How many people do you see in the online sphere ‘building’ their business? Trying so hard, posting stuff, DM’ing, waiting for people to bite. Small businesses, online coaches, course providers, all trying to build their business. I am saying STOP! You do not need to build your business from scratch. Yes, you need your idea and your offer, but the model is the same. You do not need to ‘build’, you need to ‘model’ your business in order for it to flow and grow.
Building a business without solid grounds
I once started a cute little shop from scratch, selling vintage furniture, in rural Scotland. I had zero sales experience. I also just had a baby and was a new mum, but that’s a different story! I was obsessed with ‘building’ my business, my own creative empire, but I had no real knowledge of how to do it. I spent all hours on it, and wore all the hats. I sourced the stock, did the styling and photography, kept the shop tidy, marketed the store. I advertised stock and replied to enquiries. I dealt with customers, payments, and either organised a courier or delivered stuff myself. It was madness.
How can you build a business like that? It was a recipe for a burn-out, which, believe it or not, ended up becoming reality: my shop burnt down to the ground one early Tuesday morning in 2016. It was a metaphor to my own state of mind: exhaustion.
There was no way I would have built up that business to a healthy, profitable business in the way that I was running it. I had no strategy, and no support. It was great as long as it lasted, but it would never have made me rich.
So what would I do differently now?
I learnt a ton in those years, and I don’t regret anything. These years were super creative, and I really caught the bug of entrepreneurship. The freedom of being your own boss, and making your own decisions is just wonderful. But if I would do it again, I would start building the foundation first. I don’t tend to overthink things, which is a great blessing (it brought me so much in life!), but this also means I sometimes skip the essential steps and ingredients that are required for a successful outcome: in this case, having that Authentic Message, a Solid Strategy….and Unshakable Confidence. I was literally shooting from the hip hoping for the best.
Since then, I have learnt a ton, and launched several online businesses, making me money and giving me the opportunity to live wherever I want.
And knowing what I know now, as a creative business coach, I help my clients instead to ‘model’, not ‘build’ from scratch. Let’s not reinvent the wheel here. All successful entrepreneurs will tell you this: you need to have your foundation solid, and your strategy clear. And don’t try and do it all alone. Outsource and hire mentors as soon as you start earning. That is the only way to keep sane, and grow your empire.
Modeling your business to success
My client Ali, a wardrobe stylist, came to me last year feeling completely burnt out. She was ready to throw in the towel, after having unpredictable income, and annoying clients haggling her down. She had no idea how to turn her business around, but she really wanted to make it work. There was no need to look at ‘building’ her business, however. Instead, we remodeled it. Her message got 100% stronger and clearer, and we poured her offers into juicy packages. She sold two 4-figure packages in the first weeks. What we changed was her model for success – and it worked.
We modeled her business to a proven winning plan, and the results were amazing. her Authentic Message was now attracting like-minded clients who were willing to pay her prices, and the proven growth strategy kept her focused and aligned with her goals. No more chaos, no more cheap clients. Ali tripled her income within six months of working with me.
What’s next for you?
So what do you want to do? Build…or model? What is your game plan after reading my story? I’d love to hear about it, and get you a few steps further on your journey.
Book a free 15-minute Light bulb Session with me to design a 3-step action plan for your business, and make things work better for you.
