I want to celebrate the women who are an integral part of my business. Without them, I wouldn’t have the same motivation to get up every morning. They are truly the driving force behind this business venture.

While it’s fulfilling to have a bustling schedule and interact with diverse clients, nothing compares to the support and camaraderie of having amazing teammates by my side. Their presence makes all the difference, and I am grateful for each and every one of them.

Inspired by the book “Make Your Bed” by Admiral William H. McRaven I wanted to share who I have in my business, in my corner.  After 17 years of trying to do this business thing alone I burnt out.  I packed up, took the SIM card out of my phone and took down my website.  I was done.  I thought I was going to change career, if I had to work, but after completing a course in marketing I realised that the only business I really should be in was my own.  

The emphasises of my new chapter is teamwork and collaboration. In the book, Admiral McRaven shares valuable lessons learned from his Navy SEAL training and military career. One of the key takeaways is that it is not good to work alone because teamwork enables individuals to achieve greater success and overcome challenges together.

Working alone can limit creativity, perspectives, and problem-solving abilities. When people collaborate, they can pool their strengths and compensate for each other’s weaknesses, making the overall effort more efficient and effective. Teamwork fosters a sense of camaraderie, promotes communication, and builds trust among team members, leading to improved performance and increased resilience in the face of adversity.

The book encourages individuals to build strong teams, relying on each other’s support, and understanding that collective effort is fundamental to achieving greatness in both personal and professional endeavours.

I took a reflective approach to my previous business journey, creating a list of all the pain points and challenges I had faced over the past 17 years. I made a vow not to repeat those same mistakes and avoid falling into familiar pitfalls. If past experience has taught me anything, it is that running a business is not productive of fun trying to do it all on my own.  

Areas I could see that I clearly struggled in, and I don’t believe I’m too unusual with this list, are

Clarity

Confidence

Planning actual next steps and staying in the right direction

Goal setting and validation or just recognition of achievements and milestones

Staying focused

Strategy and insider knowledge of the most effective systems and programs to use

Help with them when I’m stuck

Break the isolation

Create consistency, in showing up, in following through, in earning money.

How to find the right clients and how to get the clients who needed my service to find me

My journey towards creating the work life I’ve always wanted began with Jo, my mentor and coach. Our weekly online meetings have been transformative. She not only keeps me focused and helps with strategy and next steps, but she also introduces me to the latest tech and tools to leverage in my business.

But it’s not just about tasks and strategies; Jo also emphasizes the importance of mindset. She helps me stay mentally on track and accountable. The weekly check-ins with her hold a different weight than being accountable to myself. With family and friends not being directly involved in my entrepreneurial journey, having Jo’s support is invaluable.

Her upbeat and genuine interest in my business makes our sessions a highlight of my week. Having a coach like Jo takes away the burden of making decisions alone, which can become overwhelming. With her guidance, I feel more confident in my choices and excited about the future.

Working with Jo helped me recognise that I was getting bogged down in administrative tasks and not focusing on what truly mattered to me. That’s when Syra joined my company as my Virtual Assistant, and I couldn’t have been luckier. In just a short time, she has become my right-hand person, taking charge of the mundane tasks while also bringing a fresh and creative perspective to the table.

Syra’s efficiency and ability to take the reins have freed up my time and allowed me to dive into the projects I am passionate about. She handles content creation, manages the back office, and even interacts with customers, making the workload feel lighter and more enjoyable. With her by my side, bouncing ideas off each other has become a fun and collaborative process.

I can honestly say that without Syra, I’d feel lost and stuck in the daily grind of firefighting, where goals remain unachieved.

Thanks to her support and dedication, I am now making real progress and building the business I’ve always dreamed of.

Anastasia is a well-known and respected figure in the industry, making her the perfect choice for my website makeover. Having produced three websites in the past, I was dreading the process, but Anastasia’s expertise surpassed all expectations.

As a confidant and dedicated marketing partner, her guidance has been invaluable. With her industry-specific knowledge, explaining my niche and reaching ideal clients has become effortless. Thanks to her support, my online business promotion has been a breath of fresh air and has made a significant difference in my journey. I am truly grateful to have her by my side.

Elizabeth has been a godsend as my accountant, especially after a disastrous experience with my previous one. I trust her implicitly, and she takes away all the stress I used to feel dealing with the tax office. With her expertise, I no longer have to worry about filing, notifications, or end-of-year tasks. I simply email her what she needs, and she takes care of the rest. The thought of handling accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks on my phone used to overwhelm me, but with Elizabeth, I know I’m in capable hands. Having endured two terrible accountants before finding Liz, I’ve learned that not all accountants are the same, and having someone trustworthy in my corner is essential.

Another essential woman in my business is my mum. She plays a crucial role by taking care of Clifford, the yellow Labrador, while I’m at work.

Beyond that, she is a strong and supportive rock in my life, providing unwavering support and love. Her presence and assistance have been invaluable, and I am grateful for her constant presence and support in both my personal and professional endeavours.

There seems to be a prevailing trend among entrepreneurs to portray themselves as self-sufficient go-getters who can achieve everything on their own and have it all. They often promote products or strategies promising overnight success, claiming to lead to six or seven-figure results. I must admit, I fell into that trap as well, trying every shortcut and seemingly miraculous solution out there. However, experience has taught me otherwise.

I’ve learned that it’s not possible to have it all, and I certainly can’t do it all alone. And you know what? That’s okay. In fact, it’s a good thing. Now, I surround myself with a diverse collage of strong, independent women whom I deeply admire. Their support and camaraderie have become invaluable. While I may not have it all, I’ve come to appreciate and enjoy what I do have.

In the journey of entrepreneurship, I’ve realised the importance of building a network of supportive, like-minded individuals. Together, we can overcome challenges, celebrate victories, and find fulfilment in the journey, rather than seeking some elusive destination. The camaraderie and shared experiences have brought newfound joy and contentment to my life and business. So, let’s embrace the power of unity and celebrate the genuine connections we build along the way.