How Can I Do What I Love, When What I Love is Low-Paid

“How Can I Do What I Love, When What I Love is Low-Paid” Help from our Community “How Can I Do What I Love, When What I Love is Low-Paid?” * Graham has a long-standing passion for photography. But when it's known for being a tricky career path to make money from, how can he realistically make a future from it? What's your career history and current job? I work for a small print company. I used to be an art teacher, but left teaching four years ago when my school closed down, and moved into the print industry. How do you feel about your work? I enjoy the technical problem-solving element, and the customer interactions (most of the time), but a lot of the work is very repetitive and I really miss the creative outlet I had in teaching. Digital print is all about rules and limitations, and although I can be creative in the way I tackle problems, that's really my only way of stretching my creative muscle. I'm also surrounded by the same handful of people every day, and although I get on well with my colleagues, I miss interacting with a variety of people. What would you like to be doing instead? I've always been a keen photographer, and spend most of my spare time out and about with my camera. I love street photography â€" candid moments between strangers in urban settings. My print job has been a fantastic learning curve for me in terms of my photography, so I'm really grateful that I've had a chance to develop my skills in that way. I've been told I'm really good at what I do, and I'm always learning and developing my skills. I can't think of anything better than getting paid to be a photographer. What's the biggest obstacle you're facing? Unless you're an incredible talent, or you know the right people, it's very difficult to make money as a photographer. I have friends who are wedding photographers and they all have to budget so carefully over the course of the year to be able to make ends meet. I don't want to be so pessimistic about things, but photography is just one of those fields packed full of people who love their art, but can't make it work as a career. I'd love to find a way to make that different for me, but I just don't know what I could do that everyone hasn't already tried. Can you help Graham Have you been in a similar situation, or are you in the same boat right now? What can he do to make a liveable income out of his passion for photography? Do you know anyone he could talk to? Share your thoughts in the comments below and click the thumbs-up button to show your support. Give Graham a cheer of encouragement by hitting the thumbs-up button here:

What to Put on a Resume For Skills

What to Put on a Resume For SkillsIf you are looking for what to put on a resume for skills, the first thing that you should do is look up your career skills. You will need to be certain that you have all of the skills that you need for the job that you are looking for. Your resume should not just be a list of your qualifications; it should show your skills as well.Skills are the most important part of any resume. They are what will make you stand out from the other applicants that apply for the same position. There are a few things that you should look for to make sure that you are not including the wrong skills on your resume.Look for skills that you have used in the past. If you can show that you are able to use the skills that you learned at an earlier point in your life, this could really help you make your resume stand out. Even if you did not learn these skills from an adult, you could still use them. In fact, you may have been using these skills for years before you were even hired by the company.The next thing that you should consider when trying to determine what to put on a resume for skills is what you did in your youth. Look at the skills that you learned while you were a child and how you used them. If you were involved in the activities that you are talking about when you were young, then you may want to include these skills on your resume.Certain jobs will require certain skills. If you work with computers, you may have to demonstrate that you know how to use some type of computer program. Look for programs that you learned at home or at school.For example, there are certain work environments where you will need to be able to operate your computer equipment. These types of job responsibilities may require that you have some type of technology knowledge. This is one of the skills that you should include on your resume.Of course, this does not mean that you will be able to get a job if you do not include these skills on your resume. Some companies do not hire people who do not have any knowledge of technology. However, you will probably have an easier time finding a job if you include these skills on your resume.If you have special skills, then you should put those skills on your resume. For example, if you have experience working with databases, then you should include that on your resume. It will be more likely that the employer will be able to find your specialty if you include your skills on your resume.

