Launching a business in 1 month

To everyone who has ever doubted themselves starting a ‘creative business thing’, I have so much to tell you I can’t even right now. 

1. Conquering the ‘imposter syndrome’ 

Been there, felt that, still feel that sometimes! And that’s okay. My three tips for letting go of this mentality that does not serve you. 

• Surround yourself with people who believe in you. That friend who is skeptical of your success and keeps questioning you? She has to go (at least until you build your success). Most of the time these people don’t know any better, and you getting ahead with this ‘creative business thing’ requires a ton of guts and confidence that not many people are comfortable with. 
• You have to trust yourself. Even if you surround yourself with people who believe in you, you are not going to get over this complex if YOU don’t believe that you can do it! Listening to podcasts, following mindset coaches and practicing self-love and meditation are amazing ways to learn to trust yourself. 
• Don’t furiously pitch your services the minute you get a lead. This was a mistake i made when i started out, which was to actively promote my services to people who did not see the value of them. Change your strategy by offering free, value content to your viewers, and get to know them personally. The chances are, you’re not only able to sell your services after, but you forge amazing friendships because you truly understand the goals and visions of your clients! 

2. No this is not a hobby 

• So much of the ability to launch a successful business comes from the mindset you have. Yes perhaps you are afraid that this business may not succeed so you tell others this is a hobby, but do not, for once, believe that it is just a hobby, otherwise it will forever remain a hobby! 

3. You will succeed, it is not a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’

• So many entrepreneurs drop out of the game within a year, because clients are not showing up, or they lack the confidence to continue promoting their services
• Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires work, and unless you got super lucky, it is going to take years to build that clientele, referral list, testimonials and trust between you and your followers.
• You have to trust the process. Little steps each day. It is harmful to compare yourself to other more established businesses, because you have something special to offer, and by comparing yourself, it is self-sabotaging and harmful to your business. You want to protect your business with all you’ve got, not self-sabotage it! If you’re gaining 1 follower on Instagram each day and someone else is gaining 100, learn her methods and strategies for success, but don’t let emotional judgment cloud your head. (More on social media strategy linked in another blog?)
• Keep showing up each day. When I started, I only had, like, 10 followers on instagram. But i kept going, kept posting every day on Instagram, providing value content to my followers, thanking each of them for following (yes I DM every follower to thank them for the follow) and continuously engaged with my viewers. You are going to be appreciated by your viewers and followers, who may just one day become your next ideal client! 

4. You just need to START

• Giving yourself excuses is not the way to go. 
• So many people have the idea of starting, but not many pursue it 
• You DO NOT need to start only after you’ve launched your website, or created 50 insta posts, 

5. You do not need 1000 followers on instagram before promoting your services!!

• or hit 1000 followers on instagram (I know a ton of ladies who got their first clients with less than 100 followers) because it is not the number of followers you have, but the quality of content you put out. Your followers will value you for your content, build trust with you, and approach you for your services!