286 | Is it an accident or an intentional decision with Katie Hunt
When I talk to people about their business, they often say they “fell into business” or became an “entrepreneur by accident”. It’s a common story, especially in the creative online space that we all work in. These people solved a problem, likely for themselves, and then that solution led to something greater… whether it be a new business, new product or revenue stream.
One thing I always like to remind these entrepreneurs of… is that even though the idea or the initial spark of the solution may have been an accident, building, growing, sustaining that new business, product or program is never an accident. It is an intentional choice to continue and that intentionality is what leads to success and greatness over the long haul.
Today I want to share one of my stories… about my own “happy accident.” I made an intentional decision that some considered to be a rash decision—it was scary, but necessary and the outcome has truly been beautiful.
Today’s episode is brought to you by our Proof to Product resource library. It’s where you can get your hands on lots of free resources to help you start, streamline and scale your business in your own way and at your own pace.
From Happy Accidents to Intentional Decisions
Let me take you back to 2016, I was running two businesses, teaching for Creative Live, and speaking on stages all across North America, after delivering my fourth child in six years. By the end of the year, I was exhausted. I have no idea how I was making it all work.
That’s when I went on a solo retreat and made some really tough decisions:
I closed the manufacturing arm of my very profitable and successful stationery business.
I hired part-time flexible help at home and in my business.
I stopped speaking on other people's stages and started this podcast.
That third decision felt the least scary to me, but I did worry about it as I was worried I would become obsolete in the business world. I was letting go of a profitable business to go all in on Proof to Product, where I needed to be visible—podcasting made that a possibility without the commitment of traveling year-round.
Launching the Proof to Product Podcast
In 2017, I bought a microphone, scheduled interviews with my coaching clients and Paper Camp speakers, and hired a podcast editor and project manager. On May 9th, 2017, the Proof to Product Podcast was launched.
Starting the podcast was a happy accident that has benefited me, my business, our students, and even the product community at large in such an impactful way!
How the Podcast Grew My Business
Remember how I was worried about becoming obsolete? Because of the podcast, I've been invited to speak on dozens of other podcasts, summits, workshops and virtual stages. I now write for entrepreneur.com, and I've been featured in Forbes, New York Times and interviewed on live television.
I have not become obsolete.
In 2016, I had no idea what would come after making those three scary decisions. I simply knew I had a capacity issue that I needed to fix and I saw podcasting as a solution. To be completely honest, I had no idea that podcasting would become such a strategic and popular platform that it has.
Proof to Product is ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts and hit 1 million downloads in January 2023.
I share this story to remind you of a few things:
You know what is best for you and you have the power to change.
Change is scary, but be kind to yourself when you’re faced with them.
Building, growing and sustaining a business, a product, or a program is never an accident. It is an intentional choice that we make.
Today’s episode is brought to you by our Proof to Product resource library. It’s where you can get your hands on lots of free resources to help you start, streamline and scale your business in your own way and at your own pace.
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Connect with Katie Hunt
Katie Hunt is a business strategist, podcaster, mentor and mama to four. She helps product based businesses build profitable, sustainable companies through her conferences, courses and coaching programs.
Website: prooftoproduct.com | Instagram: @prooftoproduct
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