If you’re a fellow small business owner, I bet you didn’t start your organization because you wanted to run a business. Sure, maybe you wanted some of the independence and freedom of making your own time-management decisions, but it wasn’t the allure of bookkeeping, IT trouble-shooting, learning to be a fundraiser and/or marketer, or navigating human resources that drew you to this life.
Instead, you wanted to do something you’re passionate about and make a difference. I do, too.
Unfortunately, though, all the other stuff comes with the territory—at least in the beginning as you bootstrap and do it all yourself.
And, if that’s the case, then (like me), you have those days where running a business feels overwhelming. There’s also a lot of self-doubt.
You may even wondered if your side gig will ever become your full-time career, if you’ll ever really make the impact you desire, or frankly, if you’ll even be doing this a year from now.
Been there.
I don’t know about you, but my self-doubt can be crippling. I’ve had many discouraging days where I just didn’t feel like I was cut out to run a business. In fact, “I don’t know how to run a business” was just one of the many lies I told myself. I’m a writer—and that’s the only part of it that came naturally to me.
But as a fellow founder, we also have to, well, run a business, right? Making a difference is the result of many things, including learning the fundamentals that set you up for long-term success. This is part of the foundation that helps determine your future.
It’s also where I felt unprepared and unequipped. And I knew that I wouldn’t make it to Signify’s next anniversary unless I got my proverbial house in order.
That’s where I found myself when I discovered Shanna Skidmore.
As someone who has always had trouble with math and numbers, I honestly just thought I’d never be able to understand it. But I also knew if I didn’t come to terms with that and find a better way forward, my business would continually suffer from my self-doubt. And, one thing’s for sure…that does no one any good.
I’ve read books, taken courses, and listened to other money gurus, but it still just never sunk in. However, with Shanna, I found a coach that could not only break down finances in a way that made it easier to understand, but show me the steps to take for sustainability in my business.
Shanna’s specialty is teaching finances to female creatives, and with her help, I’ve made some big strides this year. Not just in my bank account, but in my confidence as a business owner.
I feel empowered and equipped, and like I have a plan to work from. It’s made a huge difference, and I wish I would’ve met Shanna a couple of years ago.
Because here’s the big truth I’ve learned in the last, few months:
It’s not just about being able to ask for money when you need it, whether it’s from a customer or donor, it’s about understanding WHY that particular number matters, and what it will ultimately mean both for you personally as well as your organization and cause.
For us, this isn’t about retiring to our own private island. It’s about solving problems.
Money is as much a mental game as it is a physical currency. And if you don’t have a good relationship to money, you’ll never handle it well. You’ll never have the impact you could have otherwise.
Whew—that’s just some of what I’ve been learning this year! That is, in part, thanks to Shanna.
If you’d like to hear more of her approach to business finances, I encourage you to check out her FREE masterclass TOMORROW AT 1:30 PM EST, “How I Built A Six-Figure Business.”
I’m planning to be there to soak up the goodness myself. I hope you’ll join me, whether you’re a woman who runs a for-profit or a nonprofit organization.
Shanna’s a smart cookie, and as you can see, has helped me in my business tremendously. So, I hope you’ll give her a chance. And, really, what have you got to lose?
Register for the free “How I Built A Six-Figure Business” masterclass right now, and prepare to become a better business owner.
I want that for you, and you’ll see that Shanna does, too.
Plus, who can’t use some free advice?
Quick note for my nonprofit friends: While Shanna’s content is primarily geared to female entrepreneurs of for-profit businesses, nonprofit founders have also found success with Shanna’s methods. In fact, here’s Signify community member, Chantel Adams of Forever We, with her perspective:
“Blueprint Model gave me clarity on not only why I’m doing the work I’m doing, but also how I’m going to move forward to make it successful. I have more energy, ideas, and focus than ever before. If you want a real blueprint for making your business work for you, then this program is the best.”
You’ll have to do some creative thinking with some of the principles in how they relate to your nonprofit, but it can be done. I guarantee you’ll still find a lot of value in Shanna’s teaching.
UPDATE 8/8/19:
Shanna’s entire suite of business programs is on sale through 8/15/19!
As a reminder, this is the LAST TIME she’ll be offering her programs! I wish I’d known about Shanna three years ago when I started my business, but I’m glad I took her course when I did.
If numbers and finances confuse you, but you want to start or scale a profitable, life-giving business, now’s the time!
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
– C.S. Lewis
Can I ask you a favor?
I still have a hard time believing it, but I launched my business, 
After I started working from home full-time last year, I 
Since leaving my old job in May, I now frequently get asked what kind of work I do. So, I figured I’d take the time to spell it out here.
Mental Post-Its 