Four Things I Wish I Knew Earlier in Business!
The Caroline Doll, CEO of POSH PR®, recalls a few things she wished she knew a little earlier in business!
When I read a quote recently that said, “Show, don’t tell, young women what it takes.” I wondered, "Well what’s wrong with show AND tell?” I absolutely hope the way I choose to act inspires future girl bosses! But I think there’s just as much value and need for wise words, so I hope to do this through sharing a few things I wish I knew earlier in business!
(1) You’re only as good as your support.
For better or for worse, I’ve always been the kind of girl who was going to do everything by herself. I’ll admit I wanted to be in control over every transaction that happened in my business. Delegation was NOT in my vocabulary! I would talk about how “The Client is the Hero of the Story” but this was actually a case of TELL don’t SHOW! I made myself the hero of the story! To be even more honest, I didn’t want to decrease my salary by hiring and paying employees! Really, I was putting myself before my clients and even before my own business! If you want to grow your business, you have to outsource for the things you don’t have time for or you’re not good at! In fact, while the thoughts behind blog posts are mine, the words are strung together by my writer doll, Virginia (Hi!). I don’t know where I’d be without my executive assistant, Kinley and photographer Remy!
(2) I wish I knew that being me and my brand was OK.
I get this now. But sometimes I can’t help but wonder where my business would be if I had known this from the very beginning! As soon as I completely embraced The Caroline Doll and all that is PINK, my business took off! Authenticity is an overused word — but people are always attracted to a person who is unfettered by what someone else thinks of them and who are completely themselves! There’s already one of everybody else — why not introduce someone the world’s never encountered before?!
(3) Champagne is ALWAYS the answer.
This should be self-explanatory! But in all seriousness, sometimes you have to relax in order to be creative. You can’ force creativity! When I get stuck in a rut, champagne is my creative juice! A glass of champagne means getting together with a doll or two and enjoying each other’s company sans work! Anything that lets you relax and have fun is ALWAYS the answer to creativity!
(4) Being your own boss is a lot harder than you would think.
Even as a structured person, creating structure for myself in business isn’t always easy! If I want a raise, I have to work harder and secure another client. Not having a boss for accountability, for monthly reviews …Words of affirmation is my love language and not having that encouragement come from a manager is hard sometimes! I had to create new incentives for myself! If I’m closing a deal, I have to go out and celebrate!
I learn something new everyday! Always be willing to learn from your mistakes; always be willing to learn from others — it will save you a whole lot of effort!
