I started my online business, Fearless Pursuits because I wanted to work from home while I homeschooling my daughter. It’s a great idea, in theory. What I didn’t know about were the pitfalls and mind games that would play out in my head and in my work-flow.
Going back to 2014 when I was running my Skin Spa, I was financially independent and feeling really good about what I was doing.
Still, I began to realize that my family was falling apart because I wasn’t home much. It was a crushing realization!
I did have previous experience with an online business dating back to 1998 and I was CERTAIN I could create a successful online business with the same recipe. This time around, however, I ran into ALL sorts of walls!
What was so wrong this time around?
Great question! First off, it seems like everyone and their brother is online. The rules regarding SEO or search engine optimization had changed… Drastically! Boy, I sold my skin spa only to struggle as a tiny fish in a great big sea?
At first, it was hard not to wonder, “What have I done?”
I had to get real! Like, right meow!
Getting real meant knowing what I was doing wrong. My ego got in the way in the beginning and I didn’t niche down properly. Yes, it’s one of the very first things you have to do but take it seriously if you want to survive in your online business.
The success or failure of your business depends greatly on whether or not you are willing to get real with yourself AND if you are willing to step out of ego and do the work.
I told myself at one point that “there are too many coaches online.” I just felt like throwing the towel in and giving up entirely!
In order to stand out in the noisy online space to get clients online, I had to step it up a notch. That meant I had to be relevant to my ideal clients and talk about issues and concerns that they have.
If you are tipping your hat in the ring of the online business world, you’ll need to get past this issue.
How did I do it? With Facebook groups.
Think about where your peeps are hanging out. Is it Instagram? Is it Pinterest? Once you figure that out, you need to show up a lot AND you have to be relevant.
For me, it was Facebook. By the way, if you’re a female entrepreneur, you can join my group the Dynamic Divas Mastermind Group. We talk about all sorts of issues concerning online business.
Dealing with my demons such as;
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Getting real and honest with myself
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Getting out of ego
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Not listening to the limiting story in my head of too much competition
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Really niching down
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Knowing where to find my clients
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Putting relevant content consistently on social media
I was THEN able to crush it online. These are a few of the pitfalls and mindset shifts that I had to deal with and resolve to have a successful online business.
I’d like to suggest a tip for you to help you succeed in your online business or at least help you start off on the right foot.
Start a business that sells your expertise.
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Are you a good writer or designer?
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Do you have a flair for cooking?
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Is gardening a passion of yours?
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Do you know a lot about a specific subject?
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Is there something that friends and family often come to you for advice on?
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Could you turn your knowledge into a consulting business?
I suggest that you take your time to do some soul-searching and think about what you are good at and passionate about. Once you’ve figured that out, do some research on who would want and need your product/service.
You’ll then want to set up your own website or blog based on what you’re selling and target it towards who you’re selling it to. Don’t be intimidated by this step!
Creating your own site is extremely easy these days and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Here at Fearless Pursuits, I really wanted to write about my journey of starting my online business and help you to overcome the many pitfalls that you may encounter. Your adventure will be full of ups and downs but what’s important is that you go after your dreams, that is if you really want to drastically change your life!
In the end, I’m glad that I did it. I’m better for all of the lessons that I’ve learned along the way.
Here’s the question of the day that I would like for you to answer below. What pitfalls or mindset games are you dealing with in your online business?
This is such a great and relatable post! I recently hired a personal assistant to help me out with marketing and writing!
This is a difficult business. Most people do not realize how much time, effort, and rejection we face in this field.
working from home with your own online business is a great challenge. I have not try it so far, but if there was a chance to stay more with kids, I definately try it. Thank you for the tips
I loved this post! I feel like sometimes the only thing holding me back in my businesses is myself. I couldn’t agree more with everything you have written.
This is super interesting! As a self-employed blogger, all of this info is very important to me. thanks so much for sharing such a thorough post.
great and informative post. In the beginning I was also having a certain mindset which slowly by slowly change. It’s better to learn that online business is a good option.
This is so true! It can also become hard especially when we are our own boss and also the ones who have to get everything else done.
I’m sure the lessons you learned while being at a spa will be extremely valuable in your new line of work. I wish you much success as your grow your new business. All the best to you and your family
A great article for new bloggers. I’d say you’ve mentioned great points to be asked to oneself before jumping in online business. The one started randomly without thinking over often ends up nowhere.
This is such a great and relatable post! Its so important to be honest and get real!!
This is wonderful advice and can easily be applied to many business owners. Thank you for sharing your tips!
Thinking on to start an online business…so your post is quite motivating to be firm on my decision.
Honestly it is key to getting and gaining new insights when you start up a business and getting help too.
This is a great article indeed. i gained some great advice from it. I think a lot of business start ups will find this super helpful!