Top 6 Benefits of an Office Free Job

Top 6 Benefits of an Office Free Job There comes a time for many of us when we take a step back from our career and think about whether it’s still  right for us. Sometimes, a change is needed â€" and freelancing is one of those changes that people across the  UK are taking greater satisfaction in. With advantages such as becoming your own boss and being desk-free,  who can blame them? You can work in a role you love, all the while having greater control over your own life. Read on to find out some of the top benefits to becoming a freelancer or franchisee. 1) Kiss commuting goodbye Waking up at 6am, before a lengthy train commute to work, is just part of some people’s morning routines. One of the great things about freelancing is that, if you work from home or your vehicle, your commute is only  a matter of minutes (and you don’t have to start your day squashed up against a stranger). Not to mention the  fact that, with your hours being more flexible, you could even treat yourself to the odd lie in. 2) Choose your own hours While the rest of the world moans about Monday mornings and late finishes, you can enjoy a career that lets  you work the hours you want. Freelancing and franchisee work is far more flexible than other jobs, and gives  you greater control over your schedule. So if you want to fit work around your other commitments, hobbies or  social activities, you have the freedom to do so â€" and, if you want to take more work on and make a little more  cash, this is also possible. Earning potential is a big part of why people switch to freelance or franchisee careers  â€" some roles could even see an increase in average earning, with recent research from freelance accountancy  services specialist FBTC finding that prospects are looking good for driving instructor jobs in particular, as the majority of driving instructors in the UK see their earnings increasing over the coming 12 months. 3) Take control of your holidays In an office environment, it can be tricky taking the holiday dates you want when you’ve got other people  fighting for the same ones. As a freelancer or franchisee, you don’t have to worry about such awkwardness,  and you can book whatever holiday you want without having to go through several people for approval first. What’s more, the amount of time you want to go away for won’t be a problem. Fancy taking three weeks off  over the summer? Done! The same goes for doctor or dentist appointments â€" no longer will you need to feel  nervous about asking your boss for the morning off, and it’ll be much easier to book an appointment with your  local surgery. 4) Enjoy freedom Being managed can make your working life feel more disciplined, which, for some, isn’t always a good thing.  Perhaps you’ve found that your boss has given you more responsibility than you’re comfortable with, or you’re  not able to focus on the areas of your job you’re most passionate about. With a freelance career, you only  need to answer to yourself, and you alone are in charge of the tasks you take on, giving you more  opportunities to concentrate on what interests you the most. Then there’s the aspect of being desk-free â€"  people often associate freelancing with sitting at a desk at home and having little contact with the outside world, but this isn’t the case at all. There are many freelance careers that allow you to get and about,  interacting and connecting with others. 5) Freelance or franchise? Taking the plunge into a freelance career can be a daunting prospect, especially if you’ve always been  managed. For a full freelance career, you’ll be responsible for marketing yourself as well as enjoying the  freedoms of your own job, something that can be difficult until you build up a reputation in your chosen  industry. On the other hand, becoming a franchisee can give you a ready-made support network while you  take your first steps into working freelance, while also giving you the flexibility and financial rewards of  traditional freelancing. 6) Experience greater work satisfaction Your freelance career is essentially your own business, with every success down to you and you alone. This can  make your job satisfaction much higher when you do well and give you the confidence to take on more work,  helping you to grow in your new role. As well as optimism in their future earning potential, the FBTC  accountancy services research found that 93 per cent of freelancers are ‘satisfied’ with their job, with 43 percent reporting a ‘very high level of satisfaction’, showing just how positive an effect a change in career can  have for people’s confidence in their role. Author: RED  a national driving school with an expert team of driving instructors who are committed to helping you not only pass your driving test but be a safe driver for life.  They also offer a range of training options for those hoping to become driving instructors themselves. [Image Credit: Shutterstock]

