3 business lessons and 1 life lesson

And just like that, I’ve been a freelancer/self-employed/small business-owner for two years! That initial feeling of “Where do I begin?” becomes a memory. My second year in business has been vastly different from year 1. I’ve reached capacity. I’ve project managed another house move, (yes, two house moves in the space of nine months). I have also lost a dear friend. Here’s my reflection on year 2.

#1 Don’t skimp on using professionals, it's an investment

When I started out, I designed my own logo on day one. One of my first jobs was to launch my website and I needed a logo for it, so I created it myself. My view is that businesses do not have to launch with perfection. In fact, striving for perfection is a losing battle, and you will never feel good enough if you set the bar too high. There was no point in trying to build my website to emulate established marketing agency sites or other freelancer sites because at the time, I had zero content and it would take me years to build it.

This year, I wanted to improve (I used the word improve, not perfect) my logo so I had it redesigned by the talented graphic designer Steve Williams, who is a joy to work with. After a few iterations and following feedback from my network, my new logo was launched. A few people preferred my version of the logo, however, I wanted my logo to pop and the introduction of another colour to my brand palette was welcome.

At the same time, I needed to invest in professional photography. Those photos and selfies taken while employed no longer reflected the image I wanted to project. I commissioned the super talented Vanessa Palmer-Vines to take some photos for my business. She absolutely nailed the brief, which was non-corporate, yet professional to make a good first impression. During the session, we had a lot of fun, which is always a plus.

#2 Expand your network

In a previous blog, I discussed the importance of expanding your network. Once again, I repeat myself.

Expand. Your. Network.

My network has grown tremendously in the last year, and I want to thank Melissa Davis for welcoming me into the legal world. The work I do for MD Communications has given me the opportunity to be part of a team again. You can't get those 'water cooler moments' when you operate alone, so having daily interactions with colleagues has been good for my mental health. I feel honoured to be working with the BEST PR and reputation management experts out there.

#3 Choose skills to complement

I have reached full capacity with client work this year. Working at capacity makes it hard to do any marketing and business development for your own business. There is a bigger problem when you generate leads and potential work, but do not have capacity to deliver. Since I am not ready to hire someone yet, I have explored collaborations and partnerships with other freelancers. When you choose to work with someone, don’t hire or partner with someone like yourself. Choose people who possess different talents and skills. Rather than duplicating yourself, it's about complementing.

#4 Go create

I want to dedicate this final section to my dear friend, Aimi McCaffrey. Aimi was tragically killed on 15 May while she was jogging, leaving behind her loving husband and two beautiful children. I think about her every day. When I started out two years ago, she was the first person I turned to for advice. She gave me the confidence I needed. We had a vision to start our own marketing agency in Bingham. In the morning, we’d offer marketing services. In the afternoon, we’d teach yoga.

Here's a beautiful quote from Aimi's funeral service:

What is it that you will create that will last forever? Find that thing for you – and make it happen.