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Year One As a Woman Solopreneur: BF Media Founder Wanauma Graham

As I reflect on my first year as a solopreneur, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and disbelief at how far I’ve come. My journey has been filled with challenges, lessons, and small victories. In this article, I’ll compare the key experiences from my first business's first year to those of my second business, highlighting the lessons learned and the growth achieved.





First Business: The Struggle for Perfection


Starting Point: In my first business, I began with no money, no real direction, and a vague goal of simply “making some money.” I was fueled by enthusiasm but lacked clarity.


Mindset: I was obsessed with striving for perfection. Every detail mattered—flawless designs, impeccable customer service, and meticulously planned marketing strategies consumed my focus. I poured countless hours into every project, often sacrificing my own well-being.


Challenges Faced:


  1. Perfectionism: I learned that aiming for perfection diluted my efforts. Technical glitches, supply chain issues, and unpredictable customer preferences were constant hurdles that led to feelings of overwhelm and frustration.

  2. Lack of Clear Goals: I didn’t have a clear set of goals to guide my actions and activities, resulting in aimlessly building my business. Without specific objectives, I struggled to measure my progress or prioritize my tasks effectively.

  3. Lack of Focus on Proactivity: I lacked intentionality in being proactive about generating revenue. Instead of actively seeking opportunities, I often found myself waiting for customers to come to me, which hindered my growth.

  4. Giving Up Too Soon: I often gave up on my efforts when I didn’t see immediate results. This impatience prevented me from fully understanding the long-term value of consistency and persistence in building a business.

  5. Overextension: Offering too many products and services spread me too thin and blurred my message. I realized the importance of focusing on a specific niche to better meet my audience's needs.


 

Second Business: Embracing Growth and Intention


Starting Point: Armed with the lessons from my first year, I approached my second business with intention and clarity. I defined my core values and vision from the outset, ensuring every decision aligned with them.


Mindset: This time, I adopted a mindset focused on progress rather than perfection. I set specific, achievable goals and embraced the principle that “done is better than perfect.” I learned to value adaptability and continuous improvement over an unattainable ideal.


Strategic Changes: I streamlined my offerings, niching down to better target my audience. This focus not only improved my marketing efforts but also established my credibility as an expert in my chosen area.


Networking and Support: Networking became essential. I actively sought out connections by attending local events and joining online communities. Building a support network of fellow women solopreneurs transformed my experience; I shared struggles, celebrated victories, and gained valuable insights.


Prioritizing Self-Care: Recognizing the importance of self-care was a game changer. Unlike my first year, where I often neglected my well-being, I scheduled regular breaks and made time to recharge. I discovered that my business thrives when I prioritize my health.


Conclusion: The Journey of Growth


Reflecting on the differences between my first and second businesses, I see how much I’ve evolved as an entrepreneur. The lessons learned from my first year—particularly around the pitfalls of perfectionism, lack of direction, and the importance of being proactive—have shaped a more intentional and fulfilling approach in my second venture.


Advice for New Entrepreneurs


If you’re navigating your first year in business, here’s my advice:


  1. Embrace the Learning Curve: Each challenge is an opportunity for growth.

  2. Surround Yourself with Support: Build a network of mentors and fellow entrepreneurs who can provide guidance and encouragement.

  3. Set Clear Goals: Prioritize your time effectively while maintaining a flexible mindset.

  4. Be Proactive: Take intentional steps to generate revenue and seek out opportunities.

  5. Practice Patience: Understand that success takes time. Stay committed to your efforts, even when immediate results are not visible.

  6. Celebrate Your Wins: Acknowledge every success, no matter how small, to fuel your motivation and remind you of your progress.


Join the Conversation


I’d love to hear about your experiences in entrepreneurship! What challenges have you faced, and what lessons have you learned along the way? Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media. Let’s foster a community of support and dialogue as we navigate this journey together.


As I continue my entrepreneurial journey, I’m excited to see where it leads, and I hope my experiences inspire others to embark on their own adventures with confidence and clarity.



All products mentioned on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our cause.


 

Wanauma Graham is the founder and EIC of BF Media, and creator of the Solopreneur Success System. Her book, 'Totally Unstoppable: Get Unstuck, Stop Putting Your Dreams on Hold, and Boldly Become the Woman You Were Made to Be' is available now. Follow @WanaumaGraham.

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