Bonus Newsletter this week!
It seems poetic that my 100th day of business lands on Christmas Day. My favourite time of year.
I started my business on the 16th September 2022. Without any plans. Just a need to take back control of my professional life. I suppose that was my goal- self preservation.
I decided to keep a diary of what I was doing, what I learn, how I feel and what I am doing - for my own sanity really. But it's a lovely bit of content too.
So what do I recommend for your first 100 days of being your own boss?
Here are 36 things I learned in my first 100 days of business.
- Don't beat yourself up - it's a bit of a rollercoaster to begin with. One shit unproductive day can derail your week. Don't beat yourself up, and get back on that proverbial horse.
- Create something everyday - it took me 6 weeks to get into a routine for content creation and see results. My best advice would be to create, no matter what platform or media it is. You might not use that content but it will definitely inspire more.
- Don't be so humble - People do want to hear what you have to say and your opinion on your market. I know, I was surprised too.
- Get an accountant - mine is Dan Edwards. They will take all the pain of accounting to give you space to do what you're good at.
- Try DIY first - It's great to get your ideas onto paper/screen to trial your thoughts. Whether thats a Canva website, or Jasper copywriting, using these tools will help you discover and build your vision.
- Reach out to friends and family - They can trial your product, customer journey or services before they go to market. You will be in the business day in, day out and it's hard to see the wood from the trees. They are great at giving constructive criticism before you launch (whether you want it or not).
- Reach out to your professional network on LinkedIn. Introduce yourself and what you are doing. Everyone loves a new business story.
- Get yourself a business buddy - mine is Katie Whitley. And she is my business cheerleader.
- Don't be afraid to tell people your new and learning business.
- Create case studies from projects you have executed in previous jobs and experiences. They don't have to be from your new business. Your customers are buying from you and your expertise. Everyone has to start somewhere.
- Build trust and an open dialogue with your 'competitors' - You'll be surprised how supportive they will be!
- Meet new people at least once per week - Working on a new business is lonely. Local breakfast networking, or Zoom Referral sessions work wonders to keep inspired.
- Don't get excited by the scammers - 'How I built a £30,000 per month business in 1 day'. They didn't. You won't. Don't buy it.
- Get dressed. It seems obvious, but getting dressed in the morning does actually help your motivation.
- Plan your own week - you don't have to do 9-5. My brain works best at 8pm. So why on earth would I get up at 5am and waste the day to be exhausted by the time my creativity kicks in.
- Learn about and empathise with your audience. Another obvious one, but surprising how many miss this step.
- Cold call - not in the traditional sense. I search my ideal clients on LinkedIn - for example search 'founder' in the search bar. Filter by 'People', 'Location' and select 1st and 2nd degree connections. These are people you know or know someone you know. Great for building trust and word of mouth.
- Don't underprice yourself just to get the sale. I do this. I'm working on it.
- Drink water - not just coffee. I started getting headaches because I was pounding the coffee's all day. Rookie error.
- Have playtime. You're not a machine. Go have fun once in a while.
- Find your inspiration time. If I'm struggling with motivation or drawing creative blanks I take my cocker spaniel, Lady, out for walks. Some people find showers give them their best ideas. Either way, find what gives you head space, and use it as a tool.
- Socialise in the week - you'd be surprised how many of your friends don't work 9-5 like you used to. Reconnect and enjoy life.
- Create goals and deadlines - It’s easy to get overwhelmed when starting out, so having clear objectives in place can help focus your efforts and keep you motivated. Make sure to set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself.
- Develop a routine - One of the most important aspects of being self-employed is having a solid routine in place. This will help keep you organised while also preventing burnout or fatigue.
- Schedule your day with breaks - give your mind and body some rest. If possible, try to wake up at the same time every morning and stick with it (something I am still working on).
- Network with other self-employed individuals - It can be intimidating being surrounded by other entrepreneurs who have been doing this longer than you have. Networking with other business owners can be extremely beneficial—you may learn valuable advice or even find mentors who can help guide you through any tough spots along the way.
- Film yourself talking about your product or service - I use BIGVU to help me remember my 'lines'.
- Get a business account to separate business from personal - I use Tide. They are ace and you can send branded invoices from the app.
- Companies house is a minefield. Register your business first and they will tell you what to do next via letters. Here's the govs advice
- On that note, celebrate getting post! Your first letter to your business is thrilling to see.
- Celebrate the little wins - sometimes that's answering an email. Other times it's winning a new contract or selling your first product. Celebrate it and document it. You'll want to look back on this moment in 5 years time.
- Don't be scared - have confidence in yourself, you had the idea and the excitement to run your own business. You can do it. Keep pushing on.
- Create a dedicated work space - especially if you are working from home.
- Get used to no salary at end of month - You can pay yourself whenever you want. Whatever you want. As long as you have the money... obviously. (and watch out for Mr tax man)
- Research and get advice before you buy anything - I started with Canva before my business could sustain an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. I now use both!
- If you're not sure, ask someone who does. Do you have an agency that wants to charge you £7k for SEO. Nope. You don't need it yet.
BONUS TIP
- If you have periods, book 3 days off per month to deal with the pain and emotional turmoil you are going through. If you work during that time, bonus. If not, its not worth the torment.
Starting your own business is no small feat—it takes time, dedication, and hard work to make it work. However, if done right it can be incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. By setting goals and deadlines for yourself while developing a routine that works best for you, and networking with other entrepreneurs in the same industry as yours, then success awaits over those first 100 days! Best of luck on your journey!