5 Lessons I Learned This August

Back in the early stages of my freelance life, I did a series called “Lessons Learned” where I shared 7 lessons I'd learned each month. At the time, I didn't think much of it. It was an exercise I used to look for the wins amidst oh so many losses. I even scored an invitation onto a podcast as a direct result of the series.

So, as I enter another year in my life and the life of my business adventure, I figured why not revive the concept. So, without further ado, here are 5 valuable lessons I've learned recently:

1. Completing Your Goals Feels Amazing

For what feels like the first time in a quite a while, I've actually been completing the goals I set at the start of each month.

The secret? Cutting big goals in half, following my instincts, and eating that frog—tackling the most challenging tasks first.

One big goal was completing the first season of my new podcast and posting a YouTube video every week . I stuck to the plan. I'd decided to upload at 6pm on Fridays and I set aside Thursdays and Fridays to record, edit and schedule the weekly podcast episode. I cut the bigger episodes into shorts, some of which have done surprisingly well.

Knowing myself, I figured I would have to get guests to interview, so I'd be forced to show up. I knew I'd have to make it as minimal effort and “low-editing” as possible, and everything had to get done in one day.

My channel didn't go viral, I had 3 new subscribers (like seriously y'all, help a sister get to 500), but my videos had consistent views and I learned a lot about how new viewers were finding my content.

As I plan for season two, I'm excited to take the lessons I learned and improve upon them. I want to continue having fun, insightful conversations with business owners and creators I admire while teaching viewers important lessons about business, LinkedIn, personal branding, and creativity.

2. Stats Silence Doubt and Insecurity

Sometimes, tracking and analysing metrics can make your soul scream. Seeing low views, engagement, or growth can make you doubt yourself and your content. But I've learned that instead of letting these stats bring me down, I use them to silence my doubts and insecurities.

One area where I've been able to do this is with my lead generation efforts. For the last two months, I've meticulously tracked the following:

• Leads — People who are aware of who I am and have expressed interest in working with me.
• Prospects — Leads who have shown interest in my services and have scheduled a call.
• Opportunities — Prospects who have turned into potential business deals.
• New projects — Opportunities that have turned into signed contracts.

I learned this approach to tracking new business from Mr. Ben Burns , a leading expert in the field of marketing and business development. His philosophy is that by closely monitoring these metrics, you can identify patterns and areas for improvement in your lead generation strategy.

For example, in July I had 13 leads, 4 calls with prospects, 4 opportunities, and 2 new projects. One way to look at these numbers is a 15% conversion overall. However, if you look at each stage as an elimination process, I actually have a 31% conversion rate from leads to calls, a 100% conversion rate from prospects to opportunities/proposals, and a 50% conversion rate from opportunities to new projects.

Contrast those metric with Augusts which had fewer but higher-quality leads (7), leading to calls with all 7, 6 opportunities, and 3 new projects. While the overall number of leads was almost half, the conversion rates were much higher, with a 100% conversion rate from leads to calls and a 50% conversion rate from opportunities to new projects.

I share these numbers to emphasize the importance of using your stats and KPIs to craft a narrative that contributes to your growth and informs better business decisions. It's not just about the numbers; it's about uncovering positive results and areas for development.

3. Follow the Plan

“Follow the plan” has been my mantra for the last two years. I have a plan, a system, a path that's worked for others and myself as long as I stick to it. Following the steps one by one, over and over, isn't glamorous, but it works.

Sticking to a proven plan reduces the overwhelm and uncertainty that often accompany entrepreneurship. It allows you to focus on execution rather than constantly second-guessing your strategy. Consistency and discipline in following the plan can lead to remarkable results.

4. Community and Relationships Matter

Building a supportive community and nurturing relationships can significantly enhance success and well-being. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your values and goals provides a strong support system. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help or advice, and always remember to give back and support others in their journeys as well.

5. It's Okay to Change

I'm so used to being in a state of stress and partial contentment that the recent joy and happiness I've experienced feels odd. Achieving my goals and crossing items off my to-do list has brought me a sense of fulfilment that I'm not accustomed to.

There were moments in these past two months when I caught myself wondering who this person was—someone who gets things done and meets her goals. It's a new and different feeling, like wearing borrowed clothes that don't quite match my usual style, but I kind of like the way it looks on me.

Happiness and fulfilment are essential components of a sustainable and rewarding professional life. It's okay to celebrate your wins and feel proud of your achievements.

Final Thoughts

August was a month of growth, learning, and self-discovery. These five lessons have reinforced the importance of goal-setting, data-driven decision-making, consistent planning, building relationships, and allowing oneself to feel joy and satisfaction.

If you're ready to take your business to the next level, consider these lessons and see how they can apply to your own journey. Remember, progress is a series of small steps taken consistently over time.

To further refine your strategy and get personalized advice, don't hesitate to Book a Consultation with Me at no cost. Let's make your goals a reality!