1- There’ll be days (many of them) when you feel like giving up. Don’t give up. Step away. Clear your mind. Sleep on it. Every successful entrepreneur went through what you’re going through right now. It’s all part of the journey.
2- People will hardly ever buy from you the first time they visit your online shop (even if your products and online store are awesome). Statistically, only 2% of first-time visitors will go through to completing a purchase. That means you have to think smarter about how you can re-engage and keep your brand in front of those people. That’s when more sales will happen.
3- You will feel overwhelmed. There’s just so much to learn, especially when it comes to handling customers and managing and marketing your online store. Be gentle on yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or outsource when you get too busy.
4- You’ll encounter the nightmare that is lost deliveries, products being damaged during transit, customer returns and refunds. This is inevitable, but do change courier companies if you’re not satisfied. And make sure your returns and refunds policy is clearly displayed on your website (don’t be afraid to change it if you’re losing profit).
5- Going back to customers… there will be moments when you get angry and frustrated with the difficult ones (and there’ll be a few of those). Some might even make you sad. Don’t be reactive. Step away from the situation and take some deep breaths. Then respond kindly, firmly, fairly and objectively. Turn a difficult experience into one you learn from.
6- You will make mistakes. Maybe you’ll spend too much on something you didn’t need. Maybe you’ll invest in products that no one wants. Maybe you’ll spend too much on social media ads that don’t work. Making mistakes means you’re trying, you’re starting, you’re learning. Go easy on yourself. Learn from them. Take action. Move forward.
7- Your friends and family may not understand this vision you have. They may not even support you. Don’t take it to heart. Listen to your intuition. Negative opinions usually only come from a place of insecurity and fear.
So why do it in the first place?
Because when you get that first, beautiful sale, you’ll do a happy dance and you’ll remember that moment forever.
Because when you start getting more sales and your business grows, the feelings of joy and satisfaction are unbeatable.
Because when you look back years from now after building a successful business, you’ll know that this amazing achievement was all down to you making that first scary step into the unknown and conquering the challenges you faced along the way.
Because being an entrepreneur is one of the greatest journeys of self growth. It will change you in ways you could never have imagined.
Because life’s too short to play it safe.
