Today’s Guest Post features inspired words from friends of GoneGirlGo who have a penchant for personal development.

There is no shame in growing a business slowly.

Many women work full-time jobs, but have ideas for other endeavors.  

You often hear the words “viral”, “accelerated”, “flourishing”, “dominating”, “scaling” to describe successful businesses. 

But, you’ll rarely hear anyone tell you to grow a business “slowly” and “organically”. 

If you have an idea for a small business, you might feel pressure to become a huge and profitable success right out of the gate. Otherwise, you’ll be one of the 80% that fails within the first 5 years. You might even pressure yourself to spend thousands of dollars to get started.

I’ve learned that whether you want to start a service-based business, a blog, an online shop, or a brick and mortar store, it IS possible to take things slow…. And it is OKAY.

Here are some things you can do to get started without overwhelming yourself or your life.

#1 Start a journal and write down all your ideas – take the time to get really clear on what you do, what you make or the service you want to provide.

#2 Brainstorm business names and get an affordably priced logo.

#3 Once you’ve selected a name, create one or two social media pages.

#4 Start sharing your idea and pages with friends, family, or anyone who might be interested.

#5 Provide value and helpful information through your posts.

#6 Share behind the scenes pictures or videos of what you do or what you’re working on.

#7 Start making connections with people that will build you up, help you grow, and support what you are doing

The website, the fancy branding, the expensive equipment, the studio, the brick and mortar space…. That can all come later.

Yes, you’ll find critics along the way.  Ignore them.  

You’ll have people tell you “this is a hobby, not a business”. Agree with them.  Acknowledge what you are doing and proudly tell them you are doing this on YOUR TERMS.  

You’ll feel the fears or expectations of other people thrown upon you. Don’t let them. Other people’s expectations can slow you down or it can be debilitating.

I lost count the number of times someone used minimizing words to describe the business I co-own with my sister or questioned my business savvy by asking questions they thought could stump me regarding topics like profit margins and balance sheets.

Truth is, I didn’t know how to answer those questions or position myself with strong responses when I started.  I myself, was working a full-time job and trying to educate myself.  

Had I not taken it slow, I would have drowned. The value in moving at a slow or comfortable pace is that you can take the time to educate yourself all while balancing everything else on your plate – a home, a family, friends, hobbies, activities.  

Remember, this endeavor is about YOU and who you want to serve.  

Those you serve will not always include friends, family and colleagues.  

Take the time to journal.  Take the time to learn and grow.  And by all means, take care of yourself along the way and this includes having a manageable life and a healthy mindset.