Let’s make your impact on the world
Me working at the start of my second business journey…
When I was in corporate I dreamed of starting my own business but I just didn’t know how to…
Starting a business involves taking a big leap of faith. And there are plenty of reasons to not take the plunge. We are conditioned to remain in a comfortable state and not take risks to upset the balance in our lives. I want to share with you the many reasons I was scared to start my own business (but I got over them eventually and I will help you through that in this blog!).
Here are 5 biggest limiting beliefs I had before I started:-
I didn’t have any experience running a business
I should have done it when I was younger - was I too old in my 30s (I now realise this was ridiculous)
I couldn’t be like the people I was seeing show up on socials
I didn’t have a business idea
What would others think of me leaving a steady and successful job in corporate for the entrepreneur life?!
In this blog I want to help you realise it’s never too late to make your impact on the world.
Yes it may sound like a cliche. But if someone else has done it, then do can you. There are so many resources out there to support you on your journey.
I know that if I had these fears / limiting beliefs then so would others. So I am going to tackle these one by one for you today…
1. I didn’t have any experience running a business
This may be true if you are still working a job. But you have so many transferable skills that are valuable to running a business. Are you good at organising? A strong planner? Or are you really creative? Perhaps you love writing or are a quick learner? All of these things are really valuable in running a business.
If you are still concerned, remember you can always outsource elements in your business. This could involve getting an accountant for finances, getting an assistant for admin tasks, or getting a marketing professional for marketing help.
When I started this business I got myself a business coach to help me launch and grow confidently - I had already grown and sold my first business but I knew that I wanted support to get it right quickly so that’s always an option too.
2. I should have done it when I was younger
I’m going to say this again. This is simply not true. You are not too old to change your career - it can be done at any age. Did you know that KFC’s founder launched the business at 62! Take a read of this blog for more over 60 business owners. How I was concerned about starting a business in my 30s I now know was crazy. Our life experience is so valuable and this can really make our business successful.
Check this out too for inspiration - 7 entrepreneurs over 60 who have started successful business in laster life:-
https://enterpriseleague.com/blog/entrepreneurs-over-60/
3. I couldn’t be like the people I was seeing show up on socials
This is a tough one to get your head around. The people who are showing up on socials look confident, inspiring and like they are loving life. But remember, this is a small cross section of their reality. Their life isn’t like this all the time. They are curating a brand online in order to attract clients and grow their business.
Showing up on socials is one of the things that my clients say they struggle with the most. The honest truth is that it takes practice, a strategy and time. If you are really stuck then you can work with a visibility coach or social media specialist to nail this part of your strategy.
4. I didn’t have a business idea
This was something I struggled with. Sometimes you just need to sit with yourself and see what ideas come up and where they lead. Grab a journal and write down 2 lists - what you’re passionate about and what you love / what lights you up. Your business could be a collaboration of these 2 lists in some way. Another thing I did was I went to the National franchise exhibition. This was so interesting to learn about all the businesses out there I could get involved with.
5. What would others think
I’ve come to realise that this is totally normal in life. It is natural for us to care about what our loved ones (and even those random connections on Facebook from university) think of us.
But remember this is your life. No one else has your dreams, ambitions and goals. You are unique and you should lean into this.
Yes your job has a steady income but we all know that can change in a heartbeat. If you have a strong purpose and passion for something then the next step is to get a blank piece of paper and start putting it into reality. Get those ideas down and start letting them flow!
In Summary
If you want some help on your journey then get in touch with me on insta or LinkedIn @jenlistercoaching or fill out the contact form on my website here. I’d love to know where you are at and if you have a dream of starting your own business like I did!
