12 Lessons From My First Year as an Entrepreneur: A Marketing Consultant's Journey

Starting a business is an absolute rollercoaster.

One year ago today, I left my £48,000 agency job to launch Bearhat Marketing with nothing but a vision to help smaller businesses access quality marketing services. Today, I'm sharing the 12 most valuable lessons from my entrepreneurial journey, to celebrate 12 months in business.

1. You Don't Need to Niche (Yet)

While everyone preaches the importance of niching down, I've learned that starting broad isn't necessarily a mistake. It allows you to explore different industries, discover what excites you, and let your niche find you organically. The key is to remain open to evolution while delivering consistent value.

2. Clarity Beats Cleverness

In marketing and business communication, being understood is more valuable than being clever. Clear, straightforward messaging resonates better with clients than complex jargon or fancy words. Focus on explaining your value proposition in simple terms that a 12 year old would understand.

3. Done Is Better Than Perfect

Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. I've learned to embrace 'good enough' and iterate rather than waiting for perfection. Whether it's your website, proposal, or marketing strategy, launching and improving is more effective than endless tweaking.

4. Cheap Clients Cost the Most

One of the hardest lessons was learning that clients who haggle over prices often demand the most time and energy. Value-based pricing isn't just about money; it's about mutual respect and understanding the worth of your expertise. Quality clients appreciate quality work.

5. Systems Equal Sanity

Organisation isn't optional when you're running a business. Implementing proper systems (like Notion, in my case) for project management, client communication, and task tracking has been crucial for maintaining productivity and peace of mind.

6. Confidence Is a Result, Not a Prerequisite

You don't need to feel completely confident to start. Confidence grows with each client win, each problem solved, and each milestone achieved. Take action first; the confidence will follow.

7. Your Network Is Your Net Worth

The power of professional relationships cannot be overstated. Many of my best opportunities have come through my network. Nurture your professional relationships consistently, not just when you need something.

8. Community Over Competition

The business world has enough room for everyone. Building relationships with other entrepreneurs and even 'competitors' has led to collaborations, referrals, and valuable friendships.

9. Boundaries Build Businesses

Learning to say 'no' has been crucial for growth. Setting clear boundaries with clients, protecting your time, and choosing projects aligned with your values creates space for better opportunities.

10. Celebrate Every Victory

It's easy to overlook small wins. I've learned to celebrate everything from new client signings to successful project completions. These moments of acknowledgment drive my motivation and resilience.

11. Sell Outcomes, Not Deliverables

Clients don't buy services; they buy results. Focus your communication on the transformation and value you provide, not just the technical aspects of your work. People invest in solutions to their problems.

12. Boring Marketing Works

Consistency trumps creativity in the long run. While innovative campaigns have their place, it's the regular, 'boring' marketing activities - consistent content, email newsletters, and social media presence - that build sustainable business growth.

Looking Forward

This first year has been a huge learning curve in business growth. There have been (many) challenges, but the decision to start Bearhat Marketing has literally transformed my career. I've built a business that delivers expert marketing services to ambitious businesses without the agency price tag.

Here is to year 2

clink

If you're looking for strategic marketing support that meets you where you're at, and delivers results, get in touch.