Category Archives: It Takes A Village Mastermind

Do You Have a Business or a Hobby?

At last week’s meeting, we had a great conversation focusing on “Showing up for your business.” One of our members said something that surprised me.

“Everyone needs to take their business seriously, after all, it isn’t a Jobby!” 

I had never heard the term “Jobby” before. When I asked about it, she explained that a “Jobby” is when people say they have a business but do not take it seriously. The company is treated less like a job and more like a hobby = “Jobby.”

See why it stuck with me?

I see it all the time: someone has decided to start their own business, so they build a website, start selling their product, and jump right in! It is excellent and brave, but it isn’t always the right thing. Online business owners can easily “open their doors for business” without a firm business plan. Some may test the waters to see if they attract any clients, and some start doing this online work as a side gig while working their full-time job.

If this is how you opened your business and now you are in elbows deep, can you tell if you have a business or if it is still just a hobby?

My first business started as a hobby; I loved taking photos of my kids. A hobby traditionally is an activity that pleases you and you do in your spare time. On the other hand, a business provides a service or products to clients, has business hours, and strives to make a profit.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if you are working on a business or a hobby:

  • Do you have firm business hours, or are you working irregular hours as your family or full-time job allows?
  • Do you make the most of your business hours or work time by working as efficiently as possible? Or do you get distracted by social media or other behind-the-scenes tasks?
  • Do you have a business plan that includes expected profits for one year?
  • Do you make opportunities happen or wait for them to come to you?
  • Do you withdraw every penny from your account after clients pay you? Or do you give yourself a pay structure and reinvest some of your profits into software, training, or other business expenses?

If you were unsure before, you should now know if your business is indeed a business or a “Jobby.”

Do you have a business or a hobby? Woman presenting jewelry in front of ring light, live.

Success Through Community is LIVE!

Welcome to Success Through Community and the It Takes a Village Mastermind Website!

Hello and Welcome to our new blog! We are so very excited to be starting this new adventure and even more excited knowing that YOU are here with us!

We are Joelene Mills and Kelly L Gabel, an unlikely duo that met while we were both growing our separate businesses. We began leaning on each other for support in areas of expertise the other had and it didn’t take long before we didn’t go a single day without reaching out to each other. We celebrated wins, shared losses,  continued to seek advice, and so much more. We both soon realized just how important it is to have someone in our corner.

Which brings us, and you, here. Let us give you an idea of what to expect and what you will see here on the STC blog. Together, Kelly and I came to the conclusion that no matter what you or your business offer, there is an easier way to build a successful business.

With a community.

We’ve all heard how it takes a village to raise a child, and we feel your business is no different. This space will have a little bit of everything business-related for the solopreneur seeking community, support, business tips, tricks, and success!

Our goal for this website is for all of our fellow solopreneurs to know there is power in numbers! We, and many others, are here to support you in multiple ways!

First, if you haven’t already, join us inside It Takes a Village Free Facebook Community. Where we have monthly business topics, tips, and resources for your business growth. The ITAV Community was created for you to build connections, and gain knowledge and inspiration for your own business. We and many other solopreneurs are there beside you, every step of the way to support you.

Second, if you are wanting or feel you need more one-on-one support, with a smaller network of like-minded women, then the ITAV Mastermind might be what you need! It is a premium mastermind for mission-driven, service-based women entrepreneurs who are ready and willing to put in the work it takes to reach the next level!

It Takes a Village Solopreneur Mastermind is 12-Weeks of Comprehensive Sessions that focus on the seasons of your business, during the seasons of the year. The mastermind is run quarterly, with the season of the year. Join the waitlist, so next season you can tap into the brainpower of several businesswomen and their expertise to take your company to the next level.

Look, you started your business because you believed in your vision and knew you would make a difference for your customers, family, and yourself. Only, you didn’t expect it to be so lonely! That is why Solo is the hardest part of being a Solopreneur.

Well, you are not alone. What is most important to both Kelly and me, is that you know that. We are here to support you as best we can along your business journey.

Once again, thank you for being here, and welcome to our corner of the internet. We are so pleased to have you join us and can’t wait to move forward in business together!

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