It’s August and I’m not ready for summer to be over! I need to do a little bit more soaking in the sun and enjoying myself, [anyone else?!]. And this month is always a little special to me, so I am doing a little bit more celebrating before fall is upon us. This month I’m celebrating my seventh year in business, and on this splendid occasion I wanted to do a little recap of the top seven lessons I’ve learned in business.

So without further ado, let’s roll out:

The customer isn’t always right.
Because for real, people don’t know what the hell they want, let alone need! Even if they protest otherwise. While keeping them happy is important. Really just being respectful [not that hard people.] The important thing is teasing out what they truly need, that’s the part that makes them love you forever.

The best way to learn is to do.
Experience is always the best teacher, no matter how much you read, learn, consume webinars, devour courses and intently listen to every podcast and TEDx talk out there.

And it’s just a fact, the only way to grow is by leaving your comfort zone. Business forces you to be flexible. [For those of you who get sore just from the thought of touching your toes: still applies] You’ll be forced out of that comfort zone, but if you can adapt and change, it’ll make all the difference.

The biggest critic in the world is in your own head.
Who has 2 thumbs and is 100% guilty as charged? This girl, right here. Fight that voice like hell.

Working on your business is as important as working in your business.
[And sometimes that’s the biggest challenge of it all]

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love you clients 🙂 but you can be demanding on my time. LOL

Sometimes hats just don’t fit my tiny head.
I know, I know, sounds like a personal problem. But it’ll be the case for you too.
Seriously, when you run your own business you wear a lot of “hats.” Sometimes those hats fit and sometimes they don’t. Adjust accordingly.

Efficiency is a big deal.
Any processes that you can put into place are a lifesaver. Not just for you, but for your customer.

Patience is paramount.
With the business itself, and with yourself. If you’re comparing your work to others, you’re setting yourself up for failure, because you have no idea how long they’ve been in the process. We personally grow and develop in our own way and own time. And that’s ok!

Here’s to another 7 years, hope you’ll continue on the ride with me!