10 lessons of SUCCESSFUL Small Business Owners

If you’re reading this searching for a secret formula or hidden shortcut that will instantly make your business a multi-million dollar success story overnight, you might as well stop reading and go back to scrolling cause you’re not gonna get that here.

#SorryNotSorry

BUT what I will give you is 10 simple lessons that I’ve learned from other SUCCESSFUL entrepreneurs and business owners that I’ve actually implemented in my own life that made a difference.

So, if you’re ready for some REAL advice that could actually work for you then keep on reading!

1. Adopt the “LET THEM” theory: Mel Robbins talks about this idea often but to keep it short, the “Let Them” theory is the idea that you simply let others do what they will and that’s it. You simply “Let them” live their lives the way they're gonna live it. And don’t let the way they live their lives dictate HOW you live yours. Life is too short to give your energy and attention to things that have nothing to do with you or affect you.
2. Everyone has a capacity. Learn what yours is: We all have different priorities and responsibilities in our lives. It’s impossible for us to evenly divide our time between all the things on our plates: being a mom, running a business, volunteering at our kid's school, being an amazing friend, going to the gym, etc. You have to figure out what is MOST IMPORTANT to you in this season of your life and what is going to dictate most of your time. Then you simply prioritize. You may want to pour all you have into your business right now, but with all the OTHER priorities you have going on like raising your kids and working a full-time job- you may not have the time to do that. So honor the time and responsibilities you do have and stop working yourself to death.
3. Don’t let other people's opinions dictate the way you live your life: It’s not their life to live. Life is too short to care about what Aunt Susan said about your career choices. If you want to be a SAHM, then do it. If you want to spend all your time climbing the corporate ladder, so be it. If you want to start a business from your garage, then that’s on you. If you want to date an ex-con, go for it. I say all this to say that dirty water won’t stop a plant from growing so don’t let the opinions of others dictate your growth.
4. Take care of your body and MIND: It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and grind lifestyle when you’re trying to build a business but take it from someone who didn’t make their health a priority and suffered for it in the long run. Your business is NOTHING without you and you are nothing without your HEALTH. Take the breaks as you need them and pour into your mind, body, and soul.
5. Ask for help: There is NO SHAME in asking for help in any kind. And most of the time people are eager to help you, you just have to ask. Plus, by asking for help you can learn better ways of doing things, you can make new connections, and get a feel of what it’s like to manage employees.
6. Think and Act from an ABUNDANCE mindset: After working with thousands of small business owners, I’ve noticed that in the beginning, they typically run their businesses from a scarcity mindset. They lower their prices out of fear of not making sales, they say YES to wayyyyyyyy too many things even though they’re already overworked and overwhelmed, AND put way too much emphasis on how others will perceive them. Instead of operating your business from this mindset, think about it from a place of abundance. Everything will always work out the way it’s meant to as long as you put in the effort. Don’t lower your prices out of fear. Understand your boundaries and know that you can’t operate from a place of burnout and resentment. And just DO YOU! You are strong, powerful, determined, smart, and WORTHY of success.
7. Create and follow a routine that works for YOU: You may have noticed that “cold plunging” is a huge thing right now. I don’t know about you, but I’m not gonna jump in an ice-cold tub or shower first thing when I wake up. It’s just not my thing so I’m not gonna do it. Does this mean I’m less successful or productive? HELL NO! Instead, I’m gonna get out of bed when I want to, eat a healthy and balanced breakfast, go for a walk outside, and start my day. Do what feels good for YOU! Don’t let social media influence you to do things you don’t wanna do.
8. Everything is figure-outable: Thank you Marie Forleo! If you feel stuck or like you don’t know what your next move is, just remember that everything is figure-out-able. You just have to work through it. Whether that means, asking for help, leaning on Google, or pivoting and changing up everything- it will all work out. You will not die, I promise!
9. Don’t be so hard on yourself: NOBODY has it all figured out. We are all just trying to live one day at a time. And no matter how perfect someone’s life seems on the outside, you have no idea the journey they’ve had to go through in order to get to where they are. The same goes for you. Instead of judging yourself, give yourself some grace for coming as far as you have and keep it moving.
10. Money isn’t everything but can get you a WHOLE lot: I firmly believe that money isn’t everything. But in business- money is SUPER IMPORTANT, so you should take your numbers seriously. If you don’t know what it costs YOU to operate your business, and HOW much money you’re actually profiting, then you have a problem and you have to figure that out ASAP. Otherwise, you have a hobby NOT a business.

What are some tips and advice you’ve heard throughout your entrepreneurial journey? Remember friend, we’re all in this together and you’re not alone! Keep it moving and everything will work out the way it’s meant to!

P.S. Want my full list of 18 SUCCESS TIPS? Click here and I’ll send it straight to your email!