8 Tips
8 Tips I Swear By as an Entrepreneur
Starting and running a business is one of the most challenging yet transformative journeys you’ll ever undertake. Whether you're building your empire as a coach, creative, or consultant, these eight tips have been my guiding lights—and they can help you too.
1. Know Your Numbers, Always
If you don’t track your revenue, profit, expenses, and cash flow, your business will run you. Understanding your numbers is the key to making confident decisions and staying in control.
Pro Tip: Set up systems to review your financials regularly. This habit will save you time, stress, and costly mistakes down the road. For me, I use Airtable because I’m a Virgo and I love how I can make everything color coordinated.
2. The Ebbs and Flows Are Normal
Even the most successful businesses experience slow months. It’s not a failure—it’s part of the cycle. Use downtime to evaluate your systems, plan for the next big push, and level up your skills. Slow periods are an opportunity to work on your business instead of just in it.
3. Master One Platform
Trying to dominate every social media platform? That’s a fast track to burnout. Instead, choose one platform, learn it deeply, and show up consistently. For me, that platform is LinkedIn. By focusing my efforts, I’ve built real authority, grown my audience, and connected with dream clients.
4. Messaging Is Everything
Your copy is the first impression your brand makes. Weak messaging? Weak sales. Learn to write boldly, clearly, and concisely. Your words should inspire confidence, convey value, and make clients excited to work with you.
Copywriting is the most valuable and transferable skill. It’s communication. Learn it! Invest in it!
5. You Lead the Client—They Follow
As the expert, you’re not just a service provider; you’re a guide. Refine your process, set clear expectations, and confidently lead your clients. Remember, people hire you because they trust your expertise. Own it.
6. Never Discount, Barter, or Work for Exposure
If you’ve ever been tempted to lower your rates or trade services, stop. Set a fair starting price, stick to it, and track results. When I raised my prices, I started attracting clients who respected my expertise—and I delivered even better results because I was being paid what I was worth. Every time I discounted, I regretted it. BIG TIME.
Stay in your worth. Always.
7. Only Take Advice From People Ahead of You
It’s tempting to listen to everyone’s opinions, but not all advice is created equal. Surround yourself with mentors and coaches who’ve been where you want to go. Hiring the right mentor can save you years of trial and error.
Remember: Nothing is free. You pay with your time. Or money. You choose.
A Personal Lesson
As a former special education teacher turned creative entrepreneur, I once felt completely lost when it came to understanding my numbers. I avoided them because they overwhelmed me—until I realized avoiding them was holding my business back.
One of the best investments I ever made was hiring a CPA, a bookkeeper, and a financial coach. They gave me the tools and confidence to take control of my finances, and it’s made all the difference.
Starting a business will push you, test you, and transform you—but with the right focus, you can build an empire.
