Where to Start & How to Grow with Your Business

Before we get started, I want to clarify something – We all start at zero – zero sales, zero followers, zero. Even the most successful people started at square one. The most important thing I want you to take away from this is that you have to start somewhere, so start where you are. 

Now, when we start something new, there are two types of people:

The first type is the person that wants to know everything from day one. They want to have everything figured out and have all of their ducks in a row. To this person, I say, “done is better than perfect.” because the only way you’ll get to your goal is by starting at square one.

The next type of person is the one that says, “I’ll figure it out when I reach X amount of sales or followers.” In this case, you’ve got to keep building and growing upon your business! Even if you don’t figure it all out today, you’ve got to get the important stuff on your radar so you can build a solid foundation to grow on.

As I always say, “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.” so I’d like to share a few things I did to grow myself and my business:

Instagram

• Getting Comfortable with Video – For me this meant Instagram Stories and Instagram Live videos. I started doing these when my audience for an Instagram Live video was less than five people… which sounds small but it’s a great starting place! That’s a safe space to learn how to speak to your audience, what they enjoy hearing, and getting more comfortable with speaking.
• Curating my Feed – I aim to plan my Instagram feed out weeks in advance. Sometimes I might only be down to a few posts planned, but for the most part I’ve got a handle on what I’ll be posting next. This has helped me as I’ve begun to incorporate other content – such as pattern releases, blog posts, and emails to my email list.
• Finding the Right Hashtags – Finding hashtags that are relevant to your Instagram takes a lot of trial and error. It’s good to spend some time early on researching hashtags and testing them out.

Etsy

• Make an Account – I know this seems basic, but sometimes we get stuck before we even make an Etsy account. Take the first step. Create a log in and start clicking around.
• Add the Basics – Fill out your about page, add a photo, and add a few listings! It doesn’t have to be glamorous, just start somewhere and remember we are always growing so you will continue to make your Etsy better and better.
• Research Etsy – There is a ton of great content on the Etsy blog and forums that will help you continue to improve upon your shop. Dig in, find some good tips, and implement one or two at a time.

Business

• Taxes – This can be overwhelming… Get it figured out early on and you’ll thank yourself for it later. It’s inevitable and if you’re waiting until the minute you make a dollar, you’re already a minute too late.
• Find your Niche – You don’t have to be good at everything, find one thing that you love and embrace that.
• Prepare to Pivot – Change is inevitable and you’re bound to need to adapt your business over time. Keep your eyes open for new opportunities and what might be the next best move for your business.

No matter what, there will always be a need for you and your business will never stop evolving.

Taking the Next Step

Here are a few of the tools and resources I’ve used to take steps forward and grow my business:

• Make Lists – There is nothing better than a prioritized to-do list. You can read my blog post with Five Steps to Prioritize (and when to say no) to learn how I prioritize and focus on the most important tasks.
• Start a Self-Exploration Journal – My favorite is called, “Start Where You Are” and it’s truly a wonderful way to learn more about yourself and your goals. This book is so much more than just a journal, it’s a creative outlet with prompts to help guide you.
• Be a Sponge – Whether you like podcasts, blogs, or books – Soak up knowledge that experts have to offer. My latest resource is the Side Hustle book by Chris Guillebeau, and one of my all-time favorites is the Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher!

Remember that wherever you are, never stop growing and continue taking one step at a time to build upon yourself and your business.

 

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