Being a self-employed designer and maker comes with a long list of unparalleled perks. What could be better than spearheading your own interior design brand? For starters, you get to set your own hours, make your own creative decisions, and be your own boss. But entrepreneurship - no matter the industry - is not for the faint of heart. Even the most creative, innovative, and successful of entrepreneurs face business fears. And if fear and doubt are holding you back, you're not alone. Yet, the only way you can conquer your fears and get your design business rolling is to face them head-on. That's why we're here to help you learn how to overcome 3 common business fears. Let's get started!
1. Fear #1: You’re Not Creative or Good Enough
Unless you've been self-employed before, you may not know the ins and outs of running a business. It's a lot of work and requires a lot of learning - to say the least. And it's only natural for first-timers to worry that they don't have what it takes to start a business.No business starts out perfect. So often there are kinks to iron out as you learn - and this takes time. What's most important is making sure that you can keep your head above water as you buy yourself time to improve. That requires creating concepts and products that will sell. They don't need to be perfect right from the get-go - but they at least have to appeal to an audience. That way, you can build a following, strengthen your footing, and gain experience.You're already creative, capable, and worthy enough to sell your ideas. But if you don't ever take that first plunge, you'll never get to realize for yourself that you are good enough.
2. Fear #2: People Won’t Like Your Work
Most entrepreneurs in the design industry got their start because they enjoyed creating. Planning decor schemes, making furniture, or doing the hard labor were things they did for fun. And at some point, they learned that they could make a living doing what they loved.Still, there's a lot of vulnerability you subject yourself to when you decide to open up shop. No longer is designing something you solely and privately do for personal enjoyment. Suddenly your work is subject to other people's criticism. And with that come business fears of not being well-liked.You can't please everybody. And in an artistic industry like interior design, there are going to be people who don't have the same tastes as you. But the visions you create will resonate with like-minded people. And they'll be in need of your services when it comes to recreating their homes.To do that, you have to develop a brand that's always consistent and evolving. Maybe you're more of a maximalist than a minimalist. Perhaps you dabble more with creating furniture and decor items. Whatever it is that makes your creativity unique, hone in on it and transform it into a brand. There's an infinite audience of folks out there who will love what you do!
3. Fear #3: Failure
There's no sugarcoating it: Starting a business is risky. And there's a lot of unknowns that come with running your own business. Any entrepreneur - regardless of how long they've been in the game - can expect some challenges along the way. With the right preparation, you'll feel well-equipped when you run into trouble. With a savings, a marketing plan, and a mentor, you're already off to a good start!It's important to look at entrepreneurship as a lifestyle - not a job. For a while, you may feel completely absorbed in your work - and that's okay! Cut yourself some slack when you run into challenges. Give yourself the leeway to take on interesting clients and projects. Put your fears to rest and believe that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Conquer Your Business Fears Once & for All
With a strong attitude, you can do more than know how to overcome these 3 common business fears. In time, you'll see your vision for an interior design business come to life.So, what are you waiting for? Start preparing to launch your design brand... and stay tuned to our blog for more tips, ideas, and inspiration along the way!
