Starting a new business is not only exciting but insanely challenging too. Every single Business Owner will agree...!!

When I launched Relauncher 8 years ago, my past experience was in Corporate Marketing for blue chip companies throughout Australia and London. Whilst I had a vast amount of experience in this area (well over 10 years), beginning my business was far tougher than I had envisaged.

Since launching Relauncher as an Online Shop, the business then evolved into a Business Coaching practice by its 3rd year. I hadn’t anticipated the Business would evolve so greatly when I first launched. Throughout this journey and working with hundreds of Business Owners to help set up, grow and evolve their businesses, I have enjoyed and experienced an incredible journey, also learning many valuable lessons along the way.

Below are 4 elements I wish someone had told me when I first started my own business.

There's never enough hours in the day

Even if you have time-management practices, systems and processes, there will always be more to do as a business owner. Because we passionate about our businesses, it's incredibly easy to get stuck thinking about what needs to be done and what more can be done.

The importance of structuring your day is a game changer to running your business. It allows you to minimize feeling overwhelmed. When facing a setback, it also helps as having an organized day helps you move on and still get work completed.

Trust your gut + follow your intuition

When first starting out, it is easy to doubt yourself and some of your abilities. During the early stages of business, it's crucial to stand strong in your pursuit of a thriving business. Yes, there will be challenges. Yes, you may feel like giving up at times. Others will possibly tell you to quit whilst you're ahead.

My best advice is to follow your gut and trust that in the end, all will work out. I have learnt that it is easy to doubt our decision-making skills but at the end of the day, it is best practice to seek advice, then act with integrity and listen to your intuition. It may sound cliché, but it will never lead you astray.

Patience is a virtue

Patience is a virtue and this could not be truer in the process of getting your new business up and running. Even if you have an outstanding product or an incredible service, your business is a long-term commitment, especially when the initial excitement and adrenalin wears off.

Persistence goes hand-in-hand with patience. It’s vital to remain persistent despite the challenges you will inevitably face. In order to become a well-established and well-respected business that stands the test of time, you will need unwavering dedication, persistence and patience. Successful businesses are built over time, not overnight.

Be flexible in your approach

What I can safely say as a Business Coach having worked with a large variety of small businesses, is that most businesses evolve quite dramatically by their 3rd year.

When we first start, we can become consumed with targeting all of our marketing and directing all our focus on to our ideal clients and customers. However, it is not until our business gains enough traction that we can fully understand exactly what they want and need from us. With this comes a lot of trial and error, adjusting and refining. Adjusting and re-adjusting by listening to feedback and learning what works and what doesn’t is such an effective means for growing your business.

The more often they hear about your brand, the more likely they are to consider what you have to offer when they are ready to buy.

Create a list of where your brand should be seen and experienced. Identify these touchpoint, then create Marketing Activities to match their mindset at these points.

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Alison Morgan is a highly experienced and down to earth Business Coach, specialising in helping Business Owners find their way and thrive.

Alison adapts her coaching style to suit the client, focusing on start ups through to Businesses which have been in operation for over 10 years.

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