10 Things I Learned My First Year in Business

Hello Friends!

I can’t believe I made it through my first year in business! It has been a rollercoaster ride. I have days where I feel that this jewelry business is really going to work and other days when I feel like a total failure. However, I try to let the success outweigh the negatives and use the positive feelings for motivation.

One of the biggest changes for me was when I finally became comfortable saying, “I’m a jewelry designer” instead of “I make jewelry.” With that change came even more confidence in my work, an increase in the quality of my work, and the feeling that I truly am a businesswoman. I had many obstacles to work around, including finding the time to work while taking care of my two children under the age of 3. One of the moments I remember the most was when I was trying photograph my newest jewelry pieces and my son was poking my props with a large stick.

I have and continue to educate myself in website design, marketing, general business topics, social media, finding my niche, photography, SEO, the bridal industry, fashion, and the list continues. There is always something else to learn! However, I am not scared of learning, it is just the opposite! I thirst for knowledge and I know I can never know enough.

So in order to pass on a little bit of knowledge here is what I have learned in my first year in business. My hope is that something I have learned will help you, or someone you know as well!

1) Doing is way better than waiting for perfection!

2) It takes a lot (and I mean a lot) more connections with your business for a customer to remember you exist. Keep at it!

3) There is no such thing as normal business hours when you are a mother of two under 3.

4) To let go or DELETE some of the items on your To Do list that are not going to bring in the money.

5) Create a contract if you are doing any kind of project, custom work, or service!

6) Be Yourself! Let your customers get to know how awesome you are.

7) Delegate, Delegate, Delegate! Even if it is to your husband! I love you honey!

8) Get clear on your Ideal Client as early as you can!

9) Find a support system. Whether it is other entrepreneurs, Work at Home Mothers, or a professional group. They will be your positive when those failure days are stacking up

10) This is for the women out there…Trust your women’s intuition! If something in your gut told you to take the leap, but your head is talking you out of it, choose your gut!!

Bonus:

11) Educate yourself everyday on marketing, business, social media, etc. More importantly, continue to learn in your area of expertise.  The more you know the more you can take on the world (or your little slice of the internet).

Thanks for reading! Please share with any entrepreneurs or those thinking about starting their own business!