The Suppressed Entrepreneur’s Post

You’ve probably seen me sharing business insights and strategies over the years, but today, I want to get personal. In 2008, after investing three years of blood, sweat, and tears into my coaching business, I hit rock bottom. I was subletting my bedroom, sleeping on the sofa, and eating baked beans straight out of the can. The calls from creditors came seven times a day, and the weight of it all was unbearable. My business was failing, and my dream of entrepreneurship seemed like it was slipping away. The truth is, I felt lost. I didn’t know how to pull myself out of that hole, and I felt like I had failed—not just my business, but myself. I blamed myself for not being “good enough” or “smart enough” to make it work. But here’s what I’ve realised since: It wasn’t about my capability—it was about my foundation. What I didn’t have back then was a solid plan—a clear strategy to build my business on sustainable principles. I was chasing quick wins, hoping hard work alone would be enough, but I was missing the fundamental tools to make my business thrive. That’s why I wrote Grass Roots to Green Shoots. It’s not just another “success story.” It’s a raw, honest look at the mistakes I made, the struggles I faced, and most importantly, the lessons that helped me turn it all around. In the book, I talk about: 🌿 Why so many entrepreneurs end up with high debt and shattered dreams—and what they can do to avoid it. 🌱 The six principles that transformed my life and business, and can do the same for you. 🛠️ The 30-day rescue plan I used to get back on my feet when it felt like all was lost. 🔄 The new rules for taking control of your business—so you stop being a slave to it and start living life on your own terms. I didn’t do much promotion for the book when I first published it in 2010, or again when I updated it in 2020. I didn’t even have a book launch. Why? Because, like so many of us, I still felt like I wasn’t enough. Yet, when it was first launched I received raving feedback from people all over the world (like the 20 people I actually got it to). Despite writing it as part of the Key Person of Influence programme with Daniel Priestley where I was surrounding by trailblazers leading the way. I’m sharing this today because its time to stop hiding myself away and I know so many entrepreneurs are feeling exactly how I did—like you’re giving everything you have, but the pieces just aren’t coming together. If you’re feeling that way, know this: You’re not alone, and there’s a way through it. ✨ It’s time to bring Grass Roots to Green Shoots back into the spotlight. I’m going to be sharing more insights from the book in the coming weeks, so if you’re ready for some honest, practical advice on avoiding the common traps most business owners fall into, make sure to follow me. Ping me if you'd like a free digital copy! #Entrepreneurship #GrassRootsToGreenShoots #BusinessStruggles #OvercomingFailure #RealTalk

As a business owner, successfully exiting your business is a big accomplishment. But here’s the thing: once you have exited your business, your life isn’t over. So, the question is, what are you going to do now? You have so many options. You may begin to pursue dreams you put on the back burner while building your business. Or, you may have additional business aspirations. Pursue them with the same passion and dedication you used to build your business! You may want to improve your health through exercise, diet, and new, healthy habits. Map out what you want to achieve and do it! You may want to help others by volunteering your time with nonprofits. Perhaps you want to teach or become a coach. You may even want to help other entrepreneurs just starting their journey. Giving back is the greatest gift and reaps the greatest rewards. Plan out your days to include time to give back! You may also choose to allocate all or part of your time and energy to your family. They need you and want you with them! Whatever you want to pursue, go after your dreams. Fill your bucket list. Plan on how and when you will cross off the items on that list. And do it with all the passion and energy you possess! Your Multimillion-Dollar Exit can be purchased here: ⁠ #BusinessSuccession #BusinessPlan #ExitStrategy #ExitRich #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategyCoach #ExitPlanning #ZellLaw #YourLifetimeLawyers #EstatePlanning #SellYourBusiness #Reston

As a business owner, successfully exiting your business is a big accomplishment. But here’s the thing: once you have exited your business, your life isn’t over. So, the question is, what are you going to do now? You have so many options. You may begin to pursue dreams you put on the back burner while building your business. Or, you may have additional business aspirations. Pursue them with the same passion and dedication you used to build your business! You may want to improve your health through exercise, diet, and new, healthy habits. Map out what you want to achieve and do it! You may want to help others by volunteering your time with nonprofits. Perhaps you want to teach or become a coach. You may even want to help other entrepreneurs just starting their journey. Giving back is the greatest gift and reaps the greatest rewards. Plan out your days to include time to give back! You may also choose to allocate all or part of your time and energy to your family. They need you and want you with them! Whatever you want to pursue, go after your dreams. Fill your bucket list. Plan on how and when you will cross off the items on that list. And do it with all the passion and energy you possess! Your Multimillion-Dollar Exit can be purchased here: ⁠ #BusinessSuccession #BusinessPlan #ExitStrategy #ExitRich #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategyCoach #ExitPlanning #ZellLaw #YourLifetimeLawyers #EstatePlanning #SellYourBusiness #Reston

