What I've Learned From 3 Years Of Full-Time Entrepreneurship
Last week, I celebrated my three-year “leaving my full-time job to be a full-time entrepreneur”-a-versary!
Yay!
(And for those wondering, this is the face I pulled three years ago when I officially left my corporate job to run AK/VA full-time)…
Happy but terrified.
As I was sitting around last week, celebrating and sipping champagne with some of the incredible ladies that are a huge part of why I’m here, I was thinking about the last four years when I started AK/VA and the leap I made three years ago to being in it full-time.
The Wildest Ride
There’s been tears, laughter, celebration, frustration and a lot of champagne.
If you asked me then where I would be today, I certainly wouldn’t have said running a multiple 6-figure business (net income), managing a team of 10 VAs, working alongside my sister (who is a powerhouse!), and coaching VAs to build their own dream businesses.
Entrepreneurship is not for everyone and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart. It’s without a doubt the wildest rollercoaster I think anyone could ever ride (and I’m here for every drop, loop and exhilarating moment!) but it’s also the most rewarding and empowering.
The Lessons I’ve Learned
You truly can’t do it alone. I’m so grateful for the greatest support system a girl could ask for.
Celebrate the shit out of every win, no matter its size.
Listen more than you speak.
Provide value, then provide more.
Rest and balance is everything.
Always be hungry to learn more.
Never be afraid to ask the hard questions.
Never assume - it makes an ass out of you and me.
Integrity always wins.
Your greatest selling tool is YOU!
You are more resilient than you ever thought possible.
You always have something to be grateful for.
If I could go back in time to 4.5 years ago, I wouldn’t change my decision for a second.
I am grateful for every tough moment and every winning moment and every moment in between.
For anyone who needs to read this today, that relationship, that new city, that business, it’s worth it.
Is it going to be hard? You bet your ass it is!
But you’re tougher than any obstacle you’ll face.
Trust your gut, follow your heart, chase your dreams.
Always.