INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS! WEBINAR SIGN-UPS! MUST MAKE SIX-FIGURES!

We are constantly bombarded with numbers we are supposed to be matching. Whether it's how many people we have watching out latest webinar, how much money we're bringing in, or how many followers we have on social media, the pressure is always on!

But how many of these numbers actually have an impact on your business?

Friends, let me tell you, there are way less numbers that should be of concern to us than what our online culture leads us to believe. Let's break it down.

Social media followers

This is one that I'm passionate about clearing up because I see so many people get down on themselves for having a small following. But chin up, buttercup! I'm here to let you know that

the number of followers you have on any social media platform does not in any way define how successful you are.

I know people who are very successful and have less than 500 Instagram followers, and then there are people who have many thousands of followers but don't actually make much money from it at all! This is absolutely one area where it's more about quality than it is about quantity. 

Let me give you an example. My photography business doesn't have a big Instagram following, although it's been consistently and organically growing for the past two years. Yet, I got my first inquiry through Instagram when I had less than 500 followers. And I got my first actual booking when I had less then 700 followers. And you know what? That first booking is now a regular repeat client who has resulted in thousands and thousands of dollars for my business! So don't get down on yourself if your numbers just don't compare so some bigger accounts.

Six-figure incomes

This phrase has become synonymous with sales pitches for the "secret" that will instantly have money pouring into your bank account. So after watching a few webinars or trying some tactics, you're probably wondering - "where's my money?!". Here's the thing: six-figure incomes are not that uncommon these days. In fact, in many markets you need to bring in $100,000 or more to be able to afford to buy a home and live in moderate comfort. Plus, the big part that's often left out from these enticing webinars full of promises is the long, hard road full of wins and (more importantly) failures to get to that level when you start out on your own from zero. 

Six- and seven-figure goals? Yes, please! Realistic timelines? Yes, please. Rather than focusing in on reaching six figures as quickly as possible, try focusing on delivering the best possible product/service and customer experience. Know that money will take time to start rolling in, and the best way to ensure that it does is to focus on serving others beautifully and ethically. 

Bank account balances

While you shouldn't be fixated on the six- or seven-figure goals, you do need to be very aware of where your business's finances stand. This means a few things:

• Cover your basics. Even if it means have a part-time job or cutting back on lifestyle expenses, make sure that your basic bills are covered. Housing, food, transportation, and health should all be taken care of.

• Separate personal and business expenses. Come tax time, you'll be thankful you did! Have a checking account for your business and a checking account for your personal expenses. Each month, transfer what you need from the business account to the personal account. If you have a day job that provides for your living expenses, then take the opportunity to save up a large balance in your business account or invest it in things such as professional education, strategic marketing, equipment for providing your services to clients, or professional events to create relationships.

• Separate money for taxes. This one is tough early on because you're just not bringing in enough money to be able to set anything aside! Still, as soon as you're able to afford it, begin setting aside money for taxes ahead of time. That way, you won't struggle come April when taxes are due. A good general rule here in the U.S. would be to set aside 10% of your gross revenue for taxes. Since I'm not a tax professional, be sure to ask a pro if you want more detailed advice!

• Track growth. More important than what the actual numbers are is whether the numbers GROW. What does this mean? If you made $1,000 3 months ago and this month you made $1,500, then that's growth! If you made $10,000 last year and this year you're on track to make $15,000, then that's growth! Celebrate the growth and track it. Tracking it monthly and annually will give you insight to see if your efforts are working. This can show you if your marketing, branding, or client relations are aligned and working for you! Don't get frustrated if the growth is slow. Just keep celebrating the wins and learning from the fails so that growth just continues to happen, even if at baby steps.

That Guy's Numbers

Comparison can be a buzzkill! It's good to be aware of fellow rockstars in the same arena as you, but my friend, please don't compare yourself to them! With social media running our lives these days, looks can be very deceiving. This means that while it may seem like your "competition" (that's a whole other conversation right there!) is #winning at life and living your dream, the reality is that you just don't know. Instagram often shows just the shiny and glam, but often hides the lows. Yes, maybe they had a five-figure month. But what if they had almost nothing come in for the previous four months? Yes, they have a shiny new car to show off. But what if they can barely make payments and got horrible loan terms for that car? Focus on you and compete only with yourself.

There you have it, friends. Numbers can be so tricky! Contrary to what you often hear online, you should not be competing with anyone but yourself. Track your numbers, focus on delivering quality to your clients, and work to grow consistently over time.

Wanna show a little love to fellow freelancers struggling with their numbers? 
Leave a shoutout in the comments below!