Riding Naked on the Entrepreneur Roller Coaster

Three years ago, I had an idea. I stewed about it and during that first year, I was riddled with excitement and doubt. I asked myself was it even a good idea? Are people really looking for what I want to offer? Who am I to be trusted as the “go to” expert in this industry?

Now, if this was my first business venture, these thoughts and feelings I had would make sense. Anything new is scary as you enter the zone of the unknown. But I’d already established an event planning business that had grown to a 7-figure business over thirty years’ time. I wasn’t a newbie by any means, and yet a flood of doubt and fear washed over me when I decided to let my entrepreneur side out once again.

“Anything new is scary as you enter the zone of the unknown”

Here’s what no one tells you about being a successful creative entrepreneur: No matter how much success you’ve had, no matter how your efforts impact the industry, you never outgrow doubt or fear. You can be Donald Trump or Richard Branson and still have these same fears and doubts (but maybe not as visible to the naked eye).  These feelings are all just part of the roller coaster ride of someone determined to design their own path in business and in life.

Follow along as I share my journey of what it feels during the week leading up to launching my new business, Event Heroes.

Day 7

Seven days away from our Event Heroes website launch and I am a nervous wreck! We have worked 3 years on this project and it is now finally time for us to release it to the world. Ugh – talk about exposing yourself!

The one thing I know for sure is that creating a business and bringing it to the world is like birthing a baby!

We’ve grown it, coddled it, thought about it, and changed it based on others suggestions or books from “experts.” So today, I’m on the top of the roller coaster, waiting to crest and then free fall down into the unknown, full of hopes and aspirations, fears and concerns, but all the while, really excited about the ride.

I’m preparing for the big day by spending time resting and thinking positive thoughts. At least that’s what I’m trying to do…but then the doubts flood my mind.  I’m obsessing about all the ways we could improve the product or figure out how to make sure the clients understand how to use the product, even though our team has been over this a thousand times!

We’ve tested our offerings with a small group to make sure our clients’ needs are met.  And yet, I still question everything! I keep reminding myself this is all a normal part of the entrepreneur roller coaster ride.

Day 6

Is Event Heroes what my clients really need or want?  Did we do a good job of explaining the product? Does the website make sense? Will it be successful? Did I just spend the last three years consumed with an idea only to find it never goes anywhere? Will this venture completely bankrupt me? Oh my gosh, now I’ve talked myself into a headache.

Still so many things to do and I am overwhelmed trying to keep up with two businesses.  Sometimes a glass of wine sounds great but then I remember that I need to be as sober and as productive as possible for the next few days. Definitely spiraling down on the roller coaster!

Day 5

Do I really have to get out of bed this morning? I was awake all night and thought about our upcoming launch.  I stared at the ceiling and watched the shadows play on the wall and listened to the wind howl. I’ve played this thing out over and over 100 times and broke into a cold sweat a time or two. Okay, so maybe those were hot flashes, but either way, the launch is coming.