It’s Red Cape’s 5th anniversary🎉
I launched RCC 5 years ago after I had just had my beautiful daughter, Amara. It was a period of transition (and anxiety) as I was leaving behind a 20+ year career in corporate. This was also at a time when I was slated to lead a huge AI initiative at the company I worked for…
Yet as a new mom, I didn’t want to work so much and squeeze in just 2 hours a night for my child. Plus, I cared so much about being a part of meaningful change. I wanted to share my skillset with small business owners who really needed it and didn’t have easy access to it.
And hey, it worked out 🙂 I’m so grateful for the amazing memories we’ve built with our clients over the last 5 years!
Today, I’d like to share 3 life-changing business lessons I’ve been fortunate enough to pick up along the way.
1. Do What You Love – Always
This is for every new (and aspiring!) business owner who may need the reminder:
Do what you love ❤️
I did not have an audience nailed down when I first launched RCC. I did, however, hire a coach and that opened the door to a TON of really valuable connections.
Being around coaches felt so natural as I am a growth-oriented person…Digging deep, asking questions, and looking to carve a clear path forward.
Now I’ll be honest…I was still not very clear on my client base in Year 1 and Year 2. I worked with any small business that needed assistance in office management, HR, marketing, and networking. During Year 3, I started exclusively focusing on working with coaching clients and it’s been such a rewarding journey.
So my advice is…Do what you love. Give yourself space to figure it out. And take steps toward intentional growth!
2. Self-Care is Not a Negotiation
I love my job so much, self-care often gets sacrificed. I’ve put in a LOT of late-night and weekend work marathons these last few months. It’s hard to slow this train – Next station: Burnout!
So I go through phases where I’m good at doing the things that fill my cup, and then I go through phases where I’m not.
Personally, what helps me focus and re-energize is equine therapy. I do this twice a month and it is remarkable how well it works for me! Connecting with horses is a deeply spiritual experience and I practice centering, getting grounded, and breathing.
Equine coaching really taps into my body versus my head. And that’s how I’m trying to live my life; from my heart and in my body versus solely in my brain.
While you may also go through phases like I have – Remind yourself of these business lessons: Self-care is NOT a negotiation.
3. Pay Your Blessings Forward
Gratitude goes a very long way; gratitude towards the amazing team who works tirelessly to bring your vision to life AND gratitude towards your clients who are helping you create an amazing legacy.
Give thanks often on social media, during team meetings, client calls, and especially on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. This simple practice has a tremendously positive impact on your personal life, on the decisions you make, and on the performance of your team!
Start today and pay your blessings forward 🙂
Have you learned any crucial business lessons that propel your mission forward? I’d love to learn more and connect with you.