A few weeks ago we asked our Instagram followers about small business struggles that they wished more people talked about. Let me tell you…everything I read spoke to my soul. Entrepreneurial mysteries are only mysteries because we don’t talk about them, but they are incredibly common.
I compiled of the 6 top responses for this post. You should know that you are not alone. Starting, growing and maintaining businesses can be mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting, but it does not have to be lonely.
1. Understanding the legalities (LLC, taxes, contracts)
The number one response we received was that we all feel lost and confused when we are trying to balance all of the legalities of business.
Our suggestion? INVEST IN PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. Accountants, bookkeepers, lawyers. You do not have to navigate this alone, nor should you.
2. The panic of potentially not having income next month
It is scary. Period. You never know where your next meal is coming from UNLESS you start to develop a plan for recurrent monthly income.
Our suggestion? In order to break through this fear, start to work on developing a growth mindset vs. a fixed or scarcity mindset.
3. Turning down clients
Did you know that you are allowed to politely say no to clients that are not a good fit for your business? No, you cannot discriminate based on race, sexuality, religion, etc. BUT you can turn down a potential client that just will not mesh with your business goals. Listen, this is hard. It sucks. I have done it. But imagine avoided major nightmarish experiences by passing on a contract upfront?
Our suggestion? Template an email for when someone isn’t a good fit. Revise when/as needed.
4.The pressure to constantly create new content/products/marketing
The FOMO is real. Are you developing enough products? Are you creating enough Reels? Are you on enough platforms? Is your packaging cute enough? Shiny object syndrome can suffocate you and your creativity.
Our suggestion? You don’t have to. I know it feels like you do, but you do not have to. Are you nurturing your existing relationships? Are you creating content that serves your ideal customer? Focus on quality over quantity!
5. The balance of too much work vs. not enough
You’re panicked about that next check. You need to make your bills. So you book a little extra. And then BAM, you’re burnt out and exhausted.
Our suggestion? Make sure that you are effectively budgeting for your needs. Know what you really need and what is just extra. Take your mental health into account, and remember to work on cultivating a GROWTH MINDSET.
6. When the heck and how the heck will I have kids?!
I waited two years longer than I thought I would because of my business, and then I planned my pregnancies around wedding season. I just couldn’t handle the idea of potentially upsetting a client with a pregnancy or baby. And it kept me up at night. And spoiler alert: some wedding clients were not thrilled. Oh well. Another entrepreneurial mystery, solved…you can’t please everyone.
Our suggestion? Do what feels right for you. Budget for your family, plan accordingly, and then follow your heart. We did not start businesses to let them determine the entire trajectory of our lives.
What is the bottomline on entrepreneurial mysteries?
You are not alone, and you are not stuck. There are resources and community to help you.
Caitlin Thomas is the Founder of Beyond Boss, a professional photographer, and a mama of two. She is passionate about helping other women make more time for living and enjoying life, without sacrificing their dreams and ambitions.
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