Year 1 of a Female Entrepreneur - 7 Things I Learned
A year ago I started financially supporting myself 100% from my online EFT Tapping sessions. While giving sessions is nothing new to me (a solid DECADE of experience, folks!), I’d only ever supplemented my income with sessions.
I was terrified when the safety net of my regular online job disappeared & spent a couple of weeks ridiculously stressed about money.
Here’s 7 things I’d tell myself a year ago:
1. Schedule Your Days Off
Have *at least* 2 days off a week & schedule them in advance. When in scarcity you’ll feel you need to work all the time but this is Burnout 101 material. Use an online calendar (Accuity is free) & teach your clients to use it, so you don’t spend extra time trying to schedule sessions. Take holidays & plan them in advance so you have something to look forward to!
2. Look at Your Relationship with Money
Get up close an personal with your subconscious chatter around moolah. ‘You’re a BadAss at Making Money’ by Jen Sincero is EPIC. Tracking my spending for a couple of months helped me be clear with how much I needed to earn & allowed me to relax deeply.
3. Get Clear on Your ‘WHY?’
Why does this work matter to you? Your ‘Why’ will fend off all the self-doubt that your fear will fling at you. I’m not personally motivated by money (but if a 5 figure this, or 6 figure that, has you running to your desk, then go for it!). My ‘Why’ is a deep soul calling, which needs a whole post (maybe entire book?).
4. Believe in Yourself & Your Abilities
People will buy what you’re offering because they have confidence in you. When we’re unsure of ourselves, we’re making it hard for others to trust us. While I had great faith in the quality of the sessions I was giving, I wish I’d trusted my badass-business-babe.
5. Share Authentically on Social Media
Essential if you’re a coach/therapist/healer (but applicable to most humans). Don’t expect yourself to be 100% healed, whole & perfect. Clients will connect through your vulnerability, which means your shadow & pain. Show how you move THROUGH your challenges. It will build trust, particularly when balanced with self-confidence.
6. Do Your Own Inner-Work & Prioritise Self-Care
A HUGE shift happened for me when I shifted to a 3 day work week. I showed up for my clients better than ever, had more time for fun & celebration (which is a core theme for my 40s) and finished the first draft of my book! I had the time I needed to invest in my own spiritual growth & inner-journey, which also deeply benefits my clients.
7. Get Accountability Buddies
One of the challenges of going it totally alone, was losing the support of the small team I use to work with. Whether work is challenging or soaring, it feels good to share it with others. I organised a small group of friends (who work in the same field) to meet weekly & set goals. We call it the ‘Mistressmind Manifestation’. It’s so useful to receive reflections & suggestions from peers, plus celebrate wins & allow ourselves to brag!
I'm curious...do you work for yourself? Would you like to?
