What I wish I knew when I became my *own boss*

Whether you're an (aspire to be) entrepreneur, freelancer, solopreneur, ecopreneur... here's what I wish I knew when I started:

1. Ask yourself: 'who do I want to serve?' By that, think of the people you really want to help. Define your vision.

2. How do you want to serve them? Whether it's a product or service, know that it will evolve over time. The most important is that whatever you're building resonates with you. (in other words, it makes your heart sing 🎶)

3. Ask for help: feedback from people, advice from mentors, bounce ideas with friends... whatever it is, just ask. Don't stay stuck in your mind.

4. Listen to yourself FIRST. Tune in to your inner voice and connect to your intuition. It takes practice, but believe me, it holds so many answers. Your subconscious IS your friend.

5. Be YOU. I cannot say it enough. Stay authentic to who YOU are. If you're like me and are passionate about many things, so be it. I am a multi-passionate entrepreneur, that's just who I am and I am proud of it!

6. Take the first step. It's about the balance between being over-prepared and under-prepared. It's good and necessary to strategise and have a plan. It's even better to take ACTION. 💪

7. 'Feel the fear...and do it anyway'. See the fear as an opportunity for your own growth. Stretching the limits of your comfort zone will be so rewarding, in many, many ways.

8. Set YOUR boundaries first. This feeling of 'freedom' needs a bit of structure so you can develop your activity WHILE having a life. Morning routines, block times in your calendar, time spent outside... ALL of this matters for YOU.

9. Learn to say no when it does not resonate. Instead of giving an answer right away, close your eyes, take a deep breath and see how your body reacts to it if you say yes. If it's not a 'hell yes' then it's a no.

10. Know your whole value, including your strengths, capabilities, skills... When you become your own boss, it does not mean that you start from a "blank page" with "no experience". Even if you don't have so much experience, know that you are bringing value and results to the table, so charge for it. 🙂 

11. Join a community of entrepreneurs, there are SO MANY out there. Invest in yourself by nourishing your mind with books, podcasts, and conversations that uplift you.

Personally, I am part of several communities and it has been life-changing! (hello Launchpad 👋)

Being your own boss is like having a mirror.

Except that it will help you grow in ways you could have never imagined.

Each journey IS different.

Yours will be unique.

Just don't forget to have FUN along the way. 😎

Keep pushing 💪

Alya

Bonus quote ✨

Illustration by Liz Fosslien. Check out more of her illustrations here.

Two ways I can help you 👇

1. Follow me on LinkedIn for more positivity in your feed

2. Book a 1:1 Positive Call with me

Since you made it this far 🫶

Here's a bonus picture of me writing these lines on the beach with Kaly by my side.