5 Things I’ve Learned in 5 years as a Business Owner
Ok, I’ve learned 1 million+ things, minimum, over the half-decade that I’ve been running my business BUT no-one has time to read that. So I thought I’d share the most important 5 things I’ve learned in 5 years as a freelance social media business owner.
Pick and set up your tools wisely
Honestly, I spent six months prepping to launch my business before I dove in. Thinking about branding, what services I could offer, working on the side of my full-time job to save up a nest egg… and 1000% the most important thing I did was realise that:
- I was offering something unique and personal to clients – I’m not an agency, either pretend or real
- There was great demand for social media consultancy & advice
- It’s good to specialise, and keep an eye on the market
Hands down the most important thing I’ve done for my business is set up a website. Simple, honest, reflecting all my values as a consultant and discoverable by Google thanks to some pointed SEO. My website is where I get 90% of my cold queries from, and I try to look at it on a quarterly basis, updating it as I get more certifications, as my experience changes and as my services expand or contract.
I’m sure some people find me via my blog social media accounts, and try to update my business socials on a fairly regular basis – but honestly, I spend so much time on other people’s accounts that I don’t fret about my own. (And I laughingly joke with clients about how my socials are pretty unloved.) Bonus points if the tool helps you to stay organised!
Be Yourself and VALUE YOURSELF
I’m still friends with my very first clients (waves *hi Bronnie & Bob*) and I like to keep in genuine touch with people whether it’s a quick Whatsapp of a relevant article about emoji’s or a Christmas e-card at the end of the year (oh, and the occasional box of biscuits work a treat!)
When I say value yourself – know what the market value is for your services, understand the value + skills that you are bringing to the businesses you are helping and make your boundaries clear. This is important whether it’s money-wise, or if it’s that you won’t reply to emails at 9pm. Oh, and put EVERYTHING in writing. Honestly, this is probably one of the most important things I’ve learned.
Find Your Tribe
Even you, yes YOU introverts. It’s so important to have people who understand your frustrations, celebrate your wins and are honest with you. And this is both online and and in real life; people who work a 9-to-5 will empathise, but won’t necessarily be able to help you make decisions or bounce ideas.
There are some excellent freelance/social media Facebook groups – and I love being able to bounce opinions, stay up to date with changes, sense check and *cough* grump about the very un-user friendly things that Meta keep doing.
Trust Your Gut
If something feels wrong, it probably will be – especially early on in a client onboarding. Sometimes things just don’t work out, and you’ll have to write off experiences as lessons learned. But that gut of yours, it’s highly attuned – so listen to it.
If you’re stuck on something walk away
No, I mean literally. I work predominantly from home, and if I’m getting completely stymied, getting out and about works an absolute dream. Get away from your screen out in the fresh air for a quick walk, take your laptop to a lovely hotel or cafe, put on some times – even just making a cup of tea, putting on an energetic playlist and changing the room you’re in can make a difference some days.
Bonus tip: Give Back
And do this on a regular basis! You can be a mentor for people, donate, volunteer with a charity – or even just leave answers regularly in the Facebook groups that you use. It’s so important to consider this within the scope of your business, as well as within your life generally. What skills can you lend to someone in need?
Bonus tip 2: Don’t hire cats
They’re cute but useless. Good for social media though…
Want to read through a few more of the lessons I’ve learned as a freelance social media consultant? Here you go!
