As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of building our businesses, chasing new milestones, and striving for constant growth. But in our relentless pursuit of progress, we often overlook valuable lessons that could make our journey smoother and more, well, enjoyable. Today, I want to share with you the best business advice I wish I had embraced much much earlier in my entrepreneurial journey. These lessons have not only transformed my business but have also dramatically improved my quality of life as a business owner and mother.
1. Start Before You’re Ready (But With Intention)
We’ve all heard the advice to “start before you’re ready,” but there’s a crucial distinction between taking inspired action and falling prey to shiny object syndrome. The key is to approach new ideas with intention and self-awareness.
When a new business idea strikes, resist the urge to immediately share it on social media or jump into execution mode. Instead, take a moment to integrate the idea:
- Go for a quiet walk and visualize yourself carrying out this idea long-term
- Reflect on where the inspiration came from – is it aligned with your values and vision?
- Consider how this idea fits into your ideal life and business model
This brief pause allows you to differentiate between genuine inspiration and fleeting excitement. It ensures that when you do take action, it’s purposeful and aligned with your long-term goals.
2. Simplify Your Offer Suite for Faster Scaling
One of the most transformative shifts in my business came from simplifying my offer suite. In the early days, I was constantly creating new offers, thinking I needed something for everyone. However, this approach led to a wider but thinner business model that was difficult to scale.
The power of a simplified offer suite lies in:
- Becoming known for doing one thing (or a few things) exceptionally well
- Centralizing your marketing and messaging around a core focus
- Making it easy for potential clients to understand which offer is right for them
Your offer suite should be a direct mirror of who you are and what you stand for as a brand.
When we simplified our offer suite, we saw results quickly. It allowed us to deepen our expertise, refine our messaging, and create a more cohesive brand experience for our clients.
3. Embrace “Done is Better Than Perfect”
As a recovering perfectionist, this lesson was particularly challenging for me to learn. However, embracing the concept that “done is better than perfect” has been a game-changer in my productivity and overall business growth.
Here’s how to put this into practice:
- Aim for 80-90% completion rather than striving for an unattainable 100%
- If you have a team, let them handle the bulk of the work and focus on providing final touches
- View your work as “drafts” rather than final products – everything can be improved over time
- Set specific times for product improvements rather than constantly tweaking
Remember, even published books have second editions. Your work is never truly “finished” – it’s always evolving. By letting go of perfectionism, you’ll be able to produce more, learn faster, and adapt more quickly to your audience’s needs.
4. Develop a Low-Maintenance Marketing Ecosystem
Marketing is often seen as a necessary evil in business, but it doesn’t have to be a constant drain on your time and energy. The key is to develop a low-maintenance marketing ecosystem that works for you, not the other way around.
Here’s how to approach it:
- Differentiate between content strategy (your blueprint) and content process (your execution plan)
- Batch create evergreen content (podcasts, blogs, email sequences) that serves your business long-term
- Plan your content around three categories: evergreen, launch-specific, and campaign-focused
- Utilize content batching techniques that fit your lifestyle and business model
By implementing this approach, I’ve been able to maintain a strong online presence without feeling like I’m constantly on a content creation hamster wheel. It’s allowed me to balance my roles as a business owner, content creator, and mother more effectively.
Your business can be as online as you want it to be. You don’t have to be online, and you don’t have to be everywhere.
Implementing these lessons has not only improved my business’s performance but has also dramatically enhanced my quality of life as an entrepreneur. They’ve allowed me to build a more sustainable, enjoyable business model that doesn’t require constant hustle or sacrifice.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or on the brink of burnout, I encourage you to reflect on these lessons and consider how you might apply them to your own business. Remember, building a successful business doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your well-being or your personal life. With the right strategies and mindset shifts, you can create a thriving business that supports the life you want to live.
I’d love to hear which of these lessons resonates most with you. Feel free to reach out and share your thoughts or experiences. Let’s continue this conversation and support each other in building businesses that truly work for us.
Topics covered in this episode on the best business advice:
- Why a Freedom First Business isn’t about lounging by the pool, but about creating a sustainable, impactful enterprise
- How to identify and solve real problems for your audience while staying true to your passions
- The importance of community and support in building a freedom-focused business
- An introduction to the Freedom Society membership and how it can accelerate your journey
Resources & Links:
- Create your Own Signature Offer with my free workbook – download it here!
- Want a business that practically runs itself? Download my free guide, 21 Ways to Make Your Business Low Maintenance, and get actionable steps to streamline your business and create more ease in your day-to-day. It’s time to start working smarter, not harder.
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Becoming CEO is the podcast for online entrepreneurs who are craving for their mindset and perspective to be expanded, who want to be surrounded by other high-achieving entrepreneurs for continued motivation, who are curious about how others run their businesses and who want to learn on the go. It’s a show that will guide you how to build, grow and scale your dream online business your way.
Whether you’re just getting started or scaling your online business to 6-figures and beyond, each week, your host India Butler and her guests will share purposeful, profitable and sustainable strategies for creating the freedom you desire – without the fluffy BS.
Your host, India Butler – a Business Mentor, Multiple 6-Figure Entrepreneur, and CEO mama – leads eye-opening solo episodes and engaging interviews with leading industry experts. Dive into discussions on entrepreneurship, mindset, energetics, leadership, motherhood, and unfiltered life.
