Embracing Simplicity: My 2024 Business Review
As we bid farewell to another year, it's time to reflect on the journey that has been 2024 for my business.
This year, my overarching theme has been simplicity - a conscious effort to streamline, focus, and create more ease in how I operate. It hasn't always been an easy path, but the rewards have been immense.
Let’s dig in to my 2024 business review!
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Closing My Second Business
One of the biggest decisions I made this year was to close my second business, a venture I had started the previous year with my business bestie Olivia Radcliffe. While that business was doing well, I found the split focus to be too much for me to handle, especially in a season of life where I had a lot going on. It was a tough call, but ultimately, I knew it was the right move.
Letting go of that second business was not only a practical decision but also an emotional one. I'm grateful that my Olivia and I were able to part ways on good terms, and I'm so proud of the work we accomplished together. This experience has taught me the importance of being honest with myself about what I can realistically take on, and the courage to make difficult decisions when necessary.
Streamlining My Product Suite
In addition to closing the second business, I also made the strategic decision to retire nine of my most popular and successful digital products and courses. This was a part of my effort to really hone in on what this business is all about and what I'm sharing with my audience.
Prior to this year, I had kept a lot of previous products from the earlier iterations of my business, when I was primarily focused on website design and done-for-you services. While I'm still proud of those offerings, they didn't quite align with my current focus on being a Life-First Business Strategist. By clearing the shelves, I was able to create a more focused and cohesive product suite, making it less confusing for my audience to navigate.
This process wasn't easy, as I had to let go of things that had been successful in the past. But I knew it was necessary to create the clarity and simplicity I was striving for. And the feedback I've received from my audience has been incredibly positive - they appreciate the streamlined offerings and the ability to easily identify what's most relevant to them.
Embracing Flexibility and Accommodating Myself
Another key area of focus for me this year has been exploring ways to make my business fit me and my life even better. This has involved a lot of experimentation and self-reflection.
One of the biggest changes I made was removing most, if not all, hard deadlines in my business.
I've always struggled with external pressure to get things done by a certain time, and this has often led to stress and burnout. By creating more "white space" in my calendar and allowing myself the flexibility to work on things as I'm able, I've found a much more sustainable rhythm.
This shift has been hugely beneficial, not only for my own well-being but also for the way I'm able to show up and serve my audience. I no longer have the lingering pressure of deadlines, which allows me to be more present and focused when I do engage with my community.
I've also been making a concerted effort to better accommodate my neurodivergent traits. I was recently diagnosed as neurodivergent, and it's been a revelatory experience to understand how my brain works and what I need to thrive.
This has meant making adjustments in my business, such as:
Reducing the live access component in one of my larger courses, so that it's more accessible for those of us who struggle with deadlines and scheduled calls.
Giving myself more flexibility and grace during the inevitable low-energy, low-mood seasons that come with my flavor of neurodivergence.
Exploring new ways of working and creating that align with my unique strengths and challenges.
It's been a journey of unlearning and relearning, but I'm proud of the progress I've made in truly embracing who I am and how I operate best. And I'm hopeful that by sharing more of these insights, I can inspire others to do the same in their own businesses.
The Highs and Lows of 2024
As with any year in business, 2024 has been a mix of highs and lows.
Let's start with the highlights:
Best Financial Year Yet: This has been my most successful financial year so far, which is incredibly exciting and a testament to the hard work I've put in.
Freer Calendar: My calendar has never had this much "white space" before, and I'm loving the sense of freedom and ease it's brought to my daily operations.
Of course, it hasn't all been smooth sailing.
There have been some challenges and wobbles along the way:
Comparison and Low-Energy Seasons: There have been times when I've struggled to keep up with other business owners, especially during my low-energy and low-mood seasons. Watching others thrive creatively while I'm in a slump can be really tough.
Burnout Concerns: I've been worried about the potential for burnout, and it's been a delicate balance to intentionally slow down and take breaks without feeling like I'm sabotaging my own progress.
These ups and downs are all part of the entrepreneurial journey, and I'm grateful to have the support of coaches, my business bestie, and my community to help me navigate these waters. It's a constant learning process, but one that I'm committed to embracing with honesty and vulnerability.
What I'm Proud Of
Despite the challenges, there's a lot I'm proud of when I look back on 2024:
Making Space for Myself: I'm really proud of the work I've done to make more space for myself and my unique needs in my business. From accommodating my neurodivergence to bending the "rules" of entrepreneurship, I'm learning to unapologetically do things my way.
Difficult Decisions: Closing the second business, retiring products, and even stepping back from my joint podcast were all hard decisions, but I'm proud of myself for having the courage to make them.
Increased Transparency: As someone who is naturally quite private, I've pushed myself to share more of the behind-the-scenes of my business. It's been a vulnerable but rewarding experience, and I hope it helps inspire others to do the same.
These accomplishments may not seem like the typical "big wins" that we often celebrate in the entrepreneurial world, but for me, they represent a deeper level of self-awareness, authenticity, and growth. And that's something I'm incredibly proud of.
What I'm Working On
Of course, the journey of growth and self-discovery is never truly complete. As I look ahead to the future, there are a few key areas I'm focused on improving:
Leaning Into My Strengths: I'm still learning how to truly lean into what I do best, rather than what I think I should be doing. It's a constant battle against the "shoulds" and the desire to conform to industry norms.
Embracing Experimentation and Fun: While I've made progress in creating more space and flexibility, I want to continue exploring ways to inject more playfulness and experimentation into my business. I know that's where my best ideas and most inspired work often come from.
Increased Transparency: As I mentioned, I'm proud of the steps I've taken to share more behind-the-scenes, but I want to keep pushing myself to be even more open and vulnerable. My audience has responded so positively to this, and I believe it's an important part of my growth as a business owner.
These are the areas I'll be focusing on in the year ahead, with the ultimate goal of creating a business that is truly aligned with who I am and how I work best. It's an ongoing process, but one that I'm committed to embracing with curiosity and enthusiasm.
In Conclusion
I hope this 2024 review has provided you with some valuable insights and inspiration as you navigate your own entrepreneurial journey. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach - the key is to embrace what works best for you and your unique needs. Here's to an even more simplified, authentic, and fulfilling 2025!
And of course, if you're interested in diving deeper into my annual review process, be sure to check out the 2023 review and the 2022 review as well.
