Celebrating Two Years in Business: A Lesson in Self-Worth

Happy two years in business to me!

Wasn't it just a few months ago that I was writing the first-anniversary post? Time flies when you're having fun… and when you're busy.

Two years ago, at the height of the pandemic and several other world events, I decided to start a business, and I have never looked back.

I always thought I would own my own business, but it usually felt like a distant dream that would come together at the exact right moment. After my mental health break in 2019, I envisioned a few more years in the workforce before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. However, a few wrong turns, red flags, and a pandemic prevented me from getting the full-time gig I thought I needed.

Eventually, I surrendered and began putting the wheels in motion to start my own business. Sometimes the universe decides you're ready before you're ready. 

Since I did not think I was ready for entrepreneurship, I spent a lot of time at the beginning of my business feeling like I didn't belong. As much as I hate to admit it, my head still goes there more than it should. When I first started, I bought all the classes teaching me how to get clients, and I signed up for courses that promised to grow my Facebook by a gazillion percent. True story--I did not finish (or even start) most of the classes and courses.

However, I completed a certificate in Digital Marketing from Columbia University, which was worth every penny. One of my big lessons was to know how you learn. Self-guided learning is not my strength. I am much better when there are scheduled classes, trainings, and assignments.

I also met with several coaches over the last few years. I firmly believe in getting help from the people who have been in your shoes. Why reinvent the wheel? However, I would caution anyone interested in a coach (of any kind) to do your diligence. Drill down what you're looking to achieve, and then do some serious vetting. There are a ton of great coaches out there, so don't just jump on the first one you meet.

No matter how many coaches you meet or courses you take (or don't take)—nothing prepares you for entrepreneurship as much as recognizing your self-worth.

The tricky part is that self-worth isn't something that comes in a course or a class. A coach can lead you down the right path, but it's really up to you. You have to learn how to believe in yourself. You must trust yourself to do the right things and make things right when you miss the mark.

You have to put yourself first because no one else is driving your business for you. Even if you have a business partner, you are only responsible for yourself. You have to be willing to make tough decisions that don't always feel good but are right for the business. You must do things differently so you can stand out.

For most people, especially women, none of this comes easily. We've been taught to be humble, play small, and follow the leader. While the narrative is undoubtedly changing, we're trying to course-correct centuries of learned behavior. It's not easy! And for people like me, people pleasers to their core, this all feels unnatural and downright uncomfortable.

However, you can't grow a business if you don't believe in yourself. You won't get too far if you're unwilling to stand up for yourself. Sure, it can be done, but it's much harder. If you're willing to take charge and show people what you're made of, it won't matter what you're selling. That leads me to another harsh lesson in entrepreneurship.

 As soon as I started, I realized that some of the most successful entrepreneurs in my field had far less experience than me. I couldn't wrap my brain around this concept. After all, I've spent my life believing that success comes from experience. I realized that's not the whole story. Sure, success comes from experience but also from believing in yourself. Those less-experienced people had one thing I did not—confidence. They truly believed in themselves and what they were doing. And, in today's world, that's what sells.

I'm fully aware some of these folks could've been lying about their success. However, I will say that it's far too easy to compare yourself to others, especially when you're just starting out. And that all leads back to self-worth. You can't let other people influence you. You have to be above it.

Two years later, I still find myself relearning these lessons over and over again. Yet, one thing has changed in the last two years--I no longer feel like I don't belong here. I am here, and I'm damn good at what I do.

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