"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

 - Walt Disney, the iconic American entrepreneur, animator, and film producer

Today's Business Owner Was Once A Corporate Gal

My LinkedIn description states: "Raise Your Media founder, a corporate dropout & dreamer." Why have I decided to describe myself this way? Because I feel proud of dropping my cushy 11-year-old career and stepping into unknown territory with all my experience, know-how, and ideas that could finally be transformed into the small business reality I envisioned. Don't get me wrong; it wasn't an easy decision. For over a decade, I built many great friendships, an excellent sales team I am proud of to this day, and learned from many exceptional leaders. Looking back on my journey from the comfort of a corporate job to becoming the proud founder of Raise Your Media, I can't help but reflect on the transformative power of dreaming, daring, and doing. It has been an unbelievable ride - full of ups, downs, and, most importantly, learning experiences that have shaped the entrepreneur I am today.

Whenever you start your own business, it's like bringing your entire life heritage into a reality that 100% depends on you and your decisions. It is terrifying and equally exciting! Through it all, I've navigated my fair share of missteps, and today I want to share three of the most common ones that entrepreneurs, especially corporate dropouts, often encounter. With the proper awareness and a proactive mindset, these pitfalls can be avoided, propelling your business toward sustainable success.

Trap #1: Expecting Instant Success

Success, especially in entrepreneurship, is rarely instant. It's a marathon, not a sprint. In a world where overnight success is what we see on the surface level, it's easy to feel discouraged when your progress seems slow. But remember, most success stories are years in the making, born out of perseverance, resilience, and the determination to keep going, even when times are tough. Remember to celebrate small victories, stay patient, and trust the process.

Trap #2: Trying to Do Everything Yourself

There's a saying in the entrepreneur world, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." I couldn't agree more! As a business founder, it's natural to want to oversee everything, but trying to wear all the hats can quickly lead to burnout. Delegate tasks, build a team that complements your experience and vision, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day, nor by one person.

Trap #3: Neglecting Self-Care

While running your day-to-day operations, it's easy to forget about yourself. Remember, you are the driving force behind your business, and it's essential to prioritize self-care to stay energized and focused. Make time for activities that recharge your energy, keep you grounded, and bring joy. Running a business is undoubtedly demanding, but having a balanced lifestyle is equally important.

#BonusTip: Dive Into Local Networking!

Networking was and still is a game-changer for my company. It opens doors, fosters learning, and can lead to collaborations that drive your business forward. In my own entrepreneurial journey, joining local networking groups has been transformative. These communities are incredible sources of support and guidance. They also made my entrepreneurial journey smoother and less lonely!

As of now, Raise Your Media operates from Vancouver, Washington. We want to invite local entrepreneurs to meet with us in person and highlight networking groups we love:

Meet with my business partner and Raise Your Media's Director of Sales, Marcus, at I Take The Lead.

Meet with me, Raise Your Media's Founder and CEO, at Team Cascadia Power Partners.

You Are Not Alone

Embracing the entrepreneurial lifestyle is a brave and rewarding choice. It's about trading comfort for dreams, taking the road less traveled, and stepping into a world where the responsibility is 100% on you. Every day is a new opportunity to grow, make mistakes that become lessons and take one more step towards your dream. Trust your journey, embrace the adventure, and never stop dreaming! And remember, I'm here to share, advise, and lend an understanding ear. To anyone considering making the leap from long-term employment into entrepreneurship, I'm just a message away. Let's learn and grow together on this fantastic journey!