Having a business that’s transformed from a side project to a full-time career is insane and it still hasn’t really sunken in yet. However, the hard work hasn’t ended, if anything it’s only just begun. In order to run a successful business, I’ve learnt a few things and I’m still learning. My blog business is only in its early days but there are definitely some factors that I can share with you guys that will help if you’re wanting to launch your own. Here are the things that make a business successful.
*This is a sponsored post.
Investing Your Money
One of the things that I’m trying to learn to let go of, is my money worries. I’m a big money worrier but I now need to focus on creating a bigger profit on my business. Eventually, I want to be able to have a business bank account whereby I can pay myself a monthly wage, contribute to mine and Sam’s joint account and to still have money left in the business bank balance. That money should then be an investment into UpYourVlog and for making it more successful. There’s more that I could be doing like promoting my social media platforms with more of a budget or paying for others to help me improve my blog and my social media following. Investing your money into a business is essential because it’s not likely to grow without it. From the beginning, I made sure to have a high-quality web design because first impressions are everything. If you mean business, then create your branding, invest that money into creating a brand and not just something that’s had no money spent on it. It certainly shows!
You’re Passionate
I wouldn’t be working the long hours if I didn’t enjoy what I did. My typical working day when I was working full-time was writing content on my commute, working from 9-5.30pm, getting in for 7pm and then working on my blog until midnight. That was every night, even on the weekends that I had free. I have cancelled on people, missed birthdays and have put my business first. I don’t recommend you making too many sacrifices as I’m now realising but it’s important to passionate about what you’re creating. Now I work even longer hours and have no intention to slow down until I get to the point where I’m happy with the business I’ve created. Maybe I never will be but the main thing is that I’m happy and that I’m passionate about the work I do.
The Amount Of Time Spent On It
You’ve spent a good few hours on your business but how much time do you spend on it per week. If the average working full-time contract is around 36-42 hours a week, are you doing the same? I love the saying ‘You have the same amount of hours as Beyonce‘. That’s true and you have the same amount as Richard Branson and many other successful business owners. Sure, they have hundreds and if not thousands of people working for them now but they all started somewhere right? If you truly believe in your business, then it’s going to be successful to some degree. You need to be putting into the hours to reap those rewards.
Knowing Your Worth
And finally, one point that I need to focus nailing is knowing your worth. It’s hard to figure out how much your worth is valued at and things like master data services and platforms like Google Analytics are a good way for me to find out where my blog stands in terms of its prominence on the internet. One thing that isn’t clear though is knowing how much to charge and that can be the same if you were selling a book or clothing or any type of freelance service. I’m starting to become more balsy with my fees and I think it’s acceptable due to the amount of work I put in behind the scenes.
Have you thought about running your own business? Let me know what that is in the comments below!
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post with Profisee. All words are my own.
