It’s that time again, the annual revolution of the sun that marks another 12 months in business. Every year feels like a massive milestone, 2023 is eight years since I went out on my own, taking that leap into the unknown of self-employment, not knowing how it would all pan out. If you have been “with me” since then, you may have already read the annual blogs, where I share my reflections on the progress and learnings I have made since I took that first step. Now, in 2023, I am writing on the 8th anniversary of the very dry interaction with HMRC; an admin activity that marked a massive new chapter in my life.
So, without further ado, here are the six things I have learned after eight years in business (I gave up matching the years to the list a while ago!
Six lessons learned, and questions to help you reflect!
You need to put your mask on first!
When you are passionate and driven about what you do, combined with the very real need to bring in income, it can be easy to find boundaries slipped and energy being disproportionally channelled into work. When you layer on top of that, a service where you act as a willing emotional container for clients, it’s essential to make time off or time out part of your plan! For me that is protecting my Fridays, limiting the amount of people I coach during the day and having a professional I can share with.
How do you make sure you are supported in your work and well-being?
The importance of ongoing learning.
I’ve had an intellectual itch to scratch for a while, but it took me some time before I could have the resources (time and money) to invest in myself the way I wanted. Before that, there were lots of reading, shorter workshops and stimulating conversations. Over the past eight years, I have noticed that my confidence and motivation drop when I find my skills levelling out. The irony of a career coach taking a while to truly understand that is not lost on me, highlighting the power of pushing past your own beliefs and inner chatter!
Where do you find that balance of challenge and motivation?
How important a core group of people are to me.
Like many others, post-COVID, I am much more comfortable on my own than I have been before. However, it’s very easy to slip into a week where I have barely left the house and have not interacted face-to-face with anyone apart from family members. I have always advocated for the importance of the people around you for business, but today I want to talk about the people NOT in business. It’s very easy for your identity to be work (especially if YOU are the face of the business) and to forget the other elements of life and your interests that are important.
What roles do you play in the friendship groups you have?
Paperwork is power!
I’m naturally paperwork-adverse. I’ve trusted too many “virtual handshakes” over work and been left with the consequences; impacting time, money, cash flow and values, to name a few. Every year, and especially in the past 12 months, my Terms & Conditions have become tighter and more direct, and my processes have better structure and dimensions. It not only helps me professionally, but it also allows me to plan and shows the values of those that I work with! These structures help me say “No” more comfortably!
Where could more structure benefit your life and business? What could have been prevented?
.
It’s OK to experiment with promotion.
Not only is it OK, but it’s also fun! From reintroducing myself to re-using socials to discuss the same topic in a new way, all of this means I can try something to promote who I am and what I do.
Whilst the content you see is me, I have had help in getting it focused. From a wonderful copywriter who helped me translate my thoughts into wonderful website content, to a social strategist who helped rein in my “scattergun approach” to promotion. Yes, it can feel uncomfortable, but you must get comfortable with selling if you are going to have a viable business.
Is it time to reach out to experts to support you with the things that aren’t your “day-to-day”?
I’m proud of my size!
When I started in 2015, I assumed by now I would have grown; how that growth looked varied from day to day and who I was inspired by. Eight years on it’s me, with a small group of professions I can lean on to help me do the things I can’t. The growth that I want in my business is about knowledge, impact and choice; and as I recently highlighted in a conversation, which doesn’t make it a hobby!
When you look ahead, what version of a career or business do you want?
So, there are my six lessons after eight years in business. I’ve enjoyed reflecting on the past 12 months; I’d love to know your thoughts about the past year in your career. Come to Creating Careers to Enjoy and share your answers if you wish!
If you want to read my previous blogs, you can find them here:
Seven lessons from seven years in business – The Balance Collective
https://thebalancecollective.co.uk/2021/10/28/six-lessons-from-six-years-in-business/
https://thebalancecollective.co.uk/2020/10/29/five-lessons-from-five-years-in-business/
https://thebalancecollective.co.uk/2019/11/07/seven-lessons-after-four-years-in-business/
My confessions after a year of self-employment. Top Tips and reflections – The Balance Collective
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
