Embracing the Journey: My Path to Starting a Business

Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship

When I first started toying with the idea of starting a business, I felt a whirlwind of emotions. Excitement and terror danced together in my mind. Having worked in sales for years, I knew I wasn't a natural businessman. The intense nature of the business world often felt overwhelming. Yet, I realized that if I wanted to build a career for myself, I had to take the leap and go out on my own.

One of my greatest assets is my self-awareness. I know my strengths and weaknesses well.

Put me in a room with 80 teenage boys to discuss toxic masculinity? Not a problem! But ask me to organize my schedule and keep everything in my calendar? Lord help me!

Starting a business felt like I would have to navigate my weaknesses to finally leverage my strengths. So, what did I do? I made a plan.

Finding My Workspace

I quickly discovered that working from home was not an option for me. Even during the pandemic, the distractions were too much. I promised myself I would go to the local library every weekday, no matter how much work I accomplished. And you know what? It worked! Going to the library gave me structure and made me feel like I was achieving my goals. Sure, some days were more productive than others, but that didn’t matter. I was getting up and going to work.

Crafting My Business Plan

Before long, I had written a business and financial plan that I was ready to present to all interested parties. I dove into the process of registering my business, learning everything I needed to know about the relevant tax information. I even built this website!

Facing Marketing Challenges

However, the inevitable challenges began to rise. As I mentioned, I am not a businessman, and now I found myself at the stage of marketing (cue collective boos). I created several social media accounts and developed a marketing schedule with the support of AI. I even purchased Canva to design images for these platforms.

While I have posted on these sites and feel relatively proud of my work, it often feels like I’m trying to swim in a pool of custard. Even creating this blog can feel like a way to avoid posting on other sites.

Celebrating Small Victories

That being said, I am incredibly proud of the work I have done so far. I am slowly becoming more confident in my chances of making this business work. Each small victory feels monumental.

The Importance of Community

In this journey, I've realized the importance of community. Surrounding myself with supportive individuals has made a significant difference. Whether it's friends, family, or fellow entrepreneurs, having people who understand the challenges can be a game-changer. They offer encouragement when I feel overwhelmed and celebrate my successes, no matter how small.

Learning from Setbacks

Setbacks are inevitable. I've faced my fair share of them. Each time I stumble, I remind myself that it's part of the process. Learning from these experiences is crucial. They teach resilience and adaptability. I often ask myself, “What can I take away from this?” It’s a reflective practice that helps me grow.

Embracing My Unique Journey

Every entrepreneur has a unique journey. Mine is shaped by my neurodiversity. I embrace it as a part of who I am. It influences how I think, create, and connect with others. I’ve learned to leverage my unique perspective to my advantage.

Looking Ahead

As I look ahead, I am filled with hope. The path may be rocky, but I am committed to navigating it. I know that with each step, I am growing closer to my goals. I am excited about the future and the possibilities that lie ahead.

In this journey, I am not just building a business; I am building a life that reflects my values and aspirations. I am determined to empower others along the way, helping them navigate their challenges and unlock their potential.

So, here’s to the journey! It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright scary. But it’s also filled with joy, growth, and endless possibilities.

---wix---