Starting Out: Not your average advice

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Starting Out: Not your average advice

Over the past 2 weeks I’ve gotten several emails asking how to start a business/blog. I’m flattered because I haven’t been doing this for very long. Sometimes though, I reckon that when you’re first starting out everything is fresh in your mind. Some of the best information I’ve gotten is from those who were in the same positon I was.

So here are some things I’ve learned. Most aren’t traditional bits of information, but things that I still reckon are vital to deliberate.

1. You’ll have to let some things go. If you are serious about starting a sustainable business, some parts of your life are going to have fall to the back burner. Choose what your priorities are. With that said, even your largest priorities can quickly go to second place. This might sound terrible, but there are some days when I really have to make an effort to take out myself from sanding, blogging, emailing, etc to go play with Rhett- even though I adore him. I promise you your house will be dirtier, you will probably lose a few pounds because meal time becomes more sporadic, and you won’t sleep as much. With that said, you will find a rhythm and even though you’ll just keep getting busier, you will find a way to manage it.

2. You’re going to need $$$, no matter what kind of business you’re starting. It doesn’t need to be a ton, but if you are serious about becoming huge, you’ll need some. We started out investing $350 of our own money into 551 East. We bought some furniture, paint, sander paper, a paint sprayer, sanding block etc. Now when we sell a piece the profit goes into one account and the cost money goes into another. That way we always have that $350 to keep investing in 551 East. If you are also tiresome to build a blog you’ll need money to either use for sponsorships on other blogs to get your name out there, or you’ll want to host giveaways to build your readership. Most likely you’ll need to host your first link giveaways so you’ll need to provide something to give away. A side note about this. Make sure what you are giving away will attract the most types of readers. We did a $25 dollar cash excellent buy at the beginning and it produced a fantastic boost in following. I’m not saying that this is the best way to do whatever thing, but it worked for us. If you don’t have cash to invest, DON’T GO INTO DEBT. Because there is absolutely no guarantee that your blog/business will work, you don’t want a credit card debt. Start with what you have. Talk to family or friends if you need a small cash, but if others are going to invest in you, be worth investing in.

3. Plot to spend a decent amount of time in front of a computer. When I started 551 East, one reason was because I felt like I was spending too much time on the computer and I sought after a leisure activity/outlet. Ha! You’ll spend a lot of time tiresome to make the look of your blog, commenting on other blogs to get your name out, posting, researching, editing, responding to emails, sending thank yous, etc etc etc.

4. You won’t be able to do it alone. Have the support of your spouse or a fantastic friend. You have a lot of work ahead of you. You probably will be giving up some social time, conversation on subjects other than your business, and you’ll need someone to bounce thoughts off of. A encouraging influence is worth so so much.

5. You’re going to need to become proficient in more ways than you’re anticipating. Probably the largest shock to me was how tech savvy I was going to become. You’ll need to be able to see ahead and anticipate what you need to be doing, before you need to make it/post it/ say it. You’ll need to to learn how to take feature cinema, how to market, how to budget, how to produce feature products, etc. It’s still a sharp culture curve for me, but you learn quickly from your mistakes.

6. Be relatable and personal. I don’t necessarily mean that you have to tell your life tale, but let people get to know you. I personally reckon it’s OK to occasionally combine business and family. Show people that you have a life outside your business. And this will also help you keep your life from being overtaken by starting a business. Help people feel something and you can make some real friends through it.

7. Find what makes you different. We chose to place a picture of me on our masthead because nearly no other blogs in our sphere had whatever thing like that. Don’t copy other people. Use them for inspiration, but make your own style.

8. Dream BIG. Do I want my own show on HGTV showing people how to thrift and repurpose furniture? Heck yes! Am I a tiny small blog in a world full of people more talented and knowledgeable than me? Heck yes! And that’s OK. One day I want to be as talented as Miss Mustard Seed or Made by Girl or Miss James at Bleubird Vintage. And one day I will be.

But if I’m not, I’m Ok with that.

9. Know why you want to do this. Write it down so you remember. Be determined.

10. Don’t be worried, but know you’ll make mistakes. It’s OK. Everyone will do it. It’s frustrating to know you’ve lost resources and time, so learn and go on.

11. Get your name out there. This is an ongoing process. Follow other peoples blogs, leave LOTS of comments, join link parties, start a Facebook page, question people to guest post for you and if you can guest post for them, have giveaways, make a button for your blog, and question you friends and family to place your posts etc on their Facebook page, email, blog whatever.

12. Always say thank you. This is SO vital. If someone leaves you a comment, send an email or comment on their blog. Kindness goes along way.

I hope this helps! I like doing this and I’m so grateful for those who have supported us. :)

P.S. Here’s a sneak peak on a piece I’ll post this evening.