Dear Reader,
Saddle up, friend. The road you're on is long and full of terrors and this guide aims to get you to the "light at the end of the tunnel".
Here are 5 tips for entrepreneurial growth based from personal experiences.
First, decide on a timeline to do at least one positive thing for your business that forces you out of your comfort zone. Once a day, once a week, once every hour, whatever you can manage.
Hint: Try all of the things. The more you know, the better! Start with tasks that are easy to fit into your schedule and work your way up to more challenging tasks one task at a time. Like exercising, to get the best results you need to plan, have consistency and employ patience.
Second, there are no short cuts.
Third, invest in the longevity your business.
In other words, choose to play the long game.
As a general rule - try to save up 6 months to one year's worth of income to have an honest go. If you feel like you can't save the money, you'll need to find a way to work on your business when you have time to yourself and invest strategically when you can.
Money is a tool for change and cash flow is the name of the game.
Prioritize time on activities that help you achieve your financial goal(s) and get creative with it. Developing ways of earning multiple sources of income is both highly recommended and fun.
NEAT CASH FLOW IDEAS: Platforms like Amazon, E-Bay and Facebook Marketplace allow you to research, flip and sell...just about anything.
Additionally, platforms like Shopify and Wix allow you to build an online store or two...or three...or four...or 100 to list, sell and communicate products and services with the world.
Some of these services come with free plans, some don't. Shop around until you find some that suit your needs.
"More? You want, MORE?!" - Oliver Twist
Thirsty for more ideas, eh? Try selling old stuff you don't use anymore. Garage/yard sales are always fun.
If you're not busy enough, another fun way to earning some additional income is by picking up an additional job! Time management is the key to success here. Aside from the additional income, one of the biggest benefits of working multiple jobs is that it's an excellent way of training task prioritization.
It doesn't mean you have to do 2 or 3, "40-hour-a-week full-time jobs", rather, try something contractual or to-order. Strategically pick placements with flexible schedules.
You can add a neat twist to this process by looking for work in the field(s) you want to get into and be a part of and look in field(s) you'd like to improve your skillset!
Fourth, there will be bad days. Remember, everyone struggles internally. When you talk yourself down, you're only fooling yourself. Pay close attention to how and where you spend your focus.
There's a diverse phrase here in New Brunswick, Canada that comes to mind when encountering moments like this. Use "va là-bas".
It's French in origin, rolls off the tongue like butter and loosely translates to "take a hike", "buzz off" and the like. When you find yourself or others telling you that you can't do something or telling you that you suck or to give up, just smile, and counter with a "va là-bas".
You are in control of how long to hold onto trauma. You're enough, you're ready and you're more than capable. There's a good chance you already know what to do. You are in control of what happens next.
PRO TIP FOR "HATERS": Build your confidence by developing good habits and learning. Who the hell are they? Lol who faults someone for trying? When you start breaking it down, most "haters" are having a bad time here on Earth.
Plus, not all negative feedback is bad! Healthy competition and constructive criticsm can teach you vital things that help you move forward in the process.
For the Fifth and final tip, look after yourself.
Physically, mentally and emotionally. You have the time. If you don't, change something to make time for yourself. In our humble opinion, it's the most important thing on this list.
WAYS TO HELP LOOK AFTER YOURSELF CAN INCLUDE:
Exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes to 1 hour a day. Go outside, go to the gym, bench press your partner, eat healthy food - please get used to feeling good.
Get good rest. You know how much you need to be coherent. Sleep heals and repairs the body and mind. Consider this, would you walk out the door for the day with your phone charged at 3% power?
Do things you enjoy. This can be just about anything (please don't break the law). Travelling, reading, writing, your pets, shopping, art, music, your taxes, sports/the gym, gaming - whatever it is, do it and make time for it.
Surround yourself with people that lift you up. Choose family and friends that support you, are honest with you and enjoy being around you. If you feel like you don't have that support system - I have some good news - You get to create one!
>> As a general rule - please go at your own pace. Some work harder, some don't. You will be exactly where you want to be when you do the things that get you there. You're going to make mistakes. This journey, like life, is not a race even though at times, it feels like one.
"When you get older, your wild heart will live for younger days. Think of me if ever you're afraid. He said, "One day you'll leave this world behind. So, live a life you will remember. My father told me when I was just a child, "These are the nights that never die", my father told me." - Avicii
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