Launching Lessons: Turn Launch Flops Into Your Biggest Win
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Sep 21, 2024
- 9 min read
Launching Lessons: Turning a Less-Than-Perfect Launch into Your Biggest Win
So, your big launch… didn’t quite go as planned? Honey, you are so not alone! As someone who truly gets the juggle – kids, family, and maybe even sneaking in a PhD chapter while the little one naps (anyone else relate?) – I've been there, done that, got the slightly-too-tight launch T-shirt (because, you know, post-baby body) to prove it. I remember one launch in particular for an online course; the sales page vanished just as the emails went out! Talk about a heart-stopping moment. I learned the hard way about triple-checking tech & having backup plans (always!). Seriously though, that sting of disappointment? I so get it. It can feel especially tough when you’re juggling so much already. Share one win this week below to remind yourself of your progress!
Even after starting Femmeprenista, I've had launches that felt like a total flop – one webinar had such terrible tech issues, I almost cried! But it taught me the critical importance of pre-recording key content as a backup. It’s all part of the journey, right?
It's easy to spiral into self-doubt. To question everything. To feel like maybe this whole entrepreneurial thing just isn't for you. Trust me, that little voice whispers in my ear too sometimes, usually around 3 am when the baby decides sleep is for the weak. But here's the thing: a less-than-perfect launch isn't a failure. It’s a learning opportunity. A chance to refine, recalibrate, and come back even stronger.
Think of it like my school-aged daughter trying to master riding her bike without stabilisers. Weeks of wobbly attempts, a few tears (mostly mine, if I’m honest!), and more than one scraped knee. One memorable attempt involved her cycling straight into a rose bush (don't worry, no major injuries!). Every wobble, every near-miss, brought her closer to that "aha!" moment. Then, one sunny afternoon at the park, click – she just gets it. That initial struggle, the feeling of "almost there," mirrored so many of my own early launch experiences. Was her cycling debut perfect? Absolutely not. But the pure joy on her face, that sense of accomplishment? Priceless. And guess what? The next attempt? Even better. It's often easier to find breakthroughs when the pressure is off & there's an element of fun. My daughter’s bike-riding saga reminds me a lot of what Myron Golden teaches on needing to cease being a seed to become a tree. I’m not talking about literal trees & seeds; I’m talking about transformation! Sometimes, embracing the messy middle is the quickest way to blossom.
Your launch might not have been the fireworks display you envisioned, but it's the progress that matters. Those initial wobbles, the unexpected bumps? They're all part of finding your entrepreneurial balance. So, grab your metaphorical helmet (and maybe a large glass of wine – it’s definitely wine o’clock somewhere!), and let’s turn those launching lessons into your biggest win yet.
Reframing the "Fail": It's All About Feedback
First things first, let's ditch the "fail" label. Seriously, who needs that kind of negativity in their lives? It reminds me of one of the NLP "Beliefs of Excellence" from Sue Knight: “There is no failure, only feedback.” These early experiences, even the ones that make you cringe a little (or a lot!), are valuable data points. They're telling you what needs tweaking, where you can refine your message, & how to better connect with your audience.
Remember Simon Sinek’s golden rule, “People don't buy WHAT you do; they buy WHY you do it”? If your launch felt misaligned or lacked that spark, it might be time to revisit your core purpose. Why are you doing this? What impact do you want to make? Getting crystal clear on your “why” will infuse your entire business – from your marketing message to your sales conversations – with authenticity & attract the right clients.
Analyzing the Aftermath: Asking the Right Questions (and Avoiding the Blame Game)
Now for the nitty-gritty. Take a deep breath, grab your notebook (or your iPad, if you’re feeling fancy), and let's analyze what happened.
Ask yourself:
What worked well? (Yes, even in a “less-than-perfect” launch, something usually works!)
What didn’t quite hit the mark? Be specific. Was it your messaging? Your pricing? Your launch timing? Did the tech gremlins sabotage your best efforts (because, let’s be real, tech can be a fickle beast)?
What feedback did you receive (directly or indirectly) from your audience? Even silence is feedback.
What are the biggest lessons you learned? What would you do differently next time?
Most importantly, what’s one small, actionable step you can take today to move forward?
Avoid the trap of blaming external factors – the algorithm, the economy, Mercury in retrograde (though, let's be honest, sometimes it feels like the planets are conspiring against us!). Yes, external challenges exist, especially for us Millennials juggling the rising cost of everything – I mean, seriously, have you seen the price of a block of cheese lately?! But focusing on what you can control – your mindset, your strategies, your systems – is far more empowering. As Michelle Obama so wisely put it, “When they go low, we go high.” Let’s focus on solutions, not scapegoats. How we become unstuck depends on our ability to face challenges head-on & channel our inner problem-solver – something I had to learn the hard way during my early entrepreneurial days with Nisbett & George. Nisbett & George was a fashion venture I co-founded during university. It taught me a lot about partnerships & the unique challenges of being a mum-preneur (or rather, an entrepreneur who also happens to be a mum!).
Adjusting Your Sails: Navigating with the Business Flourish Framework for Foundation Builders
This is where the Femmeprenista Business Flourish Framework comes in. Think of it as your entrepreneurial compass, guiding you to build a business that not only thrives but also supports the life you actually want. I've seen firsthand with my clients how transformative this framework can be, helping them move from overwhelm to clarity & consistent progress. One client, after applying the Flair principles, doubled her client inquiries in just two months! You can learn more about the Business Flourish Framework & how it can help you on our website Business Flourish Framework. I built this framework because the journey can feel like a "rollercoaster," but if you know that you can get back up, then you will. My own PhD journey, with two tiny humans underfoot, has definitely felt like a rollercoaster at times. But knowing I'm not alone & focusing on my "why" – building a legacy for my kids – keeps me going.
