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In this episode, Tatiana is reflecting on her very first launch and how different it is from the launch happening with her new business. She covers eight different ways she is looking at business differently and shares some tips on how you can do it right the first time. If you’re a new business owner, getting ready to launch, or just love hearing about a journey this one is for you!

With my launch around the corner, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come in my mindset and how I approach business. It was a very different game plan 6 years ago when I launched The Stationery Muse. I was shy, unsure of what I was doing, and really just trying things to see what worked. After many years and lessons learned I have so much to share.

1. Connection First
   It’s important to make sure you have great quality products as well as great aesthetics. However, none of that will matter if you don’t connect with your customers on a human level. This comes in the form of providing value to your audience that is beyond just the products. When there is a connection it’s so much easier to ask for support and be confident in what you’re selling.
   
2. Launch Strategy
   A launch strategy is so much more than just posting something once and saying it’s available. I share a full walk-through of my best practices for launching in Episode 3. I have a different outlook on launching something and realize that it’s a long game in order to get the results you desire.
   
3. Email List
   I had an email list but didn’t utilize it to my benefit. Once I got a grasp of how to grow it’s been one of the best things for my business. It continues nurturing my audience on a regular basis and it grows daily. It gives me a warm audience that I can launch to because I’ve been consistent and showing up in their inboxes providing value.
   
4. Systems + Processes
   When I initially got started I had no plan for how I would get everything done. Don’t let your business run you. Come up with a set day for different tasks in your business such as content creation, fulfilling orders, admin tasks, and more. When you have a plan it makes it less overwhelming and gives you a focus for each day. Also, as you start to grow implement a process for how things can be done efficiently that way you’re not reinventing the wheel every time.
   
5. Profitable Decisions
   Overall, I was not well versed in profit, I was more focused on making things affordable for my customers which made me lose money at times and not make much back. I was handmaking so many of my items and wasn’t being paid for my time. Going in this time, I am going through everything with a fine tooth comb and pricing things in a way that works best for me and my customer. There are so many options for paying later as well so it makes people’s buying power a lot better. So don’t be afraid to charge what you need to.
   
6. Share Despite Imperfection
   This was missed in the recording but it’s important. Things don’t need to be perfect in order to share what’s coming. I was so caught up in everything being just right and for that, it led to slow and steady growth in the beginning. The moment I started to open up and share who I was is when the connection and business really begin to see results. So with this launch, I am sharing so much of the process and letting people see the hard parts as well as the success.
   
7. Company vs. Hobby
   When I first started my business I approached it like a hobby. I didn’t have any solid goals or a vision of where I wanted it to go. This time around I have legal things in place as well as a clear vision of how I want to scale the business. Take time to dream big and make that part of your plans to move closer to what you truly want for your business.
   
8. Shipping
   I used to be intimidated by all the information about shipping and making the right choices. As a result, I was unaware, lost money, and spent more than I should have. This time around, I am taking more time to make sure that the shipping works hand in hand with being profitable and making the best shipping choices. So with this or anything, be sure to take that time to research in-depth the things that intimidate you in your business. You will learn so much about it and it will prep you to run your business more efficiently.

Bonus lesson -➝ I don’t have to do it all…it doesn’t take away from anything I’m doing

You don’t have to do everything in order to be the best business owner. It’s ok to delegate things. It’s ok if everything isn’t handmade. Give yourself grace and understand that in order to scale and stay sane you can’t do everything. Help yourself with burnout by removing things that don’t serve you. This is a business and you need to be whole to run it.

Things Mentioned:

Planner + Notebook Bootcamp – Get $30 off using the code PODCASTLOVE

Episode 3 – The Recipe for a Successful Launch

Episode 4 – The Mental Stress of Launching and Facing Failure

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