Mette Egelund
It was only then that it dawned on me. This is where my shelf is. This is what I want
Mette Egelund, 37, is one of the entrepreneurs who is a member of Startup Central. Her path into entrepreneurship was actually a bit accidental, and if you had asked her 5 years ago, she would not have imagined having to spend so much time and money on it. But it turned out to be just right for her. After living in a hamster wheel, where everything ran on the routine, where she felt like she never saw her children and also had a divorce on top of that, it was time to try something else. Mette says that after the divorce she felt that she could do whatever she wanted, and basically what she most needed was to find herself again. After an education in self-development, she realized the company 'Find the answer in your heart'. With big dreams about how she can help other people, Mette is absolutely sure that entrepreneurship can give her the flexibility, freedom and meaning in life that she has been looking for. “A hobby sounds like something on the side, but this is just such a big part of me. It doesn't feel like work at all”.
It's not easy being your own boss
Like many other entrepreneurs, Mette has also experienced ups and downs. It's like a roller coaster ride. Then you're up, and then you're down. When you have always been used to a boss who has expectations of you and can delegate tasks that must be completed before a deadline, it is a challenge to be your own boss. You yourself are responsible for what you deliver and how much you get done. Mette says that it has required structure, self-discipline and a framework for herself. Picking herself up has been difficult, and Mette has allied herself with a coach who helps her with the structure and setting up some goals and strategies. "It can be good to spar with someone who can see it from a higher level," says Mette. Even a coach needs a coach and sparring partner.
Another more unexpected challenge that Mette has experienced is that she thought it would go stronger. She says: "It won't take long, then I'll be flying. I know exactly what I have to do and I will figure out the rest... But no…”. You find out where your weaknesses are, and then you have to get good at screwing them up. She realized that there was a great need to make herself more visible, so that the customers also see her. And it can take time to figure out how best to reach your target audience. There, you have to do what you have to, even if it can be borderline-crossing. After all, the customer must get to know you - otherwise they will choose your competitor, who shines through better.
'Co-workers' and networks are the way forward
For Mette, it has been very important to build a network. "You try your best and try something different, because you don't really know any better," says Mette, and she emphasizes that she thinks entrepreneurs are good at helping each other. When Mette looks at her network, Startup Central has made a big difference for her. She is active at the Startup Lounge, where she gets both advice and inspiration. Even though you are sometimes competitors, or as she also calls it 'colleagues', you still want to help and spar with each other and share your experiences. Mette is convinced that everyone gets the best result if the customer chooses the one with the best match. In the end, it is all about the customer having the best experience. You must have self-awareness in relation to whether you can help the customer. If you can't do that, nothing good will ever come of it, and you won't get a happy customer afterwards if you just take the customer to get one. "It is just important that you are authentic with your voice and show who you are".
If we rewind time a little, Mette met Anders Fogh, CEO and founder of Startup Central, a year ago. He talked about Startup Central and how we help entrepreneurs. Anders was on board with Mette's idea and said "Mette, when you're ready, we'll make some noise and make you visible". Mette joined Startup Central, and she had it in the back of her mind when the time came to take the leap as an entrepreneur. The 'thump' that Anders promised came to fruition, and Mette got an article in Horsens Folkeblad in July 2020. It also turned out to yield an extra freelance assignment, which Mette handles.
Specifically, Mette mentions that Startup Central, in addition to good offers for business partners, has been a good sparring partner that she can reach out to. In addition, she has really enjoyed the Startup Lounge and the experience of the other entrepreneurs. "It's great, you feel like you're getting something for your money," she says. However, she also believes that she can use it even more in relation to the coach part. This will surely also help her on her way to success.
Hvad er dit råd til andre iværksættere?
One experience Mette has gained through her entrepreneurial journey is that you must remember to reach out and not be afraid to ask for help and learn from the experience of others. "You are not alone. I thought so at first," she says. Mette's advice to other entrepreneurs is that you should not be afraid to reach out to others. Look at what others are doing. Be careful not to copy, but it's perfectly okay to be inspired. She also emphasizes that you must focus on what gives you good energy. "Sometimes you can get upset when you compare yourself to others, because it seems that they have it completely under control," she says and continues: "You have to be careful with that, then you have to turn it off that". You have to find your own way, but like to be inspired. It's a balancing act. In addition, it is also important for her to mention that you must remember to praise each other in the industry when you like other people's work. "It's just great and you're happy when people have the courage to say it", says Mette. Again, this relates to the fact that she also sees her competitors as colleagues. You can help each other in many ways, and by sparring with each other, you don't feel alone either.
Mette has learned a lot on her way, and much of that learning is also 'learning by doing'. But as previously pointed out, things do not happen by themselves or in a short time. It takes time to find yourself in it. But you definitely shouldn't give up. "An entrepreneur's emotional register goes up and down, and that's really true," says Mette. If you want it enough, it sometimes requires you to get out of your comfort zone. You have to be active, rather than passive, if you want to move forward. In addition, entrepreneurship has been a journey of self-development, where she has gotten to know both her strengths and weaknesses better. Mette says that she once made an agreement with herself that she should do something brave once a month - both related to work and leisure - "but for some reason I now do something brave once a week" says Mette. Pushing your own limits and challenging your own weaknesses is also fun. You tend to forget to practice performing your weaknesses, and then you stop developing. And the more you challenge and try, the better you become. You have to accept having a little butterflies in your stomach and being nervous - you have to tell yourself that it's okay. For Mette, it could be, for example, making a video or a Facebook live where she talks about a topic. Or it could be that she buys the total red dress and is just happy with what other people think. Often it is what others think that holds you back. You have to dare to be yourself and show off a little. Then you are also seen and your customers know who they are dealing with.
Follow Mette's entrepreneurial journey
You can follow Mette and her business 'Find the answer in your heart' on the website, Instagram and Facebook or on her blog; women without filter.
We at Startup Central are of course proud to be part of Mette's journey, and her story shows how important sparring and networking are in a startup process - this applies both to getting the good ideas, but also to having the courage to challenge your own weaknesses pages so that you can learn and become even stronger.
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