I wish someone had prepared me for everything that comes with being a business owner and starting a business — or at least been more honest and open about what to expect so I would’ve felt less alone or behind.
Now, I don’t think you truly can prepare someone for this, at least not completely, and the lessons tend to hit harder when you figure it out on your own. So, while it’s true I wish I was more prepared, I’m also glad I got to experience it first-hand.
Honestly, Reveal wouldn’t be what it is today without the lessons learned in the beginning (even if I could’ve learned them much easier and quicker if someone had just shared a little bit of insight — although there’s no telling if I would’ve listened).
So, here I am, trying to be that person for you and sharing a few vulnerable truths about my business journey:
Truths About My Business Journey
I love sharing the history of Reveal and how I built my successful copywriting business, but I don’t believe in sharing only the ‘good’ that comes along with it.
I made mistakes, constantly compared myself to others, and, even now, have days when anxiety creeps in and tells me I’m doing it all wrong and I need to burn it all down (it’s okay; I’ve learned to call it on its BS).
These truths behind my business journey weren’t fun to learn (in fact, they kinda sucked) and aren’t easy to share, but this is my note to you (I hope it helps):
You Truly Don’t Know What The F*ck You’re Doing Half the Time — Even When You Pretend You Do
There will be words and phrases thrown around that you’ll go home and Google and still have no idea what someone is talking about. It’s okay — it happens to everyone (yes, even me).
Business is a learning curve, and you’re always somewhere in the middle — no matter how much we like to imagine ourselves at the top. All we can do is Google it, remember it (or try to), and let the stress go.
There Are Things You’re Not Actually Ready for in The Beginning — Don’t Rush It
Listen, if you’re seeing other people create intricate funnels, pay for an SEO overhaul, or create these huge courses/programs, and you’re thinking, “damn, I guess I’m supposed to do that, but I don’t feel ready.” THAT’S NORMAL!
You might not be ready. I’m in year six of business and just now getting professional SEO — and I’ve never hosted a group program, but guess what? I’m not behind; I’m right the f*ck on time.
If You Don’t Have a Plan for Your Money, it Will Never Feel Like Enough
Arbitrary income goals are silly. Be realistic; what the heck are you going to do with $10k or $20k months? If you can’t explicitly state your plan — like where that money will go — you won’t feel satisfied when you reach it.
Build out your plan and create your habits first — increase wealth second.
If There’s One Thing to Know, It’s This…
Don’t disregard everything above — they’re important. But, if you’re only taking ONE thing away from today, let it be this: you cannot take anything at face value; trust no one until proven otherwise. (I don’t say this to be cynical; I say this to help protect you.)
I wish I had known from the moment I entered the online business space how common it was for business owners to exaggerate their income, success, results, and even themselves.
It’s completely possible that your favorite coaches and creators are out here literally selling BS on a platter, and you’re eating it — and it doesn’t matter how big their following is or how long they’ve been in the space.
Sometimes, people inflate stories and stats as a way to feel more important or attract clients — I’m not here to judge (everyone has their reasons), but I am here to send a warning sound.
So keep your eyes open, put your blinders on, and just do you. And, if you’d like to follow along as Reveal continues to grow and I continue to learn, subscribe to my newsletter (it has all the best things) — click here to subscribe.
