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Natasha Scullane's avatar

I'm 18 months into my business and I've been in discussion with other female founders further along than me this week. One told me (4 years in) that she has had to become good at sitting in discomfort, the not knowing, ignoring outside noise of anyone saying "maybe you should get a real job", making moves despite fear. It's so helpful to have open conversations about business, it helps (me) to see that while it's tough at times, with lots of internal chatter, it's worth keeping going 🚀

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Jane Galloway's avatar

SO worth keeping going. Plus, did you know that ONS data suggest that 20% of businesses fail in the first year, and 60% by the third, so you, my friend, are going great guns! I hope you'll be part of Founder Unfiltered. I hope it helps us both! xx

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Natasha Scullane's avatar

Thank you for the encouragement Jane! 😊🙏🏻

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Jane Galloway's avatar

Your personal cheerleader right here 👯‍♀️

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Anna Rose's avatar

I agree with this Natasha, just hearing about that conversation you had made me relax a little. It would just be brilliant.

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Jane Galloway's avatar

The power of being open about this stuff right?!

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Natasha Scullane's avatar

Yes! Exactly 🤗

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Sarah Reaves-Town's avatar

I’ve been a multiple business owner for 5 years.

But in truth, these last few months are the first few months of being a full time business owner. Before that I was in employment, then lockdown, then home educated my daughter for three years. Since September my daughter has been in mainstream school and I have my first opportunity to spread all my cards on the table and think about my future business vision.

I feel like the last 5 years have been a mere scratch on the surface of my potential.

I for one need help with pooling my business talents to create one magical and magnificent offering. I know I have all the pieces of the jigsaw, I need help and support to put it all together.

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Jane Galloway's avatar

I love how you describe it as a scratch on the surface on your potential. You are so talented. Knowing that is amazing. Giving yourself time and the space to explore what the next step is, is so underrated. Happy to be a sounding board if it might help. Xx

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Michelle A. McKenzie's avatar

Oh. this message is spot on! I have several businesses because one isn’t enough to keep me from living under a bridge, which is also my worse-case-scenario. I’m over 70 and having my own work is critically important, not just for money but for the fulfillment each gives me. But I don’t feel that fulfillment often enough to keep that fear at bay. Thanks for sharing!

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Jane Galloway's avatar

Oh the fear is real! I think it’s a massively underestimated (and talked about) part of entrepreneurship! The fulfilment is a major part of continuing to feel inspired and motivated, and scary when it isn’t there! Are your businesses all similar or totally different? x

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Michelle A. McKenzie's avatar

They are! Spiritual life coach, antiques dealer, and I manage a local animal group’s vet care funding program. VERY different, yes? And I’m working on a book about helping your animal through her final days.

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Jane Galloway's avatar

That is an AWESOME collection. Loving the focus of the book. That’s how you nail niche! Genuinely interesting mix of businesses. Love it!

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Anna Rose's avatar

I adore this idea Jane. I am at the very fringes of having my own business and literally have no idea on what anything should look like, so I would love to talk about it more. It would just be fantastic.

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