Something that most purpose-driven entrepreneurs don’t talk about much is money; the cost of actually bringing your dream business to life. It’s something that I, as a courageous new entrepreneur, hardly considered. I assumed that since I had roughly 500% more passion behind what I was doing, compared to my old job, the money would just flow.
That was not the case.
For a year, I struggled to find direction, clarity, and actual financial growth in my business. I spent a lot of time worrying about money, and as a result, piled side-job after side-job on top of my already full plate. I chased every creative idea I had, resulting in a lot of unfinished loose ends, and a business that felt more like an elusive idea than an actual business.
It wasn’t until I was fed up with my fourth side-job in a year, and deep in business debt with little to show for it, that I decided: enough is enough. Something wasn’t working. I had tried everything I could think of on my own (courses, books, free mentoring, therapy, inspirational videos… The list goes on); I needed help.
Following Your Dreams Will Cost Money. Here's How to Make It Count
I had considered hiring a coach at the beginning of my journey, because I didn’t have the luxury of a family member or friend who had ventured into the online entrepreneurial world before me. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I was determined to do it on my own. “Besides,” I thought, “I’ll be able to hire a coach after I start generating revenue.” As it turns out, I couldn't generate a revenue without the help of a coach.
My adventurous spirit and resolve to DIY my business turned out to be a naive mistake. I use the word mistake lightly, because I believe everything happens for a reason, but I can’t help but think where my business would be today if I had hired a coach at the beginning. All the fears I had about not knowing what I was doing, all the tactics I tried because other people were finding success in them, all the time I spent perfecting my website, all of this would have been worked through and streamlined with a coach.
Each and every one of us has the potential to make our dreams a reality, but we don’t have to do it alone. In fact, every successful person you can think of didn’t get to where they are today by themselves. The best singers had vocal coaches, the best athletes had trainers, the best spiritual leaders had teachers, and so on. The myth that as a solo entrepreneur, we have to actually be solo, is limiting our success.
I took the long road to realize these things, but you don’t have to. Here are a few things to do to set yourself up for success from the very beginning of your entrepreneurial journey:
Hire a coach
Big surprise, huh? Seriously, I know at the beginning it seems like such an unnecessary expense, especially when money may be tight already, but your returns will happen much quicker with the focused support of a coach. There are a ton of skilled coaches out there who are ready to help you succeed; do some research, ask around, book a few discovery calls and hire one you feel good about.
A big part of my initial fear of getting a coach was the fact that if I hired somebody to hold me accountable, it would make this business thing real. Part of me thought I needed to ease into the world of entrepreneurship, but that was my fear talking. Had I had a trustworthy coach, she would have helped me through that fear and guided me to a place of confidence and empowerment.
Focus on one thing at a time
Your coach will probably tell you this, but trying to do all the things will keep you from doing the one thing you do best. There’s a ton of courses, workshops, webinars, ebooks, etc. out there promising business results, and it can be tempting to grab them all. Likewise, if you give yourself permission to go for your dreams and create a business, you’re likely to have more than one business idea pop up. Find the one that harnesses your purpose and provides a solution to a need, and put the rest on hold. Maybe you'll be able to incorporate some of those ideas later, or start a new business, but in order to get a business off the ground, you need to focus on growing one solid idea.
Trust your intuition
You know what’s best for you. You know how you like to work and what lights you up. The more you can stay true to who you are, the more successful you’ll be. This includes listening to your intuition even when it’s covered up by your own fear (as mine was throughout my first year as an entrepreneur). Learn how to tune into your authentic voice, and use it from the very beginning.
The world needs what you have to offer; don’t let it get smothered by your own fear. Realize that creating your dream business will cost money, but if you invest in yourself by asking for help, you’ll save time and money in the long run.
