EP20: How I Doubled My Bookings and Quit My 9 to 5 Job
“When you’re starting your business, it’s likely that you don’t have everything figured out and that is ok… This is part of the journey as an entrepreneur.. The important thing is that you have the essential things, so you can
do your thing…”
- Yesenia Bocanegra
Maybe you’re just not the 9 to 5 type. Or perhaps you have real talent in an area or you have big time passion for something. Whatever motivates you to start your own business, I hope my experience will help you define what you want to do as a career and help you get started!
How To Grow Your Business
CREATE YOUR OWN IDEAL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Look for other business models that appeal to you and start documenting what aspects of these models you want to emulate. Envision running this type of business. What drives you? Do you see yourself enjoying this role? What would it look and feel like in the structure of your life? What is your gut telling you?
FOCUS AND DEFINE YOUR NICHE
Think about what demographics and style you want to focus on and design a marketing strategy to target your ideal client. What does your audience like? Where do they shop? What do they enjoy?
Gather nice, but inexpensive props for a style shoot, a photography session meant for marketing purposes. Create a video to attract exactly the type of client for your niche and to promote your brand. Then post your video to the appropriate sites (like Thumbtack for services or Instagram for products) to promote your business.
Document all the little ways you want to serve your client before, during, and after the transaction so that you can be consistent in your offerings.
Be very intentional with what you share on social media. Make sure each post has a purpose.
DESIGN YOUR SYSTEMS AND TWEAK YOUR WORKFLOW
As you learn and as your industry changes, be flexible and willing to change your systems along the way so you can deliver an exceptional client experience. We never know what the future holds, so make sure to think ahead and prepare for times of crisis or slower business...like a worldwide pandemic! What is in alignment with your purpose? If what you’re doing doesn’t feel aligned with your goals, then you may need to pivot your business model. Make sure your product or service matches what you’re advertising on your website and on social media.
START!
Start taking clients. Everything is a learning experience so pay attention to the process so that you can make the best educated decisions along the way. You will learn what your strengths and weaknesses are as you progress. Keep in mind there has to be a purpose and strategy behind each decision that matches your goals.
As you start on your entrepreneurial journey, you’ll start narrowing down and defining what you feel most passionate about. You’ll hone down to those specific skills that drive and inspire you. And you’ll end up enjoying your career more because you’ve incorporated what motivates and challenges you. It’s really great when we can love what we do for a living. It needs to come from within, be in alignment with our values, push us to be better, and come from a place of authenticity.
Remember that you and your business are unique. I hope this episode has inspired you and helped you decide where and how to start.