When I filed my LLC and opened my virtual doors, I was sure my business would be a success. For one thing, the business course I paid thousands of dollars for promised me a never-ending stream of clients. There were also the marketing and Instagram programs I invested in that promised the same. To back all that up, I was a certified coach, with a good heart, and I knew I could really help people! So, the fact that I felt I was answering God’s calling, was just the cherry on top of a sure-thing sundae.
For the first year, I was still working full-time in corporate America and easing myself in to building my business. With the full-time job taking most of my time and having two little ones at home, I was only slightly discouraged that I had only one client (who I gave a steep discount.) Eventually I decided my lack of growth was because I had a full-time job. So, I made a plan to leave my stable, guaranteed pay check, and give my coaching business my full attention. After all, I was certain that was the only thing holding me back.
Four months after giving “100%” to my coaching business I still had no clients. To make matters worse, I now had no motivation and lost all confidence in myself, my calling and even God. I had scraped the bottom of my entrepreneurial barrel and sat down with my husband to decide if I should go back to a traditional job, or if I should give entrepreneurship one last try.
When faced with the prospect of going back to work for someone else, reality came into sharp focus. All of a sudden, I could see what had been my giant blind spot.
The truth was, I hadn’t given 100%. I hadn’t done the real, hard, work I knew I needed to do. I was hoping for fate to step in and take over. I was waiting for a short cut to success.
THERE IS NO SHORT CUT TO BUILDING A BUSINESS
Here is why my business failed:
- I didn’t commit fully to my business.
- I didn’t treat my business as a business.
- I didn’t have a CEO mindset.
- I made too many excuses.
Although it’s tough to admit that my first business failed, I’m glad it did. I learned what is really required of a mompreneur. I also learned how badly I want to be a successful mompreneur. Now, I have made a non-negotiable commitment to my business, and I’ve never looked back.
Here are other steps I took to turn things around...
- I closed my first coaching business. Just because I felt emotionally connected to this business, wasn’t a reason for me to stay aboard a sinking ship.
- I refocused on serving a new client that I could serve well AND that would pay for what I offer.
- I got laser focused on the tasks that would move me toward my goals…and nothing else.
- I created a morning routine and started getting up at 5:30 AM to start my day off on the right foot.
- I committed to doing the work. Even the work I don’t enjoy. (Check out my accountability planner to see how I do this!)
Since committing to my new business and taking action on the lessons I learned from failure, my Mompreneur Business Accelerator has grown faster in its first 4 weeks than my other business did in 18 months. I’ll be totally honest and tell you that I haven’t met all of my business goals (yet,) but I know I’ll get there. In the meantime, I’m focused on the future, enjoying the moment and looking forward to the next opportunity I have to learn how to do things even better.
Are you ready to fully commit to your business? Set up a free call with me and learn what your next three steps are to meet your goals.