When I started working for myself, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. What I didn’t realize was just how many roles I’d have to take on. One day I’m the CEO coming up with big ideas, and the next I’m tech support, trying to figure out why a button on my website isn’t working.
Some days, I’m polished and professional, confidently pitching big ideas. Other days, I’m rolling up my sleeves, desperately trying to convince ChatGPT to stop talking to me like a web developer because I have no clue how to "fix meta tags" or what a DOM is. 😅
Overcoming Challenges as a Entrepreneur
I’ve always been good at sales enablement, as well as the strategic and creative parts of my work.
But when it came to the technical side - like SEO, web design, and analytics - I tried outsourcing it once, and it backfired badly. After that experience, I realized it’s better to take charge myself. Even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone and investing more time, I know I can trust the outcome. Plus, how cool is it to finally understand how the backend of your website works? It’s like unlocking a secret tech superpower - who knew meta tags could be so fascinating (and frustrating)? 😵💫
I spent hours Googling, watching tutorials, arguing with ChatGPT 😅 and making (a lot of) mistakes. But every time I figured something out, no matter how small, it felt like a win! Slowly, I started to realize I could do way more than I gave myself credit for.
How Entrepreneurs Can Avoid Isolation
I’ve been working fully remotely since March 2020, and while it has been great in a lot of ways, it also has its downsides. Sure, it’s amazing to cuddle with my fluffy cats between meetings or take lunch walks with my husband, but there’s no team to bounce ideas off or help when you’re stuck. Most days, it’s just you and your laptop, and that can feel lonely after a while.
Over time, I’ve learned that it’s really important not to let yourself get too isolated.
Meeting up with people for coffee chats, going to local events, or even just having a quick call with a peer can make a huge difference.
You don’t always realize how much you need that connection until you have it!
What I’ve Learned Along the Way
Here are a few entrepreneur tips I’ve picked up that might help you too:
🔭 You can figure it out
You don’t have to know everything on day one. Start small, learn as you go, and trust that you’ll get better over time. Don’t overthink it - just start! You don’t even need to know all your steps ahead of time. Sometimes, you’ll realize you need to change direction, and that’s okay too. The key is to take that first step and adapt as you move forward.
🌍 Stay connected
Don’t work in a bubble. Talk to people, join meetups, or grab coffee with someone in your industry. You’ll get fresh ideas, stay motivated, and feel less alone. But don’t limit yourself to just your field - meet people outside of your industry too. Learning from different perspectives can open your mind to ideas you never thought of and help you grow in unexpected ways.
🥂 Celebrate the wins
Whether it’s fixing a glitch on your website or landing a new client, take a moment to appreciate the progress you’re making. Compliment yourself, share your wins with close friends or people who genuinely care about you, and let them cheer you on. Surprise yourself with small gifts - a favourite treat, a relaxing evening, or something you’ve had your eye on. Celebrate the journey as much as the destination
🎯 Done is better than perfect
Perfection is overrated, especially when you’re just starting out. Get it out there, and tweak it later if you need to. Nothing and no one is perfect, so stop aiming to hit 100% on all your analytics, SEO, accessibility, and performance metrics. It’s exhausting and unnecessary. Perfection kills creativity, momentum, and progress. Instead, focus on what’s working, and improve bit by bit. Keep moving forward - it’s better to be done than stuck chasing perfection.
It’s Not Always Easy, But It’s Worth It
Being a entrepreneur is a constant juggling act. Some days you’re the confident professional in heels, and other days you’re the DIY problem-solver in sneakers. But every step you take, whether it’s big or small, gets you closer to where you want to be.
If you’re on this journey too, know that you’re not alone.🫶🏻
You’ve got this. And don’t forget - take a break, meet people, and enjoy the ride!
What about you?
What’s one skill you’ve had to learn as a entrepreneur that you never expected? How do you stay connected when working solo?
Let me know in the comments!
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