Why We Must Act Now to Address the Digital Skills Gap

Why We Must Act Now to Address the Digital Skills Gap Over the past couple of decades technology has become wholly entwined with the completion of our day to day tasks. Many of us obsessively check our smartphones from dawn to dusk. I for one am guilty as charged. But there’s a problem that’s been brewing for a while; the lack of technical talent to fulfil our insatiable appetite for the latest next generation technology. According to code.org, there will be 1,000,000 more jobs than computer science students by 2020, attributing to a $500 billion dollar opportunity gap. The problem is not just across the pond, many British businesses have also come forward to state that young people do not have the right skills when they leave school. This is not just in technology, science and engineering but in all subject areas, including soft skills. The issue is one of diversity too. Over half the population is female, yet they are largely underrepresented in the evolution of technical products and innovation. This article attempts to highlight what is being done to address these issues, and how technology companies and recruiters can potentially work in partnership with educational establishments and the government to become part of the solution. Coding on the curriculum: Last September the UK government implemented a landmark and unprecedented change to the school curriculum. Abolishing the traditional Information Technology content in favour of digital skills in computer science and digital literacy. The then Education Secretary Michael Gove called these reforms as ‘essential’ to give pupils the best possible start to their future. This shift has required comprehensive retraining of all teaching staff in both primary and secondary schools across the country. The progression of the learning programme is intended to ensure that all students leaving education at 16 will be digitally literate, which is defined as: “Being able to use, express and develop their ideas through information and communication technology” In addition, children will also learn the latest developments in internet safety ensuring that they can protect themselves online. Many see this transition as part of the solution to ensure pupils are well equipped with life skills that can translate into careers. Access for everyone: This step change is excellent news for preparing the next generation of talent coming through, but what about the people who went to school twenty years ago? Evidently we can’t turn back the clock, but it’s never too late for those who are interested in pursuing a career in technical services, security, administration or and analysis. Whether starting out from scratch or just refining skills, many potential candidates are turning their hand at self-taught methods. In the past couple of years, online ‘up-skilling’ sites have gained traction whereby courses are written by professionals working in web design, development, application deployment, user experience etc. Courses like these offer the flexibility to continue to earn whilst you learn as they can be learned anywhere, anytime, allowing for the progression from a hobbyist to a candidate. One of the key advantages over traditional courses and learning mechanisms is that this informal learning is far more likely to be up to date with the latest in-demand technological developments. Thus, perhaps the first statement by code.org quoted in the introduction of the article is misleading. Maybe the fundamental ways people learn have to adapt to survive as well as the potential candidates willingness to take on these new skills. Changing perceptions: Public perceptions of technology companies often portray IT professionals as geeky, white, male and socially ill-prepared. This popular culture view of working in the industry needs to change in order to attract a more diverse mix of candidates. On average the gender split in the largest enterprise technology companies, including Google and Apple, is 70% male, 30% female, of which around 60% are white. How do you solve a problem like diversity and stereotypes? It will take a long time for these companies to address the systemic issues affecting their ability to attract disparate talent pools, it is one of education as well as equal opportunity. If everyone is educated to the same level of understanding then there is an equal playing field but until that point, things cannot evolve. We must employ individuals on merit, skills and culture fit; not gender. Furthermore, working in technology, contrary to popular belief, is not all about coding. Much emphasis has recently been put on the importance of everyone knowing a little bit of code, with high profile politicians and celebrities showing their hand to help the cause. However, like Engineering and Medicine, there are multiple industry facets that incorporate design techniques, maths, testing and business analytics. Long-term view: Three things ultimately need to change; raising awareness, increasing participation and opening up opportunities of careers in technology. Scope, generational and gender  diversity  also need to vastly improve in the tech sector and wider and is a combined effort both now and in the future. Although more behind the curve on the educational developments, the US is leading the global charge in terms of pairing technology enablers with appropriate government initiatives. The Clinton Global Initiative ‘Change the Ratio’ partnered up with a number of US tech start-up foundations to inspire 150,000 young women into careers in technology. To help build on this momentum, more partnerships like this need to be set-up across all facets of the recruitment cycle. That way, technology won’t just change the ratio, it will have the potential to change the world as we know it. I would like to conclude with an open question could your recruitment firm or company do more to help educate and empower people into a career in technology? The issue is not just one for teachers and politicians to address, it is one for us all to tackle. Author: Carl Jones is Founder and Managing Director of online IT skills testing company Technically Compatible. A bespoke software solution for recruiters looking to hire top technical talent. Follow Technically Compatible @TechCompatible.

