As a solopreneur I often find my life and business intertwined – gaining insight in one area based on my actions in the other. Right now a large part of my personal life revolves around diet and exercise, and in that I’ve found some surprising connections to marketing my business.
I had my second child about 18 months ago, and it has been rough. Aside from the struggles of raising an infant (now toddler) and dealing with depression I have found it impossible to lose weight, despite what I assumed was my best efforts. Today, however, I’m happy to report that I have lost almost 10 pounds by making some simple changes in my life – and now I’m applying the same principles to my business.
Lesson 1: What Worked Before May Not Work Now
As someone who has had a constant struggle with weight, I was no stranger to dieting and making lifestyle changes to get results. So, once I exited the newborn fog I set out to drop some pounds. Unfortunately, what worked in the past did not work anymore. Blame it on hormones or age…whatever the reason it sucked. I was lost and hopeless so I gave up.
Finally, I picked up those broken pieces and educated myself. I found a diet that works for me as I am now and I am seeing results.
Marketing, as you’re probably aware, is constantly changing. What worked before (phone book ads) probably isn’t going to work today (or at least not as well). You must educate yourself on what marketing makes the most sense for your business today, and sometimes you might have to do a little trial-and-error to find success.
Lesson 2: You’ll Probably Have To Do More Than One Thing
If you’ve ever tried to lose weight you may be aware that it takes more than “dieting” to see results. Exercise, sleep, and stress reduction are all important aspects of seeing those extra pounds go away. I’m sure that you could lose weight with diet (or exercise) alone, but it would be a heck of a lot harder.
Marketing also requires a multi-faceted approach. If you put all of your time and money into Facebook ads but haven’t taken care of what happens after engagement, you probably aren’t going to see many results. It’s about the big picture and carefully crafting your efforts across the board.
Lesson 3: You’re Never Done
I’ve used the word “diet” a lot, but actually I prefer to think of my efforts as a lifestyle change (that has, fortunately, caused weight loss). See, I’ve been to this rodeo enough to know that I can’t change my habits to lose the weight then go back to living an unhealthy lifestyle. These changes I have made are changes that I’m planning to implement for the rest of my life.
I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but marketing is (or should be) a constant effort in your business. Even when you’ve reached the coveted “booked out” status, you still have to keep up with your marketing. You’ve worked hard to get there, now you just have to maintain it.
Lesson 4: It’s a Lot of Work, but It’s Worth It
Losing this weight is taking a lot of my energy, both in planning what I will (or won’t) eat and in exercising. There are plenty of days when I just don’t want to do it. It feels like too much effort. Then I remember all of the benefits. Aside from weight loss I’m experiencing more energy and happiness. It is worth it.
With marketing you have to put in a whole lot of effort and you may see very little reward – at first. Once that marketing machine is really churning, however, you will be able to sit back and appreciate what you have done and the effects it has had on your business. You will be able to spend more time enjoying your work and less time clamoring to find it.
Lesson 5: Don’t Underestimate a Support System
I saved the best, most important lesson for last. A good support system is everything. I’m beyond fortunate that my husband has decided to embark on this lifestyle change with me. We support each other when we’re feeling week and celebrate our victories. Without him I probably would have already given up on this attempt.
As solopreneurs, we do a lot of work alone and sometimes it’s really hard. There are so many decisions that need to be made and it can get very overwhelming. How can you know if you are making the best decisions for your business? Find support. You don’t have to do it alone. Find an amazing Facebook group or a mastermind program. Let others cheer you on and give you honest feedback when you’re not doing what’s best for your biz.
Are you ready to make changes in your life and business? Results go beyond pounds on a scale or money in the bank. Positive changes can lead to a happier, more confident life which will aid you in ways you can’t even foresee.