6 Things I've Learned in 6 Years of Business

This month we’re celebrating six years of business here at Copperheart and I couldn’t be more grateful and proud! Building a branding agency with heart was always a dream of mine and as I think back on the road that led me here, there are definitely a few things I’ve learned that may be helpful to you as a business owner.

So let’s dive in!

1. You don’t have to wear all the hats.

When I launched Copperheart Creative, it was tempting to take on all the responsibility. This was my baby and trusting it in someone else’s hands felt like such a leap. But I realized over time that this mentality was a one-way ticket to burnout. Wearing all the hats as a business owner feels like control, but it’s actually the quickest way to lose control of your dream. I had to learn to hand certain parts of my business over to the experts.

I began to understand my strengths and outsource my weaknesses. And boy, was it a game changer! From bookkeeping to copywriting, I took things off my plate and gave them to trusted contractors so I could fully focus on what I’m meant to do. This not only helps my business grow and flourish, but it keeps me in a healthy mental space as we build.

2. You’ve got to fill your cup.

Speaking of burnout…

As a business owner, it’s not an “if” you get burnout, but a “when.” It happens to all of us in certain seasons of our business, and it’s always a great opportunity to learn more about ourselves and what we need.

I’ve learned that burnout means I haven’t been filling my cup. I need to take some time, look inward, and really ask myself what will get me back to joy and overflow. Do I need to incorporate some healthy habits? Do I need to release or delegate some tasks? Do I need to say yes or no to something? Burnout hits when I’m empty, so I always take it as an invitation to regroup, rework, and rest.

3. Big plans require open hands.

A phrase I always like to use is, “You can’t white knuckle God.” I’ve learned over the past six years that this business is not my own. I truly am not as in control as I believe I am and I’ve got to embrace the flow. My big scary dreams need me to show up with open hands. They need me to trust that the highs and lows are there for a reason.

It’s all a process, and it’s pretty cool to look back and see how trusting that flow impacted my business. For example, when I was in a low season of work, big family events were happening. When things picked up, it was because I had the capacity for more. We’re more taken care of than we realize, we just have to ride the wave and know that open hands reap such a big harvest.

4. Boundary UP.

Healthy boundaries will single-handedly save your heart and your business. I believe this because I’ve seen how clear boundaries have impacted me and my team. My fellow business owner, Amanda with the Society of Women Business Owners, likes to say, “You have to teach people how to treat you.” You’ve got to be clear with what you will and won’t accept because boundaries protect you and your team.

What does this look like in business? Boundaries can be as simple as iron-clad contracts or time limits on client meetings. Maybe you no longer accept sporadic phone calls or you choose specific hours to answer email each day. It’s taking time to understand what’s holding you and your team back from being fully present and getting strategic about solutions.

5. Relationships are everything.

If you truly want a healthy, flourishing business — you’ve got to look at who is surrounding you. You don’t have to do it alone! In six years of business, I’ve learned that relationships truly impact it all. Having the right people in your corner will not only fuel you forward, but they’ll sustain you long-term.

I know I need five types of people in my life: a therapist, a business coach, a mentor, a cheerleader, and a best friend. I’ve learned from experience that each of these plays a significant role in my future success. I know that if I have healthy relationships with each, my business will be positively affected.

So who is in your corner? Are you staying connected and networking regularly with other industry leaders that strengthen and inspire you? Relationships are the key to your success in life and in business, so take this one seriously and watch how it transforms everything.

6. You’ve got to trust your dream.

Your dream chose YOU for a reason. It was placed in your heart for a reason! I wouldn’t have had access to half the opportunities I had along the way if I didn’t believe my dream was truly for me. I learned there was power in claiming that dream and I began to speak it aloud often. Even in moments when the road ahead didn’t make sense, I kept coming back to that foundation. I kept coming back to the dream and reaffirmed to myself that it was given to me for a purpose. Your dream is what will ground you, so speak it out and speak it often. Share your dream with trusted relationships and know that you are completely capable because you were chosen. It’s yours. So own it!

Speaking of dreams…

My six years of business taught me to keep believing in myself and my big scary dreams. If you have a dream in your heart, take this article as a sign that it’s time to step out and take the leap. You have everything you need inside of you and we’re here to champion you along the way.

If you need some branding support, we’d love to connect with you. We are now booking for 2023, but spots are going fast. Click here to start the process or be added to the waitlist!