How To Get Useful Job Tips From Recruiters

How To Get Useful Job Tips From RecruitersYou may have to change your resume when you are trying to get hired for a job, but you will need some helpful resume writing tips from recruiters. This is not an easy task and there are many details that can make the difference between a good offer and an offer not to be accepted. Even if your resume has some glaring errors, they may help you move up the hiring chain and into a better position.The first step is to rewrite your resume to make it as professional as possible. Rejecting resumes that do not meet guidelines can be very discouraging for new candidates. A good resume writer can edit your resume and give you the opportunity to improve it.The problem with a resume that is not clearly outlined is that you cannot see all of the information needed to tell your story. It is important to ensure that all of the information is present, including contact information, education, work history, skills, and other pertinent information. As your cov er letter is already built around your career objective, you can move on to the next step to getting hired.The cover letter should be part of your resume. The cover letter is designed to create an image for you and attract an employer's attention. The goal is to get your name out there so that they can learn more about your strengths and what makes you an ideal candidate for the job.If you send your resume along with the cover letter, then the recruiter cannot see the information on your resume. However, your cover letter will tell the recruiter why you are an ideal candidate for the job. This means that you are more likely to get the job and more likely to get hired quickly.Another great tip from recruiters is to use your resume as an opportunity to sell yourself. They understand that people want to know that you are interested in the position before they get to know you. They also understand that your past accomplishments can be relevant to the job they are looking for.If you need to make a change to your resume, then go through it and make the necessary changes. A recruiter will notice that you are trying to convince them to hire you and they will take that into consideration. They are also likely to see the improvements that you are making to your resume.Make sure you keep your resume organized by checking it against your previous resume. You can refer back to previous versions as well as see if there are any areas that need improvement. Once you are ready, you will need to submit the resume, cover letter, and personal statement to an employer.