Sharpening Your Mindset: Did your launch feel scattered or lack a clear message? Time to sharpen your focus. Define your ideal client with laser precision. For example, instead of targeting “busy mums,” focus on "ambitious millennial mums who crave flexibility & financial freedom – juggling kids, partners, & maybe even ageing parents who still need support (because let's face it, that’s our generation's reality!)." What are her biggest pain points? What keeps her up at 3 AM (besides the baby needing a feed!)? Is it the pressure of rising childcare costs? The guilt of not being present enough with her kids? The fear that she’s not qualified enough, even with a mountain of experience? Drill down into her deepest desires. What does she really want from your program or service? Is it the confidence to finally charge what she's worth? The freedom to set her own hours and be there for school pick-ups without guilt? The satisfaction of making a real impact while still enjoying a glass of wine at bath time (with the door locked, of course!)? Craft a marketing message that speaks directly to her soul, in her language. Asking yourself, "What are the actions & things we need to do to get to that?" will unlock a clearer path.
Elevating Your Marketing: Did your marketing fall flat? Perhaps it didn't resonate with your audience or got lost in the noise. Remember Rory Sutherland's brilliant insight: “Value can be created in the mind every bit as much as it can be created in the factory.” How can you make your offer not just valuable, but irresistible? Focus on the transformation you provide, the emotional connection you create. Tap into the psychology of her desire – what pain are you solving? What dream are you making a reality? For example, instead of just listing features of your coaching program, paint a vivid picture of the feeling of confidence & control she'll gain – imagine her confidently setting her own prices, saying "no" to projects that drain her energy, & finally taking that dream family vacation without worrying about the budget. Offer a limited-time bonus, like a VIP Q&A session or a personalized business audit, to add perceived value & create a sense of urgency.
Perfecting Momentum & Systems: Did your launch feel chaotic or overwhelming? Streamlining your processes & implementing smart systems will save you time, energy, & sanity. This could mean leveraging simple tools like Trello for project management or Calendly for scheduling, so you're not constantly swapping emails like a digital ping-pong game. Maybe consider exploring some of the incredible (and often free!) AI tools available to automate tasks like social media scheduling or email marketing, so your business works for you, even while you're wrangling toddlers or navigating teenage drama. This isn't about becoming a tech whiz overnight (because who has time for that with a toddler clinging to your leg & a teenager demanding screen time?). It’s about finding accessible tools & systems that work for you.
Prioritizing Well-being: Feeling drained after your launch? Prioritizing your well-being isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Remember Lisa Nichols’ powerful reminder: “Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows.” Schedule in even 15 minutes of quiet time, a quick walk in nature, or a relaxing bath (with the door locked, of course!). Ensure your business energises rather than drains you. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.
Powering Up with AI (Fusion): This is the modern magic sauce! AI isn't just a buzzword; it's a powerful tool to amplify your efforts across all areas of your business. For example, use an AI writing assistant to create compelling marketing copy or a chatbot to handle initial customer inquiries, freeing up your time to focus on strategy & client connection – or maybe just grabbing a few minutes to yourself before the kids wake up! From streamlining your marketing to creating efficient systems, AI can be your secret weapon for working smarter, not harder. This frees up your precious time & energy for what truly matters – connecting with your clients, creating impactful content, & being present for your family. As a PhD researcher exploring the intersection of AI & female entrepreneurship, I'm passionate about helping women leverage this tech strategically. AI can help automate those repetitive tasks that drain your energy, like scheduling social media posts or managing your email list, freeing you up to focus on the creative, strategic work you love.
Reigniting Your Spark: Celebrating the Small Wins (and Ditching Perfectionism)
After a less-than-stellar launch, it's easy to get stuck in a cycle of self-criticism. But what if, instead of focusing on what didn't work, you celebrated what did? Did you gain a few new followers? Did you receive valuable feedback? Did you learn a crucial lesson that will save you time & heartache down the road? Those are all wins!
Remember, my love, entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint (and sometimes it feels like an obstacle course with hurdles made of Lego & sippy cups!). Be kind to yourself. Celebrate the small victories. Embrace the messy, imperfect journey. Perfection is a myth! My own journey is slower, and my path is different because I have four kids & I'm doing a PhD alongside my business, but that doesn’t define me or my potential. It just means I'm navigating my own unique course – like a tortoise in a race full of hares!
And speaking of support & community, remember you're not alone. Join our Femme:Connect community to connect with other amazing female entrepreneurs who get it. We share our wins, our struggles, our “caster oil on the carpet” moments, & everything in between. Need support navigating the 12 weeks of school holidays while running your business? Struggling to set up your email marketing system? Join us! We’ve got masterclasses, templates, accountability partners, & a whole lot of heart. It’s a judgment-free zone where you can ask “silly” questions (because there’s no such thing!), get practical advice, & find your tribe.
Ready to reignite your entrepreneurial spark & build a business that truly flourishes? Join our FREE Femme:Connect community today! Connect with like-minded women, access exclusive training, & get the support you need to navigate the messy middle of entrepreneurship.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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