12 years ago my life changed. It was the last day of my last job.
After years of working at marketing agencies, I took the leap to “do it on my own”. While agency life was (mostly) fun, I really just wanted to work directly with clients—and that’s what I’ve been able to do every day since starting 2Ls Marketing in April 2011.
Earlier this week I found myself reflecting on the past 12 years. So, I opened my notes app and started jotting down some of the things I have learned over the years. A lot of these lessons I learned the hard way.
Keep scrolling so you can learn from my years of experience.
Which of the 7 resonated most for you?
1. There’s a difference between hard and bad.
Good things can be hard, but that doesn’t mean they are bad.
2. Pay attention to how things make you feel.
Clients, projects, tasks. Which excite you? Which do you dread? Find ways to seek out more of the exciting ones and less of those you dread.
3. Boundaries are essential
Boundaries are essential to surviving entrepreneurship. Boundaries with your business, yourself, your clients.
Put the phone down. Close the computer. Carving out time to be someone other than the person behind your business will help you sustain your business for the long haul.
4. What you say no to is important
What you say no to is more important than what you say yes to.
You have to say NO so you leave room for YES.
Leave extra room for HELL YES!
5. There will always be more to do.
Instead of thinking about everything on your plate, focus on the most important thing in front of you. What can you do right now?
Getting something done reminds you that eventually you’ll get it all done. Just not today.
6. You have to be both an optimist and a realist.
Entrepreneurs are dreamers by nature. But to be successful you have to be realistic and willing to face hard facts.
7. Be early, but not first.
Pioneer life is hard. It was for the Donner Party, and it is in business. Being first is overrated. But you don’t want to be last either.
Let someone else try something first, learn from their mistakes and then do it your way.
Which lesson resonated most with you?
What would you add?
I’m Amanda. I’ve spent 18 years in digital marketing—12 of those as an entrepreneur.
I believe marketing should serve a purpose & solve a problem. I want to see you succeed and grow your business in a way that feels right for you.
If you’re looking for a bestie for your biz, you’re in the right place.