Key Focus Areas in Your First Year as a Service-Based Business Owner

If you are in the first year of starting your business, here are some suggestions to help you keep going…

Be Patient - building a business takes time

In the early stages, it's crucial to understand that building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Momentum takes time to build and you need to dig deep and keep going.

 **The Reality**: Many businesses falter not due to a lack of potential, but because of impatience. If you have the right services that your client want, the opportunities will materialise, but it takes time for them to come and for momentum to build. Hang on in there and keep your foot on the gas!

Prioritise Sales, these are your lifeline

In the initial phase, your primary focus should be on generating revenue. That’s it.

**Practical Tip**: Perfecting your processes and systems is important but can wait. First, ensure a steady income stream by only focusing on sales. Do everything you can to start making money.

Be Scrappy and take imperfect action

In the beginning, it's more important to take action than to wait for perfection.

**Advice**: Avoid spending excessive time perfecting a service that hasn’t been market-tested. Quick, imperfect actions often lead to valuable lessons and faster growth.

Balance hard work to avoid burnout

Working hard is necessary, but it should not come at the expense of your well-being.

**Self-Care**: Don’t forget to do activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This balance is crucial to avoid burnout and maintain long-term business sustainability. Remember you are in this for the long-haul, try and enjoy the ride and don’t burn out because if you do, you may never get there.

Trust Your Gut

While advice and benchmarks are useful, they're not one-size-fits-all.

**Action Point**: If something doesn’t feel right for your business, it's okay to trust your judgment and forge your own path.

Get ready to learn about yourself really really well

Running a business often means getting to know yourself intimately. Your strengths and weaknesses and at times it will feel uncomfortable as you push yourself outside your comfort zone.

**Strategy**: Play to your strengths and consider outsourcing areas that are not your forte as soon as it’s financially feasible. 

Find your tribe

Entrepreneurship can feel like a lonely journey but it doesn't have to.

**Solution**: Seek out and join communities of like-minded business owners. They provide support, understanding, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Remember, you started your business for a reason. Hang on to that passion as the going gets tough. You can do this!

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