In the world of business, we're all on a wild ride, and sometimes, it's the unexpected twists and turns that teach us the most.

It’s been two years since I launched the Brandmerry Podcast, and to celebrate the 100th episode, I’m diving into five crucial lessons I’ve learned over the past two years that can make your entrepreneurial journey smoother.

These lessons are the kind that can truly help us in our business adventures, learning from others is one of my favorite ways to grow as an entrepreneur. Let’s uncover some valuable insights that can make your entrepreneurial journey a bit less bumpy

Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, we’ll dive into:

The dangers of growing too fast and what the realizations I had when my business doubled in revenue.
The importance of alignment and how to embrace planning fluidity in the face of life’s uncertainties.
The art of working smarter and not harder to reach your goals

For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 100 now.

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Lesson One: The Power of Alignment in Business

In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, the concept of alignment has become increasingly crucial.

It's not just about setting goals; it's about aligning those goals with your authentic vision.

As a recovering perfectionist, I struggled with aligning my goals with my authentic self. It was easy for me to help others strategize and plan their business goals, but when it came to setting my own, I found it challenging. I often set goals based on what I thought I should be achieving, rather than what genuinely mattered to me.

In 2022, I had a moment of clarity. I realized that the goals I had been pursuing weren't my own; they were borrowed aspirations from others.

This revelation was a turning point in my entrepreneurial journey. I had strayed from what truly mattered to me, and it was time to realign with my authentic goals.

Setting goals should be a deeply personal and aligned process.

It's not just about picking a number or reverse engineering a plan. It's about understanding how you want to feel, what lifestyle you desire, and how your business fits into the bigger picture of your life.

Every decision and goal in your business should weave seamlessly into your personal life for a harmonious and fulfilling experience.

Lesson Two: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Rapid Growth

2020 brought significant growth for my business, doubling our revenue. It was an exciting time, and I started to set my sights on even grander goals, including reaching a million dollars in revenue.

However, as I learned, the appeal of rapid growth can come with hidden challenges.

One prevailing piece of advice I received was to build a team to achieve the million-dollar goal. I accepted this advice and started hiring, expanding my team to manage various aspects of my business.

I thought this was the path to growth. But soon, I realized that I was overwhelmed with managing a growing team and lost touch with what I truly loved: creating content and making an impact.

I had to ask myself if the rapid growth aligned with my vision for my business and life. The answer was a resounding "no."

I had fallen into the trap of following external advice without considering what truly mattered to me. It was a costly lesson, but it brought me back to what I valued most in my business: creativity and impact.

In a moment of clarity, I scaled back and redefined what it meant to be a CEO. I didn't need a large team to achieve my goals; I needed a few key people who aligned with my vision.

The lesson here is clear: growth should be meaningful, sustainable, and in line with your values. Don't rush to scale without considering the impact on your work-life balance and personal fulfillment.

Lesson Three: Work Smarter, Not Harder

The old belief "work hard to achieve success" has been deeply ingrained in our minds.

However, it's time to shift our perspective and start working smarter, not harder. Business ownership is about finding the balance between dedication and efficiency.

One key to working smarter is creating efficient systems. Templates, workflows, and AI tools can save you valuable time and energy. They allow you to focus on what you do best and delegate or streamline the rest.

As an entrepreneur, your creativity and content creation are essential. Embrace tools that help you maximize your productivity and creativity.

For example, I've recently started using AI tools to transcribe and format content, saving me significant time. These tools allow me to maintain my unique voice while reducing the time spent on tasks that can be automated.

It allows me to reach more people and get my brand out there without sacrificing my precious time.

Lesson Four: The Normalcy of Feeling Unmotivated

Feeling unmotivated is a common experience for entrepreneurs. You must understand that these phases are entirely normal and not a sign of failure.

The entrepreneurial journey is filled with highs and lows, and unmotivated periods are part of the game.

Rather than panicking or beating yourself up when motivation wanes, give yourself the space to step back and reflect. It's a natural part of the creative process. Use this time for self-care, and you'll often find that your motivation returns stronger than before.

I've learned to embrace these unmotivated phases as opportunities for rest and rejuvenation.

It's essential to take care of your physical and mental well-being during these times, as they can be a signal from your body to slow down and recharge.

Lesson Five: Embracing Planning Fluidity

In the face of life's inevitable twists and turns, it's essential to embrace planning fluidity.

The traditional, rigid approach to planning no longer serves the modern entrepreneur. Life will continue to happen, often unexpectedly, and your ability to adapt is crucial.

Planning fluidity means having a plan and a destination while remaining open and adaptable.

Life's challenges can be unpredictable, but how you react to them is within your control.

You don't have to abandon your goals when life throws a curveball; instead, adapt your plan to navigate those twists and turns. It's about maintaining your vision and being flexible about how you get there.

In the world of business, it's easy to fall into the trap of setting a strict plan and believing that any detour from it is a failure. But the reality is that life doesn't always follow our carefully crafted plans.

Unexpected events, personal challenges, and shifts in the market can disrupt even the most well-thought-out strategies.

That's where planning fluidity comes in. Instead of viewing unexpected changes as roadblocks, see them as opportunities for growth.

If your initial plan encounters turbulence, be prepared to adjust your course while keeping your ultimate destination in mind. This adaptability is a superpower for entrepreneurs and business owners, allowing you to stay resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Planning fluidity isn't about giving up on your dreams; it's about making your dreams a reality on your terms.

It's about staying true to your vision while being flexible in your approach.

So, as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, remember that the road may be winding, but with planning fluidity, you can navigate any curve and reach your destination with authenticity and resilience.

CONCLUSION

Remember that entrepreneurship isn't about sticking to a rigid plan or following a one-size-fits-all formula. It's about adapting, growing, and staying true to yourself.

In the ever-changing world of business, it's the ability to pivot, learn from challenges, and keep moving forward that truly matters.

So, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, keep these lessons close to heart. Embrace the unexpected, find your authentic path, and know that you have the power to shape your own success.

Just like a road trip, there might be detours, pit stops, and even the occasional flat tire, but it's all part of the adventure. Stay true to your course, be open to change, and enjoy the ride. After all, the journey is what makes the destination worthwhile.

Ready to create a more adaptable approach to planning?

Learn more about Brand New Plan and how it can help you as an entrepreneur create goals authentic to you, as well as an action play you actually stick to.

Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.

P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.

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