Things no one tells you when you start a business

There are lots of things to think about when you start a business and most people only consider the practical aspects. While you should definitely make sure you’re prepared from a practical perspective, I’m going to be covering the stuff no one usually mentions because they’re too busy being excited about your new business (the important people anyway).

It can be really lonely

Without wishing to be a negative Nancy it’s important to know that starting and running your own business can be incredibly lonely. Especially as the large majority of your friends and family will most likely be in full time employment for other people. Don’t worry though the best way to combat this potentially soul-crushing loneliness is by carving out a network of other wonderful self-employed people or business owners to chat to. There are loads of ways to do it, from networking to Facebook groups, but trust me you will want and need a solid group of people to talk to who can empathise with your situation and offer little pearls of wisdom. Yes, starting your own business can be lonely but it could just be the best decision you ever make. 

It is super hard work

This one probably goes without saying but just in case it’s in here anyway, starting your own business is really hard work and it is easy to let it be the only thing going on in your life. With email, social media accounts, and a whole bunch of other business apps accessible on your phone you will find yourself working at weird times. I know you’re probably sitting there going “Yes but I want to start a business so that I can spend less time working, not more”. You will… Eventually. For a little while though it will be basically the only thing your brain has space for. Eating dinner with your family? You’ll be thinking about ways to increase your customer base. On a romantic date with your other half? You’ll be asking their opinion on your branding. Think about your business as a new addition to the family that will keep you up at night thinking about whether it was the right decision, fighting off your inner critic, and going through the pros and cons of your marketing strategy. Accept it, make peace with the fact you will basically only be able to talk about one subject for the foreseeable, and maybe try to take some proper time off (without checking emails/LinkedIn/Instagram) on a semi-regular basis.

Almost everyone feels like they’re making it up

It’s out there. The business world’s biggest secret. Almost every business person you meet feels at some point and on some level that they’re making it up as they go along. You know why? Because almost everyone is. Especially when they first start out. You can read business guru books or spend hours attending webinars and watching YouTube videos all you like. Running your own business is mainly just making it up as you go along hoping no one else realises. Accepting that you can’t possibly know everything is incredibly freeing so do it sooner rather than later. Ask someone else for help with the things you’re not so great at so you can get on with doing the thing you’re fabulous at. Imposter syndrome is strong, make it your friend. 

Being nice is a great way to win business

Some people will tell you that you have to be ruthless to be in business, I disagree, being ruthless will only really work in the short term. Having loads of high value one off clients is great, except that there’s no longevity in it and you will probably end up as Billy No Mates. Being nice is a fabulous way to win (and more importantly keep) business. Especially when first starting out. Collaborate with other small businesses. Give free advice. Offer tips and tricks on your socials. You come across as a wonderful person, which you are, with the added bonus of looking like an expert, which you also are. People will not only keep coming back but they will start recommending you to others. Win win!

Brand is important 

When starting a business the hardest thing to think is what you actually want your brand to be. Start by thinking about what it is that makes your business your business. Create a list of all the things that make you and your goods or services wonderful; what you admire about other brands; colours, images, logos, and fonts you like; basically anything to inspire you. I worked with a designer on my logo and website which made life significantly easier. Once you have a solid brand in place (including values), keep it consistent across all channels. 

Starting your own business is one of the most incredible things you can do and by taking the above into consideration as well as all the “normal” things hopefully you feel a little more prepared. Since going it alone I haven’t looked back, if you’d like to read about why Curlyworm was created take a look at the About Us page. If you’d like to have a chat about anything else please get in touch, I adore talking to new people.