BUILD A BUSINESS. MAKE AN IMPACT.

Entrepreneurship

by | Apr 24, 2025 | LinkedIn Articles

Possibility Thinking
Jaye Lee

Jaye Lee

Business Strategist for Therapists & Coaches | Scaled 3 Startups | ICF PCC | EMCC ESIA Supervisor & EIA SP | CEO Whisperer for the Helping Professions

The Wild Ride Where Coffee Fuels Dreams and Chaos Keeps It Interesting

Introduction: Welcome to the Jungle

Entrepreneurship is like signing up for a marathon you didn’t train for—exciting, exhausting, and occasionally vomit-inducing. Sure, the glamorized #BossLife photos on Instagram make it look like all you need is a laptop and a latte, but real entrepreneurship is a sweaty, messy, rollercoaster of high-stakes decision-making and late-night Google searches like, “What does EBITDA mean?”

In this guide, we’ll separate the hype from the hard truths and equip you with the tools, tips, and tactics you need to not only survive but thrive.

Ready? Let’s dive in. (Don’t forget the coffee.)


Section 1: Big Ideas Are Overrated – Execution is Sexy

Your idea might be brilliant, but here’s the ugly truth: Ideas are a dime a dozen, and everyone thinks theirs is the next unicorn.

Spoiler alert: It’s not. The magic lies in what you do with it.

Actionable Steps to Avoid Being “That Idea Person”

  1. Create a Value Proposition Canvas: Map out your customers’ pain points and see how your product/service solves them.
  2. Test Before You Invest: Use platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to validate demand. If no one’s willing to prepay, your “genius” idea might need work.
  3. Focus on Problem-Solving: Always ask, “Why should anyone care?” If your solution doesn’t resonate deeply with your audience, it’s just noise.

Pro Tip:Even Google wasn’t the first search engine—it was just the best executed.

Execution beats “first-mover advantage” every time.


Section 2: The Hustle Trap – Why Busyness ≠ Productivity

Entrepreneurs love to brag about being busy. “I work 18 hours a day,” they say, as if sleep is a weakness. But busyness doesn’t equal progress.

It’s often a sign of poor prioritization.

The Sassy Reality Check: If you’re answering emails at midnight or juggling 12 tasks at once, you’re not a superhero; you’re a human bottleneck. Here’s how to fix that:

Smart Productivity Hacks for Entrepreneurs:

  • Batch Your Tasks: Group similar activities together. For example, schedule all your meetings on two specific days to free up time for deep work.
  • Adopt the 80/20 Rule: Focus on the 20% of tasks that deliver 80% of your results. The rest? Delegate or eliminate.
  • Embrace Tools Like a Boss: Automate repetitive tasks with tools like Zapier, Calendly, or Asana. Remember, even Batman has Alfred.

Pro Insight: Elon Musk doesn’t build Teslas himself. Be like Elon – focus on your zone of genius and delegate the rest.


Section 3: Marketing – The Art of Being Loud in a Crowded Room

Let’s talk marketing. Yes, the dreaded “M” word. If you just cringed, I see you. Marketing often gets a bad rap among practitioners because it feels, well, inauthentic. But here’s the truth: if you’re not talking about your services, how will people know you exist?

Marketing isn’t about shouting the loudest; it’s about crafting a message that resonates. It’s about being present where your audience is hanging out and offering them a solution to their struggles. Forget sleazy sales tactics. Think storytelling. Share why you started, who you serve, and how you transform lives. Vulnerability and authenticity are magnetic, especially in the world of coaching and therapy.

Marketing, when done right, isn’t about “selling.” It’s about inviting the right people into your world and showing them why you’re their guide to transformation. So go ahead—grab that megaphone and tell your story.

Savvy Marketing Moves to Stand Out:

  1. Tell Stories, Not Features: Nobody buys a drill because they want a drill; they buy it because they want holes in their wall. Share the outcome your product delivers.
  2. Use the Rule of One: Speak to one person, with one clear message, on one platform. Trying to appeal to everyone is the fastest way to appeal to no one.
  3. Leverage FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Create urgency. Limited-time offers and exclusive perks drive action.

Example: Remember how Clubhouse exploded with its “invite-only” model? Scarcity sells. Use it wisely.


Section 4: Networking Without the Cringe

We’ve all been there—awkwardly shoving business cards into strangers’ hands at events and pretending we’re networking. Let’s stop. Effective networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about building relationships.

How to Be a Networking Ninja:

  • Ask, “How Can I Help You?” Instead of pitching your business, offer value first. Relationships built on reciprocity last longer.
  • Follow Up Like a Pro: Most people stop at the handshake. Stand out by sending a follow-up email or connecting on LinkedIn with a personalized note.
  • Be Strategic: Attend events that align with your goals. If you’re a SaaS founder, a farmer’s market might not be your target-rich environment.

Witty Reality Check: Networking is not speed dating. It’s a long game. Play it wisely.


Section 5: The Emotional Side – Resilience as a Superpower

No one tells you how emotionally taxing entrepreneurship is. The rejection emails, the botched launches, the nights when your savings account makes you cry… it’s brutal. But here’s the good news: Resilience is like a muscle—the more you flex it, the stronger it gets.

Mental Health Playbook for Entrepreneurs:

  • Set Boundaries: Just because you’re your own boss doesn’t mean you should work 24/7. Schedule downtime and stick to it.
  • Find a Therapist or Mentor: Sometimes, venting to a neutral party is the best business investment you’ll make.
  • Celebrate Progress: Success isn’t always the big win—it’s the 1% improvements along the way.

Takeaway: Resilience isn’t about avoiding breakdowns; it’s about bouncing back after them.


Section 6: Your Team is Everything—Hire Slow, Fire Fast

Here’s a harsh truth: The wrong hire can sink your ship faster than a bad quarter. Surround yourself with people who complement your weaknesses and share your vision.

Hiring Tips for Success:

  1. Culture Fit is Critical: Skills can be taught, but attitudes and values can’t. Hire people who align with your mission.
  2. Invest in Development: A team that grows with you will be more loyal and productive.
  3. Cut Dead Weight: If someone’s not working out, don’t drag it out. Be respectful, but be decisive.

Final Words: Your Future Entrepreneurial Self Will Thank You

Now that we’ve had this little heart-to-heart, I hope you’re seeing your practice in a whole new light; one that screams “powerhouse entrepreneur” rather than “overworked practitioner.”

Remember, every great business starts with someone willing to take a chance on themselves.

The path from practitioner to entrepreneur isn’t always smooth, neither is WiFi, and we manage to survive that just fine. Embrace the chaos, learn from the stumbles, and keep showing up for your mission. Oh, and don’t forget: you’ve got the magic combo of brains, heart, and hustle.

So here’s to you – a future business mogul in the making. Go build that empire, and while you’re at it, pour yourself a celebratory cup of coffee (or wine, I’m not judging).

You’ve earned it.

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