The Winding Road

Sep 30, 2023

LinkedIn Live Chats – the stories continue……

Last year I started hosting a series of LinkedIn Live chats with other business owners; it’s been fascinating to hear about the person behind the business.

There is always so much more to a person than just their job title. The experience and variety of previous careers before choosing to set up their business has been amazing, and it’s these skills and talents, which aren’t always obvious, that enhance the way they work with their clients.

In a previous article “Do What you Love” I capture just a few of the top tips shared in these chats and I wanted to follow up with more inspiration from those I spoke with in this short article.

The Golden Thread

One strong theme which arose was having an open mind rather than following a rigid path. We may know where we think we want to go but it’s never a straight path!

Each discussion uncovered fascinating stories of what led people to do what they now love doing, the ups and downs in the life of business owners and lessons learned along the way. I’ve picked out just a few of these which I hope will resonate with you all.

It doesn’t have to be 9-5

Many of the people I speak to, particularly those who have come from a corporate background, initially feel guilty if they aren’t at their desk during traditional business hours.

However, the reality of being a business owner is that you have the flexibility to work when you are most productive, and when it works for your lifestyle. If you set expectations and your clients know when you are available then there is no need to be at your desk between 9 and 5, unless you want to. As long as the work gets done, it doesn’t really matter when you choose to do it.

Does Your Copy Flow?

When you have written copy or an important email, don’t send or publish straight away. Leave it, have a cup of tea or even wait until the next day and then reread it.

Also, read out loud. Reading out loud encourages you to read the words on the paper, not what you think it may say.

Don’t make assumptions

“Just ask, If you don’t ask you’ll never know”

This was a great example from Kerry Burgess, Cheshire Business Directory when she was looking for event sponsors. You may assume that large companies aren’t interested but that may be far from the truth. Kerry went through her cupboard looking for the addresses of large companies, she wrote to them and what happened, she came home to a large delivery of raisons! Check out the full episode to find out more.

Try Something New

Perseverance, tenacity and keeping visible, if you aren’t trying some new then you aren’t growing and developing yourself.

Be Prepared to be uncomfortable, just at first.

When you start anything new, there can be a fear of the unknown but don’t let it stop you from taking the first step.

“Are you willing to be uncomfortable for 5 minutes?

Exercising is easier once you’ve started the workout.

Conversation is easier once you’re already talking.

Writing is easier once you’re in the middle of it.

But many rewards in life will elude you if you’re not willing to be a little uncomfortable at first.” James Clear

The Power of collaboration

Accept help and delegate where you can, this isn’t a sign of weakness but just a realisation that you can’t be brilliant at everything but collectively you can.

If you are a solo entrepreneur you can still have a team, just broaden your definition and think of outsourcing, collaboration and creating a supportive network of other business owners.

Listen to the discussion in full.

You can listen to the chats in full and there will be many more to come. If there are any topics you would like covered or if you’d like to be a guest and share your story, please drop me a message or comment below.