The one where I share my wisdom… (such as it is)
This month (Or October 2023 if you’re not reading this live) I will have been running Spinning Plates for 9 years. That is 9 years of working with small businesses and entrepreneurs; 9 years of administrative services and strategy led work; 9 years of supporting business to grow through stronger, more robust systems and comprehensive, targeted marketing plans. I’m getting quite emotional just thinking about it.
So, I thought I’d take the opportunity to sum up some of the key things I’ve learnt over the last 9 years…
1. You cannot be an expert at everything, there are some areas where hiring someone who lives and breathes an area of work is important – in my personal opinion- PPC, SEO and Website Building are some of these.
2. Not everyone is an expert, I know I said you need one but watch out for the over-promisers and under-deliverers; the new to the industry but knows everything and – my biggest red flag- the rubbishes the competition-ers.
3. Your time is worth something, it’s easy to get caught up in the day to day, spending your time doing things that aren’t actually adding value or revenue to your business but there are people who can do that stuff for you so that you can really focus and shine… so find that person for you.
4. Standing up and standing out isn’t as scary as it seems, and, I’m sorry to say it’s 100% necessary. People buy people and without you – and the trust you can generate you’re not going to get very far.
5. You can’t sell to an empty room, although revenue generation might be an immediate need you need to focus on audience building first or you’re selling to no one. Take time to build the audience and you’ll have people to buy from you.
6. Change isn’t easy or comfortable, but it’s needed. We can’t stand still and hope everything stays the same, we need to move, to evolve and to take opportunities where they come along. Don’t be scared to say yes.
7. Saying no can be a powerful stress reliever. If you’re an itinerant people pleaser like me, saying yes is easy (and the road to your downfall), learning to say no to the things and people that do not serve you or bring you joy will revolutionize your life.
8. Find your Tribe. They’re out there, those people who will support and cheerlead, hold you accountable and push you forward. Actively seek them out because they will make such a difference to you life.
9. You need to love it. Honestly, that cheesy saying, if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life has a grain of truth – you will work, and you’ll work hard but you’ll love doing it and won’t regret the hard graft you have to put in.
I’d love to know if you’ve picked up any little gems across your years in business… let me know!