10 Years- 10 Lessons in Business

January 11, 2018

2018 marks the 10th anniversary of launching Hooper Williams Communications. Go me! While I was nervous about walking away from a steady paycheck, I was also excited about what the future would bring. As I celebrate this significant milestone, I have no regrets and know I made the right decision. However, I can’t help but reflect on the great lessons learned throughout the years. Below are the top ten:

1. Believe in Yourself and the Value You Provide—Everyone experiences self-doubt from time to time. However, it’s important to get beyond it and be confident in your abilities. My mantra has been, if I was successful for over 25 years working for someone else, I could also be successful working for myself. I also believe in going beyond the ordinary and delivering extraordinary value for my clients.

2. Network, Network, Network—When I started my business, my goal was to make one contact a day via telephone, email or meetings.  What surprised me most was oftentimes projects didn’t come directly from my contacts, they came from their referrals. For instance, I’m still amazed that one lunch date with a colleague at P.F. Changs, led to her recommending me for a contract that lasted more than three years.

3. Get Your Operations In Order—One of the first things I did when I began my business was invested in an accounting system. However, it wasn’t until I began building standard operating processes that I was able to support long-term business growth.

4. Hire Smart—After the business began growing, I needed additional resources to support the various projects. Over the years, I’ve made some good and bad hires. However, I learned the importance of taking the extra steps to hire and retain talent that fits best with my company and culture.

5. Find Great Mentors—From the start, I’ve had great mentors and surrounded myself with those who wanted me to succeed. Some have been in the communication business and already worked through many challenges. Others helped me work on day-to-day operations to strengthen my foundation. I’m grateful for these individuals who I call my personal board of directors for giving of their precious time.

6. Mentor Others—I believe to whom much is given, much is required. Over the years, I’ve mentored several individuals who started their own businesses. From providing office furniture, accounting systems, and marketing strategies, I’m willing to help anyone who is willing to help themselves. I’ve also mentored many young people who are just getting started in their careers and matched them with various internships and opportunities.

7. Establish a Regular Routine—There is a misnomer that those of us who work from home, work in our pajamas and have great flexibility. However, since I left Corporate America, I’ve always got up between 5:30 am and 6:00 am each morning and never worked in my pajamas! In fact, my biggest challenge is knowing when to shut down office hours to make time for family and friends.

8. Never Stop Learning—Every industry goes through changes and the communication field is no different. That’s why I attend at least one major training a year and am constantly participating in online webinars to stay abreast of what’s happening in my industry. This allows me to stay current and offer my clients additional expertise.

9. Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable—Through my entire career, I’ve taken numerous risks and been open to new and different projects. In business, there always seem to be both challenges and opportunities, and I have welcomed both.

10. Remember It’s A Journey—When I started my business, I’ll admit I had a lot of doubts. There were days when I felt overwhelmed by various business challenges. However, I’m finally at a stage where I recognize that it is a journey and all the little things that I stressed over early on are not as significant to me. I still enjoy being an entrepreneur and wouldn’t change it for the world.

What lessons have you learned in your career? Let us know.