How to Start an Online Teaching Business CareerMetis.com

How to Start an Online Teaching Business No idea is ever guaranteed to be successful. The product may flop, the business may fail. I may end up right back where I started. You’re certainly not the first to have these thoughts.When it comes to building a freedom-based lifestyle by teaching online, they can be emotionally paralyzing. ‘Do I have what it takes? I’ve never done this before, and don’t know where to start.’What am I an expert in?evalEveryone is an expert in something. I know, I know: this sounds like something your second-grade teacher might say.But to make money teaching online, you’ve got to hone in on what it is that is, or at the very least, what you do better than most people.What are you passionate about? What really gives you that burning desire to help people?Boil it down to one direct skill or base of knowledge that you have that most people don’t. Once you’ve grasped this, identify the target niche that could benefit from that skill or knowledge.Perhaps you’re looking to teach an online course. This is a great option for how-to instruction on a software program or maintenance project, as well as professional guides.Top guide sites like Udemy walk instructors through the process of setting up their course and provide plenty of guidelines to make the process as easy as possible.Get startedContracting with an existing site or company Learning how the online teaching world works takes some research and practice, and working alongside existing cohorts is a great way to gain some insight.Owning your own business and website, however, brings the opportunity to make real money while increasing your personal freedom.So you’re ready to get the process started.This is the most important step. Once you’ve identified a passion that others might take value from, it’s time to figure out why you are qualified to teach it and how to go about doing so.evalI suggest turning this part into a game. Open a Google Doc or Word doc and title it “How I Learned To X.” Now that you have this list in front of you, save it. Back it up on the cloud. And then close your computer for the day.For real.It’s time to let this sink into the page and into your brain. Your mind is likely reeling, and this is a good point to take a break and let everything settle. If you think of anything super important between now and the next session, jot it down on paper or into a note on your phone.Ok. Onward to the next session.This time, we’re going to think forwards instead of backward. Open that same doc, and on a new page, create a section called “The Next Level.”evalHere, I want you to start by noting the next level of progression in your activity. For a skier who is at an advanced level and looking to progress even further, that might be to venture into the realm of backcountry skiing.Underneath this, create a bulleted list of the actionable steps it would take you to get there.What research do you need to do?What equipment/skills do you need?How long will it take?What else is necessary to get there?Now that I have you daydreaming about your favorite activity, we’re going to switch course and go back to square one.Starting at the top of your document, go through and apply this same line of thought to each step along the way, that took you from fresh beginner to where you are now.The idea is to apply a progressive method of thinking and growth to each step along the way, and get you thinking about exactly what was needed in each step.This is what you will be teaching to your students. This will turn you into the “hindsight master” that I mentioned above. The student doesn’t have the benefit of being able to look back on years of experience to ensure they learn this activity the right way.You are giving them that chance. That’s what they’re paying you for, and that’s how they are going to progress in an efficient, productive manner.Your document is likely to get quite long as this is going to be the building block of your lessons, cou rse, or whatever medium you choose to teach through.Bring this concept to lifeNow that you have the completed doc, it’s time to figure out how to go about teaching this material to someone else.There are a number of ways you can do this, and I suggest you do thorough research to determine the best platform and strategy for your situation.Perhaps you create an online course, and market that to people in your niche. Maybe you contract with an online school or offer 1-on-1 lessons to students on your own.Online teaching platforms: A quick overview.We’ll get into these platforms more in this article and others, but these are the three primary ways to make money teaching online.Online video courses:If looking to create a guide that can be applicable to a large number of people, an online course may be the best route. Sites such asUdemy are a great place to learn more about the world of online courses and find out if recording yourself teaching your expertise is right for you.Teaching and tutoring schools. If looking to help students with a specific subject. Or you are hoping to get a job teaching at an online school or university.Starting your own company. ESL teachers, music instructors, and tutors often wish to work solely for themselves. By forming your own company, you’ll have complete freedom over the material, rates, and profit.A bit of inspirationIn order to market yourself and your business, draft what the brand will look like.The key here is to separate yourself from everything else that’s already out there and make it obvious why your services are better. I’ve had immense success by letting my personality shine through all aspects of the business.Let me tell you why:My career experience has helped to shape the way I present myself.No one can replicate my specific personality and quirks.People respond positively to what they see as personable and real. Even a professionally designed teaching website can’t overshadow an instructor that is in ove r his or her head. Students or mentees will see right through anything that seems fake or copied.The overall goal is for YOU to make money by teaching YOUR base of knowledge. Always play the part of the expert, and project your expertise in a confident and compelling manner.The next step is to take your passionate skill and place it outside of the proverbial ‘box.’Maybe you played guitar in a rock band. Why not look into teaching beginner music lessons online? Are your friends and family members always coming to you for advice? Maybe you’re keen on psychoanalyzing people’s situations and drawing a path forward?Becoming an online mentor or lifestyle coach might be a valid option.Here’s aGREAT LISTof websites that can help put that passion into entrepreneurial action.See how others doing similar things are presenting themselves as a brand and working independently.Always keep your focus on the step right in front of you. Watch what successful online teachers are doing.Go to networking events and chat with people further along than yourself. Try new things. Some will work, others won’t.Now you have a basic feel for how to teach online. Remember: In the world of freelancing and entrepreneurship, no one is going to come hounding you to work harder or get more done.It’s all for you! YOUR income, YOUR lifestyle freedom, and YOUR success are a result of YOUR hard work and commitment. These words are scary at first, but the underlying theme is this:Ultimate Freedom.

