Can you tell us what you love most about being a business owner
Having worked in the corporate environment for many years, I always yearned for more creativity, more self-expression and more of ME in my work. Instead, it always felt like I had to work within a box of norms, standards and procedures.
Starting my own business did not just let me think out of the box, but actually break the box. I love the disruptive, creative and completely personal energy of a small business.
I also love the flexibility my business gives me in terms of time and energy. I can choose to design my business around my life and have lots of time to be with my husband and my daughter, which is extremely important for me. I love that I am at home when my daughter comes back from school and we spend an hour just talking about her day, hugging, laughing and sharing stories.
I also LOVE that I can do my business, my way. I don’t have to ask anyone’s permission or wait for approvals from the chain of command. If I like an idea, I can roll with it. The buck stops with me.
What is the one piece of advice you wish you’d been given earlier in your business that you think is gold and a must for entrepreneurs, no matter what stage they are at?
Ironically it has to be that the “buck indeed stops with me”. As I am under the one-year mark in my business, I still consider myself a hatchling but I think knowing that being a solopreneur means that my business totally depends on me is an advice I wish I had gotten earlier.
I think this realization is really important for newbies because our passion and zeal makes us burn the candles at both ends but eventually it will take a toll on you, your health, your mindset and your business.
This is equally important for entrepreneurs at advanced stages because building, training and mentoring a team of people who can help you run your business smoothly is paramount for long-term business success.
It is not enough thinking that we are the CEO of our business, we need to act like it too. Stop being an intern in your business and think like a CEO who hires people or outsources to do the work which is not in her zone of genius.
What’s your usual day like and what makes it a day you love?
My usual day starts with the school run and then spending time with my husband for breakfast. On weekdays except Monday I have client calls interspersed with social media, content creation and emails. Monday is my Content day so whether it is creating or consuming content I do it on this day. I also like to take an hour every Friday afternoon to plan for the next week. Saturdays are my admin day and I also like to use this day for social media posts creation and batching. Sundays I am completely switched off. It’s very rare for me to go online on Sunday.
I am usually done with my work by 4 in the evening and then I often take a nap break. Then it is playtime for the daughter and while she is playing I either go for a walk or catch up with a friend. I also like to listen to podcasts, TED talks or audio books during this time. I am an avid TV buff so I spend an hour or two watching crime dramas or romantic comedies on Netflix.
I love each day of my week because as an extreme introvert it gives me the space and flexibility to spend the day, as I need to. Family, fun and freedom are really crucial for me to feel 100% optimum in my business.
What are your top 3 tips to thrive in business?
- Find Your Posse
Small business and especially online business is exciting for introverts like me but it can also be really isolating. It is important to find your tribe aka those who resonate with your message and your business but it’s also imperative that you find your support network.
Whether it is Biz BFFs, Mastermind buddies, mentors, coaches, Facebook group members etc. having your posse watching your back will help you navigate the ups and downs of the business adventure with ease and grace while keeping you on track and sane.
I live in India and yet work with women all over the world and that is only because of creating a supportive and amazing posse.
- Be Consistent with Content
This one is especially true for online entrepreneurs. Content is the easiest and often the cheapest way to establish your expertise, add value to your ideal client’s life/business and boost your online visibility.
Being consistent, on message and purposeful with your content will help you increase your influence, impact and income.
- Get a little Ranty
As a biz and content mentor, I often seen business owners churn the same kind of content as everyone in their niche. It’s safe, tested and well boring. My tip is to take some risks and say things that you have been itching to say to your audience even if raises a few eyebrows. Take a stand with your message because it shows your unique perspective and the courage to defy the herd mentality.
When you think about your core message – that one big thing you really want to get out in the world – what is it?
My core message is that you need to stand up for your message and stand out from the crowd. Your tiny business has a big, life-changing message for someone out there and it’s your responsibility to reach them with your message and help them.
Why is this important to you?
For a long time in my life, I erred on the side of caution and dimmed my light so that others won’t feel uncomfortable. I never spoke what I truly felt and was scared of ruffling any feathers. It wrecked havoc on my life and especially my health.
This is why it pains me when I women not live their full potential because they are struggling with finding their voice, clarifying their message or creating content to be more visible.
Who do you love to serve the most (as clients, customers)?
#SmartGirls. My ideal clients are women who know their potential, have found or are in the process of finding their zone of genius and understand that being mindful about their message and consistent with their content will take them to the next level in their business.
What project are you working on right now and how will it change people’s lives?
I am working on a few free challenges that will help my audience find their brand’s voice, create a clear content strategy and explode their online presence.
I am also planning to add lots of new content to my membership program called Content Lab, which helps my audience, create, curate and promote epic content!
The post Content Is Queen! Meet Swapna Thomas :: Totally Thriving Feature appeared first on Creative Possibility.
