The one where CopyKate turns 3 🎉
3 whole years. 👀 Yikes! I can’t quite believe I’m writing that…
When I launched my business this day three years ago, I spent the entire day balancing between a feeling of complete delirium and excitement. I was filled with thoughts like “Kate, what the hell are you doing?”, “What if it doesn't work?”, “What if nobody likes your work?” , “Maybe, it would just be easier if we went back to your old role?”.
Yep, imposter syndrome was REAL and if I’m really really honest, I didn’t fully believe in myself and my business.
Fast forward 3 years, and I’m sitting here BEAMING 👉 😁
Because….
I made it! 🙌🙌🙌
No, the imposter syndrome hasn’t fully disappeared and no, I haven’t got everything figured out (more on that later) but I’ve managed to navigate a pretty turbulent three years of twists and turns and I still LOVE what I do.
If you’re a fellow business owner, considering taking the plunge into self-employed life or are just curious, here are a few of my key takeaways from Year 3 👇
Things don’t necessarily get easier - but like, in a good way!
When I launched my business and everything was super scary and uncertain, I would sit and daydream about turning 3 and how much easier things would be - scoff scoff! Oh, how wrong I was. I don’t think things ever get “easier” when you’re a business owner. In fact, the more you grow, the larger the worries get and the more challenges you meet. Your goals become bigger. Your expectations increase and it’s simply, on to the next thing, over and over again. Things also get much more exciting. You’ve learned so much, you’ve identified your strengths, you’ve met more people and you have a better grasp of your direction.
The learning never stops
After I became a qualified copywriter and completed the last of my marketing degree exams, I clapped my hands and thought, phew- I’m finally finished with learning. Turns out, I’m a learning addict and the learning never and will never stop. In the last year, the largest part of my business expenses was allocated to personal development. I spent months brushing up on my copywriting skills, learning new techniques and exploring new areas.
There is no template for business success
There I said it. I’m going to let you in on a secret. Last week, I sat down to reflect on my business ahead of writing this blog. It started and ended in tears. I completely freaked out. According to a warped idea I had around “business success”, I was failing because I hadn’t hired anybody yet, I hadn’t started a podcast yet and my reel-making skills were still sub-par.
Crazy, I know. After a good ol’ cry and a slightly unhealthy dollop of overthinking, I snapped myself out of it. I took a deep breath and started to make a list of all the things I had achieved over the past three years AND the things that actually equalled success in my world. Things like… finally getting to design my dream office, getting over my fear of VAT returns (well, kind of!) and also finally learning how to say no to projects that just didn’t feel right. That sounds pretty successful to me!
What’s next for CopyKate?
This writer has BIG BIG BIG plans for the next 12 months.
I’ll share more in the coming months, but here’s a sneak peek of what I’ve got up my sleeve for CopyKate:
🎯 New Website
🎯 CRM system with a fancy new client portal
🎯 Online Workshops
🎯 101 Mentoring Sessions for new or aspiring Copywriters
Great things I want to celebrate:
🎉 Moving into & designing my brand new dream home office - office tour incoming! 👀
🎉 Working with Kaye of Kaye does logos on my re-brand
🎉 New clients! You know who you are and I adore you!
Resources that I couldn’t have lived without
🛠️ Online Tools & Apps (I use pretty much every day)
Grammarly - proofreading/editing tool
Hemingway Editor - readability tool
Monday.com - project management tool
Clubhouse - audio-centric networking tool
Canva - graphic design tool
📖 Print (a few that stood out)
They ask, you answer by Marcus Sheridan
Hype Yourself by Lucy Werner
Manifest by Roxie Nafousi
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Freelancer Magazine, available online here
And Lastly, a HUGE Thank You! 💕
To my very supportive partner, family, friends, clients, network, fellow business owners and supporters- thank you, thank you, thank you! You’ve made this stressful, confusing, exciting and overwhelming third year in business so much better.
Here’s to YEAR 4! 🎉
Are you a fellow business owner? Where are you in YOUR journey? What lessons have you learned in the past year? I’d love for you to share in the comments 👇
