The other day I was talking to a friend of mine (who is also named Michelle-really) about why she is interested in going into business for herself. I think I caught her off-guard but it got me thinking about the importance of would be entrepreneurs taking some time to go through a process of self-reflection before taking the leap into self-employment.
Part of the reason I made the leap into self-employment was because of my blogging journey. If you’re interested in starting a blog check out the following post.
I took three freaking long years to actually become self-employed. But, I did know what my “why” was. I had spent a lot of time thinking about my “why” and here it is (for those of you who’ve been following my blog-you probably already know).
My “Why?”
- I had begun to hate my job.
- I desired flexibility in my life .
- I wanted to help people who needed assistance with short-term projects as they worked towards their dreams.
- I wanted to work from home as I make the transition to wife and mother.
- I have another reason…but I don’t want to share it yet LOL!
My “why” was very well thought out and I felt pretty reasonable.
The other action item that I had stumbled upon and didn’t realize made a huge difference in my entrepreneurial life was that I became a Brand Ambassador as a side hustle. You’re probably thinking “huh?” What the heck does this have to do with anything?
Brand Ambassadors are Rejection Stylists
I talked about how much I love my Brand Ambassador side hustles. They pay really well, are usually really fun, and I get to meet a lot of interesting people. The thing is, there are some downsides. They are: you meet a lot of people, have to stand all day, and have to ask people all day if they want what you’re selling. Typically you’re giving away something free and people will still say “no.” They will also ignore you as you’re speaking to them, pretend like they didn’t hear you speak to them, and the occasional person will tell you why they hate the company that you’re working for-even though you don’t care as you aren’t hired by the actual company your representing.
You deal with rejection a lot as a brand ambassador. Brand Ambassadors have become adept at reworking the rejection that they receive on a daily basis. There is a point where you stop caring. You will ask, and ask, and ask until your goal for the day is done. If that is handing out a food product, getting at least 100 leads a shift, or sharing product information-brand ambassadors get it done.
Entrepreneurship and Rejection
Go Hand and Hand. If you are unable to handle being a brand ambassador, it’s my belief that you may find being self-employed extremely difficult. You will have to put yourself in the line of fire (rejection) on a daily basis. How will you react to that? Do you take rejection personally or do you dig deep and ask again and again until you get the answer that you’re looking for?
Becoming an entrepreneur is a somewhat painful process. Spend some time going through a process of self-reflection and spend some time putting yourself in the uncomfortable position of being rejected. Both will help you decide if you should work for yourself.
How Did You Prepare for Self-Employment?
How did I get into freelancing for myself? I started a blog, I changed my life, and imagined more for myself. It hasn’t been easy but I’m making it happen. If you’re interested in starting a blog check out my post on How To Start A Blog, Change Your Life, and Find Your Tribes. I use Bluehost and if you click on my affiliate link you can host your blog for $3.49 a month. See How You Can Set Up a WordPress Blog in 15 Minutes Please note: I may receive some compensation if you use purchase a package through this link
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Hello Michelle,
Being an entrepreneur is one of the best professions out there and even if I’m to be reborned, I will still value having my own business more than every other thing.
Although just like every other thing in life, running your own business is not easy too and it also comes with so many demerits like being rejected so many times as you mentioned here but at the end, it’s still and will always be the best.
Thanks for sharing.
It has been an interesting experience so far-and NO it’s not easy. But, in life I’ve found the best life lessons have been learned from the hardest moments that I’ve had to deal with. You can’t help but grow when you’re pushed to your limits.
I couldn’t have agreed more Michelle.
Thanks Theodore!