5 lessons I learned while growing my business in 2021
1. Creating content is not congruent with sales
I posted on the Hailey Hart Creative Instagram a total of 22 times in 2021. That’s less than 2 times a month and guess what? I still was able to work with new clients. Using Instagram to market my services and attract new clients has always been something that stressed me out. In 2020 I tried multiple different social media strategies the latest business guru told me I needed to do if I wanted to grow my clientele. Well surprise, surprise- they didn’t work. I think social media is a great way to build a community and share your business, but it is not the ONLY way. You can make money in your creative business and not post every day! You can also post what you want to post! *gasp* I know- the algorithm doesn’t want me to tell you this, but it’s true. I’m living proof you can make money in your business and post whatever the heck you want to.
2. Prioritize investing in yourself to increase the value of your greatest asset: YOU!
Investing in things that increase the value of your product or service is always worth it. The entrepreneur storyline is often portrayed as an individual going off on their own and carving a new path that enriches life in some way or the other and then getting nasty rich right? Well, I’m here to tell you a new storyline: You can go against the crowd, build something different, but it will be a lot easier if you ask for help. Lean on your community and seek wisdom from those who have done what you are seeking to do. Invest in branding. Hire a coach. Get therapy. I invested in a business coach and multiple tools that make my business more efficient and profitable. It has seriously made all the difference. If you are ready to take the leap and invest in a brand strategist and designer to elevate your business to the next level- you can reach out to me here:)
3. Your productivity does NOT = Your worth
This year I desperately fell ill to what I call productivity depression. First, you have to understand I grew up with the most amazing, hard-working mom. She was a wonderful role model of how to work hard and accomplish amazing things. I’ve always had this formula built into my mind: Hard work leads to great success. Productivity is a way to maximize your time, so you can work the hardest and therefore end the day/week/month/year with the greatest success. This year I definitely had some low moments and when I was not maximizing my time to be the most productive, I honestly felt like crap. Literally, I felt like a lazy, stinky pile of dog Dodoo. As I talked to some friends about this, I realized they felt the same. I realized this was a universal feeling among business owners, college students, and stay-at-home moms alike. I then formed a new belief: The number of tasks I do or do not do in a day does not affect my worth as a human being. I am an infinite, beautiful soul with infinite and divine worth. Then an amazing thing happened: My desire to create beautiful things and build a beautiful life for my family increased. I think
4. It’s ok to take a break, as long as you get up and keep going
As an extension of the above lesson I learned this: You can take a break. I know, what an earth-shattering idea. Even God took a break and rested the seventh day after he created the world. This is a lesson to us all. Our bodies literally require us to take breaks from working. If we don’t eventually rest, our bodies will force us to. This year I prioritized getting 8-10 hours of sleep every night and it was so wonderful. To everything, there is a season. There is a season for work and growth, but there is also a season for slowness and rest. I think life is learning to harmonize the push and pull of these two opposing seasons.
5. Prioritizing the relationships in your life will bring fullness and joy to life
In March of this year, I got married! It was a very joyful season to be in and every day since then I've learned that it is the relationships in my life that matter. I love my work and design business, but I love the people close to me more. I realized that no matter what success I achieve in my business or financial goal that I meet, none of it compares to the joy I receive from nurturing and valuing the relationships in my life. Having my own little family opened my eyes to a whole new WHY in my business. I look forward to setting better work boundaries in 2022, so I can put my better attention into nurturing my marriage and the people closest to me. I encourage you to think of the relationships in your life you want to invest more of your time and attention in 2022.
That’s a wrap on 2021!
Thank you for supporting my little branding studio in any way this year. I appreciate all the likes, shares. and kind messages. A huge thank you to all my branding clients this year- it was an honor to create with you! I look forward to all the wonderful things we will create together this coming year. If you want to be in the know, sign up for my newsletter below. Thanks + Happy new year!
