Ep. 10: How to Stay in Business: Lessons from Real-Life Experiences

Welcome back to Daring Made! Today, we’re diving deep into the human aspect of staying in business. In this episode, we’ll discuss personal stories and lessons that go beyond marketing strategies and business plans. Staying in business requires not just financial backing and numbers, but also a personal and human element that often goes unnoticed. So, let’s get real, raw, and honest as we explore the unspoken aspects of staying in business.

Lesson 1: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

One of the most important realizations I had early on in my entrepreneurial journey is the need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. In today’s fast-paced world, people tend to avoid anxiety, sadness, and failure, fearing the impact it may have on their lives. However, accepting that discomfort and failure are part of the journey opens up a new perspective. By allowing ourselves to fail fast and learn from our mistakes, we can move forward with resilience and growth.

Lesson 2: Don’t Mother Your Team

As entrepreneurs, it’s natural to feel the need to take care of everyone on our team. However, over-nurturing and overextending our efforts can lead to burnout and resentment. It’s essential to strike a balance between supporting our team members and making wise decisions for the overall success of the business. By acknowledging that not every team member may be the right fit and making necessary adjustments, we create a healthier and more productive work environment.

Lesson 3: Don’t Overcomplicate It

In an era of information overload, it’s easy to get caught up in overcomplicating things. Whether it’s learning new marketing strategies or trying to handle multiple aspects of our business ourselves, we often find ourselves overwhelmed. However, simplifying our approach can yield incredible results. By focusing on the core of our business, identifying our target audience, and offering a solution that meets their needs, we can achieve exponential growth without unnecessary complexity.

Lesson 4: Take Action and Learn Along the Way

While seeking advice and guidance from mentors or experts can be beneficial, there comes a point when we need to take action and trust our own instincts. Waiting for the perfect plan or validation from others can lead to missed opportunities. Embracing a mindset of learning through action allows us to adapt, pivot, and make informed decisions based on our unique experiences. Sometimes, you just need to do the damn thing and learn as you go.

Lesson 5: Slow Down to Speed Up

In a society that values speed and hustle, we often forget the importance of slowing down to gain clarity and avoid burnout. Slowing down doesn’t mean complacency; it means creating space for reflection, rejuvenation, and finding balance. By reducing friction and aligning ourselves with our true purpose, we can create sustainable growth and long-term success in our businesses.

Conclusion

Staying in business is an ever-evolving journey that requires a balance of strategic thinking and personal growth. Through these real-life lessons, we’ve explored the importance of embracing discomfort, avoiding over-nurturing, simplicity over complication, action over analysis paralysis, and the value of slowing down. Remember, no one is handing out awards for just showing up; instead, focus on making meaningful connections, learning from your experiences, and celebrating your own unique journey. Stay determined, stay adaptable, and stay in business!

If you enjoyed these insights, feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us on Instagram at @daringmade. We’d love to hear from you!

Note: This blog post has been inspired by the “Daring Made” podcast episode titled “How to Stay In Business.” The content has been summarized and adapted for a written format while retaining the essence of the original episode.