When is the right time to start a business?
May 04, 2018and If not now, then when?
It’s fear that holds us back – what if it doesn’t work? What will my family think? What if…….?
But what if, a year from now, you’re still in the same place you are today? Isn’t that a worse outcome than giving it a go?
What if it actually WORKS, and a year from now you’re the owner of a growing business with a bright future?
One of my favourite quotes is “Imagine what you’d do if you knew you couldn’t fail?”
Why I gave birth to a business and a baby at the same time!
In December 2016 I was about to start maternity leave with my second baby.
I wasn’t happy, and it was nothing to do with feeling like a walking balloon while being kicked in the ribs!
On paper I had it all – a well-paid corporate leadership job, a nice house, great friends, amazing hubby and (almost) two gorgeous kids.
But I didn’t feel fulfilled by my work. I knew I had a lot more to give and was capable of much greater things. I felt like I was just spinning wheels and going nowhere, not making a difference to anyone.
I also knew that if I wanted things to change, I needed to do something about it.
Nobody else was going to do it for me.
So in the weeks leading up to the birth of my baby I started designing my ideal future.
I dreamt of a life where I could be there for my kids – at school, at sports days, during their holidays.
A life where we could live where we wanted. A life where we could travel as much as we wanted without worrying about annual leave.
And finally, a life where I enjoyed my work, where I could constantly learn and be challenged.
Where I could make a difference to others and feel satisfied that I’ve made their lives better.
That dream led me to deciding I would start a new business helping other female business owners with their marketing strategies.
But this time (my first business I recently sold), I would go all in and make it my main work rather than a side project.
While I was in hospital just days after the birth of my daughter I hit the button on starting my coaching business, by signing up with Natasha and her amazing team at Business Jump to help me get it launched quickly.
No, it wasn’t the ideal time to start a business, especially going down to one income with a new baby, but if not now, then when?
I would have plenty of thinking time while I was up all night breastfeeding, so I looked my fear in the face and did it.
I hadn’t quite figured out all the details yet but that didn’t stop me. I knew I could work it out as I went.
What I did know is that I am passionate about marketing and growing small businesses. Helping other mums launch their business concepts and bring them to life.
Helping them build their businesses online, using smart marketing that doesn’t cost much but delivers long term results, and using technology to create outstanding customer experiences.
Here is a video blog I recorded back in 2017 about my decision to become a business coach. (Yes that’s my baby in the carrier! She slept like that for the first 3 months.)
The right launch strategy
Looking back, I’m amazed at what I achieved in that first year, even with the sleepless nights, brain fuzz and serious lack of coffee!
If you had asked me back then, I would never have imagined I would be where I am today.
Using a content marketing strategy I quickly built an audience and established myself as a marketing coach – which meant I won clients the very first month I opened my services to the market.
It was all about the launch strategy – focussing on the essentials to get up and running as quickly as possible with my minimum viable product.
Here’s some of my happy client reviews:
My business generated profit in the very first month I opened the doors on my coaching services!
I’ve built a lively online community of over 800 female entrepreneurs. I’ve coached some of them 1:1 and watched them take huge steps forward in their businesses. (You can join our free group on Facebook: My Tribe)
Then, because I wanted to help more people, I created a group coaching membership giving access my premium content, personalised coaching and training sessions on marketing their business.
The Marketing Momentum Mastermind is open for new members to join right now (if you might be interested, head over and check out the great joining bonuses!).
Building a business is a fun journey
Yes it does have its ups and downs. And it’s a lot of hard work, so it’s definitely not for everyone.
I now experience more satisfaction in my work than I ever felt before, working for others.
This is what I am meant to do. I’ve found it.
All I needed to do was listen to the positive voices in my head and have the guts to give it a go. Back myself and believe that I could do it.
I’m part of something bigger. A movement of women who are creating their own success. Who support each other to achieve things they never thought possible.
My dream is no longer a dream.
It’s my new reality. I quit my corporate career and never looked back. I can choose where and when I work: On the couch in my pjs on a Sunday evening, or while the kids are napping during the day!
We moved the family to live by the beach, achieving our 8 year-long ambition.
We’ve already got two overseas family trips booked for this year.
I’ve dared to dream. And believe in it.
Now I’m helping others build their dreams too.
I can’t wait to see what the next year will bring!