Personal Branding, Twitter, and #LateNightCorn

Personal Branding, Twitter, and #LateNightCorn 4 Flares 4 Flares I dont write about personal brand here on COTJ too often, mainly because I believe building a brand is simply about being yourself. If building your brand isnt fun, then my guess is its because youre faking who you are. Shame on you. Know what you stand for, both on the business side and the personal side. Once thats ironed out (should be easy), look for ways to build on both sides. Today Ill mainly focus on my personal side, and how Ive used it in a creative, and in what I think is a funny way to build my brand. My business side is pretty simple, right? Weve got this blog here, #JobHuntChat, guest posts, a couple other websites Im working on, and then a few other items. I enjoy working on all of these. Done! My personal side may be harder to figure out, because not all of my personal hobbies and interests can be reflected through my brand. You see, I really enjoy hockey. Not only do I coach, but Im nutty over the Philadelphia Flyers. Thats not something I can always tie into COTJ. Oh, and Im a gym rat. Again, not sure my love for NO Xplode and Zero Impact Bars will appear on COTJ often. So, what about my personal side can I use?  Well, maybe Im a little weird, and I have my quirky side.  I enjoy engaging with people on Twitter.  I love making people laugh, and in trying to do so, Im usually the first one laughing.  These listed items led to last nights first edition of #LateNightCorn, and it was magical. #LateNightCorn Its amazing what can be found when searching a random word on Twitter.  Now, lets just say that word is corn.  Think of the possibilities.  Is your head filling up with ideas?  Well, last night I DID run this corn search, and I sure did find some incredibly ridiculous tweets from folks.  I RTd a bunch, and put my corny twist on each.  Here are some of my favorites from last night. Im not sure how long it lasted, but there were many more tweets like these sent out last night.  When it was all said and done, I had created a nice little following of people who were up late, and laughing with me on Twitter.  Oh, I also somehow gained around 10  new followers after this insanity.  I was simply having fun, and I really didnt care what people thought.  People like that. How does this help my brand? I just happen to have a job search blog that is branded with corn.  People call me Mr. Corn, Corns, Corn, and even King Corn.  Ive heard them all, and people enjoy making that association with me.  It keeps people smiling, and it gives me something that they can hold on to and identify with my name and my blog. My blog isnt an intense serious job search blog, you know that by now.  In fact, I like COTJ to be a bit more on the fun games side, and last nights #LateNightCorn was definitely fun games.  This wont work for everyone, but it surely works for me.  Its who I am, and I KNOW that people enjoy that about me and this blog. If you enjoyed the above #LateNightCorn tweets, check out the rest @CornOnTheJob (check tweets from 12:12 AM on 5/19). Which Tweets above were your favorite? This has been a featured post from Global Response.  Find out why top brands trust Global Response for their call center outsourcing.

