15 lessons I've learned in 15 years running a small business

Are you thinking of starting a small business?Or maybe you've started one recently and have chosen this episode for some wisdom?This month marks 15 years since I first went freelance and I'm sharing what I've learned and the mistakes I've made.Starting out on your own is scary, and to say running your own business is a rollercoaster doesn’t even begin to describe it!Since 2006 when I left my staff job there has been huge changes in the media, my business and my personal life too.Lots of lessons have been learned, some good, some bad, and in this podcast I’m going to explore 15 of them.It’s in the hope that you will find them helpful, it’s warts and all, and I hope it will help you avoid some of the mistakes I have made.Key timings in this episode:0.30: Celebrating 15 years as being self employed and intro to the episode.2.15: If it’s your first listen, do please go and check out some of the more practical ones in the links at the bottom with advice on what to do if you want to raise your pet business profile.2.55: Why being self employed isn’t for everyone.3.55: Why you have to put faith in yourself.3.59: How I came to be self employed in 2006 after quitting my job on a boozy hen night.10.14: Why social media isn’t everything and what life was like before it!13.57: Being determined and how that will help you as an entrepreneur.16.12: Why it’s ok to be yourself and why it took me ages to figure this out.20.53: Why it’s important to be generous and pay it forward.24.58: Why you shouldn’t rely on one client or one income stream.25.14: Embracing change rather than being scared of it.30.29: It’s ok to ask for help.32.59: Build a community around you of people who have your back.35.29: Work with people who share your values and who value you.39.23: Learn how to spot the red flags.41.40: Don’t be afraid to do things differently.44.06: Take time off for the things that matter.47.32: Why it’s fab to be the captain of your own ship.49.33: How to keep in touch and how you can work with me.Links mentioned in this episode:How to use awards to get publicity for your pet business:https://www.publicityforpetbusinesses.co.uk/kirsty-skeates-awards/How to pitch to podcasts:https://www.publicityforpetbusinesses.co.uk/podcastpitch/How to pitch to guest blogs:https://www.publicityforpetbusinesses.co.uk/guest-blogging-pet-business/How to write a press release:https://www.publicityforpetbusinesses.co.uk/how-to-write-a-press-release-for-your-pet-business/Blogging for pet businesses:https://www.publicityforpetbusinesses.co.uk/blogging-for-pet-businesses/Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/publicitytipsforpetbusinessesFree Publicity Challenge:https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/PublicityChallenge