15 Things I've Learned in 15 years as a Business Owner

Written by:

Michelle Ashby

Tipping Point Communications has officially been in business for 15 years! That's 15 years of being in business, owning my own company, running the show – and I am proud of what my team and I have built together.

It wasn’t an easy decision to start, and it hasn’t been easy along the way, but every single moment has been worth it. This milestone feels different. It feels special and, as our anniversary month comes to a close, I thought it would be an appropriate time to share a few things I’ve learned along the way.

1. Offer an abundance of gratitude. To my team, to our clients, to my family members, and to trusted advisors who continue to support us during the highs and lows and to those who share the critical feedback I need to move forward, none of this would be possible without you.

2. Hug those who want to be hugged (or those who need it). Especially your mom and your kids (if you have them, if you don't, hug your pet). You'll get as much out of it as they do.

3. Listen hard. Embrace the concept that two ears mean listen twice as much as talking.

4. Celebrate more. Find little wins and bright spots in each day.

5. Practice what you preach. Lead by example. This isn’t always easy, but the rewards are worth it, and I’m still working on this one every day.

6. Be clear about where we are going. Clarity can be a lifesaver and, again, it’s not an easy one.

7. Give back. Whether it’s your time or your money, doing things for others is never a wasted effort.

8. Be expert collaborators. There's room for everyone: in life, in pitches, in the room. We can't all be experts at everything, but I’ve learned that when we work together we can reach new heights beyond any one individual’s expertise.

9. Stay relevant. Times change and we need to change with them. Our communications and marketing skills should be continuously driving results and changing lives.

10. Trust but verify.

11. Love deeply.

12. Be patient. Rome was not built in a day. Understand that others may process things at a different pace, but it doesn’t make their ideas any less valid.

13. Know and understand your financials. Don’t let them intimidate you. It’s only the unknown that is scary.

14. Meditate daily. You have to get out of your own head to keep your feet on the ground.

15. More yoga. Less everything else.

 

No matter what path you find yourself on, whether you own your own business, are looking to start one, or are forging a different career path, I hope something here resonates with you.

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