My big online business mistake when starting out
If you’re embarking on your first work-from-home (WFH) business venture, consider this a brief cautionary tale. From me to you, with love.
When I started my online copywriting business in the early 2000s, people in my life didn’t quite understand what I was doing all day. Or that I was starting a real business.
Because I wasn’t going to an office each day, they couldn’t quite wrap their heads around the fact that I actually needed to work.
Soon enough, I became the go-to-gal for all sorts of favors . . .
“Hey Karen! Would you mind picking up Joey from daycare today? He’s done early today, and I’ll still be at work.” (Umm… I’d still be a work, too.)
“Hey Karen, can you run over to my house tomorrow between 11am-1pm? The damn plumber gave me a 2-hour window and I can’t take that much time for my lunch hour!!” (Err… )
“Hey Karen, I have the day off! Let’s go get mani-pedis!” (Ooh! So tempting…)
In the first couple years after launching my copywriting business, I’d usually do these favors (and accept especially tempting invitations) because in some ways, I felt like my working hours weren’t as important as my friends’ working hours.
It took a whole lot of blood, sweat, and boundary-setting to finally get people to treat me like I was actually at work when . . . I was actually at work. At home. 💻
It took some time, but I finally realized that something had to change.
– I wasn’t being as productive as I knew I could be.
– I had trouble sticking to a schedule.
– And I wasn’t anywhere near the income goals I’d set for myself.
One day, I had an epiphany: I was sabotaging my chances for solopreneurial success. Unless I could figure out how to set clear boundaries for my time, my business would never be successful.
But here’s the rub: I also figured out that the most important person I needed to set boundaries with was . . . MYSELF.
Moral of the story?
Create time boundaries for YOURSELF right from the start. Once you do, protecting those boundaries will become second nature.
It may sound counterintuitive, but setting boundaries is so freeing!
– You’ll feel less stressed and more confident.
– You’ll start taking yourself and your business more seriously.
– And best of all, your productivity and profitability will improve by leaps and bounds.
Avoid this all-too-common online business mistake when starting out. You’ll be so thankful you did!
Want more guidance on how to start an online business? Read my 16-point checklist for starting a successful online business.
