Confessions of a Budding Business Owner

I have a confession to make: I’m scared.

I’m scared that I’m spending too much money “getting my business set up”. Seriously, buying a new computer, investing in DVDs, programs, books, coaches, web site tools, and merchant services. It starts adding up.

I’m scared that my business is totally going to flop and I’m going to have to return to some of my previous employers and beg for my job back.

I’m scared that people are going to hate my work, and what I’m putting out into the world.

I’m scared that the people from my past are going to judge me for my decision to work in a field that is not the one I studied.

I’m scared that people won’t take me seriously because of my age. (Yes, I know, I wrote about that before. Still doesn’t make the fear go away!)

I’m scared that I might actually turn my business into a roaring success, but that my friends and family will resent it.

So like I said, I’m scared, and I’m experiencing that debilitating fear that stops a lot of people from moving forward when they start a business.

Here Comes The Part Where I Get All Personal Development On Myself

I’ve often heard that starting a business (aka focusiness) is the best way to personal growth. A lot of our “stuff” comes up. Fear, self-confidence, what other people think about us. All I can say is “ugh!”

I know all of the theories:

A jet uses a larger percentage of fuel just to take off than it does to glide. Similarly, a business requires the most energy and push in the take-off part.
4 Out of 5 Businesses fail because the 4 business owners were chatting together and complaining about their lack of success.
The first year of business is all about promoting yourself, not so much about your product or service.

But does that really help relieve the fear? A little, I suppose.

Changes at Billionaire Woman

With all of this shuffling around happening in my business and my life, it’s inevitable that there will also be changes here at Billionaire Woman.

Don’t worry, this blog is going to stay right where it is. I might be adding a podcast discussing some of the books I think you might find interesting.

I’ve also launched a new super secret weekly email publication called “The Cue“, which you can sign up for free as a Billionaire Woman reader. If you enjoy Billionaire Woman, you’ll definitely like these exclusive holistic lifestyle tips, not published anywhere else!

You’ll also get discounts on all of my upcoming products if you’re a The Cue member.

I promise to never sell, rent, trade, or share your e-mail with any other organization.

Comments

Deveena

Love the name of this blog! Never met a billionaire woman before. Now that I think of it, I'm not sure I've ever met a millionaire woman either. :)

In any case, I really enjoyed reading this post. Know that you are NOT alone in having these fears. There are many kindred spirits who are struggling to muster up the courage to do this "entrepreneurship gig" everyday.

Nathalie Lussier

Thanks so much Daveena. Have you ever met any billionaire/millionaire men? Because that would still be cool. :)

Your support really means a lot to me Daveena, and it really helps to know I'm not the only one. Eeps!

Sunshine

Okay, and here's another one for you that I'm pretty sure you've heard before as well "Feel the fear and do it anyway".

Trust me, I've had all those fears, and WAY more! Also, I know you know who Revvell is, have you done her playbook? That helps IMMENSELY with the fears, I can't emphasize it enough. She's also a great coach, and gets you out of your head (monkey mind plays a part in some fears) and into your LIFE (as abundantly wonderful as it is and is going to be). :)

Girl, you are going to do GREAT things. That's part of the fear as well. My thing has always been "Why me, why does it have to be me? Why do I have to be THAT girl?" with what I do and what I'm trying to do. You know the answers to that right? Why the hell not me? And yes, I am THAT girl! If someone else was going to do it for me, they'd have done it by now! :)

Can't wait to see what else is coming down the pike for you! :D

Nathalie Lussier

Hey Sunshine! I read the book called "feel the fear & do it anyway". I guess that explains why I know how to deal with these fears logically, but not so much in practice. ;)

Ooh I haven't done Revvell's playbook. I will go take a peek over there and see if I can get my hands on it.

And oh I totally hear you Sunshine! You have to be THAT girl because you are that girl already, right? I know you're doing great, despite the fears, so that gives me hope. :)

I love you Sunshine! *hugs*

Positively Present

It's okay to be scared. It sounds like you're doing great! Keep believing in yourself -- you can do it! :)

Nathalie Lussier

Thanks Positively, you're such a trooper. :)

Daphne @ Joyful Days

Thanks for sharing your fears here, Nathalie. That was a brave thing to do, and suggests that you are already in the process of working through each fear one by one! I like the way your site is evolving, and how you're sharing your personal journey. This perhaps makes a blog one that speaks to people. I'll be following your journey closely and cheering from the sidelines!

