2018 has been a wonderful and deep experience on some many levels since I left my position at HP to start The Silver Leaf Company exactly one year ago today, I have been known to dance in my car after a great meeting, panic because I took on too much work, panic because I don’t know if I have enough work…
Today marks one year from the time I pushed past my fear, stopped questioning my abilities, and started my own business. I thought the one-year anniversary of working for myself would feel incredibly special. I thought it would be a day to smash a cake, blow out the candles, pat myself on the back, and seek praise for my accomplishments.
But, like many things I experienced during my first year of business, today isn’t at all how I imagined it, and it reminded me of the other surprising realisations I had during my first year of business:
It’s all about love.
Building a new business successfully is not something you can do alone – especially if you’re a sole owner. Without the love and support of my husband and children, family and friends, and the many, many dynamic men and women who have crossed my path in some way, I would like to thank you. I simply wouldn’t be here without you.
Trust yourself.
My young son asked told he want to work for HP one day (I’m sure it has something to do with the fun “bring-your-child-to-work-day” they had) and then asked me whether it’s not scary to be your own boss and… don’t I miss the sweets? Well, you know what; sometimes it’s the scariest thing in the whole world. When I started working for myself, the notion that I was on my own was constantly in my head. You are responsible. You better do this right. This is a risk. No one is here but you. But after a few months, that feeling shrunk. It dissipated and eventually vanished. Once I set a schedule, got into a routine, and started the real work, I was not only no longer scared or nervously conscious of being on my own. Because I really wasn’t alone…
Loyalty and paying it forward.
One of my core values is loyalty and paying it forward. This past year has reinforced the importance of:
- Nurturing your network;
- Looking after the people whom looked after you;
- Helping others along the way, there is enough sunshine for everyone; and
No business is an island and our success lie in what we give, not in what we receive, thus it is important to surround yourself with good people.
Your personal brand is key.
When I launched my business, I didn’t specifically weigh up the merits between personal and business branding. Later I realised that my personal brand was what was driving my business, and I was doing myself a disservice by not promoting it. The personal brand and relationships that I spent years building (prior to my business) was one of the most valuable pieces of my business. For that matter, I learnt how important it is that people connect you and your values with your business and the values it represents – in my case trust, love and loyalty.
Create an online presence.
One of the biggest business lessons I’ve learned in the past year is to develop your online presence. Establish yourself as a thinker. Let people into your head and tell your stories. It’s not that difficult. It just takes thought, time commitment, and the understanding that it’s not going to happen overnight. Establishing your presence requires that you tinker a bit, experiment, see what works for you, and find your fit in your specific industry.
I loved my first year in business. Launching The Sliver Leaf Company has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I can’t wait to see what I discover in year two. Lastly, don’t forget to keep a good balance, work is not everything even if you like what you do. Make time for the important things and people in your life, and always start with yourself – you can’t pour from an empty cup!
Are you thinking about starting your business, and have some questions about discovering your purpose? Or, are you in your first year and need some goal setting advice? I’d love to talk about it; let me know and let’s get together over coffee and cake!