Starting your own online business can be a dream for many aspiring entrepreneurs. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a freelancer and taking control of your own schedule, this is the episode for you. I know back when I was thinking of starting my own online business, I would scroll through Instagram and see all these posts of people working online and traveling, sipping coconuts on the beach with their laptop in hand. While these images are inspiring, the reality is often different from the glamorized version you see on social media.
Key Traits You Need for Starting Your Own Online Business
Self-discipline is essential when starting your own online business. Without it, you might struggle to develop healthy habits, hit income goals, and manage your time effectively.
In college, I often procrastinated but would always meet deadlines due to that added pressure. When working for yourself, you must set your own deadlines and manage your own time. If you’re not naturally self-disciplined, you must be willing to build that skill.
Why Self-Discipline is Crucial for Starting Your Own Online Business
In the freelance world, you won’t have someone looking over your shoulder or dictating your schedule. You need to be able to structure your days for productivity and handle tasks without immediate rewards.
The Importance of Understanding Your ‘Why’
To succeed as a freelancer, you need to have a strong ‘why’ behind your business. Your passion for your purpose and long-term goals will keep you motivated through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Before starting your business, take time to explore your motivations. What drives you? Is it freedom, financial independence, or a desire to make a difference? Understanding your core reasons for starting an online business will help you persevere during tough times. My personal why is freedom—being able to live anywhere, work with clients I enjoy, and travel the world as a digital nomad. Your ‘why’ might be different, but it should be a guiding force in your entrepreneurial journey.
Embrace the “Everything is Figureoutable” Mentality
One of the most valuable mindsets you can have as an entrepreneur is that “everything is figureoutable.” No successful entrepreneur has all the answers, but they know how to find solutions and adapt.
Starting a business means you’ll face challenges and uncertainties. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or fearing failure, embrace a mindset of problem-solving and adaptability. As Marie Forleo discusses in her book, you don’t need to have everything figured out from the start—just be ready to tackle obstacles and learn along the way.
Developing People Skills
Another important skill for online entrepreneurs is the ability to work well with people. Whether you’re dealing with clients, managing a team, or handling customer service, strong interpersonal skills are essential.
If you’re an introvert or find it challenging to communicate with others, this is a skill you can develop. Consider taking customer service courses or seeking positions that require frequent interactions with others. In my own experience, working in customer service jobs helped me develop patience, communication skills, and the ability to build relationships—skills that have been invaluable in my freelance career.
Learn How to Handle Rejection and Set Boundaries
Finally, you need to be okay with both hearing ‘no’ and saying ‘no’. Rejection is a part of entrepreneurship, and learning to handle it is crucial for your success.
Whether it’s a potential client rejecting your pitch or you needing to turn down opportunities that aren’t the right fit, being comfortable with ‘no’ is essential. This skill will help you manage expectations and maintain your boundaries, ensuring you don’t overextend yourself or get discouraged by setbacks.
Final Thoughts: Is Starting Your Own Online Business Right for You?
Starting an online business can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not for everyone. Self-discipline, a clear sense of purpose, a problem-solving mindset, interpersonal skills, and resilience are all crucial components of success in this field.
If you’re considering becoming a freelancer or launching an online business, ask yourself if you’re ready to embrace these challenges. Reflect on your motivations, your willingness to learn and adapt, and your ability to manage relationships and handle rejection.
Feeling stuck in the early stages of your social media management business?Let’s fix that! Book a 1:1 mentoring call with me, and in 60 minutes, we’ll create a customized game plan with clear action steps to boost your confidence, stand out from the competition, and attract your dream clients.
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The Tropical Social Podcast
Your go-to podcast for social media managers, freelancers, and service providers who want to stand out online and build a brand that lasts.
Whether you're dreaming of working from anywhere, building a business that supports your lifestyle, or simply wanting your marketing to finally click, The Tropical Social Podcast is here to help you make it happen.
Through honest conversations, actionable tips, and behind-the-scenes insights, host Shannon Segall shares the tools you need to grow a personal brand, attract aligned clients, and market yourself without burning out.
