I know a lot of you out there own your own business or are planning on starting one, here is some advice from fellow business owners that I have the pleasure of knowing and been able to work with.
"Owning your own small business comes with a lot of responsibility, challenges and struggles but the reward of being a small business owner is so worth it! I think the coolest part of owning a business is that I can have an idea and make that idea come to life on my own terms. So if I want to do something; I put in the work and I make it happen and know that the only person who is stopping me is myself. If you fail at something, you've got to pick yourself up knowing that failure comes with the territory of being a business owner and that your next idea may be your next big break, so keep pushing forward!"
"I love this quote by Henry Ford. "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right." So much about succeeding in small business comes down to your mental state and your ability to persevere when you fail. And you WILL fail. A lot. You just need to learn from the why, evolve, and move forward. It's always good to look back and see how much you've accomplished, to reflect. I've failed a great deal, but I've succeeded more. I like to think my success bank account is in the black. Also, don't do what you loathe. Outsource and be done with it. We can't be all things to all people. When in doubt, farm it out! :)"
"To anyone considering launching their own business, I would encourage you to do one thing and do it well. Many of the "flash in the pan" businesses are such because at their core, their owners are trying to do too much, too quickly. Not to say that a business cannot offer multiple services or goods, but find the one singular thing for which you want to become known, and run with that, tease it out, and extrapolate it into your business model. Consumers resonate with and appreciate businesses that are true to their craft and don't pretend to be something that they are not."
"I would say that you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Sometimes things feel all wrong, like nothing is going to ever work out... But if you can just push through, I promise the next day will bring something of great joy. Take it one day at a time... Success is a lot of little things done right."
"My favorite entrepreneurial quote is probably from Michael Gerber who said, "I am the leader. I am called upon to do the work of leadership." It is an important reminder that things don't just fall into your lap. When you own your own business you are the one who is responsible for your success. You're the boss. You have to get out there and make things happen! But that's the beauty in it too, right? The only limit to your success is yourself."
-Tyler FitzHugh of Voilá! Event Studio
"For me its all about team work! No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you're playing a solo game, you'll always lose out on a team! And also don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve."
- Julia Olivares of OLIV ARÉS HAUS of GLAM
"As a photographer I am my own boss, employee, marketer, accountant, etc. The list goes on and on. It can be totally overwhelming! For a long time I took on every job I could but at the end of the day that hurt me and my business. You can’t do it all. Don’t be afraid to turn down jobs and say no. You may feel like you are letting people down but sometimes it is the only way to keep your sanity."
-Brittanny Taylor of Brittanny Taylor Photography and 1am Beauty
"What keeps us motivated is moments when someone who has read our website or book tells us they've used it as a resource. When someone tells us they've recently moved to New York and our book helped them get to know the area, when someone is at a beer event in the city because they learned about it from out website. Our goal is to be a resource for people to get to know local beer, and when we accomplish that goal, it's the best feeling in the world."
-Sarah & Giancarlo Annese of BeerUnion
And finally here is some advice from me!
" To keep myself motivated, I think about why I am doing people's makeup or writing for this blog. And then I remember that I am doing it because it makes me happy and when my work makes others happy, that is the greatest reward of all! All the negative feedback and the negative thoughts that may run through your mind, should only fuel your resolve to be better and to continue towards your dream. Never let anything make you lose sight of what you want to achieve, stay true to yourself. When owning your own business or starting a new venture you need to be your biggest supporter because if you don't believe in yourself how can you expect anyone else to!"
Carolyn Thombs Makeup Artistry & Consulting // Lipstick & Chiffon // Carolyn Thombs Fine Art & Photography
What is some advice you have heard that has helped you to stay on track towards your goals?
"For me its all about team work! No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you're playing a solo game, you'll always lose out on a team! And also don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve."
- Julia Olivares of OLIV ARÉS HAUS of GLAM
"As a photographer I am my own boss, employee, marketer, accountant, etc. The list goes on and on. It can be totally overwhelming! For a long time I took on every job I could but at the end of the day that hurt me and my business. You can’t do it all. Don’t be afraid to turn down jobs and say no. You may feel like you are letting people down but sometimes it is the only way to keep your sanity."
-Brittanny Taylor of Brittanny Taylor Photography and 1am Beauty
"What keeps us motivated is moments when someone who has read our website or book tells us they've used it as a resource. When someone tells us they've recently moved to New York and our book helped them get to know the area, when someone is at a beer event in the city because they learned about it from out website. Our goal is to be a resource for people to get to know local beer, and when we accomplish that goal, it's the best feeling in the world."
-Sarah & Giancarlo Annese of BeerUnion
And finally here is some advice from me!
" To keep myself motivated, I think about why I am doing people's makeup or writing for this blog. And then I remember that I am doing it because it makes me happy and when my work makes others happy, that is the greatest reward of all! All the negative feedback and the negative thoughts that may run through your mind, should only fuel your resolve to be better and to continue towards your dream. Never let anything make you lose sight of what you want to achieve, stay true to yourself. When owning your own business or starting a new venture you need to be your biggest supporter because if you don't believe in yourself how can you expect anyone else to!"
Carolyn Thombs Makeup Artistry & Consulting // Lipstick & Chiffon // Carolyn Thombs Fine Art & Photography
What is some advice you have heard that has helped you to stay on track towards your goals?
