Feel the fear, do it anyway.
Susan jeffers
The day I left my job, I felt a rush of emotions. Excitement, pride, anticipation, and the slow dissipation of the anxiety that had held me by the chest for years. I had expected to feel fear, but it wasn’t there. I had just landed my first (new) client from facebook ads, secured office space for free (essentially), my colleagues were happy for me, and I was retaining my existing clients. How could I feel anything but excitement?
However, a few weeks later, the fear crept in. I had just finalized a booking when suddenly I thought, What if this was my last client? What if I never issued another ticket?ever? But the clients came, and still, the fear insisted that this was the last time and that my success thus far was just a fluke.
Never the less, it’s been 6 months since I have been doing this, and this is everything I have learned so far.
1. Introversion is bad for business
Early on, I got invited to a booker’s mixer. I printed my little cards, showed up, and hid in the nearest corner. I could not get myself to approach the PA’s and executive assistants, even though I knew landing just one of them would be a game changer for my business. I left the event having handed out a total of two cards, with a mumbled explanation about what I did.
Self-promotion has consistently felt uncomfortable for me. The discomfort of receiving attention makes even social media posts a challenge. Every time I post my business on WhatsApp, I imagine people rolling their eyes like “ih awanso.”
Facebook ads have been instrumental in the growth of my business. But every single time I run an ad there is an onslaught of queries that induce panic, which leads to me pulling the ad within hours.
2. Automation is a lifesaver
Because I would like to do this long-term, I have had to quickly find solutions to my limitations. One of them has been automation. Scheduled social media posts have proven to be time-saving, allowing my business to maintain a consistent online presence, and quick replies on WhatsApp help me filter the quality of queries so I can focus on and prioritize the promising ones.
3. Online courses will guide you
Even though I have been in this business for over 8 years, there are some things that I still have to learn how to do. For example, marketing, which I despise as a discipline, but it’s impact on business is unfortunately undeniable.
To bridge the gaps in my knowledge, I’ve taken advantage of free online courses. These courses have not only improved my professional capabilities but have also contributed to my personal growth, making me a more well-rounded individual and strengthening my business in the process.
4. Trust is everything
One thing that has pleasantly surprised me so far is how much people trust me. I mean, people who I have never met send me millions and expect me to deliver. This encourages me to keep my business reputation pristine so that people don’t lose trust in me.
On the flip side, I have also had to trust suppliers who I have never dealt with to deliver. With some, my mind is immediately at ease, and with others, it’s heart palpitations until the booking is complete. So far, my risks have paid off and increased my profit margins.
There is no business without trust, whether it is online or in person; you have to be trustworthy.
6. Terms and Conditions Will Protect You
There is a lot of uncertainty in business, and while I do my best to deliver top-notch service, some things are simply outside of my control. It’s very unpleasant when things do not go according to plan, but reasonable people understand the nature of unforeseen circumstances, and those who don’t understand are simply referred to the terms and conditions that they agreed to, reinforcing the parameters within which our business transactions operate.
7. Community will sustain you
The love and support that my family and friends have for me sustains me; whether its just words of encouragement, hype, a repost, a loan, or a purchase, the fear of ever letting them down keeps me going. I am eternally grateful.
8. Devaluation will make you question your life choices
There have been three devaluations since I started my business. The most recent one brought my business to a grinding halt. It happened during what was meant to be my profitable month, and I won’t even lie; I was filled with despair. All of December, I sold a single air ticket; the person had to go to a funeral (it was crazy expensive), a package for a family, and a few visas for people who had already booked their holidays.
How would I survive the dry months at the beginning of the year? When airlines were pulling out and no longer issuing within Malawi. I was trying not to panic, but it felt like the end. I started applying for jobs and trying to figure out my next move.
9. The universe is full of infinite possibilities
On the 3rd of January, I received a query for people who needed to come to Malawi. I gave them the quotation, but I honestly did not expect to hear back from them given how expensive it was. But they made the payment. I was again surprised by a few more bookings, which spurred me out of my slump.
I made an effort to build relationships with people at the airlines for better fares (look at little miss Introvert over here), sent out brochures with the new rates to my clients, and just broaden my hotel supplier list. This has led to January being one of my most profitable months.
Now, I am building a website for my agency with a target for inbound tourism, because that is where I got my start and because that adaptability and resilience course taught me how and when to pivot.
10. The fear never goes away
Every day I fear it might all come crashing down, but that fear is now accompanied by an overwhelming sense of gratitude. My future still feels uncertain, but boy am I grateful for how far I have come.
11. You will be empowered
Knowing that this little business of mine pays for the house, the bills, the tuition, the cat food, the life- is just unreal; it is like nothing I have ever felt before. Like I did that! I am that girl. I do not let fear stop me from living my life on my own terms.
Wheew this was a long post. I hope you found any of this useful and encouraging. Consider following us on social media, and do chat to us for any future travel bookings.
Thank you,
Xa
