15 Things I learned in my first year as a StoryBrand Guide
For most of you reading this blog, you may already know what Storybrand is or what a Storybrand guide is. But for those who are unfamiliar with Storybrand. I wrote a whole blog a while back talking about both. You can check out that blog post here.
I was certified last year in December of 2019. It was one of the most rewarding things I had ever done and just this month I renewed my certification for year 2. By the way, this is no endorsement. I just really love Storybrand and I encourage anyone looking to build a successful business to check out some of their free resources. With that said, this year (becoming a freelance designer and becoming a Storybrand Certified Guide) will be one to remember.
I’ve had some ups and ups and then some downs and downs… and more downs. From leaving a good full-time job to moving back home and starting my own business I have learned a lot of things about being a small business owner and learning how to incorporate my new certification.
There have been many hats I have had to wear but luckily I’ve had some guidance from various friends, family, and the wonderful community that Storybrand brought to me to guide me through my first year.
So with all that said, I’d like to share 15 things I learned in my first year of being a Storybrand guide as well as being a freelance business owner.
1. Story inspires people to buy
Whether it’s the identity to feel young, the solution to get more sleep, or the opportunity to become successful. There are constant identities and solutions customers are looking for every day and we as business owners need to connect with our customers to give them those solutions and or identities they’ve been looking for. Story does just that. It put customers into a story that they can relate to making it feel like their own. Story inspires people to buy.
2. Don’t say yes to every opportunity
In my first year, I took on some projects that devalued my skills, time, and brand. I had the mindset of, “oh, I can change their mind.” or “This won’t take that long.” But boy, was I wrong. Now, that doesn't mean they are horrible or mean people. Take note. If they have a mindset of “Will you do this” instead of “Can you help me solve this?” It’s a disaster waiting to happen. This new year, I’ll be more selective with what projects I take on.
3. You are never too young or old to start
When I was getting my certification I remember talking to someone that was about 15 or so years older than me who was starting completely over. A new career and a new business. They had used almost every penny they had left to come to the workshop in hopes of finding a solution, hope, success. And here I was just starting and it felt nice knowing someone else was there with me. The story here is. You’re never too young, too old, or even too new to start. Heck, when I started web designing I didn’t know a single thing and I still had people wanting me to build them a website and I did so with confidence and a LOT of tutorial videos.
4. There are endless tools
Okay, when I become a Storybrand certified guide I was instantly connected with 600+ other specialists. This means that I had 600 people who knew at least 2 platforms that I had never heard of. That’s over a thousand NEW platforms that just opened up to me. And that’s just 2 platforms. Some new more. Either way. It’s a connection perk to a world of endless tools and resources.
5. No one started a successful business instantly
It’s luck of the draw if you start a business and it’s instantly successful overnight. I think any business individual would tell you (including big fortune companies) that their success took longer than one night. So if you feel like you’re not seeing improvement right away that’s okay. The person you’re comparing yourself to was once in your place. Celebrate the small accomplishments then you’ll see the bigger ones come along.
6. Keep training & learning
Whether you have been in business for a while now or are entirely new it’s always a great idea to keep advancing your knowledge and skills at what you are good at and what you’re not. I can’t speak for people who have had a business for 20 years but as someone who has been running one for almost 6 months now, no client or project is ever the same but as you learn and grow those projects become easier to solve. Story brand offers great resources to help your business grow.
7.Build partnerships
I learned quickly how valuable building partnerships can really impact your business. You could be one partnership away from winning a dream client that will put your business on the radar. Not only that but you are also helping another business succeed by working together. I’m really lucky to have some great partnerships with some Storybrand Guides.
8.There is always someone ahead of you and behind you
It’s hard not to feel like you’re the only one whose business is new, struggling or has a long journey ahead. 100% feel this but you’re not alone. There are entrepreneurs in every stage of life (or is it business?). The point is, There will always be someone further ahead in their business and there will always be someone just starting out. Keep your head up because newer businesses are looking up to you just as you are looking up to the ones further ahead.
