57 Business Lessons Learned in 2016 to Apply in 2017

On December 6, we reached out to you, our Womeneur tribe on Instagram and asked you what you learned in 2016 in business that you’ll apply to 2017. We are very grateful for all these amazing responses that are definitely actionable and valuable lessons learned for anyone in their personal and business life. Be sure to soak up all 58 of them and apply accordingly!

@dr.awashington Pay me what am worth or seek substandard service
@sarahnaomihcb Don’t get distracted
@girlontopoftheworld Be myself!!!!! And not being afraid to ☺️
@kreneeward Video Marketing is very effective!! I knew it but I now I am all in !! ???
@estacy_p The need for a VA because I can’t do it all.
@mybossisme To trust my gut feeling and not to do things that don’t feel right, regardless of what my mind tries to rationalize. Intuition never lies
@credit_advanced_services – Spend more time with my business. Engage more on social media. Interact with other business owners. Increase more customers. Pay myself first. Plan more revenue for years end and set up more Goals
@shirleyltoliver – Follow through no matter what
@miss_kelley2006 Now, that I have the time…make the time for my business to be successful.
@struttinsexy Don’t be defeated by the word “NO” I now take it as a “not right now” or better yet “Not with you “
@desfaithr Be consistent
@cecilesbathandbody Sometimes you have to move backwards to leap forward.
@sugarontopjax Your prices are not entitled to be affordable to everyone
resumerenewed Finding what resonates with me and investing in myself. ? Rome was not built in a day.
@kibossservices Batching, to do list by project, and being ok on the level I’m on.
@kreatedmoments Seize every moment and the importance of building a community with other business owners
@gorgeouskhaoshair I learned not to take shortcuts and to not be afraid to be successful and outshine others.
@g_sheflyTo stop doing things in real time
@weblyalfred The big Aha! moment for me was to “keep it simple” when you have a lot of information, it’s easy to assume your audience has the same information. In reality they want it short, sweet and simple. They mostly want results from the value you give. Second Aha! moment was that you are the only one who sees that something is not perfect in your business, everyone else’s cares about the value and how it will change their business.
@slay_religion Do IT when you think IT.
@betterlifechoicesofnewyork I learned that comparison breeds discontentment. No need to believe I am not moving because I’m not moving like someone else is. This patience thing ‘they’ speak of is key!
@astepaboveclassy Take my time, study and perfect, don’t rush, don’t have a mixed page via IG or anywhere else, patience, focus and the list goes on.
@kathleenstarmer @slay_religion I started doing this, too! It’s a game-changer!
@kathleenstarmer My biggest lesson involves the importance of interacting in real life. It’s hard to build a biz strictly via social media when no one knows who you are. In-person interactions, however, are like rocket fuel for your network! ?
@thesmartgalsguide Growing.?
@_uniquetouch You don’t have to be perfect. Take a time out. Always show up!
@miystanza Crush fear and keep moving
@veganzingan You get out what you put in.
@_prettyrichgirl_Be more prepare when potential clients want what you’re selling & Keep God in All my Businesses !!!!!!!! ?
@tamecasays Love the lessons shared. I am reminded to stay focused. No one wants this more than me.
@sisi_yemmie That I need to stop short-changing myself
@evcookiee Not everyone who is willing to help you SHOULD. Treat family and friends as you would a stranger – if they’re hindering your growth ✂️
@abbymlocke Don’t make emotional, financial investments
@ladyboss_inc Putting God first and Constant development and knowledge update is very important.
@webmadinah To be more organized and to take more creative risks
@betterlifechoicesofnewyork Your friends x family are not your street teams. Limit your expectations and be clear on your definition of support vs theirs. Your friend is your friend, not your promoter. Support varies in form & your business is not their 2nd job. Tough pill to swallow but understanding this saves relationships.
@leesabeth_jewels To see everything good in my business and trust my gut feelings more
@healthy_everyday_living Step away from the laptop and phone to focus more on networking events
@angel.okoro take full advantage of social media
@doublechocolatedesigns I learned that there is a such thing as a NECESSARY NO. Every opportunity offered to showcase my business is going to be the best opportunity for me. It’s okay to say thanks but no thanks this time! Going to be picking my BEST YES’S in 2017…
@girlsnightoutnyc Make outcome list rather than to do list
@sns_experience Collaboration & Networking are essential to getting exposure. It’s not just about what you know but WHO you know ??
@monicaannettesm KEEP MOVING!
@mmachukwu_omonode Collaboration is the new competition!
@kimhyltonTo be myself and not what I think people want to see. That It’s ok to talk about my accomplishments and to not down-play myself when I am in the presence of others who may not be where I am yet.
@dolldkouture That there’s nothing wrong with collaborating and supporting other people or brands but SET BOUNDARIES AND TAKE NOTE OF WHO SUPPORT DOESN’T INCLUDE ACTIONS. Don’t allow people to dump into you and use you for your intelligence but when you need a hand they’re too busy even to lend an ear or resources. F*CK THAT
@baileycraftplanners More face-to-face interactions and creating more time to be creative
@cindyriverot I have to wake up earlier ??. That’s a thing for me …
@rr_travels Listen more than you speak.
@tvintageglamdc Every morning we start over. We have to be our own cheerleaders and motivators. In 2017, I will not allow people including family and friends to dump their insecurities of what I am doing on me, because when I look closely – they have done nothing – and, don’t want me to do anything. Stepped out on Faith. God is with me always. Moving forward……..
@_mrs_b_Be patient and consistent
@tads_soup_kitchen Goal setting ….and the importance of writing it down
@properexposurebyslc Always, ALWAYS follow my gut and remember that all money is not good money.
@graziellalifestyle @evcookiee I learned this the very hard way this year. Not all doors and opportunities are what you think.
@graziellalifestyle Synergy is good BUT mind who you synergize with. Not all doors should be walked through and not all opportunities should be taken. Pay myself first. Use the professionals-they exist for a reason. Do it afraid. Partner with God. Educate yourself. Business money and personal money must not mix.
@psofnyc Teamwork makes the dream work ?
@sevenfiguremothers Boxing my time and defending it no matter what

What did you learn in 2016 that you’ll apply to 2017?

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