Embracing Adventure:
A Year of Learning and Growth
Every year, I choose one word of the year. In 2023, it was “adventure,” as I had just embarked on the journey of starting up J Hamel Solutions. I knew that this business required me to approach each step with a healthy dose of curiosity and a willingness to embrace the unknown. ‘Adventure’ has been my guiding light throughout the year, leading me through a year filled with exciting twists and turns.
At first glance, it all seemed quite straightforward: offer my skills to those who need them. But what I wasn’t entirely prepared for, even though I’d heard it from every seasoned business owner, are the many elements it takes to run a business successfully. Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned and the areas in which I’ve grown, beyond just refining my social media skills.
1. Defining My Business Clearly
Explaining what I do, exactly. And for whom. Initially, I would mumble something along the lines of: “Yeah, it’s, like, social media and stuff.” With time, that evolved into a long and confusing monologue about online community. It took plenty of practice to gain clarity and confidence in this area, and I’m grateful for the patience people showed as I figured it out. Today, I can confidently say that I help brick-and-mortar businesses attract new local customers through social media and web design. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to reach out!
2. Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs
Are you familiar with the concept of the upper limit problem or self-limiting beliefs? Both are basically about identifying thoughts, often subconscious, that interfere with achieving our goals. One of mine used to be “I’m so overwhelmed.” I used it as a way to prevent myself from accomplishing, to stay within my comfort zone, and to avoid taking risks. None of these are compatible with running a business. Now, when I have that thought, I challenge it with, “Is that actually true, though?” And more often than not, it isn’t about a lack of time but rather about fear of the next step.
3. Systems and SOPs for Efficiency
I’ve learned that having systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for everything is essential. It’s just too much to recreate all that stuff for every client. So, I’ve created templates for all the messages, task lists, and email sequences. Some are automated, while some aren’t quite there yet. But all of them undergo editing after almost every use. That’s where I’m at in my business right now!
4. Balancing Clarity and Nuance
One of my strengths has always been my ability to see the gray areas, the nuances, and the need for choices. It’s served me well in my roles as a mom, homeschooler, and community member. It’s also a valuable asset in my current social media work, as it enables me to see connections, analyze data, and understand the unique ways my clients engage online. However, I’ve learned that during the initial sales process, it’s less of an asset. I’ve had to learn how to confidently lead with clarity and direction, rather than hiding behind uncertainty.
5. Building the Business I Want NOW
Lastly, my business coach Katie Costello has helped me realize that I can create the business I want, even as I build it. This goes against the common notion that we must hustle for a few years to set things up and then coast. I don’t want to hustle, nor do I wish to coast. My goal is to have a business that is flexible enough to allow me to parent teens and young adults while simultaneously building up my client capacity and skill.
This year of adventure has taught me that there’s always something new to discover and learn as an entrepreneur. Things are always moving and while that’s terrifying, I also wish to embrace that. I see the ways that you, too, embrace your own adventures, whether in business or in life. It’s the best thing about running our businesses. Here’s to a future filled with growth, clarity, and the joy of pursuing our passions!
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