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Like many 30-somethings, I’ve spent at least half of my life in the classroom—but at no point did I learn more than starting my dream writing career.
In the year In 2016, I used travel writing as a sideline to my nine-to-five communications job. I started jumping full time writing and photography(Opens in a new tab) in 2018. The rest, as they say, is history—but it’s a story I often reflect on because I’ve learned countless lessons along the way.
Starting any new business, especially in a saturated market like travel writing, can feel overwhelming. The competition is high. Rejection is the rule. And the media landscape is constantly changing. Even so, I am proof that ordinary people like me, a writer with limited past journalistic experience and no industry connections, can get in. And Living a good life (living above the paycheck of my former high-level nine-to-five job).
Here are the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from seeding a side-brained idea to running my own business. While my experience focuses on travel writing and photography, these tips are universal.
Hire a coach
My business has grown tremendously over the past six years, and the most critical moves always come when I invest in coaching. I hired the first coach Rebecca L. Weber(Opens in a new tab), in 2019. She helped me develop a business strategy and improved my craft in a way that free webinars and podcasts never could. Then I hired the second trainer. Jenny Greeters(Opens in a new tab)At the end of last year, when I needed to know how to move up and to a new level of my business – something free, it still didn’t support me again.
Why is coaching key? For one, coaches bring a third-party perspective. Business owners are often very close to the day-to-day. Coaches offer a new way of thinking; And the right ones are trained to help you see and explore this new perspective for yourself. My best tip for hiring the right coach: Be interested in their online content. I listened to both of my coaches’ podcasts before hiring them. This helped me make sure they were authentic.
I paid this coach by picking up a few more freelance jobs to offset the cost. I knew it would be a big investment, but without professional help, I knew I would be exactly where I was. Both coaching investments paid for themselves within six months by streamlining my business and helping me think of new ways to move forward.
Get your extensions
When you’re starting a side hustle or new business, there are three types of people in your life: those who are skeptical, those who say “it’ll never work,” and those who support you with all their might—and push you to be yourself. Best and stay inspired on the way. Find the latter.
These pump friends are known as “” in the profile worldExtensions” will help you grow exponentially. For me, creative and writing friends are a handful. A group, in particular, meets almost monthly to share victories, losses and career dreams; Through it all we help each other – every call being ready to receive the world.
Vermilion was able to travel and take such amazing photos while pursuing her goal of creating her own business.
Credit: Stephanie Vermillion
Build it yours Business
In the early years of my career, I took every piece of advice to heart. Raising? OK, yes! An outside source? let’s do it! These buzzwords, refraining from countless TED talks and podcasts, became my goalposts for success. Then something was heard. That was not mine Success version. I was building my career to be “successful” in the eyes of industry thought leaders—not my own.
After much introspection, I’ve come to realize that the definition of success is living a fun, adventurous life through my career creating stories that make me happy. Of course money is part of that, but it’s a pillar to support the life I want to lead, not money for money’s sake. I don’t want to get “the size” and “what I desire.”10x growthHe said. I want to travel the world, meet new people and make action-packed memories.
Now, I base my business decisions on that real-for-me goal. I put it out there when it supports my path, not because a popular podcaster told me to. I’ll push for 10x growth if and when I want to – but at this point, I’m totally fine with the expansion version of myself, pursuing bigger adventures that push me outside my comfort zone.
Strong opinion? Sleep on it.
Feedback has been critical to the evolution of my business, but that doesn’t mean I like to receive it. I still cringe every time I open a Word document covered in Tracked Changes. I know the edits and constructive criticism will help me improve; They almost always do.
That’s why I read, review and reflect on the notes, then close the document and take some space before dealing with the next steps. I will wait until the next day when time permits. Almost every time I do that, I wake up refreshed and approach improvements or adjust the process as a learning experience. A place where I receive criticism helps me put things in perspective. Even if I don’t have time for a full night’s sleep, at least I’ll take a walk to get some fresh air, embracing the growth process instead of hating it.
Find your passion – then follow it.
If there’s one thing I can call the sustainability of my own business, it’s gut feeling. In fact, I now make every decision based on what my gut tells me is right. My gut is always right. (Every time I don’t follow through, I suffer.) It took me years to get to the point where I didn’t believe it – not because I didn’t believe it. I didn’t know how to get it.
When you’re busy with content and distractions, it’s easy for your mind to become muted. Whether you put down your phone and journal about a big decision, or take the time to walk around the block and meditate (without Spotify or podcasts), your mind will always speak and guide you in the right direction. This is why I journal every day; My diary is a platform for me to speak my mind. It guides my decisions and helps me know the right next step—the step that is best for me and my personal goals in this wild and precious life.
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