10 things I've learnt running a small business

Starting my own business has been the most empowering, scary, exciting and inspiring of experiences! There have been moments that I’ve wanted to pack it all in, when it feels like I’m getting nowhere. But the majority of the time I have to pinch myself because I know how truly lucky I am to be doing a job I love! On the way, there have been plenty of hard times and I’m made mistakes. But I’d like to think 3 years in that I’ve learnt a lot!

So, if you’re thinking of starting your own business, take the below with a pinch of salt. Because although I hope these tips help you, truthfully you will only find out for yourself as you grow your business organically.

10 things I’ve learnt from running a business:

1. That I would need to learn so much about PR and marketing - and there’s SO MUCH to learn too. From pitching to magazines, to keeping up to dates with the latest social media trends/hashtags, finding influencers to help promote my bags, the list goes on and I probably spend more time on this than anything else in my business.

2. That I would need to be able to blow my own trumpet - as well as my products and what they stand for. Nobody is going to buy from you unless they know what they’re getting. In this day and age transparency is key. People are becoming so much more aware of greenwashing and with a mountain of info available out there with just a few taps on Google, honesty is a necessity.

3. That I would need to be the face of my brand - I thought a logo would do! But in reality as a small business folks want to see the person behind the name. In fact, I know that I am far more likely to buy from a business when I have invested time to get to know the person behind it.

4. That I would meet so many brilliant other business women (and men!) - Both in real life and in cyber space I have been lucky enough to have formed friendships and support from women I would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.

5. That it would be lonely - sometimes! Working as a solo entrepreneur can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. There are so many opportunities to meet likeminded entrepreneurs out there, if you look, try searching for events in your area, join local fb groups, or start your own in a local coffee shop. I met my accountability partner through a local event and we now meet up every week, bouncing ideas off each other. She has been my absolute rock both in business and personally.

6. That it’s a mix of peaks and troughs - So yes, like a rollercoaster there have been ups and downs (more ups than downs thankfully) and I’ve learnt so many things about running a business on the way. As someone from a teaching background there was so much I needed to learn and boy am I STILL learning!

7. That being my own boss means flexibility - I get to call the shots! Which is great as a full time mum! I can work around naps and school runs. And as it’s working on something for me and my family, I’m motivated, even when I working late at night! I didn’t so much enjoy 2am marking and planning when I was a teacher!

8. That I would need to know my own mind - trusting my instincts. Everyone has an opinion, which is always good to listen to. but YOU know your goals and where your desires are with your business so don’t be fooled by even more ‘experienced’ advisors, know your worth and go with your sixth sense.

9. That I would need to learn to say “No” - Because by saying “Yes” everytime we spread ourselves thinner and thinner.

10. That it would be imperative to give myself self care - possibly one of the most important for me, if you don’t look after yourself, who will look after your business.

Throughout February I’m doing a Self Care Bingo Challenge over on Instagram. But you can start anytime, sign up to the newsletter to get a copy of the #ElizaElizaChallenge to stick on your fridge/noticeboard/mirror and tag @elizaelizauk to let me know your daily self care activity.