10 Things Youll Need to Accept to Have a Successful Creative Business - When I Grow Up

10 Things Youll Need to Accept to Have a Successful Creative Business - When I Grow Up This is a long-ass post, and I really dont think it needs more of an introduction other than HERE ARE 10 THINGS YOULL NEED TO ACCEPT TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL CREATIVE BIZ. {And for serious if you accept this stuff sooner rather than later, youll become successful sooner rather than later. So get on it, yo!} 1. Youll have to want to trade one type of stress for another.  When it comes down to my clients deciding whether they wanna be entrepreneurs, theres usually never a clear-cut answer. On one hand, they have to deal with someones else rules and do work thats not aligned with whats meaningful for them and feel inauthentic for 40+ hours a weekbut then theres the steady paycheck and the benefits package and a simple answer to The Dreaded Question. On the other hand, theres creating a business thats based around  the type of work thats important to them and the people they wanna work withthat is also totally dependent on them bringing in the money and bearing the weight of insurance, retirement plans, etc. It usually boils down to which stress they prefer. 2. Youll have to let go of The Sprint and really trust The Marathon.  I left my day job in March of 2010, and while Ive been getting paid for being The When I Grow Up Coach since 2008, it was so nominal I didnt track it in a formal way (but I did save it all in its own account!). But Ive been keeping the same Magic Formula spreadsheet since 2010, and I can tell you that in that entire year I brought in about three quarters of my annual pay check from the day job  (thank Moses for my effective escape and having enough of a financial cushion saved that I never felt crunched!).  In 2011, I grossed $20K more than 2010. In 2012, I made $145 less than the year before  (thanks boob cancer!). 2013 brought me $15K more than the year before, and 2014 $8K more than that. Now, its not to say that my numbers would be your numbers, and I love seeing the continuous growthbut this is a marathon through and through. At least it is when you know youre in it for the long-ish haul. Which brings me to 3. Youll have to come to terms with the fact that you wont make the same money you do at your side hustle  that you do at your day job while youre at your day job.  I remember the moment I spoke to my husband about what it would take to make him comfortable for me to give my notice. Always so sweet and supportive, he said, Well, youll just have to make the same amount of money you do as an Executive Assistant. Then well know its OK to quit. I froze up then and there, because I knew how impossible that was to do when I only had nights, lunch hours and weekends to work on my biz. Thankfully, when I articulated to him what it would take to have  me feel comfortable with giving notice and being confident that I can give this Woman of the World (aka full-time entrepreneur) thing a shot along with what my Plan B would be should it not work out he agreed. If you expect to make $40K or $60K or $150K while working on your passionate career on the side, youll be  very let down and waiting a  very long time. But some encouragement: I made about $2250 from my coaching in the first 3 months of 2010, right before I quit. My first full month as a Woman of the World brought me $1350, and the next month I made $2597. It goes to show that if you set yourself up with a strong foundation and  then give yourself the time to work full-time on your passionate career, that you  can make it happen. 4. Youll have to be on top of your finances.  I dont know a single successful business owner that doesnt know their numbers. And although I finally have a bookkeeper (hi Stephanie!), you can bet Im on top of her monthly reports, plugging numbers into my own spreadsheet and seeing whats been coming in and out. If youre scared of your finances or are used to ignoring them, youre gonna have to get over that theres really no way around it. Id suggest you get to Galia Gichons CreativeLive course  as a jumping off point (and to hear complicated finance shizz spoken in plain English). 5. Youll have to let go of your  shoulds and  musts in order to get to your  needs and  wants.  So what that youve been taking classes on how to build a successful online business? If you get a thrill from working with people one-on-one, its time to let the online piece go (or at least say, Thanks for giving me so much knowledge about marketing and copywriting and social media, online business classes. But, Im ready to do my work in person now. Ill apply what I learned to that and maybe Ill catch ya later!). Stop getting hung up on what the successful peeps in your sphere have done and/or what they tell you that  you should be doing to be successful! and listen to whats inside  you instead. 6. Youll have to constantly pivot and experiment in order to build on whats working and let go of what isnt. If not, your whole business can shut down when one offering doesnt take off. Its easy to get attached to something youve pored your heart and soul into, its also saying something when youre only gotten 3 sign-ups. At that point, you either change those sails, jump ship, or diversify your products/offerings enough that the ship wont sink. 7.  Youll have to learn how to not take things personally. Its easy to feel like someone not picking up what youre putting down really means that they dont like  you. Its especially easy when youre a solopreneur and youre doing it all. Its even easier when your brand is, essentially, you your experience, your personality, your values. Like Tiff and I talk about in our episode of Grown Up Gigs, youre gonna have to find a way to detach your emotions from your sales. I find it helpful to keep the Nancy Drew hat on and view whats happened with a detectives eye. Then, its not about you but the overall issue. 8. Youll have to tell people what youre doing. Do not expect to build it and have them come. This is not Field of Dreams. The Internet is too saturated. It took  years for me to have enough content and web hits to actually have clients tell me that they found me through Google. Instead, my early clients (and most of my current clients!) come from referrals (former clients, friends, their mothers(!)) and social media. 9. Youll have to get comfortable with NO, boundaries, and prioritization.  I was reminded recently that you can do anything, but not everything and also that if everything is a priority that nothing is a priority. Within a successful business, you can not be everything to everyone. And while I absolutely know I built my business on Yes,  I had a breaking point where one more Yes would, well, break me. Ive had to make NO my friend every since. 10. Youll have to trust that you  are a unique flower, no matter how many other people are out there doing what you do.  Go click over to the Google search for creative career coach. See how many different peeps are on the first page, supposedly doing what I do? Now go open each and every link in a new tab, and take note of the difference in the businesses. Our tone is different. Our offerings are different. We are  not the same even though our titles are, and there  is room for us all.