A Few Lessons Learned In 2021
About halfway through the year, I realized that 2021 is my year of "growth."
On the personal front, my husband and I started the journey of growing our family; I became pregnant in May and we're preparing to meet our son at the beginning of 2022. It's a mix of emotions to become first-time parents, but this is a growth we've wanted for some time and are excited to be embarking on.
Professionally, Verve & Concord is really quite new, but it's grown beyond what I expected! I started freelancing in March, decided to turn it into a business in May, developed my branding, and then became an LLC in June. I remember feeling so official when I got the paperwork, realizing, "I'm a small business owner!" For my fellow business owners reading this, I'm sure you understand: there's something exhilarating about officially becoming your own boss, and starting a business that creates something of value for others.
In the past 10 months as first a freelancer, then as a studio owner, I've gained a roster of fantastic clients; worked on 7 brands, 3 websites, 1 presentation, and multiple marketing and advertising materials; launched my social media accounts, my website and my email newsletter. And squeezed in 3 personal projects here and there.
I'm not yet sure what word will define 2022 for Verve & Concord yet, but there are a few lessons I'm taking with me that I learned in 2021:
Go to where you are called. I work with both business leaders and business owners—from directors in their agencies to CEOs of their companies. Business sizes range from a solopreneur to a 50+ person crew. While I didn't initially set out this way, I've discovered overlaps in these types of clients and have evolved my business to serve them in the best ways I can. You may also find that your product or service reaches a different customer than you initially intended; be open to going in their direction to figure out how you can create the most value for them.
Google is your friend, but seek help from others. It's kind of sad, but it's true—I've had to google countless topics related to business, from how to become an LLC to how to pay small business taxes. But gaining the advice and knowledge from experts in other fields (like management or accounting) as well as other business owners, is priceless. And if you find a coaching program that speaks to you (e.g. Ringlet Studio's Ringlet Resources Coaching did for me), make the investment.
There is no replacement for rest. Take it from someone who's grown a business while growing a human. Before this year, I had the horrible habit of ignoring signs like tiredness or an inability to focus, just so I could push forward in the day and get things done. This year, however, pregnancy symptoms forced me to recognize those signs. Plus, pregnancy symptoms are simply un-ignorable and you often can't do anything but nap or lie down with a lapdesk while eating crackers and ginger chews for nausea. But going through something like pregnancy should not force anyone to recognize exhaustion or burnout. Understand your body's and mind's cues, listen to them, and do what you need to regain energy and focus so you can come back to your work renewed.
People over profit; stay focused on your purpose. There were so many times throughout the year where I thought, "Ok, how can this project/idea/system/content/etc. bring in more revenue?" While that's really important as a business owner—you gotta make money after all—I realized that shouldn't be the sole driver for business decisions. Defining your purpose is really important in developing your business and brand, and "to make money" should not be anyone's why. I regularly take a step back to remind myself that I do this because I love helping others achieve their American dreams, as I saw how my parents achieving their dreams brought them success, fulfillment and happiness. Carve out time on a regular basis to simply remind yourself of your why and reflect on how that can drive your decisions with intention and integrity.
I hope these lessons help you as we embark into a new year. I'd love to hear from you about any lessons you've learned in 2021, and how you'll use them in 2022!