9. Business is a passion, not a money maker
When I first started taking on clients my mind really went to two things. “Don’t screw up their website.” and two, “How much should I charge?” Which to be fair I thought was two valuable things to consider being a new web designer and all. But after getting my certification my mindset changed completely. My passion changed from the top two to “How can I make their business succeed?” Once that part changed in my business I could see it starting to grow.
10. Take criticism like it’s your job
Let me just start out by saying that I’m an enneagram 2. If you’re not familiar I highly recommend you take a look and see what you are. It’s scary how accurate it is. With that said, as a two, I don’t take criticism very well. At first, when I would reach out to the guides for answers I felt like I was doing everything wrong, they didn’t understand my project or question. But as I asked more I started to see that they weren’t trying to be mean. They were trying to be helpful. I can’t say I take it very well now but it’s gotten better so this is still a learning process for me.
11.Charge for the value, not for the time
For those that already know this, here it is again. We all need to hear this over and over again (at least I do). As an enneagram two, I want to help a business as much as I can, and sometimes I don’t take that into account when it comes times to send the invoice. I’ve been told many times by guides, other professionals, and even family that I need to charge more or do less. I can’t do both. Otherwise, I’ll wear myself out and end up with clients who will walk all over me.
12. I have a community I can count on
As a guide, when I run into a problem with a client or a client’s need I run to the guide community first. Luckily, I have 600+ brains that can work together to help me find a solution. I can’t imagine running a business and not having a community of experts who can help me solve a problem. All I can say is to join a community with your expertise and business goals. Reach out to them for help because they will help and you can’t run a business alone. At least not successfully.
13. Keep asking questions
In school, I was never the one to ask a question but as I’ve grown I’ve learned that you can’t really learn much if you don’t ask. As for my business, I knew that in order to learn and grow I had to ask questions, and trust me that’s what I’ve done and I haven’t stopped asking them.
14. The simpler the message, the better the connection
When you attend a Storybrand workshop or become a storybrand certified guide you learn the 7-part framework which ultimately guides your brand to tell a clear and compelling story that connects with your ideal audience. This ties back to number one. Keep your story simple, clear, and compelling. The right audience will listen.
15. Certifications can take you a long way if you let it
In my first couple of months as a Storybrand certified guide, I wasn’t sure how to incorporate this new identity at work because I didn’t have a business like the majority of guides I had met at training so I didn’t really use it much at work. In March I took the leap and put in my two weeks notice that turned out to be a two months notice (pandemic). As I took on one client at a time this first year I learn how to incorporate the framework, my new identity, and slowly how to start/manage a business.
Full honestly here, I had a few successes this year but I was a bit worried I wouldn’t be able to renew my certification as I didn’t even come close to breaking even what was spent to get my certification in the first place. But I was determined. I needed exactly $2,200 more to get my certification renewed. With it being the holidays and with the pandemic going on I was sure that wasn’t going to happen. I was ready to give in and whatever God had next for me I would embrace even if that meant losing my dream. But nope. He came through. Two weeks before renewing my certification I had a potential client call and needed a website designed. The project load was oddly enough for me to price it at the amount I needed plus some. A miracle.
Two weeks later and here I am writing this post to let you know that since then I’ve gotten 4 new clients this month (December) giving me the most successful month this year.
I’ve learned a lot of things this year as a new business owner and as a new Storybrand Guide. This year brought a lot of challenges and yet many more rewards. Making clients happy, implementing the Storybrand framework successfully, and giving clients positive results, and learning how to be a business owner. I cannot wait to see what year two will bring.
Me with Donald Miller (CEO of StoryBrand) celebrating my completion of guide training.
That’s it for now and I hope you found this blog inspiring. Are you a new Storybrand guide or business owner? I'd love to hear what you learned your first year? 😃
Ciao!
-Berenice
