You’re Starting a Business…in This Economy?

What Starting a Business Has Taught Me (So Far)

Let’s be real—starting a business is a risk in any economy. But when inspiration strikes and motivation is high, there's no better time than the present. Here are a few things I've learned so far about launching my digital marketing business.

Self-Promotion Can ‘Give the Ick,’ But It’s Essential

“Here’s why I am the best at this.” “You won’t find another business like mine.” “Run, don’t walk, to what I’m offering you.”

Cringe-inducing, right?

I used LinkedIn for networking in a business capacity some years ago, but I had never really built my personal brand and business there. The platform is full of corporate jargon and can feel disingenuous and downright deceptive at times. Not to mention, self-promotion can make you feel like Needlenose Ned from Groundhog Day…Bing! Am I right, or am I right, or am I right?

Despite the initial discomfort, I’ve already gotten a dozen different leads by putting myself out there on various platforms. People don’t know what you’re offering unless you tell them. So, even though I tend to be self-effacing, I’m stepping outside my comfort zone and going public-facing. The payoff is already evident.

Systems Matter

(Or: What Can Help You Get Organized and Optimized?)

I learned fast that a good workflow and the right tools are imperative. Any industry you’re in has savvy tools to help make your business run smoothly. I’m always on the lookout for the most efficient and intuitive modes of organization. I’ve found key players in my industry who are willing to share their methods, and I commit to learning from them. Investing in the right tools may cost a bit upfront, but they’ll help you in the long run. Here are a few that have been game-changers for my digital marketing agency:

HoneyBook: This tool has been indispensable. From creating professional proposals using their templates to finding legally-binding contracts for clients and utilizing their scheduling feature, HoneyBook has become critical for my business. If you’re interested, you can use my referral code for 25% off. (Disclosure: I only share products and resources that have brought value to me and/or I believe will bring value to my audience. Some links in this post are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you make a purchase using them.)

Grammarly: I’ve been writing for many years, but that doesn’t mean my grammar is infallible. Grammarly gives me real-time feedback and includes much more than just spell-check. There’s a free option available as well!

Squarespace: An easy way to make a website (and if you need help, I can definitely assist). I love the clean look of Squarespace templates and the intuitive interfaces.

Found: Want an easy accounting tool that helps calculate self-employment taxes and sends it for you? There are other features that make this a must-have. I don’t have a referral code yet, but I really like this tool!

Canva: Are you even in business if you don’t use Canva? From designing digital campaigns to printing products, or even whiteboarding and collaborating on projects, Canva is essential for anyone running a business these days.

Learn from the Masters

I joined a course from someone I trusted, enrolled in free webinars, and other certification skills, and I’m committed to doing so throughout my journey. Even though most of my peers in these courses seem younger than me (another blog post on that later), I know there’s always room to learn and grow from anyone, no matter their age.

Hustle vs. Rest: Finding Balance

There’s a lot of hustle out there, but rest and reflection are equally valuable. This observation has come, I think, with age. The hustle on social platforms, especially, is exhausting to watch. I have to build in intentional rest days where I reflect and care for my body and soul. Burnout is real, and so is corporate cynicism. I’ve scheduled stop times and imposed limits on checking emails and business accounts. Protect your peace!

I’m sure there is much more to learn as I grow my business. I’m interested to hear about your experiences—share your valuable insights in the comments!