Secrets to Success: Rule #10

Its not always easy to start a business, build a blog readership, or quit your desk job to pursue your hand sewn line of womens clothing full-time. In fact, its almost always quite challenging at times. So, I started a series that tells it like it is”¦the good, the bad, and the completely “˜Girl, I cant believe you went there.” Secrets to success that have been learned along the way. This is where we left off last time”¦

So, we have finally made it to rule #10 of the Secrets to Success series and the big 1-0 is a heavy one. Here goes…I see plenty of biz tip articles popping up around the web, but hardly anyone wants to share how tough and completely non-glamorous being out there on your own as a business owner truly is. Yes, there are glamorous parts. And yes, occasionally someone might mention how ‘completely jealous’ they are that you get to follow your dream and be your own boss. But’s it’s not all cocktails and party fringe. It’s just not. Which is why…

Running a business (big or small) is not for the faint of heart. Period.

Whether you are a freelance designer, blogger, Etsy shop owner, craft stylist, etc the following is true:

If this is your full time job, or you are hoping to eventually make this your full time job, there will be stress. LOTS of stress.

There will also be some disappointments – big and small. Nothing goes ‘right’ for everyone all the time. There will be moments of doubt. And there will most certainly be tears.

I’m not telling you this to scare you. I’m telling you this so that when these things pop up, as you grow your biz (whatever it is), you feel ‘normal’. No matter how amazing you are, and I know you are pretty amazing, the road to success is almost assuredly not going to be a cake walk.

You’re going to have to get your fingernails dirty, and I’m not talking about a little glitter here folks.

This dirt is legit – and it doesn’t fit into the categories of cute or trendy. You may have to scrounge pennies at some point and maybe even break down a few (virtual) doors in the process. But the good news is that it is doable.

And seriously, if I can do it, so can you. I’m just an average person. Honestly. I didn’t go to a fancy business school (or any business school at all, for that matter) or have a shit-ton of media connections before I launched this blog or the online gallery. I introduced myself to anyone who would listen, which is especially hard for a shy, introvert like myself, and kept plugging away – even through those ‘what the hell am I doing’ moments.

Over the last (almost) five years, I have shed a whole lot of tears and felt completely uncool in more than 100 ways, but I’m still here. Still kicking. And in that way, I’ve even surprised myself.

Final thoughts…

At some point, the ball will drop and it may seem like the end of the world. You may even want to quit as a result. But I’m here to tell ya it’s not the end of the world. Not even close. Rough days will make the good ones even better. And on the days when it seems like the walls are closing in around you, feel free to vent here. I’m listening.