I hear this so often and used to say it myself: “But I don’t know anything about business or marketing.” I hear it especially from introverts and highly sensitive people who often (mistakenly) think business and marketing are for other people.
Saying “I don’t know anything about business” is usually from a false inner critic voice. Even if you’re sure you know nothing about business. I’ll make my case.
I even hear this statement from people who have been in business for years and have clients. This thought can get so ingrained even when it’s clearly not true.
Yes, learning some basics about business does matter… but there’s no 1‑2‑3 knowledge and bam, now you’re a success.
Business basics can and should be learned (such as in this Self-employment 101 course for introverts and HSPs). That stuff isn’t as hard as you think.
What Matters Most for Success
What I’ve discovered is that what actually makes someone successful at business has more to do with these 6 things:
- Accepting that you don’t and can’t know it all (even after many years), and letting in trustworthy help. 🤝
- Going forward anyway and trust you can figure things out as you go, with help.
You’ve landed on your feet so far in life, and you’re likely to do so again. 👣 - Choosing a direction to start with that you care about. 💖
This will draw you forward even when the road is foggy. - Adjusting as you go based on what’s happening for you and for those you’re here to serve. ⤴️
When it aligns with both you and your people, you’re on a good path. - Bringing self-compassion with you along the way.
Because plenty of things won’t work out, and that’s just how it is in life and business. 😅 - Finding a way to keep going and keep going. Perseverance pays off.
It’s OK and smart to find bridge income to get by in the meantime.
All this can be cultivated.
Luckily, all 6 of those attitudes I listed can be cultivated with practice. It’s easier to develop confidence in those muscles when you’re among community with other heart-centered solopreneurs.
For instance, in the first year when I was sure my business was not going to work out, I kept saying to myself, “I’ve always landed on my feet before and I will again.” The more I said this to myself, the more I remembered the truth of it, and I gradually believed it and manifested it.
Getting through those early days was life-changing because I grew so much faith in my resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of community. It actually blew my mind.
Does that list of what it takes resonate for you? What would you add?
But are there things I don’t know that could hurt me?
There are a few of those things, like having good client or partner agreements, tracking money, and paying taxes.
DO let in a business accountant to set up your books properly, and do keep up with data entry, and ask questions as needed.
DO let in a mentor in your field who can help you understand what’s needed for client agreements and such.
If you have the craving for having your own business, you have the capacity for learning and managing these things and for letting in help.
Tip: Write down your business questions.
I invite you to make a list of things you don’t know but are worried about, to get specific. I find that writing out my worries and questions is calming in itself.
Writing it down could also lead to actions you can actually take to learn or to see that some things you might not need just yet. Part of that list might be things you “think you know about” and things you don’t like (marketing feeling pushy).
This list could help you see you are not alone in your worries:
10 Common Worries HSPs and Introverts Have When Considering Self-employment
Bottom Line
Please stop saying to yourself “But I don’t know anything about business and marketing.”
I recommend replacing it with:
“I can figure things out as I go, and I can ask for help, and that’s actually what it means to be good at business.”
