3 lessons from 3 years running my marketing business
Today, Goodness Marketing turns 3, and the business I have today looks very different to the one I started in October 2017. I’d just left the company where I worked for over 12 years. I had very little - if any - knowledge of what it takes to run a business. But I knew I wanted to try.
In three years I’ve learned so much, and I wanted to share 3 top tips with you from running my marketing business since 2017.
1: It’s who you know
I don’t mean that any nepotism-related sense - that definitely didn’t apply in my case. What I mean is that my best opportunities have come from the connections I had (and I definitely recognise my privilege in this).
My first few gigs came from people I used to work with who hired me as a marketing consultant, and another connection who recommended me to someone he knew (he’d seen my LinkedIn post about going freelance).
Running The Wilderness Tonic retreats and other events has led to many wonderful moments as well as business opportunities.
Since then, I have had a great deal of work come through recommendations and word of mouth via people I have met through networking, whether in real life or on social media.
Takeaways:
Network. I used to hate it, but that was because I was going to the wrong events and trying to fit into places where I didn’t feel like I belonged. Ask around and try out different groups or events … it’s not all 6am breakfast meetings with dudes in suits. Shameless plug here for the events I run with Katya Willems - we are putting together a special community offer for 2021 so sign up to my newsletter if you want to know more!
Don’t underestimate the impression you may have made on people at different stages of your career. Keep plugging away at those LinkedIn updates, and use socials to let people know when you are available for work and the kinds of businesses with which you want to work. You never know who might pop up!
2: Running a business won’t feel like you thought it would
Growing up, I used to think that running my own business wouldn’t be something I’d enjoy. Turns out, the beauty of running your own business is that you get to choose what that business looks like.
It doesn’t have to be all stressful and fast-paced. It doesn’t need to be about hard-nosed business decisions or about hiring and firing people or working all hours.
It is perfectly fine - preferable, in fact - to grow your business in your way and at your own pace.
Takeaways:
You’re in charge of what success looks like for you. You don’t have to follow any preconceived ideas of the ways in which a business owner should think or behave.
Your pace is the only one that matters. There will always be people ahead of you in their journey. Learn from them and take inspiration from them. There will always be people behind you. Share your knowledge and experiences, and lift them up.
3: Hold it lightly
I learned this lesson recently via Ray Dodd. ⠀
Exciting new client on the horizon? Hold it lightly.
Worried about pricing? Hold it lightly!
About to launch something you've poured your heart and soul into? Hold it lightly even though you want to have full control over ensuring every aspect is absolutely perfect.
I'm all for holding *tightly*, you see, not lightly. I put my everything into everything I do, and then I add a little bit extra. It's my default.⠀
It can feel like the worst business advice when someone tells you to do the opposite of what you've been doing. It triggers resistance. Until you try it.⠀
I've been slowly releasing my grip. Recognising when it happens. Turns out if I hold things lightly, I can actually hold more things. And it feels good.
4 intentions for my 4th year
This next year I plan to act like a 3-year-old.
Take more risks.
Don’t take “no” for an answer.
Surround myself with people you can learn from.
More play, snacks and naps!