The Expectations
When you first step into entrepreneurship, it’s easy to believe:
- Your business will take off quickly because you have a great idea.
- Customers will naturally find you and become loyal buyers.
- Social media marketing will be easy and instantly drive traffic.
- If you build it, they will come.
- You’ll have complete control over your schedule and work-life balance.
- You’ll immediately love every part of running a business.
- Growth will be a straight, upward trajectory.
- You’ll get support from friends, family, and your existing network.
These expectations aren’t wrong—but they take time to become reality. And that’s exactly what this article is about: giving you a behind-the-scenes look so you can prepare for the journey ahead.
Entrepreneurship is an exhilarating journey, but it’s also one of the hardest paths you can take. This, again, is the point of not only what I do on this site, but also what Tysheda Williams and I dive into with Authentic Ambitions—shedding light on the realities of entrepreneurship, sharing insights, and providing guidance for those navigating this challenging yet rewarding path. Many of us step into this world bright-eyed and full of excitement, ready to build something amazing. But the reality? It takes an immense amount of energy, persistence, and adaptability, especially in the first few years.
The Energy Drain of the First 2-3 Years (or more in some cases)
When I first started, I underestimated just how much energy would go into my business (businesses now). The early years are an all-consuming phase, where every decision, every sale, and every strategy feels make-or-break. If you’re an entrepreneur, you know there’s no such thing as ‘off-hours’ when it comes to growing your brand. It’s all in—mentally, emotionally, and often financially.
During this time, you quickly learn some hard truths:
- Why having a dedicated business credit card is essential for tracking expenses and maintaining financial clarity.
- Experiencing rejection—whether it’s unanswered emails, ignored calls, or outright ‘no’s’—and learning not to take it personally.
- The importance of pivoting quickly when things don’t work out as planned.
- How to analyze competitors and adjust your approach to better align with your audience.
- Understanding which tasks are actually worth your time and learning how to say no.
- Developing a daily routine that prioritizes the work that truly moves the needle forward.
- Realizing that your social life might take a backseat as you pour energy into building your business.
- Learning to navigate work-life balance while ensuring burnout doesn’t take over.
- Narrowing down your ideal customer through extensive trial and error.
- Overcoming fear and taking bold next steps with confidence.
- Applying to programs and opportunities that elevate your business instead of staying stuck in hesitation.
- Becoming proficient in nearly every aspect of your business, so when the time comes to delegate, you know exactly what needs to be done and how it should align with your brand.
- Finding and refining your brand voice while identifying which social channels deserve your focus and nurturing.
The Harsh Truth of Online Business Today
There was once a time when simply having an online presence was enough. If you built it, they would come. But those days are long gone. Now, the market is oversaturated, algorithms change overnight, and customer attention is harder to capture than ever. Organic reach? Nearly nonexistent without a solid marketing strategy. Running an online business today requires a combination of social media expertise, SEO knowledge, networking, and constant reinvention.
Success no longer comes just from launching a great product or service—it comes from strategic visibility. You have to constantly engage with your audience, refine your messaging, and be willing to test new marketing channels. Even then, growth can feel painfully slow. Customer acquisition costs are high, and building brand loyalty takes time and consistency. There’s a never-ending need to create content, optimize conversions, and stay ahead of competitors who are just as hungry for attention.
Though I don’t have firsthand experience running a brick-and-mortar business, from the outside looking in, many of these struggles seem to apply there too. Physical stores face challenges like high overhead costs, foot traffic uncertainty, and the growing dominance of e-commerce. Just like in online businesses, visibility and adaptability are key—whether that means creating in-store experiences, leveraging local marketing, or maintaining a strong digital presence to complement the physical space.
At the core of both models is the same harsh reality: simply existing isn’t enough. You have to be intentional, adaptable, and willing to put in the work to make your business stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The Emotional Rollercoaster (The Valley of Despair & The Dip)
One of the biggest lessons I learned was understanding the entrepreneurial journey’s emotional highs and lows. You might have heard of the Valley of Despair, where after an initial wave of enthusiasm, reality sets in, and things feel much harder than expected. When I first became aware of this, I had a real ‘aha’ moment—it made me realize that this was just part of the game. And boy, did this help me on the rough days. Knowing that this cycle was normal allowed me to push through self-doubt and keep going, even when things felt overwhelming.
If you know someone who’s having a tough time on their entrepreneurial journey, send this to them—because it will be okay. This is all part of the process, and knowing that makes a world of difference.
Then there’s The Dip, a concept from Seth Godin’s book of the same name. It’s that moment when things feel impossible, growth slows, and quitting seems tempting. But here’s the truth: pushing through that dip is what separates those who succeed from those who walk away. If you can endure the hardest part, the momentum that follows is much easier to navigate. I highly recommend reading The Dip by Seth Godin—it’s a short but powerful book that will shift your mindset on when to push forward and when to pivot.
The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with Builders
Entrepreneurship can be lonely—even for those of us who have families where both partners are entrepreneurs. Having a strong community of builders—especially successful builders—is crucial. These are the people who will remind you why you started when you feel like giving up. Surrounding yourself with people who have already walked the path can provide invaluable motivation and wisdom.
Some of the communities I’m part of or know well are The Female Founders Collective and Entreprenista. What makes them great is not only their active engagement but also the continuous opportunities for growth. You get to surround yourself with people at all stages of their entrepreneurial journeys—people who are committed to networking, learning, and sharing opportunities. Being in a community like this means you’re not just building alone; you’re growing alongside others who understand the journey and can help push you forward.
The Skills You’ll Gain (That Make it Worth It)
Despite the hardships, entrepreneurship teaches you skills you wouldn’t develop anywhere else. You become a better problem-solver, a sharper marketer, a more strategic thinker, and—most importantly—more resilient. You’ll also learn how to:
- Manage time efficiently to maximize productivity.
- Adapt quickly to market changes and unexpected challenges.
- Communicate effectively, whether it’s pitching your business or negotiating deals.
- Build and nurture relationships that contribute to long-term success.
- Develop confidence in decision-making and leadership.
This is just a teaser—we’ll delve even deeper into these skills in upcoming discussions. The growth you experience as a business owner extends far beyond financial success; it transforms you as a person.
The Role of Mentors & Resources
One thing I’ve learned is that having mentors makes all the difference. If you’re in the trenches of entrepreneurship, guidance from those who have already succeeded can save you from costly mistakes and wasted time.
For a continuously updated list of essential resources, check out my business essentials directory, where I compile resources that can help entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
The Takeaway
Entrepreneurship is one of the most rewarding yet challenging paths you can take. It’s not just about making money—it’s about endurance, growth, and creating something meaningful. Stay connected, keep learning, and push through—because what’s on the other side is worth it.
Stay tuned for an upcoming blog focusing on ‘What It Takes to Be an Entrepreneur’ where I’ll break down the key traits and skills needed to thrive in this world.
