What I’ve Learned in Two Years as an Entrepreneur

Two years ago today, I made the decision to leave the corporate world and build something that I am truly passionate about. That decision brought me to launching Verjano Communications and diving head first into entrepreneurship. Mind you, I didn’t have a degree in Business Administration nor held any experience managing a company. I guess you can call it foolish and premature. Needless to say, here are some of the many lessons and skills I’ve learned from starting a company:

Financial accountant will be one of the many hats you wear.

Yes, somebody has to keep track of your expenses and you don’t have the startup cash to afford a bonafide accountant to do that for you. Luckily I found a simple online accounting platform to manage all my company finances (it’s called Wave for anyone interested) and have the guidance of a family tax accountant. Living in the Google era has also helped immensely. There’s a wealth of resources out there on how to manage your business finances. You just need to search for them.

You’ll meet some amazing people in the entrepreneurial community.

I’m all about attending events and meeting new people. It’s led to connecting with great individuals. Yes, there have been some not-so-great people I’ve come across too. But over time you’ll be able to spot the ones that radiate awesomeness and avoid those that are all talk. I can honestly say that I’ve met people that have surpassed the status of “work associates” and become true friends. After all, you want to work with people that you know and trust.

Your patience and integrity will be tested.

It will, time and time again. This might seem like I’m stating the obvious and showering you with clichés. But once you experience the ups and downs firsthand, you’ll truly appreciate how other successful entrepreneurs did it. There is no silver bullet, no overnight success potion. You gotta grind your way to the top and that path will include plenty of failures. Resilience is probably one of the best traits you can learn over time in the world of self-employment.

Beware of scammers and leeches.

I can’t count how many bogus letters, phone calls and emails I’ve received about sketchy business proposals and fabricated incorporation fees. Find someone trustworthy that can revise any documents that you may think are scammy. There are tons of companies out there looking to take advantage of new business owners. Keep a watchful eye out for them.

There are no “safe” positions out there.

Many people worry about the risks involved with entrepreneurship but fail to acknowledge that nothing is 100% guaranteed in today’s economy. A position that’s in demand today could be obsolete tomorrow. I switched jobs four times in a three-year span after graduating college. While I wasn’t fired from any position, I did see a lack of elevation and/or security at each of my places of employment. That wasn’t the kind of stability I had envisioned, so I really had nothing to lose when I started my company. Sure, there is the pressure of knowing that your paycheck falls directly on your shoulders. But I prefer to look at pressure as opportunity. It’s really just a mindset. You can look at it as a potentially crushing burden or you can see the limitless possibilities it can bring you. The choice is yours.

Not everyone will appreciate or understand what you do.

Specifically in a new field like digital marketing and social media. It’s easier to explain it to some more than others. Regardless, it’s ultimately your responsibility to show the value of your work. Being resourceful, authentic, and honest have opened many doors for me. I just focus on what I can control and strive to present the best version of myself and my company everyday. People will notice and the rest will fall into place.

You’ll find yourself thinking about work as a passion rather than a chore.

When you’ve found your niche — the field that resonates with your personality and skill set — you will instantly know it. The fact that I haven’t woken up dreading that it’s Monday morning for over two years is still surreal. I find myself putting in extra time to get a projects done without it bothering me. No lie, it feels fake sometimes.

Setting your own schedule is the funnest and most challenging part of the job.

Finding that perfect balance between flexibility and structured work time isn’t easy. Hell, I’m still trying to figure it out. But the process will teach you tons about yourself and how you operate. Be sure to identify what times you are most productive — and in my case, most creative — and plan your day around that. For me, it’s early mornings and late evenings, but you might prefer late mornings or afternoons. Test it, adjust and repeat.

Being a good listener is key.

While I’ve made a stronger effort to participate in speaking engagements, I still prefer being a listener in the audience nine out of 10 times. That’s not because I don’t enjoy speaking — it’s honestly fun — but I’m more interested in gaining as much knowledge and insight as possible. I’m a firm believer in lifelong learning and never settling for the “I know enough” mentality.

All in all, jumping into entrepreneurship has been the most liberating decision of my life. I’d urge anyone with the will and passion for a given career to give it a shot. Even if it’s on the side. The gratification that comes from pouring your passion into a craft and seeing the results is difficult to put into words. I mean, you are taking control of your future and having a direct impact on how far you go. And that’s an amazing feeling.

P.S. I wouldn’t be able to do this without the awesome support system in my family and friends. They’ve been an integral part of my journey. There is no price tag on the influence and help they’ve provided over the years. Take a moment to acknowledge all those that support you and show them your appreciation. They deserve it.