Stay In The Game: A Reflection of Business Lessons Learned in 2022!

As we prepare to wrap-up this year, I cannot help but to reflect upon the lessons 2022 has taught me about building a new business. It is the hardest, yet the most powerful thing I have ever done! Being driven by the mission to help Women renew their leadership mindset with fresh fire and purpose has caused me to know why I was brought into the world. And while I may not know all of the twists and turns ahead, I know what I am made to do!

 

There is much work and more to learn in 2023, but if I may, I would like to share a few things for new entrepreneurs to consider as you continue on your journey…

 

Lesson Number One…as you move forward to assemble your customer base, continue to develop your personal value and the value proposition of your goods, services and marketing strategies. Your local Small Business resources are designed to help you with these measures, business growth, maturity and long-term maintenance. Whether its the Small Business Administration here in the states or a similar construct abroad, these types of services are available to entrepreneurs in a complimentary one-on-one consultative framework.

 

Building a business is not sexy, but we do not have to struggle as hard if we take advantage of ready guidance to nurture our greatness! 

 

Lesson Number Two…developing community is key to our success! As we endeavor to meet our target market via networking, we cannot forsake the power of taking our networking a step further by conducting post-event follow-ups to schedule viable one-on-one connects.

 

I have had some of the most amazing one-on-ones this year that has led to awesome opportunities to spotlight guest writers on my platforms; present as a guest writer/panelists on other’s platforms as well as participate in a few authors showcases and pop-ups. On the flipside, I have had a few bumpy experiences that taught me that many professionals do not know how to have these pivotal conversations.  

 

Successful one-on-ones can vary, but they are foundationally designed to help business leaders learn more about each other, their businesses and each other’s preferred client profile. In addition, it is also an opportunity to discover if there is a way to collaborate, be great referral partners or both! Under no circumstances should another entrepreneur attempt to force their product nor try to convince another entrepreneur to leave their mission and vision to do something else. That is inappropriate!

 

Lesson Number Three…we must get comfortable with the idea that we are not for all people. Those that do not need nor can afford our services are not our clients! Instead, we must become intentional about positioning ourselves in arenas to engage with those that not only need and can afford what we have but are willing to PAY for what we have to offer!

 

If we need to adjust prices, we should only do so IF it makes sense --not because someone said we are too high. Take time to research if your pricing is in alignment with your business type, industry and/or region to remain competitive. Some of us will find that we may need to increase the value of our goods and services instead of decreasing. A possible solution to consider is creating a tier pricing structure to provide your customers a menu of standard to luxury bundle packages that would fit their level of budget.

 

 

Lesson Number Four…if you need to get a job while you're building a business--get one! It does not make us a sell out to do so. We still have to pay for our life while we build our legacy. If possible, search for a position that will give you freedom to still work on your business until your business can stand on its own to support your family, lifestyle and community passion projects.

 

Leaders, it may seem like I am overstepping my boundaries here, but I recognize where each of you are because I am in the same place and having to do the same things. Presently, I am in the process of streamlining my business operations so I can launch further out into the deep. This means reducing operating costs, positioning my products in bigger markets and intentionally networking with people that look like my preferred clients. I am doing what I have to do to stay in the game, because I know the message that I am carrying is the right message for the time. And my energy is committed to getting my message to the right people that want and need it!

 

In these early stages of creating something that will last for the next 100 years, it would be easy to shift gears because we may not see immediate results. But, in these moments, it is important for us to remember why and how we came to the market for such a time as this. It was not a mistake! It takes time to build trust, a solid clientele and generational wealth!

 

Bottomline…adjust what you need to in order to stay in the game; give yourself the gift of a holiday break so you are refreshed to jump into the new year. Above all, remain true to your WHY! You did not come to the market for nothing. Your first thought is the right thought! Now, cultivate it and WIN!

A CALL TO ACTION

To re-energize the leader you always were, join me for Love: The Success Factor Women’s Leadership Conferences beginning in January 2023!!

These 2-day immersive experiences will demonstrate how Love empowers Women to lead, create and generate wealth in the fullness of our equality and purpose!

Click below to learn more!

Learn more