Navigating the Entrepreneurial Roller Coaster: 3 Keys to Success from a Seasoned Entrepreneur

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my two decades as an entrepreneur, it’s this: the journey to success is anything but predictable.

From my business beginnings in family photography to my transition into brand photography and then my pivot to brand and niche strategy, I’ve ridden the entrepreneurial roller coaster through its twists and turns, pivots, and changes. And let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride!

Through the highs and lows of my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve discovered three invaluable keys to experiencing success. Committing to these three things have helped me continue to build a thriving business even in the ever-evolving, challenging business world.

Here are the insights I’ve gained through years of experience and experimentation:

1. Build Your Support Network

Running a business can often feel lonely and isolating. Even those closest to you, your family, significant others, and friends may not fully understand the demands of an entrepreneur, and you may feel like you’re on an island with no one who really gets it to share your frustrations and challenges with.

When I first ventured into the entrepreneurial world, I quickly realized that working alone day in and day out wasn’t a healthy option. When I purposefully made the effort to surround myself with a tribe of like-minded individuals—mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and supportive communities—they became my lifeline. We celebrated wins together, offered each other advice, and provided the encouragement we needed to keep moving forward.

*If you’re local to Portland, Maine and looking for a circle of women in business, I invite you to check out our Women’s Business League chapter. I recently became a co-leader, and this community has supported me tremendously!

Takeaway #1 : A support network can serve as your sounding board, cheerleaders, and safety net by offering the encouragement, guidance, and a sense of camaraderie that is necessary when navigating the unique challenges of entrepreneurship.

2. Stay Focused on Your Journey

When you’re obsessed and influenced by the competition and their highlight reels, it’s easy to get caught up in all the noise, chasing shiny objects and succumbing to online distractions.

As I built my brand, I too found myself tempted to compare my journey to others’. But I quickly learned that comparison is the thief of joy.

Instead of fixating on what others were doing, I stayed laser-focused on my own path. I took that energy and began putting it to better use by setting personalized goals and measuring success by my own standards. This allowed me to find fulfillment in the progress I was making instead of constantly comparing myself to others and their progress.

By staying in my lane and embracing the unique twists and turns of my journey, I discovered a newfound sense of purpose and joy.

Takeaway #2 : TRUST yourself. Putting on your blinders and maintaining focus on your personal journey strengthens your resilience and allows you to celebrate your own victories, big or small. Yes, I know this is sometimes easier said than done… (especially with Instagram at our fingertips) but remember to focus on your own PERSONAL BEST.

3. Embrace Continuous Learning

As an entrepreneur who feels the weight of the world on their shoulders, it sure can be tempting to settle into comfort zones and avoid the risks that come with pushing boundaries.

However, heed my warning: playing it safe has its consequences as well, often leading to mediocrity and stagnation. To avoid this trap, I made a commitment early on in my business to embrace continuous learning.

Whether it was attending workshops, devouring books on business strategy, or seeking out mentors who could offer valuable insights, I knew that staying ahead of the curve was essential for success.

It wasn’t always easy to make the time, but embracing a mindset of lifelong learning not only kept me adaptable but also allowed me to lead with confidence and authority.

Takeaway #3 : Keep learning every day. Continuous learning gives you the tools and knowledge you need to take on the constant changes in the world of entrepreneurship, helping you stay ahead while also boosting your confidence and ability to lead effectively. This has been the secret to my own sustainability as I’ve been in the entrepreneurial game for almost 22 years!

So, there you have it—three keys to success from someone who’s been in the trenches, faced all sorts of challenges and setbacks, yet emerged stronger on the other side!

Remember, it’s not just about knowing the keys, but it’s all about applying them consistently, day in and day out, even when the ride gets intense! With the right support network, focus, and commitment to continuous learning, you’ll be well-equipped to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.

Yes, there will be setbacks, failures, and moments of doubt. But stay resilient and determined, and when you face those times, you’ll bounce back stronger and more determined than ever before.

Looking for a supportive community, mentorship to keep you focused, and opportunities for continuous learning?

The Brand Breakthrough Mastermind is the perfect program to  help you achieve all three!

We start the next cohort in September, but NOW is the time to get your name on the BBM waitlist so you can stay up to date on all of the Mastermind news!

Here’s to embracing the adventure, chasing your dreams, and carving out your own path to success!