What I’ve Learned After Owning a Business 7,300 Days

After 7,300 days of running a marketing consulting business from home, I've learned a thing or two about what it takes to succeed. While some days have felt like they lasted forever, I wouldn't trade the entrepreneur life for anything else. Here are my top 10 lessons from two decades of being my own boss.

1. Not Every Business Needs to Scale Dramatically

Despite the constant pressure to "go big," staying lean can be a strategic choice. While I've experimented with digital products and online courses, I've found that keeping operations efficient and manageable brings me more peace of mind. Using contractors instead of full-time employees gives me flexibility without the stress of meeting a regular payroll. Remember, success doesn't always mean exponential growth.

2. Work With Nice People Only

Life's too short for difficult clients. Over the years, I've learned to spot red flags early: clients who try to be intimidating, are rude to staff, or constantly try to change agreements after watching the latest webinar. Being selective about who you work with isn't just about comfort—it's about creating a sustainable business environment where you can do your best work.

3. Strategic Downtime is Essential

Unlike my agency days when I couldn't wait for Friday, I've developed a different rhythm. I typically wind down Friday afternoon, take Saturdays off completely, and use Sunday for light planning. This approach helps me avoid that "shot out of a cannon" feeling on Monday mornings. An hour or two of quiet planning on Sunday can set up a successful week.

4. Never Stop Evolving

In marketing, standing still means falling behind. Technology changes, platforms evolve, and client needs shift. While many advocate for finding a niche and sticking to it, I believe in staying open to new opportunities. Invest in education—whether through paid courses, YouTube tutorials, conferences, or mastermind groups. The key is to keep learning and adapting.

5. Share Your Business Journey

Let your family and friends know about your work and the types of clients you're seeking. You never know where opportunities might come from. Case in point: my shy son once pitched my services to his high school employer, leading to a client relationship that's lasted six years. Being open about your business goals can open unexpected doors.

6. Diversify Your Client Base

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. I maintain a mix of client types: larger full-service clients, medium-sized accounts, and smaller projects focused on tactical execution. This approach provides stability—if one client needs to step away or there's a corporate change, you're not left scrambling.

7. Professionalism Matters

Being prepared and punctual might seem obvious, but it's surprising how many consultants show up late or unprepared. For virtual meetings, log in a few minutes early. For in-person presentations, arrive at least 20 minutes ahead. These small gestures make a big impression.

8. Keep Everything

In the digital age, storage is cheap. I maintain an email archive of over 100,000 messages, and while some might cringe at that number, it's saved me countless times. Clients often need to reference projects or communications from years ago, and having that historical record has proven invaluable.

9. Before You Quit, Remember Why You Started

When frustration hits (and it will), ask yourself: Do you want to go back to commuting? Having a boss? Working with difficult teammates? Having your income capped? If the answer is no, take a break, get some rest, and try working from a different location the next day. Often, a change of scenery and perspective is all you need.

10. Network Strategically

While networking is crucial, don't let it consume all your time. It's better to attend fewer, more relevant events than to spread yourself thin trying to be everywhere. Balance in-person networking with online connections, and don't neglect following up with existing contacts. Sometimes a simple check-in call can lead to new opportunities.

Final Thoughts

After 20 years in business, these lessons have been learned through trial and error, success and failure. The key to longevity isn't about having a perfect strategy from day one—it's about being willing to learn, adapt, and stay true to what works for you and your clients.

Remember, running a home-based business isn't just about escaping the corporate world; it's about creating a sustainable operation that aligns with your values and goals. Whether you're just starting or have been at it for years, I hope these lessons help you on your entrepreneurial journey! Email me with questions: [email protected]

If you're just getting started on your own and feel like you need more marketing "skills", take a look at The Market Momentum Method on my website: https://marketmomentum.biz/courses