I Was Paid $17 Monthly, So I Quit.
Then, I launched my business. Here’s how it went
I was paid $17 monthly, so I quit.
In February 2023, I launched my website about SEO best practices for $30 using WordPress and Hostinger.
It was that cheap because there was a huge discount.
I had just quit a job that paid about $17 monthly (in my currency,) so I desperately needed high-paying clients.
365+ days later, I earn 60x more than I did.
I’ve learned so much more about running an online business. So, if I were to start my business again, here’s what I’d do.
1. Say Yes
I’d say yes to the opportunities that come my way. I knew I wanted to be an SEO Specialist, so I was strict with it.
Several of my friends referred me for different jobs like social media management and even content writing, but I always declined. It wasn’t what I wanted, so I said no without thinking twice.
Now that I know better, I’d say yes.
I’d say yes because there’s a lot to benefit from testing several waters. The new job could’ve funded my website and other expenses it incurred.
I could’ve met new people who would bring better opportunities my way. And I could have learned new things about myself sooner, like the fact that I hate social media management.
The point is — when you’re just starting your one-man, individual business, don’t be too strict. Say yes to the opportunities that come your way.
2. But Know When To Say No
It’s a bit contradictory, I know, but learning when to say no is just as important as saying yes. Remember, I had just quit a job where I earned roughly $17 monthly. So these are a few times I’d have said no:
-If the pay was way below my previous job or my expectation
-If I’d have to compromise on my values when working with the client
-If the client is abusive
My reasons for saying no, shouldn’t dictate yours. Just take some time to learn your boundaries.
3. Use The Right Tools
I won’t lie, I was caught up in the idea and the facade of being busy.
I wanted to be on my laptop with 20 tasks daily, ticking them off and telling everyone how busy I was at work. But it’s been a year later and my perspective has changed immensely.
Now, if I were to start over, I’d rather work smartly and use tools that will help free up my time, so I can be more productive.
I wrote a blog about 10 tools that every solopreneur needs. You should check it out.
4. Don’t Joke With Time Management
After going from a job paying $17, I got a couple of more clients who have upped that figure handsomely.
But working with one client differs from working with 5. It requires a lot more. So, if I were to start my business again, I’d learn the ropes of time management. Starting early would prevent future chaos.
5. Take Risks
This is not the time or place to shimmy, hide or get lost in the crowds. I had just $50 to my name before I got my website.
It took me weeks to let go of $30 with no guarantee or assurance of success. It was beyond difficult to accept the thought of potential failure. But, if I never took that risk, I wouldn’t be here.
Recently, I faced my fears by impromptu hosting a masterclass. Who knows what that would do for me in the coming year?
6. Invest In a Career Coach
Last year, I worked with a career coach who gave me access to a lot of inside information that blew my mind! If I had known anything about a career coach before I started my business, I’m sure I’d have progressed much farther than this and also avoided a lot of mistakes.
If you can’t afford a career coach right now, it’s okay. There are a ton of coaches who share free content online. Just find who you connect with and follow along.
7. Surround Yourself With Successful People
It may not be physically possible to do this, but virtually, you can. Whose podcast do you listen to in the morning or when you go for a run? Who are you subscribed to on YouTube? What kind of content are you consuming? Is it content that tells you how millions of businesses fail every year? Or are you listening to success stories that are inspirational and motivational?
I was a big scaredy cat when I launched my website. The slightest negative comment would’ve wrecked me. We’re humans, so one way or the other, negative content will leave an impact. So, avoid it while you can.
8. Understand the Dynamics of Business
I started my business in hopes of getting just a few clients. How small-minded you were, Amanda. But I don’t blame myself, I didn’t know any better. If I had known better, I would have done some market and product research and drafted a business plan. I would have taken my business in the most serious way that I could.
I’m currently writing a series called The Entrepreneur Billionaire where I give a roadmap on how to turn your small entrepreneurship idea into the next success story.
9. Renew My Mind
You can only go where your mind has gone. From earning $17, I could only dream of earning a little over a thousand. Then, I earned that because I could dream it.
But what happens when you start dreaming and thinking much bigger? Forbes 30 Under 30? Launching a product and scaling it? Owning your physical store? Having employees across the world? Business trips to Italy?
If I were to start my business again, I’d throw small-mindedness away and renew my mind. I’d work on getting a growth mindset and seeing challenges as stepping stones instead of failures.
10. Be Consistent
2 months after launching my business, I went off the radar. I can give a million plausible reasons why, but the truth is that I didn’t believe in myself. Thus, I couldn’t bother to be present or consistent.
But here’s what I have to say about that now:
It doesn’t matter if you believe or not, just continue to show up. One day, you will believe, and when you do, you’ll understand the power of consistency.
These are 10 things I’d do differently if I were to start my business again. I hope you found it helpful! And if you liked this, you’ll probably like these too!
