Entrepreneurship: The Growth, The Challenges, and The Community

Jumping into the wild world of entrepreneurship is both fun and scary. It comes with so much excitement. As we strive to build something we’ve been dreaming of, and it comes with a lot of learning curves. As we discover the various aspects that go into running a successful business. 

After making the leap from the “world of corporate” to entrepreneurship. I found myself emboldened to really go all in with building the kind of business I had envisioned when I first started dreaming up what it would be like to “go out on my own.” I wanted a business that serves others well and places high value on its impact and client relationships.

Now that I’m more than a year into building out that vision, I’d love to reflect and share the ups and downs that came with those first 12 months of my own entrepreneurial experience. There was so much growth (both personally and professionally). Many challenges to overcome, and the joy of becoming a part of such an incredible community. 

Entreprenuership Growth 

The growth you experience as a business owner is definitely not just about your business growth. There’s a lot of personal development and growth that comes with it too. For me, it was kind of weird going from employee to business owner. In past roles I confidently used my knowledge and skills to fully manage and implement successful marketing and business strategies for clients. Yet in those first few months of running my own business, I found myself doubting those skills. Can you relate? 

As I worked through establishing my brand, mapping out & creating my offers, and doing the many other things for getting started, I was thrilled for the opportunity to work with my first client… Then I actually got that first inquiry – to say there were mixed emotions! If you’ve been there before, you know that feeling of excitement for your first client. Mixed with the anxiety that comes with sending that first proposal, contract, and invoice. 😬 

While there has been an incredible amount of growth within the business (and I’m so grateful to be able to say that!). I’d say the most growth experienced in my first year was in my own confidence in myself. As I navigated working with clients, business growth, developing my brand into what you see today, and adding my first team member. I became more confident in my skills, leadership, and ability to truly transform my business and my client’s businesses. 

The Challenges of Entrepreneurship

If any business owners tries to tell you that entrepreneurship was a breeze, they’re probably lying. (And if they’re not, then they need to share their secrets hah!) There are so many challenges that can come up while running a business. And I’m sure you’ve experienced a few too. Challenges varying from pricing your offers to dealing with a difficult client to balancing the many responsibilities you carry as a business owner. 

And while there definitely were challenges and obstacles to work through, I wouldn’t say that any were ever too hard to overcome. Were there days that were hard? Yes! But would I ever let those hard days or challenges knock me down to the point where I would give up on what I’m trying to do here? Definitely not. 

The Community 

Then there’s the community – and honestly, this is probably one of the best parts of entrepreneurship. There may be people saying entrepreneurship is lonely. And it can be at times. But if you’re putting in the work to connect with other business owners, build relationships with them, and become friends with them. Then it’s an amazing the community you will find yourself a part of. 

It’s incredible how supportive and excited other entrepreneur friends are for your business. I don’t know what I initially expected. But I probably thought my entrepreneurial experience would begin with more of a “by myself” vibe. Definitely not the case. 

I have connected with and become friends with so many people who are running after their own dreams, creating the life they want to live, and doing an epic job at it. 

Review of Entrepreneurship

I am so grateful for the growth, the challenges, and the community that I have experienced so far in this entrepreneurial journey. I am so excited for the many new experiences that will come. This is just a brief overview of my journey so far. There could be so much more to share (but you probably wouldn’t want to read all of that anyways 😉). 

If you want to continue to follow along and stay connected as Upwell Strategies continues to grow and challenge the norm in the business world, I invite you to connect with me on social media. Just click one of the images at the bottom of the page! Then, feel free to send me a message and share what your entrepreneurial experience has been like for you! I’d love to get to know you more and see where there are similarities and differences in our journeys.

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