Inspiring Lives Magazine Winter 2017: Issue 3 | Page 36

Deadly Sins of Entrepreneurship

By Patricia LeBlanc

Usually , we decide to take the entrepreneurial route instead of the corporate one because we want to be in control of our income , as well as our lifestyle . Yet , often , we end up struggling , working way more hours and making a lot less money than we did in our corporate jobs . Consequently , our relationships and our health also take a hit .

The root of the problem is usually one of these four massive mistakes that entrepreneurs make that can kill their businesses . When I learned to overcome these four mistakes , I ushered in abundance : my business started supporting me 100 % financially .
SERVING EVERYONE
As a new entrepreneur , you want to serve everyone , but when you do that , ironically , you end up serving fewer people that you could . You are , in fact , confusing people : they have no idea what you do or how you can help them . When you define your niche and ideal client , you position yourself to market to them and , in return , serve more people .
I see a lot of healers and practitioners who want to serve everyone . I used to be that person , too . Now that I know who my ideal client is , I can serve more people , attracting more abundance into my life and business . I have a client profile for every project and program that I launch . I am manifesting my ideal clients because I know exactly who they are .
VALUE YOURSELF
Many entrepreneurs give everything away for free . One of my business coaches would tell me “ Free is too expensive .” After hearing this several times , it finally clicked . I was giving everything away , so I wasn ’ t making any money — I was throwing money away ! I basically had a very expensive hobby . By giving my services away , I was telling people that I did not value myself or my worth . Then , I decided to invest in my mindset . Now , I charge what I am worth . I believe in myself and in my services because I know I provide lots of value and results for my clients .
You may wonder whether it ’ s ok to barter with someone else . It is , but first , ask yourself if you really need their service or product . If the answer is “ no ,” then do not barter with them . If the answer is “ yes ,” and it is a win-win for both parties , then go ahead . I barter with a massage therapist friend of mine — I give her an energy healing session , and in return , she gives me a massage . For me , this is a win-win , because I leave her place relaxed and re-energized .
INVESTING IN YOURSELF AND IN YOUR BUSINESS
Investing in yourself and in your business is incredibly important . You need to invest in yourself on emotional , physical , spiritual , and financial levels so you can be the best possible you . When you are the best version of yourself , you become an investment magnet .
36 INSPIRING LIVES WINTER 2017