This is Part II of my journey from 9-5 life to entrepreneurship, a continuation of the roadmap I wish I’d had at the beginning—something to help guide new entrepreneurs while they build, grow, and discover who they want to become. If you haven’t read Part I, you’ll find the framework for finding your value and mapping out the first steps. Now, let’s go deeper into the power of authentic connection, daily conversations, genuine growth, and compassion—both for others and yourself (often a challenge for many of us!
Make It Real: Setting Up Foundations and Sharing Your Story
As I continue shaping and evolving my businesses—I’ve learned how deeply sharing my “why” creates genuine connection. The story behind your work truly matters. When you show up authentically and allow people to witness your journey, you build trust and open the door to meaningful partnerships. Your “why” can inspire others to support your mission, not just your services.
I build consulting projects and strategies that are customized for each client. I make it a priority to listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and get to the root of what each client is seeking. This process lets us co-create solutions that actually support their goals and add real value. This personalized approach has become the foundation of how I work and the relationships I build.
Often entrepreneurs will offer set “packages” as part of their service-based offers. This can be a great fit for some business structures. When starting out as a nonprofit consultant, I didn’t find this a fit for me. It can be for other types of work – event planning, travel services, other creative services, and more. I don’t directly address that here, because it wasn’t a fit for my business early-on.
Quick steps for this phase:
- Choose a business structure (many people choose single member LLC) and keep finances organized (get a business bank account!)
- Negotiate project-based contracts focused on deliverables
- Ask for early testimonials to gain credibility
- Talk About What You’re Building—Genuinely, Every Day
A lesson I continue to relearn is the importance of talking about my business—and doing it in an authentic, grounded way. This doesn’t mean turning every conversation into a pitch. Instead, it’s about sharing what I’m working on, what I care about, and why it matters to me, with people I encounter in my daily life. I directly connect this to the value I bring to clients – how I show up in the world to serve others. Whether it’s with other parents at the playground, during community meetings, or chatting with someone over coffee, these genuine conversations plant seeds of goodwill.
When you share your journey openly—your challenges, your small wins, what you hope to achieve—you invite people into your story. This kind of real connection often leads to unexpected support, thoughtful introductions, or even new clients, simply because you were willing to be open. It’s genuine. There’s no need to convince anyone; you’re building trust and letting people see the positive impact you’re aiming for. Every shared moment is an opportunity to foster meaningful connections that can help your business grow in ways that feel true to you.
Mentorship and Mindset: Essential, Ongoing Practices
Mentorship and mindset shape my journey every step of the way. Building connections with a coach, mentor, or even like I did – joining a supportive group like the Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota – can make a real difference, especially in those first couple years in business. These resources don’t have to be expensive—sometimes a single strategy call or a peer connection opens doors for both growth and support. Nurturing your mindset and seeking mentors is never a one-time event—it’s a continual practice as you evolve.
Mindset work is something I return to again and again. Growth and self-compassion go hand in hand. And this can be HARD! Staying curious, reflecting on wins and missteps, and surrounding myself with people who understand the journey have made an enormous difference—for my business AND my own growth.
Clarity in the Chaos
My path didn’t follow a set trail—I created it through a blend of intention, trial and error, and reflection. Many days brought uncertainty or felt chaotic. In those moments, embracing the improv principle of “Yes, and” helped me spot clarity or opportunity amid the mess. Sometimes, pushing through led to nowhere. Other times, stepping back (even if it felt counterintuitive) brought the fresh insight or new idea I needed most.
I learned the hard way how much taking a break can make a difference. My work background did not involve taking much time away ever – even through “maternity leave”, miscarriages, surgery from a cancer diagnosis, and more.
The amount of clarity I have gained in taking breaks – even when things are so pressed, I feel like I “cant” – has made a world of difference every time. This is part of why I’m so passionate about helping others take a vacation, travel, get a personal reset, and why I’m integrating it as part of my business.
Sometimes, taking a real break becomes the very spark that brings the breakthrough or clarity I was chasing.
Growth
Growth is ongoing, and I continue to evolve my offers and systems. I still wear many hats, and the process clarifies what energizes me, what I’d like to outsource, and where I want to stretch next. Each step toward releasing work that drains me creates more room for creative and meaningful projects. I love putting my skills to work to put good back into the world.
What I’m Still Learning—And What I Hope You’ll Remember:
- Your story and lived experience are assets—bring them forward
- Small, sincere conversations build trust and opportunity
- Get curious, seek out connections, and engage in compassion (especially for yourself—I’m still working on this every day!)
- Mentorship can be formal or informal, and is worth the effort to find
- Think of testing new ideas as exploration—a way to gather information, not a pass-or-fail moment
Your Next Steps:
- Clarify your offerings
- Land your first valued client or project
- Set up the essentials (structure, accounts, contracts)
- Connect—talk about your business and invite others in
- Find and nurture your support system
- Take small steps, reflect, and celebrate each win
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Approach each phase with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to keep moving forward.
