The First Step is Always the Hardest

It's the opening line in my Spiritual Journal (available through Etsy, website, or Amazon), and it's never been more apt.

"How do I get started?" is a question I hear a lot. Over the past five years of running The Tyger's Eye, I have had many people ask if I can mentor them in Tarot reading, witchcraft, and most recently, running a business. I always find myself chuckling and wondering why they'd want me, of all people, to help them. I'm just winging it! Aren't I? Especially with regards to running a business...

The truth is, I became self-employed out of necessity. And, at this point I began to write out a blog that essentially shared all the hardships I've endured. But I deleted it all, because I don't want anyone to think they have to go through tough times to start their own business. You can do it through choice.

Start small

I started reading Tarot cards at local fairs and doing 3-card pulls on Facebook. It worked around everything else I did. Build up slowly. One mistake I see people making, especially in the metaphysical market, is taking out huge loans to get a lot of stock in, take on physical shops and sign themselves up to contracts, only to realise that the market is absolutely saturated, or there isn't the footfall in that area.

Research

Which brings us nicely onto research. Look at other websites, Etsy shops, social media, of businesses in a similar market. Go into physical shops. Go to fairs. Talk to business owners about how they started and what they're selling - we love to talk about our products! Create polls on Facebook and TikTok. Watch YouTube videos. Research wholesalers - are their ethics in line with yours? Ask the questions!

Going to fairs can always be a nerve-racking experience, but you will meet a lot of interesting people.

Know your product

I have been reading Tarot cards most of my life. I know this product. I know Tarot inside and out. I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I don't mind admitting that I am pretty damn good at it. You have to truly believe in what you're offering to others. If you don't have full confidence in what you're selling, consumers and clients will go elsewhere.

Finding the right social media platform

I have always been rubbish at social media. I've had several accounts over the years, and various blogs, all of which I've found uninspiring. I never know what to write! Then, during lockdown, I found myself on TikTok - purely out of boredom and curiosity. My account blew up in ways I still can't believe.

Try different things to see what works for you. If you're good at photography, look at Pinterest and Instagram. If you like to share long videos, go to YouTube. But don't limit yourself - put yourself out there and keep trying until you find the platform that works for you. You have to enjoy what you're doing. For me, TikTok works because it allows me to share short snippets, and have fun at the same time.

Connect on a personal level

I am not a salesperson. In fact, my own husband fired me from a telesales job because I am so bad at it. But what I can do, is talk. I have always been open about sharing my experiences, which in turn allows people to share theirs with me. Remember you're not just selling a product, or a business, you're selling yourself. Your clients want to come to YOU for a reason. Connect with them. Don't make every post about a product or service you're offering - share something personal. Share memes and quotes. Just make sure it's relevant to your business and market...

I enjoy sharing snippets of my daily life with others!

Stay on Topic!

This is something I am terrible for. My husband calls it my "grasshopper brain" and I will jump from one thing to another. My Instagram is far from aesthetic, and my TikTok account goes from Tarot to witchcraft to health to silly videos all the time. Fortunately, with an app like TikTok it works - but with other social media platforms, it may not. If you drift away from your target audience, you could lose them.

Finally...

Don't be afraid of taking a step back. Recently I realised that certain areas of my business don't work for me, and I have had to admit that I was wrong. This is never easy, but it is necessary to cut your losses on occasion. Sometimes it really is two steps forward, one step back. But don't give up. You may find you have to work around a "mainstream" job at first, but if you persevere, you will make it, and one day you will be able to quit and start working for yourself.

Good luck, and remember - that first step, is always the hardest.