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If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you’ll have seen my ranty post about my hatred of the “hustle culture” that seems to be sweeping entrepreneurshipland these days (is that even a word/place? and BTW if you’re not following me on Insta or FB yet you should totally start – I’ve been waiting for you!)
It really bugs me that the concept of the “hustle” is taking over. It leads people to falsely believe that they need to be working all hours the Goddess gives and that’s what will build them a business. But they get burnt out, disillusioned and then think they shouldn’t have left that “stable” job after all.
Basically, running a business IS hard. You’re not a machine and you shouldn’t expect to hustle 24/7 and get great results. It just doesn’t work like that. But here’s what DOES work.
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COURAGE
Having courage means not being afraid of sending out that email newsletter, getting on the phone and having sales calls, telling people your fees in a confident voice, blowing your own trumpet on social media when you get great feedback.
I know, I know. You’re worried about putting yourself out there. You’re worried that people will think you’re silly, or that no one will respond, and you’re worried about failing. These are the things I talk to my clients about every day.
I’ve got news for you. EVERYONE is worried about the same things! If Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Adele are allowed to suffer from stage fright, there’s no way us mere mortals are exempt.
Take things one tiny step at a time. Do the thing you are most afraid of. That’s where the biggest growth happens, I promise you. One day you’ll look back and wonder WHY you were so fearful about these things, and from courage comes confidence.
2. CONSISTENCY
Here’s the thing about consistency. It can be exhausting. That’s why systems and templates are invaluable and automation (where possible) can really save you. I’m talking invoices, agreements, contracts, customer databases, email templates etc
But that’s not all. Consistency means showing up and getting visible. Every day. It means showing up where your customers are – whether that’s your social media platform/s of choice, networking events, markets, your co-working space etc. It means building your brand. Getting your unique message out there. Letting people know that you are their “one”. When people need your “thing” you should be the first person they think of.
Consistency also means following up when you said you would. It means developing relationships with people. It means keeping your warm contacts warm and genuinely “checking in” with them from time to time. I know that in my field people can decide they want me to be their coach very quickly and some people take months to feel they are “ready”. That’s fine with me. I am ready when you are.
Above all, consistency means doing the RIGHT things for your business (otherwise you’ll just have a busy-ness…)
3. CASH FLOW
To have a successful business you obviously need cash flow. This is where points one and two come together. You must INVITE people to the sale. You might be sick of the sound of your own voice, but let me tell you – there are plenty of voices out there and people may have missed the first three times you put your message out there (hey, it happens!!). Keep pushing your message out. The people who really need you won’t mind being reminded.
Those warm contacts? Keep checking in with them with genuine care. Detach from the outcome. It doesn’t matter if they are not ready to work with you, if you have helped them and added value to their day they will remember you.
State your fees with confidence. If you are confident in what you offer, your customer will be confident in buying from you.
BONUS TIP
I’ve mentioned this before and this speaks directly to the hustle culture that I find so irritating right now.
SLOW DOWN TO SPEED UP
I know it sounds counterintuitive, and when you’ve got a shedload to do, it certainly feels it (I know because I’ve been that person). HOWEVER, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, or preferably before you get to that stage, take some time out before you get burnt out.
Go for a walk, do some yoga, read a book, have a coffee with a friend. I promise, it works. You’ll come back to your work feeling refreshed and often having new clarity on what REALLY needs to be done versus “all the other stuff”.