6 Unforgettable Lessons From My First Year of Entrepreneurship

Do what I say, not what I do.

Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash

I swapped the safety of a cushy six-figure job for the high-wire act of entrepreneurship just over a year ago.

Yes, it was daunting, but it was worth it.

Not taking a risk is the biggest risk you’ll take. My journey, however, wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

Here are six of my most valuable takeaways.

1. Cash Flow Is King: Despite burning the midnight oil and delivering your best work, sometimes, you just don’t get paid. Incorrect BIC codes, invoicing typos, bank issues, or reluctant clients – an entrepreneur must always brace for delayed payments.
2. Scaling a Service Is Tricky When YOU Are the Product: I soon learned that time and energy aren’t limitless. Juggling roles of sales, marketing, and CRM leaves little room for innovation or execution. It’s a lesson in time management and the need to delegate.
3. Employers May View You with Suspicion: Leadership, risk-taking skills, and entrepreneurial ability; aren’t they all desirable skills? At least that’s what I thought. But it seems some employers view this as a sign of a potential flight risk. Your ambition might even intimidate them. Navigating this suspicion was a lesson in diplomacy.