The Top 3 Mistakes New Entrepreneurs Make and How to Avoid Them" Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is exciting, but it's also fraught with challenges. Many new entrepreneurs stumble along the way, making critical mistakes that can hinder their success. To help you navigate this path more smoothly, let's explore the top three mistakes new entrepreneurs often make and how to avoid them: 1. Neglecting Market Research: Launching a product or service without understanding your target market is a recipe for failure. Take the time to research your audience's needs, preferences, and behaviors. Use this insight to tailor your offering and marketing strategies effectively. 2. Failing to Develop a Solid Business Plan: Without a clear roadmap, it's easy to lose sight of your goals and encounter obstacles along the way. Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, target market, marketing strategy, financial projections, and operational plan. This will keep you focused and guide your decisions. 3. Overlooking Financial Management: Poor financial management can sink even the most promising business ideas. Budget effectively, track expenses diligently, and plan for unforeseen costs. Seek professional guidance when needed and prioritize financial literacy to ensure the financial health of your business. Core Message: Thorough research, strategic planning, and effective financial management are crucial for entrepreneurial success. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can set a strong foundation for your business and increase your chances of long-term viability. Thomas Edison once said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Remember, every successful entrepreneur has faced challenges along the way. By learning from the mistakes of others and seeking guidance, you can accelerate your journey towards entrepreneurial success. Ready to launch your dream business? Connect with me to discuss Personally how to implement these steps tailored to your unique vision. Let's turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality together! Connect Now 👉 - https://lnkd.in/gmTWbjpG Remember, success in entrepreneurship requires preparation, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. Here's to your entrepreneurial journey! #businesscoach #smallbusiness #coaching #business #foundation #businessstrategy

How to Start a Business Without Quitting Your 9-5? A 5-step process: Feeling trapped between your 9-to-5 grind and your entrepreneurial dreams? You're not the only one. Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to juggle their job, personal life, and the dream of starting a business. It feels like a never-ending battle with time, money, and self-doubt. Imagine the cost of staying in this limbo: • Missed opportunities for growth and independence • Continued dissatisfaction in your current role • The regret of not pursuing your passion • Financial stress from not leveraging your true potential • Let's face it; it's a frustrating cycle. But, it doesn't have to be this way. Like you, I was once caught in this cycle, until I discovered a framework in 2014 that changed everything. It allowed me to validate my business idea and launch it successfully while balancing my job and personal commitments. I'll teach you all this and more inside "Passion To Profits," a program designed to help you go from idea validation to launch in just 100 days without having to quit your job or invest a fortune. With "Passion To Profits," you will: ✅Break free from the overwhelm and gain clear, actionable steps ✅Overcome the fear of failure with proven strategies ✅Find the perfect balance between your commitments and your entrepreneurial ambitions ✅Join a community of like-minded individuals for support and mentorship ✅Imagine transforming your life to one where you're not just dreaming about entrepreneurship but living it. This week, I'll be diving deep into "Passion To Profits" in my  FREE masterclass You'll learn exactly how the program works, including: • How to identify and validate your business idea in less than a week • Strategies for managing your time effectively, so you can build your business without burnout • Real success stories from people just like you • If you're ready to stop dreaming and start doing, this is your chance to create the life you've always wanted. This is just the beginning. Want to dive even deeper? I'm hosting a FREE Masterclass this week on LinkedIn. I'll walk you through the foundational steps of turning your passion into a thriving business without sacrificing your current job or lifestyle. You'll not only get actionable insights but also direct access to ask me your burning questions live. Don't let this chance slip by. Follow me on LinkedIn to stay updated on the masterclass details and unlock the door to your entrepreneurial journey. 👉 Follow me here: Tara Kochhar

How to Handle the "What Ifs" in Starting Your Own Small Business Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about turning your side hustle into a full-fledged business, but the negative "what ifs" keep holding you back? It's a struggle I know all too well when I stood on the edge of pursuing my entrepreneurial dreams of starting my social media business. The fear of the unknown, the fear of failure, and the fear of leaving the security of a stable job have often clouded my vision and hindered me from taking that leap of faith. But then I thought, what if I shifted my focus from the negative "what ifs" to the positive ones? What if I allowed myself to explore the possibilities and opportunities that come with starting my own business? What if I embraced the excitement of creating something meaningful and impactful? Turning down those negative "what ifs" and listening to the positive ones requires a mindset shift and a courageous step forward. So, I thought I’d share a few strategies that have helped me silence the doubts and amplify the optimism as I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey: 1. Visualize My Success: Instead of getting caught up in potential setbacks, I started to envision the thriving business I wanted to build. I visualized the positive outcomes, the growth opportunities, and the deep sense of fulfillment that comes with pursuing my passion. 2. Surround Myself with Support: I sought out mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and supportive friends and family who provided unwavering encouragement and guidance. Surrounding myself with positivity and belief in my abilities has been instrumental in drowning out the negative voices in my head. 3. Take Calculated Risks: I understood that starting a business involved risk, but I learned to take calculated risks supported by research, strategic planning and a solid strategy. I trusted in my abilities to navigate challenges and adapt to changing circumstances and that empowered me to move forward. 4. Focus on My Why: I constantly reminded myself of the reasons why I wanted to start my own business. My burning desire for independence, my passion for social media, my drive to make a positive impact and stay connected to my purpose fuels my motivation and helped me overcome doubts. As I navigated the challenges and uncertainties of entrepreneurship, I reminded myself that the rewards of pursuing my dreams and building something of my own far outweighed the "what ifs" that once held me back. I chose to embrace the positive possibilities, trust in my abilities, and take that leap of faith towards creating a flourishing business that reflects my passion and vision. I knew the journey could’ve been daunting, but the potential for growth, fulfillment, and success is truly infinite. Let go of those negative “what ifs”. You got this!

