We are so blessed to be living in 2021 where women are considered boss babes and have platforms that can inspire and lift one another up! However, in our digital age, expectations can also feel higher and like there is more to live up to too. That’s why it’s important to empower other women in your life, especially if they’re just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey!
So here are our top 7 tips for new female entrepreneurs – written with love from us to you!
Set them office hours, girlfriend!
It can be super tempting as a new biz owner to work 24/7 around the clock. You’re excited, you’re passionate, but you’re also going to burn out… FAST!
Harvard Business Review says that entrepreneurs are more at risk of burnout because they work more, have a tendency to socially isolate (but aren’t we all these days) and operate under high-uncertainty. Talk about stressful! That’s why it’s important to set office hours that keep your personal life intact and allow you to unwind after a long, busy day. Take it from us, the more success you achieve, you’ll need it. So start building those habits now.
Charge Your Worth
At Kait Studio we are a firm believer in charging your worth – that’s why our team is paid so well! We never under-value the work of a creative who is passionate and good at their job. Neither should you!
Quit charging peanut prices just to seal a deal! Customers who low-ball you are not worth your time and energy, as they will just cause more stress for you in the long run. Money lost by turning down a client is time gained to market toward the players that are willing to pay what you’re worth! So never be afraid to say no and believe in what you bring to the table!
Avoid Exposure for Free Work Deals
Ever seen a kid on the side of the road hustling to sell lemonade for 25¢? Yah. That kid isn’t working for free and neither should you.
Inc.com says there are only 4 times you should ever work for free…
- You’ll gain legitimate exposure
- You’ll gain real-life experience
- You’ll get an impressive addition to your resumé or a great reference
- It’s a charitable cause you believe in
Other than that, the moment you work for free, the moment you cheapen your value. Quit being baited by those that lure you into working for free with promises of ‘more work’ or ‘something big’! The moment they promise the moon and stars is the moment you whip out a contract that solidifies they’ll hold up on their end of the bargain. Case closed.
Set Strict Boundaries
When you’re starting out, it’s not that hard to feel like you owe your customers and client your lifeforce. But believe us – that will suck you dry if you operate on that motto for the rest of your career!
Smart entrepreneurs set boundaries between themselves and clients, as well as themselves and work! Say you get approached for a project that doesn’t align with you but they’re paying super well. It’s ok to say no, and you’ll probably feel better about saying no in the grand scheme of things. Working outside of your boundaries is a sure fire way to lose all passion toward what you do. So avoid it at all costs.
Deal Out Deadlines
There is nothing worse than old or unfinished tasks looming above your head. However, some of us are just born to procrastinate! Our advice to that is… DON’T!
Girl, you have got to set deadlines otherwise nothing will get done. Deadlines keep you accountable when striving to reach your goals and can motivate you in a positive way! The Balance Small Business site also states that deadlines can help spur on innovation and get the creative juices flowing! So o when you’re in a creative rut and need to increase your confidence to work under pressure – adding a deadline or two will always save the day!
Surround Yourself With Like-Minded Women
There is something to say about having good mentors and support systems in your life. Surrounding yourself with women that see the world the way you do will prime you for success and encourage you to keep going even when things get tough.
There are so many great groups on Facebook or communities among Instagram that can inspire you and keep you feeling fresh even when you’re in a funk! So go out there and explore and find your tribe, girl!
Give Yourself Some Grace
You must give yourself grace. There will be times when your ideas flop or your newest launch fails… but it’s ok. Why? Because you are too powerful to give up and what you have to offer the world MATTERS.
Business is business no matter what field your in and there will always be ups and downs. Think back to when you worked for a company – was every day perfect? No. So why would being an entrepreneur be any different? Never ever feel bad when you find yourself in a rut, because every moment is a part of an incredible growth process! And you’ll grow out of the pain points – we promise!
Feeling uplifted and refreshed? Why not visit our Instagram and go reply to five different comments on our posts to uplift women in your creative community! It will encourage others to keep going and you’ll feel good being a supportive boss babe! What more could you ask for? 🙂