It’s interesting being an entrepreneur. Especially when you create a company out of nothing. After close to ten years of working in social media, I saw a need in the Meridian and Eagle area for a community page. I knew I wanted a page that highlighted small business and events. But never could I have guessed what it would become. Or that I would have such a personal investment in these businesses and my neighbors. Or that I would start a podcast about it all!
I would never claim to be the most experienced business professional. Goodness. I’m learning as I go. But I have learned a few things along the way. Both in business and in life. In honor of the Eagle Magazine 15th anniversary, here are 15 of my rules to live by.
- Be Kind. If we knew the story of every person we dealt with, this would be the most obvious action. I like to think, this person is most likely just a long conversation away from being a friend. Even if that conversation never happens, I can treat them that way.
- Write down names and how you know someone the MOMENT you have a chance.
- Learn to say NO. No is power. No is self-care. Highly recommend the book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg Mckeown
- If you don’t make your own priorities, someone else will make them for you. Every person believes their project, issue or agenda is the most important thing. That doesn’t mean it needs to be the most important thing to you.
- Become a VAULT. When someone trusts you with information, see that as a gift to protect. In business, in relationships, keep personal and business information protected.
- For women entrepreneurs, as soon as you start making money, put that money towards making your life EASIER. Hire the housecleaner! Get help with meal prep. Order out. Get the facial. We are expected to do it all. It’s up to us to change that expectation and own our need for help. Remove the guilt. Guilt is a trap.
- Comparing yourself to someone on social media is ALWAYS a losing battle. The school yard just became the entire world. You will never be enough if the standard is a curated Instagram post.
- If you are in a relationship, make out every day. EVERY SINGLE DAY.
- Use Imposter Syndrome to your benefit. A while back, I realized that almost every person deep down believes they are still just an awkward 14 year old who is totally faking it. Harnessing that realization makes every person you meet your peer, on your level and approachable.
- Take care of your skin. Wear a quality face SPF every day. Believe me.
- Don’t say something online you wouldn’t say to someone’s face.
- Be aware of how much you actively listen in a conversation. Then double it. Instead of responding in a conversation, ask a clarifying question.
- Be a big fish in a small pond. Figure out what is not being done yet. Do something new. Don’t copy someone else’s game plan.
- Put together a “Power Playlist” to play before big meetings or events. Mine include “Børns”, “The Killers” and “Green Day”.
- Find your tribe. Hold them close.
Natalie Plummer runs the popular Instagram page Hello Meridian, which at this time engages with 34,000 local followers and received Meridian Small Business of the Year Award in 2020. She also runs a social media management company. She and her husband, Shane, host the podcast The Boise Bubble which discusses pertinent Treasure Valley issues. She’s the mom of three kids and, very unexpectedly, became a cat mom, under duress from her children.
