7 Valuable Lessons I've Learned From Running My Business for 7 Years

Welcome back to the Product Powerhouse podcast! I'm your host, Erin Alexander, and today's episode is a special one as I celebrate 7 amazing years of running my own business. It's been a transformative journey, filled with ups and downs, successes and failures, but through it all, I've gained invaluable lessons that I want to share with you today.

Lesson 1: Don't be afraid to fail.

One of the most important lessons I've learned is not to be afraid of failure. In fact, embracing failure and viewing it as a learning opportunity has been crucial to my growth as an entrepreneur. Throughout the past 7 years, I've made countless mistakes, ignored red flags, and even wasted money. But with every misstep, I've gained valuable insights that have shaped my decision-making and helped me avoid making similar mistakes in the future. Remember, failure is simply a stepping stone on the path to success.

Lesson 2: Be Persistent.

Persistence has been key in my entrepreneurial journey. There were times when I wanted to give up, when challenges seemed insurmountable, but I persevered. It's important to stay resilient, even when faced with obstacles, and to continue pushing forward towards your goals. Remember, success rarely comes overnight. It takes time, effort, and determination. Never give up on your dreams.

Lesson 3: Surround Yourself with Good People

Running a business can be a lonely endeavor, which is why surrounding yourself with good people is crucial. I'm incredibly grateful for my mastermind group turned best friends who have been there to cheer me on, offer support, and provide honest guidance. They remind me of my accomplishments when self-doubt creeps in. Having a network of people who believe in you and your business can make all the difference.

Lesson 4: Be Flexible and Adapt to Change

Flexibility is essential in the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship. Over the years, I've learned to be adaptable and embrace change. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the importance of adapting quickly. Businesses that were unwilling or unable to pivot ended up closing their doors. By staying open to new ideas, experimenting, and trying new things, you position yourself to thrive in the face of uncertainty.

Lesson 5: Trust Your Gut

Trusting my intuition has been a game-changer in my business. When faced with difficult decisions, I've learned to listen to that inner voice guiding me in the right direction. Often, our instincts know what's best for us and our businesses. By cultivating a strong sense of intuition and trusting our gut feelings, we can make more confident and informed choices.

Lesson 6: Celebrate Every Success, Big or Small

As entrepreneurs, we tend to focus on our failures and criticize ourselves relentlessly. But it's essential to celebrate our successes along the way, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledge your achievements, pat yourself on the back, and give yourself grace. Keeping a journal of your successes can be a helpful reminder of how far you've come. Remember, celebrating success fuels motivation and resilience.

Lesson 7: Enjoy the Journey

Running a business is not always easy, but it can also be incredibly fun and rewarding. In these 7 years, I've encountered challenges, doubts, and moments of uncertainty. But through it all, I've come to realize that being a business owner is a truly enriching experience. Embrace every step of the journey, cherish the moments of growth, and enjoy the process of building something that is uniquely yours.

As I reflect on the past 7 years of running my own business, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible opportunities and lessons learned. I'm grateful for the support of my listeners, clients, customers, and the talented individuals I work with. Your trust and belief in me have been instrumental in my growth as an entrepreneur.

I hope that the 7 lessons I've shared today resonate with you and provide valuable insights into running your own business. Remember, entrepreneurship is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and resilience. Embrace failure, stay persistent, surround yourself with good people, be flexible, trust your gut, celebrate your successes, and, above all, enjoy the journey.

Thank you for tuning in to Product Powerhouse. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for more valuable content, and please leave us a review and rating. Your support means the world to us. Until next time!