Three Things I Learned In My First Three Years Of Business

​It's amazing to think that when I wrote this blog I had just started my third year in business, offering my professional Graphic Design services to the public through One Bite Design. It's been a 'one bite' at a time learning process with some things certainly learnt the hard way. Not everything has been plain sailing but important lessons have certainly been learned and both myself and One Bite Design are in a much better position now than what I was those years ago when I began.
 
With more than three years under the belt I thought it would only be fitting to share three things that I have learnt.

There Will Always Be Something To Do On Your Business:
I’ve heard it said that a business is like a new born child, you need to constantly care for it and feed it and the work you put in over the early years will shape the business well into the future. The thing is, there is always something to do. This is especially true in the first few years as you develop your systems and find your own feet and direction. It's in these first years where passion can meet head first with the annoying reality of tax and accounts and invoicing. It’s easy to get consumed by all the things to do.
 
What I’ve learnt is that you need to be intentional about taking a break and stepping outside of your business from time to time. Whether that is turning your phone and computer off and going for a walk or an actual holiday, taking time out to recharge your own batteries is an important way of ensuring that you keep that passion which got you going in the first place burning bright.


Comparing Yourself To Others:
Starting out in a new business is a scary and at times nerve wracking thing to do. It's only natural to want to know what other people in your industry are doing. The problem is that it becomes very difficult to not compare your fledgling business with those potentially more established operations already out there doing it. What’s worse is that if you're not careful you may even start to copy what these other guys are doing whether consciously or not.
 
Then there’s the pressure of trying to match the offerings of others! That’s not what you started your business to do. Like me you most probably started your own business because there was something special that you love to do, something that you’re passionate about. Stick to it. Perfect your passion and don’t be swayed by others!
 
 
Accept The Appreciation:  
Having happy clients is what's really rewarding and provides the energy which enables us to continue to do this thing that we love. Learn to enjoy the appreciation of a job well done. You can see some of my testimonials here.
 
This is something that I’ve learnt slowly, not being a person who naturally accepts compliments well. A big turning point for me was learning to not be ashamed or embarrassed to ask my clients for a review of One Bite Graphic Design after completing a job. Getting these positive reviews not only helps in business promotion, but more importantly they help to reinforce to ourselves that yes, we are doing a good job. Yes people do see the value in what we do, and yes, our efforts are making a difference!

Have you recently started your own business? 

Are you passionate about your business succeeding?

Does your business need a fresh, inspiring and professional new look?

Let One Bite Design assist you in developing a brand that you are proud of and that does it’s job in attracting people to do business with you. Get in touch TODAY!