Never Stop Growing as an Entrepreneur: Navigating Setbacks and Challenges

If growth is something you’re after in your business, you have to be willing to face the discomfort that comes with it. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Dan Moyer about my own experience with growth and how we as business owners can sustainably build a business we love while living a life we want.

[This episode is a re-run. It originally aired on Dan Moyer’s podcast on November 15, 2022]

Listen to this episode now:

Apple Podcast | Spotify

Search for episode 120 of Called to Both on your favorite podcast player!

Pursuing Your Passions

I decided to start my business my senior year of college—I was about to step into the real world and begin working a real job, but pursuing art felt like the right fit for me. I hustled to learn all that I could during those first few years. Then my brother convinced me to start a Youtube channel. That turned into education, a Facebook group, and Photoboss, which I eventually trademarked.

While it’s easy to look at how far I’ve come over the years, it took a lot of hard work, effort, and even thoughts around if this business was actually going to succeed. There is so much magic in that hustle that leads to growth.

Exploring Growth

One of the most powerful things I’ve found as an entrepreneur is that growth happens when you accept that you don’t have to do it all. Unless you’re willing to accept help in your business, it will keep you small.

If you’re not thriving, your business won’t thrive either.

Mindset: The Driving Force Behind Growth

Mindset is a tough thing to overcome, but if you can shift to a more positive outlook, it will propel your business forward. My mindset initially hindered me as a business owner. I had to remind myself that everyone I admired also faced struggles and that I was just as capable of achieving success.

Asking myself “Why not me?” was a transformative question that allowed me to believe in myself and develop the grit necessary to grow my business.

When I look back on my 10+ years in business, my biggest growth and achievements came when I flipped my mindset to ask this question. I started to see that the people I was looking up to just went for it—I can do that too.

Feeling Called to Both: Balancing Business and Motherhood

Balancing business and motherhood is another theme of my growth journey. My two toddlers have significantly influenced my perspective on time management and productivity. I realized that I could not do everything myself and that seeking help was crucial. By outsourcing tasks and building a supportive team, I have been able to pursue both business success and intentional motherhood.

Growth Tactics that Worked for Me

As I was looking for ways to balance my business and motherhood, I looked for things that would help me build a sustainable business. While I don’t believe there is just one path to success, here are a few things that worked really well for me.

Leveraging Content Creation for Visibility

As my business evolved, so did my approach to visibility and marketing. I credit much of my growth to consistent content creation. Whether it was blogging, making YouTube videos, or posting on social media, creating valuable content has been a cornerstone of building my brand authority.

When I started my Youtube channel, a big draw I had to it was the SEO aspect. It would be a tool that would end up providing so much growth for the education side of my business that I have fully embraced and leaned into since having two kids.

Content creation has not only helped me reach a wider audience but also established trust, brand authority, and credibility in my field.

Building a Team and Delegating Responsibilities

The second tactic that helped my growth was outsourcing and delegating responsibilities. These have been pivotal in my growth. Initially, my business was my baby, and relinquishing control was challenging. But as I brought on team members and delegated tasks, it became clear that this shift was necessary for scaling my business. It also allowed me to focus on high-impact activities and strategic decision-making.

Embracing Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Lastly, growth requires continuous learning and adaptation. I have always been a student of my industry, absorbing knowledge from books, podcasts, and mentors. Embracing change and being open to new strategies have enabled me to stay ahead and maintain a competitive edge.

Facing Challenges with Determination and Tenacity

One theme in my own journey is the determination to face challenges head-on. From having my website hacked to dealing with team members’ issues, each setback has been an opportunity for growth. It’s crucial to approach every stumbling block with the mindset that you will find a way to overcome and learn from it.

As you continue on your growth journey, remember to ask yourself, “Why not me?” Embrace discomfort, seek collaboration, leverage content creation for visibility, and balance your personal and professional life. By continuously learning, delegating tasks, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can overcome challenges and achieve the growth you want.

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss Facebook Group!

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Compound Effect

The E-Myth Revisited

Profit First for Contractors

Connect with Dan:

Instagram: @danielmoyercoaching

Website: danielmoyercoaching.com

Connect with Joy:

Instagram: instagram.com/joyymichelle

Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UC-Ou6jRKxcjMrVMxWxLO_fQ

Facebook: facebook.com/joymichellephotography

Coach with Joy: joymichelle.co/coaching

If you decide to use any of the links above and buy through them, I’ll receive a small commission back. All of those affiliate income commissions really add up over time and help generate revenue to help support this podcast.

Looking for the Transcript?

SHARE THIS POst

The experience you create for your photography clients has the ability to help you stand out, get booked, and STAY booked solid. Join me for this 21 min class to hear my 3 secrets!

3 Secrets To A Client Experience That Keeps You Booked Solid!

Watch now

Free Class

WANT MORE BRIDES?

Grab our free guide for marketing secrets and step-by-step ways to get visibility so you can book more dream brides!

paste your mailing list code here