Today marks Ashford Davis’ one year anniversary. This year has flown by, and even though there has been a lot I have learned, the curve ahead is still very long. I’ve run small companies in the past – moreso part time gigs while in school, or freelance jobs while employed elsewhere. While the pressure is great, the relief and satisfaction of achievements is that much greater. Sweeter than honey, to use a cliche.

To celebrate my first year, I’ve compiled a list of top 10 lessons learned in no particular order. It’s been interesting to note that these lessons have not been “eureka” moments in the business sense, but rather lessons and awakenings about myself. You come to learn yourself much better when you are relying on your own skills for a paycheck, rather than the team and an employer who signs your check.

You’re only as good as your own confidence
If you don’t think you can achieve, you won’t. Giving half-hearted pitches for new accounts, or doubting yourself will cause your clients and prospects to doubt. It’s a downward spiral that can get real nasty, really quickly.

Stay in touch with your network – never know when a biz opportunity is in the fire
I’ve bumped into friends whom I was sure knew my latest endeavors with AFD. Sure enough, I’d failed to stay properly in contact and lost potential jobs. Keep in touch always, you never know when someone will need your assistance.

Keep numerous prospects in the fire – people never move at your own pace
Prospective clients never close on your own time. I’ve lost projects I thought were “in the bag” and I’ve gained projects that were a “lost cause” six months prior. People are busy, and although you see the project as a “must do immediately or die” case for the client, they don’t see it your way. Always have a lot of prospects because you don’t want revenue streams to dry up.

Read a lot, always be educated about numerous topics
Your random knowledge about South African Dung Beatles could be the reason you win that contract over your competitors. Okay…it probably won’t be that bazaar, but staying knowledgeable, being interesting and offering input into conversations gets you heard and gets people to look at you. Don’t be obnoxious, but you never know when a random factoid will win the heart of your prospective client.

Flood or drought – never a happy medium
I’ve had days when I am figuratively drowning in work. I go to bed in a panic, and wake up early. I sit at my computer and suddenly there seems to be no work to do. I don’t know what that says about my sanity, but it sure does explain that fatigue, anxiety and stress can do wonders to your outlook. Accepting the fact that some days will seem more stressful than others – whether they truly are or not – is just how life is. Smile, and take a deep breath.

Don’t lie about your capabilities, but don’t undervalue them either
Modesty is a great quality, but it can lose you projects. Confidence is also a wonderful trait, but you might be overcompensating for your skills; a fire is awaiting around the corner. Finding a balance has been a challenge, and I am still working on this today. I tend to be overly modest about my skills – perhaps due to fear of failure. While this fear won’t likely entirely go away, it’s good to always remember that if you learn from something, it’s never a failure.

Don’t underestimate social media
I have made some phenomenal contacts via social media. There’s quite a bit of spam on all of the platforms, but there are true opportunities out there. Invest some quality, sincere time, and you will be rewarded.

Keep a schedule – it’s easy to get off track
I’m a bit obsessive compulsive, and tending to my own “to do list” was never something I was fearful I couldn’t do. Working on your own terms, though, makes it quite easy to get off track. Sleeping in an extra hour might do you good, but will it really? Keep a schedule and stick to it. You may fall off the wagon some days, but get back up there.

Don’t be afraid of “lack of security”
I’ve stayed in past jobs strictly due to my fear of financial instability. With the recent economic downturn, many people are finding that there really isn’t much stability when someone else signs your paycheck. Jobs are really a false security blanket when things get ugly. If “lack of security” is the only thing holding you back, and you have a winning plan…go for it! For me, it took getting knocked out of that limb to move forward. I may have been bruised a bit, but I’m thankful every day.

TAKE A BREAK! Make time for family and friends
Type A, workaholic personalities – listen up! Take a break for goodness sake! Allow yourself to enjoy your hobbies. Ride a bike, go to the movies, pop open that bottle of wine. Life is short and you must enjoy it. Thank your support, whether that is family or friends – they are there for you and you need them. Let them keep you grounded and learn to relax. Consistent 15-hour work days will only send you to the grave more quickly.

So, there’s my list. Nothing ground-breaking, but it is revealing. The list tells me that the biggest hinderance to our success is not external factors or luck of the draw – it’s ourselves. Learn to love yourself and learn to manage your own personality glitches. Not only will you be more successful, you’ll be happier in the long run.