Let’s be honest with each other, the start of your business venture is not going anything like you were expecting it to, is it? Yup, we’ve all been there. Especially in the beginning. Those first few days, months, and even years are gigantic learning curves. So what’s the secret?!

The secret lies in conversations nobody is willing to have. So let’s chat..

First thing’s first.. it’s ok to not be immediately successful in what you try. It’s ok to not become a millionaire in 12 months because your product or service just changed the world or went viral on a random Tuesday. Ok, sure, that happens occasionally… but it doesn’t happen often. Just because the success is not happening overnight, does not mean you quit. Need a break? Take a break, and get right back at it. Some businesses don’t even see a profit for the first few years before they become consistent with their income. Keep going, keep pushing, keep offering.

Perhaps the most overlooked truth is that successful businesses require consistent promotion. It truly is an essential part of growth and visibility in today’s market. Embracing self-promotion not only helps showcase the unique aspects of your products or services but also builds a deeper connection with your target audience (your community). Through authentic engagement and storytelling, you can effectively communicate your brand’s values and mission, creating trust and loyalty among your customers. Ultimately, by overcoming the hesitation to promote yourself, you can unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable success.

Many entrepreneurs & Business Owners feel uncomfortable with self-promotion, so they avoid it, but remember:

1. If people don’t know about your business, they can’t support it
2. Marketing isn’t bragging – it’s helping potential customers find solutions to their problems
3. Regular brand visibility builds trust and credibility in your community

*TRUTH #1* Marketing and promotion isn’t optional – It’s essential to your business.

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Many people start businesses with the idea in mind that their friends and family alone will carry them through the initial launch process and into some form of success. The core idea almost all business owners have is that your product or service is so great, all your friends and family will not only flock to you to support you in purchasing your offer, but also refer you to their own friends and family. However, here’s the truth: that’s rarely the case. If everyone you knew actually supported you, you would 100% be successful, but not everyone has the same vision or goals as you do, and not everyone sees your offer the way you do. Some may not understand the value of what you’re offering, while others might simply be too absorbed in their own lives to fully engage with your venture.

Some people in your life may even totally discourage you and your ideas, expressing doubts or skepticism that can be disheartening. You must continue on regardless of the naysayers. Building a business community outside your initial family and friends network is what will truly grow your business into something big, beautiful, and sustainable. This community can consist of other entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry professionals who share your passion and drive. Engaging with them will not only provide support but also open up doors to new opportunities, insights, and collaborations that can propel your business forward. People will come around afterwards, often recognizing your hard work and dedication, but it’s vital to remain resilient in your journey.

*TRUTH #2* Your friends and family are not going to save you – keep reaching further out!

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Many business owners learn this lesson the hard way after encountering difficult situations that could have been avoided with proper planning and foresight. Strong policies protect both you and your customers by establishing clear expectations and guidelines that govern interactions and transactions. This clarity not only fosters trust but also mitigates risks, ensuring that all parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Implementing solid policies helps streamline operations, making it easier to handle disputes or misunderstandings, enhancing the overall customer experience and safeguarding your business’s reputation in the long run.

What types of policies should you have in place? That depends on your offers, but here are some ideas:

1. Setting clear expectations for payment terms, delivery, and refunds
2. Outlining hours of the day you are available – when you’re off, your inbox is closed.
3. Creating professional boundaries that maintain your business’s integrity – ex. No Rush orders without Rush payment.

Take a moment to get your policies sorted out before you jump into public sales. Trust me, having those guidelines in place will not only help clarify what you’re aiming for but also give you a solid game plan for making decisions. This way, you’ll dodge a ton of headaches down the road and be able to tackle any bumps with a lot more ease. By setting this up now, you’ll make sure your customers know what to expect, which means smoother sales and happier customers all around. Seriously, I’m not kidding about this!

*TRUTH #3* Save Yourself! Establish clear policies before your first sale.

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Starting a business can be super tough, especially when it feels like no one wants to chat about how to get through the rough patches. But here we are, diving in and embracing the whole rollercoaster ride of resilience and flexibility. The journey to success is packed with bumps that can seem impossible to get over, but it’s when things get really challenging that the true heart of entrepreneurship shines through. We’ve got to figure out how to handle the uncertain times, tackling not just the money struggles but also the emotional ups and downs that come with running a business. By sharing what we’ve learned and our tips, we can build a supportive community that lifts each other up, even when the challenges try to take us out

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