5 Years and Counting – 5 Lessons Learned From Running a Business

Before diving into any lessons learned from running a business—a law firm—for the last five years, I would like to thank everyone who has supported me. I especially want to thank everyone who said I was crazy or weird or told me I could not do something. Both fueled the mission to provide Everyday Legal Advice in their unique way. And for five years, I have, in my own crazy and unique ways, pursued with purpose the vision of providing easy-to-use legal advice for clients facing challenging situations in an increasingly complex world.

Here are some lessons that fostered my business and professional growth over the last five years.

1.     Thrash in the Tide – Life is full of rules, and laws, that we all must follow. That does not mean you must follow the herd and conform to every norm. Just because a profession has always done things, a certain way does not mean everyone should continue doing it that way. Designing a place I, and hopefully countless others, want to work has felt like swimming headfirst into a hurricane-fueled tide. After a while, the drive to do it differently becomes something you enjoy, and that headfirst swim becomes fun. So spend a lifetime building what you want by thrashing in the tide while others watch in amazement.

2.     Be Unapologetically You – Oscar Wilde famously said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” He was onto something. We each bring something unique to the table. And in business, the most important thing you can do is to make it to the table. After you make it, use your access wisely and push for something you believe in.

3.     Enjoy the Rollercoaster – The first thing you realize when you start a business is that you have unlimited freedom to set your own schedule and work the hours you want. The second thing you realize is that business ownership is the wildest rollercoaster you will ever ride. Sure, the ride starts slowly, but suddenly you land your first client and find yourself at the highest high. An immediate setback often follows this high, and that fall from the high is terrifying and swift. Wash, rinse, and repeat daily, monthly, and yearly. As the ride continues, the distance between the highs and lows dissipates, and the emotions moderate. Lean into it! Throw your hands up and enjoy the ride.

4.     Action Bias – Just get after it! Want to start a business, do it. Start a new hobby, great. Stop thinking about doing a thing and get after doing it. When I started five years ago, I set out to make the best business plan ever. I would design a plan, then revise it, only to revise it again. Looking back, I would have made more progress in year one if I had just gotten after it. The wonderful thing is that if you keep going, you get to act more and continue to grow. What will you do to pursue your hobby, passions, or dreams today?

5.     Be too Stupid to Quit – Someone once asked me what I thought the secret to running a business was. My response surprised them: “I’m too stupid to quit.” Trust me, there were plenty of times I wanted to quit, that I thought I could not run a business, that I would never make it. But with each day and each small win, I kept going. Lucky for us, everyone has this ability because if I can do it, anyone can do it. Keep pushing; it is all worth it!

So, to everyone reading, thank you for five great years. One thing is certain, I am not the same person, and the firm is different from the entity it was five years ago or even one year ago. I look forward to learning more and growing