In my first blog post, I shared a few lessons that I learned during my first full year in business for myself. I certainly made my share of mistakes along the way, but overall it was a wonderful experience. Here are some more lessons. Feel free to try these at home!
Thank people. Often. People will hire you the first time based on a match between your expertise and their need. But they will keep working with you based on a strong personal connection. One of the most effective ways to make that connection is by being genuine, and genuinely nice. This means appreciating people for who they are and what they do for you and for others. A little gratitude can go a long way. Plus it will make you feel really good!
Give a little, Get a Lot: If you put positive energy out into the universe, the good karma will come back to you in spades. In our world, this can be achieved in so many ways. Give a little extra to your clients. Introduce two people in your network. Send someone a thoughtful gift such as a book or a coffee mug. Refer business to your colleagues.
Read. A lot. As a freelance writer, avid reading is critical to my business and the development of my skills. But it is just as important for any type of freelancer or entrepreneur, whether you are a writer, graphic designer, business consultant, financial advisor, or digital innovator. The world is changing quickly, and it is imperative that you stay on top of your market – the competition, your clients’ expectations, and ways to improve your own productivity and effectiveness.
Beyond reading for personal and professional development, make sure to take some time to read for pleasure. It could be fiction – literary novels, the latest paperback, or even graphic novels if you’re so inclined. Or you may prefer biographies or history. Whatever your tastes, reading just for the heck of it is a great way to relax your mind, let it wander and explore new worlds.
Keep moving. Speaking of wandering… continuous education and self-improvement are necessities, not luxuries in today’s constantly changing business environment. Especially in the startup phase, you need to invest time and money in your business. As a solopreneur, the best investment you can make is in skills training and self-improvement. In 2015, I attended one web writing intensive workshop, joined a 6-month small group coaching program, and attended numerous one-day remote training courses to bone up on my writing and business development skills. This year, I have continued that trend, taking three online courses as well as a group training workshop.
Whew… I could go on and on! Just try and stop me. In Part III of the blog, I will cover the remaining handful of lessons learned from my first year in business. See you soon!