Valuable Lessons I’ve Learned as a Business Owner
Launching my virtual assistant business in March 2023 was one of the most exciting and transformative moments of my life. Fueled by motivation and a clear vision, I dove headfirst into entrepreneurship, ready to take on the world. Along the way, I’ve learned some incredible lessons that not only shaped my business but also helped me grow as a person. Every journey is different, but some truths are universal—and I’m excited to share them with you!
1. Stay Around Positive Energy & Avoid Negativity
When I started my business, I quickly realised that not everyone around me shared the same energy or drive. Some people were more interested in watching what I was doing than actually taking steps to improve their own lives. Others seemed to enjoy planting little seeds of doubt in my mind—maybe they thought they were being helpful, but it wasn’t exactly what I needed!
Instead of dwelling on it, I made a conscious decision to focus on positivity. I reminded myself that not everyone will understand your vision, and that’s okay! I chose to surround myself with people who inspire me, cheer me on, and genuinely want to see me succeed. Protecting your mindset is so important—it’s like guarding your most precious treasure. And honestly? Life is too short to let negativity dim your sparkle! Enjoy the process!
2. Find Your Tribe
This has been one of the most powerful lessons for me: the people you surround yourself with can make all the difference. For me, it’s all about finding people who are absolutely smashing it in life and business—people who are more experienced, more successful, and just downright inspiring.
I love being around individuals who are achieving amazing things because their energy is contagious! Instead of feeling intimidated or envious (because let’s be honest, comparison doesn’t help anyone), I feel motivated and excited about my own journey. It’s like having a front-row seat to what’s possible—and that kind of inspiration is priceless.
So, find your tribe—the people who lift you up, challenge you to grow, and celebrate your wins with you. They’ll help you become the best version of yourself. You CAN'T do it solo!
3. Stay True to Yourself
Staying authentic and true to yourself is perhaps one of the most challenging yet rewarding lessons I’ve learned. As a business owner, you’ll inevitably receive unsolicited advice from well-meaning individuals who think they know better. I’ve received countless emails, direct messages, and WhatsApp messages from people offering their opinions on how I should run my business.
At first, it was overwhelming—everyone seemed to have an idea of what I should be doing or how I should be running things. But here’s what I realised: this business is my baby, and it’s up to me to create it in a way that feels right for me.
I trust my coach (shoutout to Amanda Johnson!), listen to respected voices in my industry, and most importantly, trust my gut instinct. Staying true to myself has been liberating—it allows me to build something authentic that aligns with my values and vision. Remember: your business is an extension of you, so let it reflect who you truly are!
4. Mentorship & Coaching Are Game-Changers
Speaking of coaches…
Just like in life, when you set out on a journey of self-improvement—whether it’s getting into the best shape of your life, mastering a new skill, or achieving a personal goal—having the right mentor can make all the difference. You wouldn’t step into the gym without proper guidance if you were serious about transforming your body, so why would you approach your business any differently?
A mentor is that extra set of experienced eyes, the person who sees what you might miss because you’re so deeply involved in your day-to-day operations. They provide clarity, fresh insights, and the kind of constructive challenges that push you to grow beyond what you thought possible.
I’ve learned this firsthand through my journey with Amanda Johnson from VACT. Finding the right mentor has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business. Amanda’s expertise, insight, and unwavering support have helped me navigate challenges and achieve milestones I once thought were out of reach. She has a way of seeing the small but significant details that can create massive shifts in your business. When you’re in the thick of it every day, it’s easy to overlook opportunities or get stuck in old patterns. That’s where a mentor makes all the difference—bringing a fresh perspective and new strategies that spark real change.
But here’s the thing—not all mentors are created equal. It’s crucial to find someone who not only has the expertise but also aligns with your goals and values. The right mentor will elevate your business in ways you never imagined, but the wrong one can lead to frustration and wasted time. That’s why doing your research and trusting your instincts is essential when choosing the person to guide you.
If you’re serious about growth, don’t underestimate the power of mentorship. Having someone to guide you, question you, and inspire you can be the key to unlocking your full potential. Take the time to find the right person—someone who not only has the expertise but who also believes in you and is willing to push you beyond your comfort zone.
Because, in business as in life, the right mentor can make all the difference.
5. Patience & Consistency Are Key
Building a successful business takes time—it’s not an overnight success story (despite what some Instagram ads might tell you!). There were moments when I wished things would move faster or fall into place more easily, but I’ve learned that patience and consistency are everything.
Every small step adds up over time—and those little wins? They’re worth celebrating because they pave the way for bigger successes down the road.
6. Be Cautious of “Coaches” & Unrealistic Promises
As a new business owner jumping back into social media after a few years away, I suddenly found myself on the radar of countless companies, coaches, and individuals trying to target me with their offers—and let me tell you, it was overwhelming! My inbox was flooded with messages promising six-figure incomes (or seven digits… or even nine digits!) if only I followed their programme or joined their challenge.
At first, it felt like too much—I thought I might have a nervous breakdown from all the noise coming my way! Negative comments about what I should or shouldn’t do started piling up alongside bold claims about how only their system could make me successful.
Did I fall for it? Absolutely NOT, but as a human, I must admit I did sign up for a few webinars to see what they had to offer. I wanted to test the waters and figure out who was genuine versus who wasn’t. Some were outright scammers (delete and block!), while others offered some value but didn’t deliver anything beyond surface-level advice—like hitting “repeat” on a generic script.
What surprised me most was how many people were simply copying others in the industry without bringing anything new or authentic to the table—it’s such a shame because originality is what truly stands out.
Ultimately, this experience taught me an important lesson: be selective about where you invest your time and energy as a business owner. Not every shiny offer is worth pursuing; instead, focus on trusted mentors or resources that align with your goals and values.
7. Celebrate Small Wins
In the hustle of running a business, it’s easy to overlook progress—but celebrating those small wins is so important! Whether it’s landing a new client or hitting a personal milestone, taking time to acknowledge these moments keeps you motivated and energised for what’s next.
Every step forward matters—so don’t forget to give yourself credit for how far you’ve come!
Final Thoughts
Starting my virtual assistant business has been an incredible journey filled with lessons, growth, and plenty of surprises along the way. While there have been challenges (and some unsolicited advice!), each experience has helped shape me into a stronger entrepreneur.
If you’re starting your own journey—or even if you’re well into it—I hope these insights inspire you to stay positive, stay true to yourself, and keep pushing toward your goals. What lessons have shaped your entrepreneurial path? Let me know—I’d love to hear about them!
Add comment
Comments