:: It’s my one-year anniversary ::
All month long I’ve been saying this out loud and coming to terms with the fact that I am doing this, for real. I quit my job in January 2019 after coming to my breaking point emotionally. I loved my corporate job as an Executive Assistant to c-suite leaders and devoted myself to this profession since dropping out of school. Throughout the duration of my time spent in various industries (retail, interior design, accounting) I’ve learned transferable skills that have equipped me with the pre-requisite qualities needed to successfully transition into entrepreneurship full-time.
I learned the importance of being detail-oriented while working at an accounting firm and looking at numbers all day. I developed a thick skin and relationship building from my boss at an interior design agency. And I picked up productivity hacks, critical thinking, strategic planning and how to read and forecast sales reports from several bosses at a corporate retailer. While most people I know dread going to work on Monday’s, for many years, I actually loved it. For me, walking into each establishment was like entering a different business school. Some days weren’t perfect, of course, but I’ve always understood that in order for me to build a successful company of my own, I’d have to study how one was run. Considering the fact that I dropped out of college, I’d have to become obsessed with this process, turn the world into my classroom and learn business as a second language. It’s become a societal norm to look like you are busy; to take picture-perfect moments of your hustle. But when you’re doing the real work it takes to win, you don’t have time to take cute photos. The real work is incredibly unattractive. It’s a series of tests that will break you before it builds you.
As someone who lives with depression and anxiety, I’ve also had to navigate additional stress and learn how to effectively deal with my emotions. Not only do I feel like I’m navigating landmines on a battlefield but I am constantly fighting voices inside my head that most people will never understand.
..on any given ‘normal’ day.
So imagine, adding the complexities that come with trying to figure out how to open, maintain and grow a company stemmed from an idea that no one else believes in. Girl, this is a layered process and not one to be taken lightly. I started my first business at 21 years old that’s ten years of trial and error, taking massive risks, going broke, crying for days on end in bed, finally seeing the light only to realize I was still pretty far away from the end goal. Put that cycle on repeat. Juggling a corporate job and a side hustle is challenging. The year before I quit (2018) my business was running smoothly without me. It took a long time to realize that you can still be productive without actually being present. I also paid off 90% of my debt, $45,000 PAID IN FULL. I made sure I had a proven track record of consistent sales for at least one year. In my case, I generated 6-figures from my side-hustles (which provided some peace of mind) before deciding to have a conversation with my boss.
Levels.
I’ve been offered three jobs since my departure, one was brought forward by a previous employer. I have had the opportunity to back out of my decision more than once (and even entertained the thought for a moment) but ultimately decided to stick with my gut. So here we are. I have a lot of stories to share, but I’ve summarized 5 key lessons I’ve learned in the past year.
Stick to the vision
You can make a thousand to-do lists and cut and paste a million vision boards but if you don’t truly feel what you want to experience, it will never manifest into form. I live by a few life mantras. “…there’s always more where that came from.” “The world is built by dreamers.” “Always honor your feelings.” “Do one thing a day that scares you.” And the latest one on my whiteboard.“… live like your life depends on it. That last one always makes me emotional. Don’t pursue this journey for the wrong reasons. Do it because you feel like you cannot breathe without it.
Every day during my morning routine, I start by standing in my living room, opening my body language and putting some bass in my voice as I recite and visualize my list of goals. I’ve read and heard about Amy Cuddy’s power posing theory and have put it into practice. It’s critical to spend time each morning raising your vibration levels. Similar to Amy Cuddy, I’ve learned a lot about using manifestation to attract what I want by Gabby Bernstein and one quote that has stayed with me is, “those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait and wait without anxiety.” Remember, whatever follows the words I AM will follow you. Make it count.
Don’t take shortcuts
In the starting stages of your business, you’ll wear multiple hats. But once you pass a certain threshold, I advise freeing up your time by hiring smart, senior-level experts. Invest your money in good talent. As your business grows you don’t want to be the CEO, the website developer, copywriter, graphic designer, accountant, bookkeeper, photographer and so on. I see this mistake happen too often. You opt for the cheap route and then end up spending way more money in the long-run due to an error or unresolved issue. Key players on my team include my IT guy, assistant, lawyer, accountant, graphic designers, videographer, strategist, and writers. I know what you’re going to say next. “Pauleanna, where am I going to find the money for all these new people?” And my answer is, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. You somehow find the funds for your hair and nails every week, so find the funds to invest in your future.
The worst mistake I’ve made as a business owner is spending carelessly. I didn’t pay close attention to how much money was coming in and out of my accounts. Yes, I have a money team but I don’t always practice discipline and follow every word they say. I take total responsibility for this and vow to do better this year, however, when you make more naturally you want to splurge a little. I earned over a quarter of a million dollars during my first year of full-time entrepreneurship. That’s a shit load of money. I have a savings account, I pay for disability, life, and critical illness insurance and realized that if you make a six-figure income you better be prepared to pay your damn taxes. Girl. It’s a lot to manage and keep track of. Get ahead of it before you fall behind.
Having the opportunity to spend my days however I choose has been a blessing. When I worked in a corporate job it was very difficult to maintain practices that benefit my health. Now that I have my time back, I travel monthly (both for work and pleasure), I’m killing it in the gym 2-3 times a week and I take a nap at 2 p.m. daily (well, as much as I can). Now, this wasn’t always the case. I had to get strict with my calendar, set boundaries with friends and make personal development a priority. As an entrepreneur, it is easy to become a slave to your inbox but without adequate sleep, nutrition and breaks throughout the day, you are no good to anyone.
You only need 1,000 true fans
The originator of this theory, Kevin Kelly, wrote an original essay in 2008. Here is the gist of it.
“To be a successful creator you don’t need millions. You don’t need millions of dollars or millions of customers, millions of clients or millions of fans. To make a living as a craftsperson, photographer, musician, designer, author, animator, app maker, entrepreneur, or inventor you need only thousands of true fans.
A true fan is defined as a fan that will buy anything you produce. These diehard fans will drive 200 miles to see you sing; they will buy the hardback and paperback and audible versions of your book; they will purchase your next figurine sight unseen; they will pay for the best-of DVD version of your free youtube channel; they will come to your chef’s table once a month. If you have roughly a thousand of true fans like this (also known as super fans), you can make a living ” if you are content to make a living but not a fortune.”
I started blogging in 2009. I started public speaking in 2012. I’ve had supporters literally grow up with me ever since. For this, I’ve gone out of my way to show my appreciation. It’s a two-way street. These close-knit relationships I’ve built with my audience have been the biggest driver to many paid referrals, sold-out events, award nominations and even an endorsement of my book from Queen Latifah herself.