Business Lessons I Learnt by Starting a Blog

Building anything from scratch is not a small task; especially if you are looking for a full income or an extra source of income.

Whether you’re seeking to start a passion project that will have an impact, start a side hustle, or grow a full income business, this post will tell you exactly how you will feel on that journey,  and how to overcome it so you don’t give up a little too quickly.

Can I let you in on something? Everyone who’s made it at some point in time has had exactly the same thoughts. I know it’s hard to imagine but it’s true.

Well this is my story. I have a blog and you’re reading it now. I can’t even remember how many years I procrastinated on this. It was something I rarely spoke about but it was deeply on my heart.

I’m sure my reasons for holding back on this for so long seemed very tangible. But here I am today. You can read my full story from a procrastinator to starting a blog here.

Before you give up you must read this:

1. You will be scared

Everyone has a point in their life when they have been terribly scared about doing something new. What sets achievers apart from non-achievers is their ability to feel the fear but doing it anyway.

What’s the worst that can happen? Things will not work out… So? But what if they do? Fear robs you of your present joy and even the courage to start.
Don’t let it.

2. It will be hard

There will be moments of frustration, times you will feel like giving up. I remember when I was trying to build this website from scratch. Everything seemed so techy and difficult because I had never done it before. I watched several YouTube videos and even bought courses but it didn’t give me all the answers I was looking for.

In short, I felt like giving up. Nothing is as easy as it seems. But don’t let the hard things stop you. It’s part of the process. Things will get familiar and easier with time.

Remember to talk to the right people and also seek help. Let the difficult situations bring out nothing but the best in you because you are made of gold.

3. Not everyone will support you

And that is okay. Your dreams won’t make sense to everyone no matter how hard you may try. Even to the extent of explaining it to the people you love and care about. Because, you want them to understand, to believe in you and to cheer you on.

It does happen for some people but not for everyone. This should not stop you from pushing further and trying to reach your goals. Let that motivate you. Beat their skepticism with your results!

4. You need to give up something to get something

Your comfort zone will not get anything beyond comfort. Sacrifice is the key to ever accomplishing anything spectacular. The journey will consist of constantly making sacrifices in order to make strides.

5. You need to invest

There are probably businesses out there that require a zero capital to start but I honestly do not know any.

Even if no capital is required, time will most definitely be! Before starting my blog, I had to invest in buying a domain and web hosting among other things. I had to invest my time and give myself to learning.

6. It’s okay to be overwhelmed

If you’re particularly venturing into a new field, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the new things you may have to learn. To overcome this, tackle tasks in bits. Develop a to-do list and take it one day at a time.

7. Networking is important

No man is an island to himself, everyone needs someone. When starting out a business or a passion project, it’s important to reach out to the right people. Those who are doing or have done what you want to do.

This can save you costly mistakes and time. It’s okay to feel intimidated but just remember they were once like you, also newbies.

I was lucky to have found Benjamin Anyan of Goldinwords and Dela of Brown Skin Mama. I reached out to them and though they barely knew me, they were super helpful.

8. Have faith

Faith goes a long way to make things better. You need faith to take the first step and faith to keep going when things get tough! Don’t give up. It’s only a matter of time. And the wait will be worth it.

9. Be you

Let your authenticity show in everything you do, because there’s one and only one you. Authenticity will help you and your brand to stand out.

10. Genuinely seek to help people

Whatever your end goal is, desire to genuinely help people.

Nobody starts a business without a profit motive at the back of their minds. But before you take money from people make sure you’re giving them value.

Value sells and giving it will help you replicate your desired profit.

11. You will never feel ready

If you’re waiting for the perfect time to start a business or venture, guess what? That perfect time will never come. Take advantage of whatever you have today and just start.

12. Don’t compare your journey to anyone’s

Everyone’s journey is different. Success is rarely a straight path for anyone. It’s filled with ups and downs.

There are some people who “seem” to have everything working for them and others who seem to have everything working against them. Sometimes, people may not present the picture as it truly is.

Stay true to yourself and strive to be better each day. Your time will come and you have your own success story to tell.

Have you started pursing that dream yet? Does any of these resonate with you? If you haven’t what’s holding you back?