will you learn?
And that is just it, when you fail it is okay to cry or be mad but let it out and let it go.
Take it as a learning experience and keep moving forward.
7. Wear all the hats
When you first start a business, you wear all the hats.
You will be the CEO, graphic designer, marketing director, social media manager, customer service, editor, writer, producer, photographer, and so much more.
You will be doing #allthethings.
It will get overwhelming and it will feel like you can’t handle it all. And to be honest you don’t have to.
In the beginning, your budget might be tight but if there are small jobs that you absolutely don’t like doing then hire a freelancer off of Upwork or Fiverr.
Then, when you really start making money with your business you can outsource and build a team.
The good thing about wearing all the hats is that you learn so much in different areas and who knows maybe there is a skill that you learn that you may absolutely love.
8. A lot of different emotions
Oh yeah, emotions. Running a business is a roller coaster ride.
Some days you will be high because everything is going right and some days will be so low that you are asking yourself what am I even doing?
It’s okay to feel these emotions, we are all human.
This is where you have to work hard on your mindset and patience. Else your emotions will get the best of you.
Being a business owner means 80% mindset work and 20% strategy.
Every single day work on your mindset. And with patience, you need a ton of it!
Success doesn’t happen overnight, every little step you take every day will lead you to accomplish your goals.
So, express yourself and your emotions but learn to deal with them and your mindset.
Listen and/or read about personal development every single day.
Strengthen your mind, strengthen your life and business.
9. Not everyone will love you
Not everyone will understand your mission or your product.
There will be people who unsubscribe from your newsletter and that’s okay those are the people that won’t buy from you anyway.
When you get negative comments on your social media posts don’t let it get to you. There will always be social media trolls.
Not everyone will love you and that’s okay instead focus and build relationships with the people who are loyal to you.
10. You are constantly learning new things
I don’t know about you but since running a business every single day I learn something new.
You need to be learning and improving your skills every day.
Even some of the greatest experts and leaders are always learning too.
We always have room to learn and grow.
The most important thing is whatever you learn make sure you take action.
You can be filled with all the knowledge in the world but if you don’t take action with this knowledge then what’s the point.
Constantly learn and improve yourself and your business.
Final Thoughts
As you can see running a business is difficult and a lot of work and although a lot of people show the glamorous side of it they don’t show you the true work that goes on behind the scenes.
You just have to learn to accept and embrace these truths and work through them.
Although running a business is a lot of heartaches and hard work it is worth it.
You own your time, you are creating something, and building a legacy.
Just work on your mindset every day and don’t ever give up. You deserve to live your best life while building your dream business.
What’s one truth you learned about being a business owner? Let me know in the comments below!
Michelle Gagliani
Owner & Founder
Michelle is the Founder of The Balanced CEO and a Holistic Nutritionist + Health Coach. She was born and raised in St.Thomas, U.S.V.I., and is currently living in Austin, TX. When she’s not running this blog and online business, she is cozied up at home watching TV, taking long walks in nature, or trying out new healthy recipes.
This was such a relatable article. I’ve faced all of these challenges and more in just the first year of running my purpose and mindset blog. I agree that working on your mindset everyday is important. I would’ve probably given up already if I didn’t read mindset books, watch motivational vids, journal, or use affirmations on a regular basis. One other truth I’ve learned is that entrepreneurs have to learn to overcome imposter syndrome. And it can creep up whenever they start something new.
That is a great truth to add to the list George. And so true!
This is so true. I am trying to balance this right now. I have a side job I’m trying to start up. Thank you for posting these tips.
Good luck with your side job Angelita!
Sometimes it is really hard to keep making yourself do the work when there isn’t a lot of profit. You really do second guess yourself and wonder if you should keep going or change something about what you are offering. Be prepared to change the things that aren’t working as you learn and grow.
Personally when I started a blog I had no idea about all the elements I’d be juggling! I’m kind of glad I didn’t know though, because it would have held me back.
Great post. All of it is so true. Especially needing to spend money to make money. And failure. Ugh. I’m constantly reevaluating! But I love working for myself, so I’m determined to keep going.
Thanks Chelsea! It is a rollercoaster ride but I’m glad you are determined. You got this! ❤️