There have been times in the past when I literally felt like I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I know you have been there too.
I started out knowing I needed to get my comfortable + cute self out of my dead end day job. I need to create a business that would allow me to do what I love and be at home with my daughter. The quickest route there was the most obvious at first, my Etsy shop. But that minor passion soon led to my major passion…the big kahuna, coaching. Did I know what I was doing? Did I have a big plan on how it was all going to happen? No.
So what is the big secret? How have I managed to move from a successful Etsy Shop to a coaching business all in one year when I felt like I didn’t have a clue what I was doing?
Be unapologetic {to yourself} when you break your own rules
When you start out you will have somewhat of a picture of where you want your business to go. You may have a business plan neatly typed out or you may have a vision board or a mind map…either way you will want to schedule some time for rule breaking.
When you break your own rules whether it’s; blogging less, tweeting more, spending more or less money on your business, buying that techie gadget you may not have needed or taking a month off do not apologize to yourself or take yourself on an excursion on guilt highway.
Pump the brakes, honey
I had to. I would drive myself crazy when my tagline wasn’t just right or when I decided to change my domain name. Every month was different and when I let go, broke some rules and felt good about it, my business came together one day at a time.
Feeling like you don’t have a clue about what you are doing is part of the journey. When you embrace it + love on it you open yourself up to all of the possibilities of what your business (and heck) your life can be.
So what is my advice for you and your business?
Stop feeling:
- Guilty
- Stupid
- Sorry
Start feeling:
- Smart
- Purposed
- Sure
There will never be another you creating the business you are creating. You have an opportunity to create something that no one else ever has…so do it and don’t apologize when you don’t have a clue what you are doing.
No one ever really does.
So tell me…what has you feeling clueless lately? I’m all ears in the comments below.
Thank you, Erin! This was exactly what I needed to hear today and it really pumped me up. I’m going to read the rest of your blog and I’m excited to put it into action.;)
Wonderful to hear India!
It’s ok not to know it all…no one and I mean no one has a clue:) Keep in touch!
Awesome! I really needed to hear this today too 🙂 I have more than one job and can tell things are shifting in a positive direction but it is hard not to get down on yourself. Thanks for sharing your story and help keep me positive!
You are right about pump the breaks, I always do this when I am excited on something. I though it’s just me 🙂
You are just what I needed today. I have lost two art pieces worth $600 dollars and have no clue where. I am so stressed trying to take this business forward. I have never lost anything before, artwork that is. This is unnerving. How does one deal with this?
just wanted I needed to hear Erin.
Thank you
@Kerry- You are so welcome!
@Sanjay- keep on pumpin’ then, it’s good to know yourself:)
@Jeanne- Take a step back and be sure not to drive yourself crazy.
Hopefully they will turn up!
@Alicia- you’re welcome!
Great article…could not have said it better…I just started out a new biz.got my domain registered, social media accts set up. And then at 3am this morning came up with a better name! First reaction from a friend..u ahld not have spent ur money purchasing the domain name ( but it was only $10)…but my response was, I would not have come up with the new ( and better) name if I was not already just working on taking the next steps and going all out! Ur article certainly helps me know I am on track!
Hi there Erin,
Thanks for sharing this with us. Goals provide direction. They are the ones that tell us where our business should go. They become our roadmap, our guide. I believe business leaders who set goals are not only more successful, they are happier and more confident with their business.
Thanks for sharing,
Judy
Great site, Posted this on FB for some friends to checkout.
All I have to say is Thank Goodness for you. I appreciate your blog!
Thanks Erin for the encouragement! I have been on the fence for years about whether to open an Etsy shop or start another on-line site with store.Now just the other day Etsy has a deal going till July 15 to open a store and stock with 20 items for free.I am back to Etsy again to see whether my jewelry will sell and designing my own store at the same time:)