Starting a business is a major milestone for many entrepreneurs. However, creating sustainable operations often presents a challenge. There are typical challenges every business face, such as hiring the right people, striking a balance, developing a customer base, and turning a profit. Affiliate marketer, mentor, and coach Lourissa Setu is an entrepreneur that has endured her fair share of challenges. Setu shares some of her greatest challenges and how other entrepreneurs can learn to deal with the struggles of operating a business.
Working with Unmotivated Individuals
Hiring and working with the right people is integral in building a thriving business operation—drive and passion help propel your business venture to the next level.
“My biggest struggles have been giving too much of myself to those who are not fully committed to themselves or want me to do all of the work. I get upset when people don’t get the results they want. I can’t control people’s efforts, but it can upset me.”
“I want to be working with people who are just as committed to themselves, their future, and their team as I am. I am ready to be talking to those who embody a 6/7/8/9 figure mindset.”
Unwilling to Delegate
Entrepreneurs are often praised for their commitment and passion, but for many, this can often lead to a life of burnout and unfulfilling sacrifice. Naturally, an entrepreneur who is determined to succeed may find themselves doing too much of the work. “I probably do too much for my team, and they have it very good.” Though she says this “isn’t always a bad thing because my direct team is growing the fastest in our entire movement.”
Tackling all the issues and challenges of your business can become complicated and frustrating, and at times, self-evaluation is necessary. Lourissa shares how she copes. “During the tough times, I think deeply. I will reflect on where I should go from here, assess what is working and what isn’t. To cope, in the middle of last year, I invested in two mentors to guide me in shifting a lot of things I was holding onto and made me aware of a few blind spots.” Getting help and delegating may aid an entrepreneur in building a business instead of tearing it down.
Fear of Failure
One of the most necessary qualities of an entrepreneur is the ability to face failure. Unfortunately, some business owners may fear failing for various reasons, so they may limit themselves to try only things they know might work. “Entrepreneurship will bring up all your shadow work and force you to face your challenges. Be prepared to come face to face with a lot of things that will bring up a lot of emotions and require you to take full responsibility.”
Setu agrees that facing these obstacles is necessary for development. “You will learn so much from this and grow so much as well. The more you grow, your business will also be capable of growing. We need this to happen for us to go next level.”
“Things that we might perceive as negative or setbacks will happen, and it is all about how we get to move through them. One little analogy I love is the battery. For it to power, it needs a negative and a positive charge. It won’t work if it only has a positive, and it won’t work if it only has a negative charge.”
Entrepreneurs must build a spirit of resilience to face the challenges of operating and growing a business. Finally, on the matter of resilience and growth, Lourissa says, “I know it’s still and always going to be a process, but the lives I have changed so far, people leaving their jobs, their relationships with those around them and themselves change have been among my biggest accomplishments. My growth over the years, especially from where I was just a few years ago, has made me of myself.”