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Four business exits . . . A master’s degree, 30 years of work experience . . . And it all proves one thing to me . . .   Everyone is making it up as they go.   Seriously.   Every time I get to see “behind the curtain” of a small business (successful or unsuccessful), what I almost always see is hard working, sincere, thoughtful people. . .making it up as they go.   Sure, some fake it better than others.   And occasionally you’ll find someone who has fooled themselves into believing they have it all figured out. They are the ones to be cautious of, because often, their confidence comes with an offer to sell you their secret - at a huge price. But "gurus" aside, by-and-large, it’s a “Here’s what I think. What do you think about that?” small business world.   And that’s GREAT NEWS!   Because it means you are 100% in this small business game . . .if you decide to be.   It’s about choice, commitment, and conviction – not COVERT knowledge.   There is no secret formula. . . but to be sure, you do have a lot to learn.   So, learn everything you can . . . but do it as you go along. Stop waiting. Start doing.   And yes, experience helps. So, talk to people who have done before what you want to do next.   Soak up everything you can . . .   Because the only guaranteed small business killer is thinking you’ve got it all figured out.   If you keep learning, growing, and changing you’ll get better at this as you go along.   Maybe even much better.   But you have to . . .   Get started.   Go ahead . . .you can make it up as you go.   (It’s what the rest of us are doing.) #business #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship

Mistakes Every Entrepreneur Must Avoid When Starting a Business Starting a business is exciting but also challenging. On this journey filled with opportunities, many entrepreneurs make avoidable mistakes. Today, I’ll share the most common pitfalls I’ve observed and how to overcome them so your business can thrive. ■Lack of a Clear Financial Plan: Starting without a well-defined budget is like setting sail without a compass. It’s essential to calculate how much you need to launch, how much you expect to earn, and how you’ll cover unexpected expenses. Remember, there’s a big difference between investing wisely and spending recklessly. If you don’t have a solid financial plan yet, it’s time to get serious about your numbers! ■Mixing Personal and Business Finances: It’s tempting to use your personal account for business expenses, but this can lead to chaos. Open a dedicated business account from day one and set a modest salary for yourself. This approach not only keeps things organized but also demonstrates professionalism to potential partners or investors. ■Underestimating the Power of Your Team: Many entrepreneurs try to do everything themselves, thinking they’ll save money. However, this often leads to burnout and costly mistakes. Surround yourself with people who complement your skills and build a team where everyone shares the same vision. Remember, success is built with a team, not in isolation. ■Neglecting the Importance of Marketing: Having an excellent product or service is not enough—if no one knows about it, you won’t sell. From the start, define your ideal customer and how to reach them. Leverage social media, create valuable content, and emotionally connect with your audience. A great story sells better than any cold strategy. ■Ignoring Market Feedback: The market always has something to say, but few entrepreneurs listen. Ignoring customer feedback can be fatal. Analyze their comments, adjust your strategies, and remain flexible to evolve with their needs. #Share_Your_Experience Have you made any of these mistakes or learned valuable lessons on your entrepreneurial journey? Share your story in the comments! What you learn today might inspire someone else tomorrow. Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but avoiding these mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration. Plan wisely, separate your finances, trust your team, invest in marketing, and listen to your market. With these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to face the challenges of the business world. #SuccessfulEntrepreneurship #SmartBusiness #CommonMistakes #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurTips

My Book Rise Above (Paperback) is now ready for pre-order. Feeling stuck in the rut of indecision or overwhelmed by the daunting prospect of starting or managing a business? You're not alone. The fear of missing out on your dreams and the anxiety of not knowing where to start can be paralysing. But imagine the regret of never taking that leap, of watching others succeed while you stay stagnant. Picture this: You have a brilliant idea, a passion waiting to be unleashed into the world. But without the right guidance, your dream could remain just that—a dream. Every day you delay, another opportunity slips through your fingers, and another competitor gains ground. Now, consider the consequences of navigating the treacherous waters of entrepreneurship without a compass. Without proper planning, you risk sinking your ship before it even sets sail. Legal pitfalls, financial mishaps, burnout—they're all waiting to sabotage your journey. But fear not. With "Rise Above" as your trusted companion, you'll have a roadmap to steer you through the storm. Imagine the satisfaction of turning your vision into a thriving reality, of conquering obstacles that once seemed impossible. This isn't just another business book—it's your lifeline in the lively world of entrepreneurship. Packed with practical advice, real-life experiences, and invaluable insights, "Rise Above" equips you with the tools to soar above the competition. Don't let fear hold you back. Seize this opportunity to rise above your doubts and uncertainties. Your journey to business success starts now. to https://lnkd.in/gYSzgUs3 #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #soletrader #bookkeeping #businessadvice #businessguide #microbusiness