This Year is the WORST Year I've Had as an Entrepreneur
Jeff J Hunter
Certified AI Consultant: Driving 10x Productivity for Leaders with AI and Remote Teams ??????
I didn't want to write this post, it's negative, it's brutal...
This is going to make some of you angry - but it's the truth.
The negative things that happen to us in life mold us the most.
Although, it's how we REACT to them - that's what shapes us.
The beginning of this year was THE worst time of my life as an entrepreneur.
It was even worse than when I quit my 6-figure day job, and moved in with my grandparents as a 30-something year old, with a wife and toddler.
It was flat out DEPRESSING.
I lost my BIGGEST client (over 6-figure contract), I lost some of my best team members, business partner, and even friends.
Only 30 days to fix it all, and save 10 jobs that were being canceled by that contract.
It's easy to throw your hands up, and play the victim of things that happen to you.
Everyone LOVES to hear about the pain and misery.
And ooooohhhhh the pity.
I grew a LOT the past year, emotionally, and professionally.
I had to learn to HARNESS the pain to create solutions.
The truth is, I learned to "Panic Faster".
This is something most entrepreneurs (or anyone for that matter) don't even think about until it's too late.
What happens when you lose that big client?
What happens when you have to re-create 10 jobs in 30 days?
Let me tell you, I got creative.
And by day 27, I replaced all 10 jobs AND had to hire 4 more.
But you know what I didn't get back?
Trust...
I have lost a lot of trust in people.
People who I always give the benefit of the doubt.
People who I thought I could believe in.
Yeah, I learned a lot this year.
I learned that the people who can do the most damage to you, are the ones closest to you.
I've learned to say "NO".
I've learned to STAND FIRM for my principles.
I've learned the importance of CULTURE.
I've learned the 5 traits I value the most that you can't teach:
?? Loyalty
?? Reliability
?? Experience
?? Humility
?? Judgement
In the end.
?? I've been hurt by many.
?? I've been taken advantage of.
?? I've had my best team members poached.
?? I've had my best clients poached.
?? I've been lied to (countless times)
All of these have shaped me into who I am today.
I own it.
I learn from it.
I became a better man from it.
But most importantly, I prepare for the next time.
Making life better at work.
6 年I can't imagine how you did that!! Clearly, you have iron will, brilliance and courage. Also, an overwhelming empathy for your employees that goes way beyond the employment relationship. All I can say is: Be smart; test people; don't let the dmage create an ugly scar. Remember, success is inevitable unless you quit or adopt a negative attitude. Thanks for sharing. Keep your eyes on the prize!
is a real estate agent specializing in helping healthcare professionals relocate & buy Park City & Salt Lake City UT real estate? | 29-yr Real Estate Veteran with over twenty 5-Star reviews ??????????
6 年Very optimistic stance and I'm glad you posted it.? I take exception to the Loyalty trait.? Loyalty is a lazy mans commitment.? Loyalty can breed mistrust and sets a foundation of entitlement.? I like commitment in place of loyalty.? When two people or a group are committed to each other they support authentic behavior and communication.? Commitment plows through bad days and raises the bar for all.? Commitment is the road to abundance.
Leader in industrial automation. Champion of execution and developing future leaders who do the same.
6 年This is a good post. The trick to this (good) attitude is catching the negative in the moment and applying this grit / inspirational type thinking to get through it. My go to attitude is #growthmindset, but in the moment of frustration and wanting to quit something it often feels like trite nonsense from a book, but that’s exactly when it’s application is most powerful in my experience. Cheers to your turnaround, gained wisdom, and spreading it.
? Freelance Conversion Copywriter | Strategic Storyteller | Expert in Branding, Content Marketing & Sustainability ?? | Helping Businesses Turn Ideas into Impact ??
6 年Thank you for sharing Jeff! Brutal words and sad to have to go through that, however this makes me want to take even more action in my biz! It just proves again where there is perseverance there is a way. Very inspiring words ??