3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Business: Essential Lessons for Every New Entrepreneur.
When I first started my journey in digital marketing, I thought I had it all figured out. I had a plan, a vision, and the determination to make things happen.
But as any seasoned entrepreneur will tell you, the reality of building something from the ground up is much different than the daydreams we cook up in our minds.
Looking back, there are three crucial lessons I wish someone had shared with me from the beginning. These aren’t just tips or tricks; they’re foundational principles that can make or break your success.
1. Build Your Audience First
Here’s the cold, hard truth: you can have the best product or service in the world, but if no one knows about it, it doesn’t matter. I used to think that as long as I created something amazing, the people would come. It’s a classic case of “If you build it, they will come,” right? Wrong.
Building an audience isn’t just about numbers; it’s about cultivating a community that genuinely cares about what you have to say. Focus on creating valuable content that resonates with your target audience.
Whether it’s through social media, email lists, or a blog, the goal is to create a tribe of people who trust you and are excited to hear from you. The earlier you start building that audience, the better.
Ask yourself: Who is my ideal customer, and where do they hang out online?
Start there, and grow your presence by consistently showing up and offering value.
2. Share Value and Offers Every Day
I used to be so hesitant to share offers. I didn’t want to come across as too salesy or pushy. But here’s what I’ve learned: people can’t buy from you if they don’t know what you’re selling. And more importantly, people appreciate value.
Every day is an opportunity to share something valuable with your audience. This could be a quick tip, a piece of advice, a personal story, or yes, an offer. When you consistently share value, you build trust. And when you build trust, your audience is much more likely to take you up on your offers.
But remember, sharing value doesn’t always mean pitching a product. It could be educating your audience on something related to your industry or even just making their day a little brighter with some inspiration. The key is to keep the balance, give generously, and offer confidently.
Pro tip: Create a content calendar that mixes educational, entertaining, and promotional content. This keeps your audience engaged and prevents you from feeling like you’re “selling” all the time.
3. Give Your Audience a Reason to Say "Yes"
This one might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. If you want someone to take action, whether it’s clicking on a link, signing up for a webinar, or making a purchase, you need to give them a compelling reason to say “Yes.”
Think about it: we’re all bombarded with offers and information every single day. What makes your offer stand out? What’s in it for them? This is where understanding your audience really comes into play. You need to know their pain points, desires, and what motivates them. Then, craft your messaging to speak directly to those needs.
Don’t be afraid to use urgency, scarcity, or exclusive offers to incentivize action. But always do so with integrity. Your audience should never feel manipulated; they should feel like they’re making a smart decision that benefits them.
Action step: Next time you craft an offer, put yourself in your audience’s shoes. What would make you say “Yes” immediately?
Final Thoughts
Starting out can be overwhelming, but if you focus on these three things, building your audience, sharing value consistently, and giving your audience a reason to say “Yes”, you’ll be setting yourself up for long-term success.
Remember, every successful entrepreneur started where you are now. It’s not about getting everything right from day one; it’s about learning, adapting, and growing. Keep these lessons in mind, and you’ll be miles ahead of where I was when I first started.
So, what’s the first step you’re going to take today? The time to start is now.
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