I get it. You’re frustrated. Between trying to become a jack(ie) of all trades and also maintain a flawless exterior and clean bill of health, all you’re ready to do is throw in the towel. Before giving up on your small business venture, consider these frustrations I’ve identified as the top 10 that kill productivity and positive attitudes for entrepreneurs. You may say something like, “I just want to [insert professional craft],” but we all know small business ownership demands the physical, mental, and emotional commitment of entrepreneurs. See if any of the frustrations I list work their way into your everyday self-talk.
1. I’m working way too much, and not seeing the payoff.
Who is your ideal client? Are you marketing to them or trying to take on every opportunity that graces your inbox? The other side of the coin is charging what you’re worth. Ask yourself: “Is the payoff money or rapport/praise?” Depending on your answer, you may need alter your marketing approach. A greater monetary payoff may come in raising your rates (within reason) or taking on a heavier client load. Rapport and praise come from established relationships and trust between client and vendor. Identify of which you feel void, then adapt your approach to sales.
2. [Insert Name] doesn’t understand what I need from them.
Communication can be either a major barrier or great asset to entrepreneurial success. Your ability to effectively and efficiently communicate your needs can determine your ability to close a sale. If you have a team of employees, make a point to study their learning styles and to meet them where they are to fill gaps in knowledge or process, while still holding all employees to the same standard. Most frequently, as a one-woman show, I’m the only one communicating with potential clients. Whether its a brand rep, a giveaway winner, or general commenter, it’s hard to express all emotions and needs clearly through digital means. If I’m on a phone call or struggling to be understood in an email message, I look up the (likely) stranger with whom I’m communicating on Facebook or LinkedIn. Sometimes, putting a face to a name can bring the humanity back to the conversation and alter the way I phrase or approach the frustration.
3. I’m struggling to stay relevant.
At any given moment, there are probably dozens of individuals, at minimum, utilizing the same strategies, using the same hashtags, offering the same/similar product. Your relevancy is only important in the net you cast. Loyalty in clientele is always more valuable than one-time buyers. Spend time nurturing existing followers and clients. Despite the potential visibility digital media offers, word of mouth, individual reviews, and personal recommendations mean more every time.
4. I live in fear that I won’t succeed.
I believe fear is healthy because it keeps us working towards growth and awareness. Living in fear, however, and allowing fear to dictate your actions causes you to be reactive rather than proactive. It’s SO important to measure yourself and your own success against your own standards rather than those imposed by others.
5. I don’t feel supported in my business ventures.
A support system is key to empowered business operations. Those within and outside of the small business model have to buy into your good or service, and believe in its value to demonstrate their support – people that support from a distance and that aren’t participatory aren’t assets. It’s a hard pill to swallow that someone who doesn’t literally buy into your entrepreneurial idea doesn’t support it, but the only marked way to demonstrate that support is to spend the money to vouch for the product or service. It’s uncomfortable to expect people in your life to spend money on something you’ve created, but true supporters will show up, wallet open, when the time comes. If you don’t feel supported by friends, family, significant others, or online pals, it might be time to cut the cord or disengage. These groups don’t have to be a 24/7 cheerleader nor should you to expect to never receive constructive feedback from these parties. Still, you know who holds your business back and how to cross that bridge when necessary.
6. Managing money and taxes is, like, really hard.
Self starters create small businesses. They might not have all the knowledge they need when they start, but dedicated entrepreneurs find a way to acquire what they need to know resourcefully. Financial management and small business taxes can be exceptionally challenging in the beginning. Taking the time to learn the ins and outs will make you an exceptional entrepreneur from the onset, and even more valuable if you begin to consult later. There is zero shame in hiring someone to handle these tasks, but that option isn’t readily available to everyone. Because profit flow can be inconsistent and obstacles unexpected in entrepreneurship, knowledge of all business tasks, small and large, can help you prepare for and overcome unforeseen setbacks.
7. I’m in constant competition with other brands.
We are reminded of competition everywhere – especially when social media makes it all too easy to perceive someone else’s success. That perception is often far from reality, and the presence you see online may not be indicative of their true success or how they feel they’re managing entrepreneurship. Agreeing to teach a community class about small business was one of the most rewarding decisions in my goal to combat intra-entrepreneurial competition. My classes gather creatives from similar industries together to talk about a specific facet of business, and we often discover we have more in common than traits that set us apart. Similarities offer us an opportunity to forge a sense of community with individuals near us – in close physical and mental proximity.
8. There’s so much pressure to conform.
Why did you create your business? Who did you intend to serve? What poor experiences led you to throw your hat in the ring to do it better? Your brand is your own – concept to implementation. Taking ownership of the good or service you offer and the approach you take to marketing it will always have unique nuances that don’t align with potential like businesses. If you don’t believe in an advertising practice or don’t love a social media platform, don’t use it. Spend more time focusing on your passions and what’s working for you rather than wondering about what you’re possibly missing out on. Focusing on the unknowns or trying to keep up may cause you to miss amazing opportunities and relationships within arm’s reach.
9. I love what I do, but don’t want to burn out.
Sometimes, the grunt work and menial tasks ground us. I try to hire out most of the things I don’t love – back-end web development, taxes, event planning. When I do work on these tasks, however, I reminded of the raw passion I have for the core of my business – photography, brand strategy, and influencer marketing. Striking a balance in how much time you spend working on the tasks you love in a given week can help you really appreciate the time you get to spend on your craft. If you’re in a position to hire out those less-loved duties, don’t overcrowd your schedule with the creative, passion-fueled work. Overloading beyond capacity can kill that initial love.
10. I’m exhausted all the time.
There’s a lot to be said about self care for small business owners. As I’ve previously mentioned, self care is active, not passive. While pedicures and Netflix binges are nice, I don’t believe that escapism and compartmentalization are the best ways to care for your unique needs as an entrepreneur. Before we’re ready to implement strong self care practices, our physical health and well-being come first. In addition to a semi-balanced diet, regular sleep schedule, and limited caffeine/no alcohol, I’ve been trying a few products to improve my wellness over all. These products show my face and skin some love: Bioré Self Heating One Minute Mask and Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips. A fresh, clean face and firm skin help me build personal confidence and to feel refreshed.
