Are you just starting out as a business owner? Or have you been in business for a while but are still trying to figure out how to market your products and services online? 

Well, when I speak to people new to running their own online business, they’re excited at the opportunities and possibilities ahead. At the same time, they’re overwhelmed with all the things that come with that. 

I get it. I’ve been there before. Most successful business owners I know were there at one point or another. I also know that…

Your success depends upon YOU never giving up!

 

I’ve worked with many people who are considered wildly successful. They’re all very respected in the industry. And it seems they’ve “got it all figured out” and are running their businesses effortlessly.

However, without any exception, I found them working extremely hard in the background, making mistakes, and pushing themselves all the time — just like many of us!  They’ve experienced setbacks, obstacles, and disappointments to get where they are.  

It’s normal to have ups and downs in business. You may not be going anywhere if you haven’t run into a roadblock. The idea that success means everything goes smoothly always is just a lie. Successful people persevere through the rocky and overwhelming times in their business. 

Success and the Iceberg Illusion

I found this “Iceberg Illusion” infographic by the very talented Sylvia Duckworth many years ago. With her permission, I’m sharing it with you. I think it beautifully illustrates what success looks like.

This blog post is for those of you who are feeling stuck or discouraged while building a business. If your business doesn’t look the way you envisioned right now, keep pressing on. All the experiences you are going through right now are, in fact, setting you up for success in the future! Stay focused, and as I always say, keep moving forward!

(This article originally appeared in August 2015)