If you’re a one-babe-show or are getting ready to launch your first business, you probably know some of the awesome things about working for yourself. - You set your own hours - You get to decide who you work with
- You get to turn your dreams into reality
You also probably know that working for yourself comes with some struggles too. So today we’re covering 8 of those problems our Babes community runs into most. We’re also going to show you how you can solve those problems and grow your business!
Challenge 1: “I can work whenever. So, I work ALL the time!”
One of the coolest things about being your own boss is that you can set your own work hours.
And we recommend you do this ASAP to avoid Challenge Number One here.
When you can work whenever you might find yourself working ALL the time. Filling orders at 5 AM on Friday or checking emails at 11 PM on a Sunday might seem like boss moves or “taking care of business” but it can actually backfire if you’re not intentional about it.
Working constantly can lead to feeling overworked, feeling burnt out, feeling disconnected from loved ones or feeling like you’re not making big steps toward your goals.
The easiest way to prevent this challenge is to set work hours and stick to them. Bonus: This naturally sets expectations with clients and customers too!
Challenge 2: “But These Are My ‘Good’ Sweatpants.”
If you’re working from home it can be tempting to spend all day in your favorite sweats. They’re super comfy and who’s going to see them anyway?
If you’ve been feeling a bit too laid back we’d suggest that you swap your sweats for something that makes you feel like a boss while you work.
We’re not recommending a fully corporate vibe (Unless you’re into that) but adding “get dressed” to your morning routine can put you in the headspace to get stuff done.
And that’s a boss mindset for sure.
Challenge 3: “Wait. I’m an accountant AND a lawyer now too?”
Working for yourself may require you to wear many hats. If it’s all you there’s a good chance you’ll be the shipping company, the marketing service, the contract creator, and the invoice-provider.
But unless you are an accountant and a lawyer, these are two areas you could potentially need some expert guidance on.
Creating contracts and filing taxes as a business can really impact your business growth and your financial stability. So while we know you’re an independent woman, these may be areas to explore when you’re looking to delegate.
Challenge 4: “There’s An App(Or 7...) For That.”
Entrepreneur life means using all the resources there are to reach your goals and two of those resources you’re probably diving into as you grow your business are apps and software options.
It can be super overwhelming to sift through the dozens upon dozens of software options for things like CRM, POS, productivity, invoicing, and other tasks.
So what can you do to cut through the noise? We’d recommend two things.
First: Do your homework by reading reviews and watching a few videos. You may even want to ask some other business owner friends what they use.
Second: Pick one app or software platform for each task and stick with it. Unless it’s terrible or unhelpful, stick with a software option for at least a bit of time before switching. This will allow you to see what you like and don’t like before you move on.
And when in doubt, you can always ask the Babes community what they use!
Challenge 5: “You’re Worth It. So, Charge Like It.”
This one we hear all the time: I know I do awesome work. But how do I price my products or offers? What if people can’t afford it?
The answer is not a clear cut one. But the first thing we’d suggest is this: Remember that you bring so much value to the table. Recognizing exactly what you bring to the table and how much that’s really worth to you can help you move forward with pricing.
And remember that it’s not up to you to go into your customer or client’s brain (or purse) to decide what they want to spend money on. All you have to do is make sure you’re sharing your fantastic company with the world in a way that makes you feel worthy!
Challenge 6: “And I’m The Marketing Department Too?”
Speaking of sharing your awesomeness: Did you notice you’re in charge of marketing your business too?
You’re in charge of creating and sharing marketing messages (flyers, business cards, social media messages, website content, blogs, and all that) with potential and current clients.
If this feels like an overwhelming challenge for you, one way to reduce that overwhelm is to identify -Who you serve -What you offer
-How your offerings help
-What your company stands for
When you know those things you can share them more clearly and effectively.
And while you might eventually hire a graphic designer, copywriter, or marketing agency to take that work off your hands, it’s important to get really clear, comfortable, and confident with your message and offers. That way when it’s time to give that work over to another professional, you can do it with ease!
Challenge 7: “How Long Can I Be A One-Woman-Show?”
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, you might wonder how long it makes sense to stay a solopreneur.
The answer is really that it depends.
Some people immediately hire a virtual assistant or some marketing help while others wait until they feel like they can’t handle any more volume in their business to expand.
How do you decide which one you are?
We’d suggest making a list of all the things you need to get done in your business (From invoicing to emailing, to writing for your site and hopping on customer calls) and decide:
-How long they take you
-If you would like to delegate it (now or at some point)
-How much you would need to pay someone to do it
The answers to these questions can help guide your decision making and so can meeting with your accountant or trusted entrepreneur friends.
Challenge 8: “Where Are My Babes At?”
We’ve got your back on this one.
If you are a solopreneur, business owner, or are ready to become one, join our community at Babes In Business and you’ll be part of a network that offers support and accountability along with the resources and connections you need to grow your business and reach your biggest goals!