Nathalie Lussier

Aww, thank you SO much Daphne! I think the blog is definitely moving more toward sharing my experiences and less about giving advice. As much as I have advice to give, it's much more fun to read about me not taking my own advice, isn't it? ;) ;)

Thanks for the cheers, you rock Daphne! :D

Andrea |Empowered Soul

Hi Nathalie - I think the big secret most entrepreneurs won't share is that most of us are a little terrified pretty much all the time! :-)

Let's face it - we don't know for sure any of the things you list in this article - whether people will appreciate our work, whether our business will support us, etc. Every time we launch anything new, we go through that. I just created a personal 6-month mentoring program where I'm asking for a $5K investment from my clients. That was going to places I'd never gone before, since I'd always done single sessions with my clients ... scary and thrilling and wonderful. And now I'm stepping into my work in a bigger, bolder way. And it's always a bit terrifying!

BUT, I can tell you - totally WORTH IT!!! Because we also get the greatest levels of self-determination and empowerment imaginable. (Cue "I did it my way" as background music). :-)

Glad you shared this ... a lot of people think they should wait to feel comfortable and confident before taking action ... and they'll be waiting forever! :-)

Nathalie Lussier

Hi Andrea. I think you're onto something: most entrepreneurs don't talk about being "a little terrified much of the time". I guess it's easier to give people a confident smile, and there's that whole "Fake it till you make it" advice too. ;)

Thanks so much for sharing about your own practices and how moving into a new type of work is also challenging for you. I love to look at role models, and you're definitely one for me!

Carla

Fear has what kept me from starting my own business for many years. A healthy amount of fear is good, but its too easy to let it run you.

I look forward to seeing the changes on your blog!

Nathalie Lussier

I'm so glad you've taken the leap of faith Carla. I love Green & Chic, you're really onto something & your passion shines through. :)

Yay very exciting stuff, scary, but exciting. :) I'm so glad you're along for the ride Carla!

Lance

Hi Nathalie,

You're going to do great! And I'm not just saying that like it's "pie in the sky". I believe it from what I have experienced here. And by the fact that you're acknowledging these fears upfront. Of course, doing great doesn't necessarily mean things will be exactly as hoped (maybe, maybe not). I think you'll adapt to whatever may come up.

Nathalie, I appreciate your honesty in this post. It speaks of things many of us fear as well...often silently.

Know that I'm here with any support I can offer.

Nathalie Lussier

Thank you so much Lance. I always feel supported when you're around. :) I find that I get a lot of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement from the people in my "online" groups. :)

Thank you so much for everything and for being here Lance!

Henri J

Raw food is delicious, I live in Northern Sweden so me and my girlfriend have some trouble eating a lot of raw foods since the fruits and vegetables are often not organic and/or not fresh (taste awful).

But one does the best they can :)

Nathalie Lussier

Hi Henri! Thanks so much for being here. I saw your other comment about starting a blog & I'll reply all in one message: go for it! I can't wait to read it.

I know what you mean about eating fruits & veggies that aren't fresh because you live in a northern climate. I am just grateful that we have summers to grow things in, that kind of makes up for the cold parts. ;) Best of luck, and let me know how your journey is going!

Chris Edgar

I'm enjoying hearing about your new explorations. It sounds like you have a lot of awareness around the fears that are coming up around starting your business, which I think is so key to moving through them.

Nathalie Lussier

Thank you Chris. I also agree that it's important to be aware of the fears in order to deal with them properly. :)

fern

do you really have to have the DVDs, programs, books, coaches to start up your business? If i were in your shoes, i would limit up-front spending to the absolute minimal until you see growth. Treat it like a side business until you see evidence it's actually viable.

Nathalie Lussier

Hi Fern, I think you've got a good idea there. I am currently on a "fast" where I'm not buying anything new. I am just in the implementation phase now. On the flip side, I think it's important to be equipped with the information and resources that will help you succeed. So it's kind of a double-edged sword. :)

www.idiotblvd.com

I love this topic . you know what? So many great people fail on their way to the top..
they pass the trst by walking tall !

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www.idiotblvd.com