03/03/2025
Who Taught You How to Be a Business Owner?
There are so many resources out there for business owners—seminars, networking events, free workshops—but let’s be real: Who has time for all that when you’re already drowning in responsibilities?
Most small business owners, especially those running a business while juggling a full-time job, a side hustle, family responsibilities, and life in general, don’t have the luxury of spending hours in a classroom or sitting through lengthy webinars. And yet, without learning the business side of things, you will not grow.
The Balancing Act: Business + Life = Chaos (But We Move)
I’ve been running TKF Events while working full-time, managing home responsibilities, and trying to have a life outside of work (which is laughable at this point). KiYanna and I have these little "business meetings" while driving home from work, and during our last one, she hit me with some truth.
She made me promise to only give clients what they paid for. Y’all know that hurt my soul. If you’ve been following TKF Events for a while, you already know I don’t do simple. I want every event to have a "wow" factor. To me, simple means mediocre, and that’s not what I want my brand to be known for.
But I also understand where she’s coming from. Boundaries in business matter. Learning when to draw the line between generosity and devaluing your work is something all business owners have to figure out.
Self-Taught vs. Formal Education: What’s the Move?
So, if we don’t have the time (or energy) to sit in a classroom every week, how do we learn how to run a successful business?
Most of what I know, I’ve learned the hard way. Trial, error, sleepless nights, and Google University. But the truth is, to truly grow and scale, we have to invest in education—whether that’s business coaching, online courses, or attending networking events.
Stats don’t lie:
📌 82% of small business failures are due to cash flow problems. (U.S. Bank Study)
📌 Only 50% of small businesses survive past the five-year mark. (SBA.gov)
📌 Business owners who invest in education (workshops, mentorship, or online training) see an 80% increase in revenue compared to those who don’t. (Harvard Business Review)
You can have all the talent in the world, but without knowing how to manage money, market your brand, and secure clients—you’re hustling, not building.
Lessons I’ve Learned the Hard Way
There are a few key things I wish I had learned earlier:
✅ Charge what you’re worth. People will always try to get discounts, but your time and skill have value.
✅ Have contracts for everything. Handshakes and verbal agreements won’t cut it. Protect yourself.
✅ Know your numbers. You can love what you do, but if you don’t track expenses, you won’t be profitable.
✅ Networking isn’t just socializing—it’s survival. Being in the right rooms will open doors faster than anything else.
✅ Invest in systems that make your life easier. Automate what you can. Get a CRM, set up an invoicing system, and save yourself stress.
How Do You Make Time to Learn?
I get it—you’re already working 24/7. How do you fit in business education without dropping the ball on everything else? Here are a few ways to learn without overwhelming yourself:
📌 Podcasts: Learn while driving, cooking, or setting up events. Try “The Goal Digger Podcast” or “Side Hustle Pro.”
📌 YouTube & TikTok: Short-form content is a game changer.
📌 Online Courses: Websites like Udemy and Coursera have quick business classes you can take at your own pace.
📌 Business Mentors: Having someone who’s already done what you’re trying to do is invaluable.
I’m committed to attending at least one business class every quarter to keep growing. I don’t just want TKF Events to survive—I want it to THRIVE.
Final Thoughts: Growth is Intentional
If you’re running a business, no one is coming to save you. No boss, no paycheck security—you eat what you hunt.
I challenge you to ask yourself: Where are you getting your business knowledge from? Are you relying solely on trial and error, or are you actively seeking to grow?
Because I promise you—the more you learn, the more you earn.
Let’s get it! 🚀