Many people feel to be imposters as they become entrepreneurs.
"Who am I to do this?"
"I'm not a business owner!" "Everyone else knows what they're doing, and I have no skills."
I wanted to give you some real world, unfiltered insights.
We don't see enough real online.
My Path: From Vet to Business Owner
Let me start by saying this wasn't always the plan. I was a happy vet, content with my life and definitely not looking to shake things up. But life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, doesn't it?
After a rollercoaster ride of almost buying a practice (and then not), I found myself diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship. Now, I run three different businesses in the veterinary space, and let me tell you – it's been one heck of a ride!
The Reality Check: What No One Tells You
I'll be honest - running a business isn't all glamour and freedom. Sure, those Instagram gurus make it look easy, but let's get real for a second:
You wear ALL the hats at first: Marketing, finance, customer service, operations – you name it, you're doing it. It's like playing a never-ending game of business whack-a-mole. (Top tip: outsource when you can!)
Imposter thoughts appear, of course they do: There will be days when you feel like you have no clue what you're doing. Guess what? That's normal!
It can be lonely: When you're the boss, there's no water cooler chat or office banter. Creating a support system becomes crucial.
Money talks: You've got to get comfortable talking about money and charging what you're worth. No more hiding from those figures!
Rest? (Yeah, we need to prioritise that too): Finding balance between work and life becomes a whole new challenge. Trust me, burnout is not a badge of honour.
Lessons Learned (Trust Me)
You don't need to know everything: Seriously, no one does. Ask for help, hire experts, and give yourself permission to learn as you go.
Create your own rulebook: Ditch those preconceived notions of what a business "should" look like. This is your show – run it your way!
Know your ideal client: You can't please everyone, so don't try. Figure out who you really want to serve and focus on them.
Embrace the failures: Sometimes, no one will buy what you're selling. That's okay! It's all part of the learning process.
Set up systems: Trust me, future you will thank you for this. Good systems make delegation easier and keep things running smoothly.
The Truth About Growth
Here's something they don't tell you: growth isn't always linear. Life happens – family emergencies, health issues, global pandemics (hello, 2020!). Sometimes your business will plateau, and that's okay.
I've had my fair share of setbacks, including losing my dad and some hospital stays. Did my businesses grow during that time? Nope. But you know what? That's life, and it's all part of the journey.
Final Thoughts
Running a business is a rollercoaster of emotions. Some days you'll feel on top of the world, and others you'll wonder why on earth you started this crazy adventure. But let me tell you – it's worth it.
If you're thinking about starting a business, go for it! Just remember to be kind to yourself, ask for help when you need it, and create a business that aligns with your values and lifestyle.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to take the plunge into entrepreneurship? Or if you're already in the trenches, what's been your biggest lesson so far?
Katie