Starting a business is a lot like jumping off a cliff with your eyes closed. You're in for a wild ride, but until you DO it, it's hard to imagine what it will be like.
I asked my military spouse entrepreneur network to share ONE thing that they wish that they had known when they were first starting their business.
Here are their words of wisdom:
"There is no one size fits all approach to business. What works for others may not necessarily work for you and vice versa."
- Lily Dagdag, BCBS Media
"Do not undersell/price slash yourself because you're just starting out! Come up with true pricing & offer a "new startup" discount - but don't start out offering way less than you should just because you're "just beginning." It causes major sticker shock later on!"
- Kaylah Summerfelt, Lauré Love Photography
http://www.laurelovephotography.com
Laure Love Photography Facebook
"Go for NO and not Yes!"
-Becky Dowd, The Pampered Chef
http://www.pamperedchef.biz/thecookingconnection
"The beginning is hard. You could possibly be making less per hour then you have in the past, maybe even below minimum wage. Stick with it, it will pay off. Hard work ALWAYS pays off, one way or another. Focus on what will benefit you RIGHT NOW. Being successful in the beginning sets a trend for the rest of your entrepreneurial career. Build friendships NOT CLIENT LISTS! Of course, NO MATTER what, stay true to yourself; be strong and remember tomorrow is another day!"
-Cydne Stewart, All Things Vi
Http://allthingsvi.blogspot.com
"The one thing I wish I had known when I started my business was how to value myself. Not price my items, but value the work I put into each item I build. If you take the time to build something you love, others will appreciate it as well. Find what you love and make it the absolute best you can, then stop doubting yourself!"
-Jacqui Luberto, Blue Owl Wine Design
"It's okay to break the rules. You don't need to fit the molds created before you."
-Shannon Sander, Aries Mommy
Want to read more? I posted more responses on the blog, the Successful Military Wife.
