Starting a Business? Don’t Do This…
Starting a side hustle or business can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. Many aspiring entrepreneurs experience self-doubt and fear - myself included. Here are the 5 the self-sabotaging thoughts I had when I started my business and how I overcame them.
No one would want to hire me. I thought that the health and wellness industry was oversaturated, and I didn't have anything special to offer. But what I came to realize is that while there may be a lot of people in your industry, no one is going to do it like you. Your customers will see something special in you, in your product or service, and gravitate towards it. Your authenticity is your calling card, and your tribe will find you.
I was afraid to spend money and didn’t feel like I could invest in myself. So instead of getting an expensive certificate right away, I started with what was inexpensive like watching YouTube videos, buying books, and listening to podcasts. Once I’d done as much as I could on my own, I took the next step and paid for the certifications.
I needed to be perfect in order to get started. But that wasn't true. My first client was a colleague at my job who mentioned in casual conversation that she wanted to work on her health and wellness. At that moment, something told me to speak up. So I offered my services for $15 a session. I wasn't doing it for money; I did it to gain experience. I needed a client under my belt so I could test my business plan and build the confidence to expand. I studied before and after our sessions and used her progress for feedback. She was so happy with the results that she referred her friends to me.
If I raise my prices I will lose all my clients. I was afraid that if I raised my prices, all my clients would leave. Nonetheless, I knew I had to increase my fee because having a full schedule at a low rate left me burnt out. I started raising my rate slowly even though I was scared. Some clients walked away, but most of them stayed. I got my time back and ultimately increased my profit.
I need a lot of clients to make a living. Raising my prices also helped me debunk the idea that I needed a lot of clients to make a living. If you're offering quality service, you should charge rates that reflect that.
Starting a business is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage, dedication, and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. But if you believe in yourself and your product or service, anything is possible. Remember, you are unique, and your customers will see that. Invest in yourself, take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to raise your prices. Your business will thrive with hard work, quality service, and a willingness to grow.
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