Good Karma Socials

Starting Good Karma Socials was one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking things we’ve ever done. We knew we wanted to create a business that aligned with our values. One that supported ethical, purpose-driven brands with social media and content marketing that truly made a difference.

Now, a year in, we can honestly say it’s been a journey full of lessons, challenges and moments of pure joy. If you have recently started your solo business journey, or are about to, here are four of the biggest lessons we’ve learned along the way.

Not Every Client is Right for You

When a business is just starting out, it’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity. Building a portfolio, establishing a reputation and ensuring steady income are all important factors. But one of the most valuable lessons learned this past year is that not every client is the right fit.

Working with clients whose values align with Good Karma Socials has made all the difference. When there’s a disconnect, it becomes clear almost instantly. The best collaborations happen when there’s mutual respect, trust and most importantly, a shared vision. Now, client partnerships are chosen carefully to ensure alignment from the very start.

Trust Your Inner Instincts

There’s a wealth of advice out there on how to run a business, and while much of it is valuable, nothing replaces gut instinct. When something feels off, it usually is. When something excites and inspires, it’s worth pursuing. We know this sounds a bit wacky but this theory is based on actual biology. According to gut expert, Rudolph Bedford “gut feelings do actually happen in the gut. Your brain is directly tied to your gut through a network of neurons.”

At times, there has been second-guessing, whether it was pricing services, turning down a project or taking a creative risk. But whenever intuition has been ignored, it has often led to regret. Learning to trust instinct and experience has been a game-changer. The more Good Karma Socials leans into its values and intuition, the more the business flourishes in an authentic and meaningful way.

A big part of this is reading the energy of prospective clients. Beyond just looking at budgets and project scope, paying attention to how a client communicates, the way they treat others and whether their energy feels aligned has been crucial. If a collaboration feels forced or draining from the start, it’s often a sign to walk away. On the other hand, when a client brings excitement, shared passion, and a genuine appreciation for the work, it leads to a far more fulfilling partnership. Learning to tune into these signals has helped Good Karma Socials attract the right people and avoid misaligned projects.

YOU ARE Your Biggest Cheerleader

When running a business, there’s no external boss providing feedback or a corporate team celebrating wins. That’s why it’s essential to be the business’s own biggest cheerleader.

At first, self-promotion felt like a challenge. There was a hesitation about coming across as pushy or self-congratulatory. But the realisation soon came: if Good Karma Socials doesn’t share the work it’s doing, how will potential clients know what’s on offer? Showcasing successes, testimonials, and case studies isn’t bragging, it’s about demonstrating value.

More than that, celebrating small wins helps maintain momentum. Running a business isn’t always easy, and acknowledging progress (even the small steps) makes a big difference in staying motivated. It’s also important not to rely too much on others for encouragement. Friends, family, and peers are usually pretty supportive, but they have their own lives and responsibilities. Expecting them to keep providing motivation can lead to disappointment. True confidence and drive have to come from within. Learning to hype up achievements independently ensures long-term resilience and success.

The Importance of Reflection and Pivoting

A business is never a finished product—it’s an ongoing process of learning, adapting, and refining. One of the biggest lessons Good Karma Socials has embraced is the power of reflection and the willingness to pivot when necessary.

Not every strategy works as planned. Taking time to step back, assess what’s working (and what isn’t), and make necessary adjustments is crucial. Rather than seeing change as failure, you must view it as evolution. The ability to pivot is what keeps the business moving forward, staying fresh, relevant and true to its core values. One of our favourite quotes from Chris Bradford, a British author known for The Young Samurai and Bodyguard series is “there is no failure except in no longer trying. There is no defeat except in not getting up one more time. You only fail when you stop trying. Otherwise, it’s experience.”

A year into Good Karma Socials, there are still many more lessons to come. But one overarching theme stands out: build a business that feels right. Work with the right people, trust instinct, and cheer on every step of growth. Here’s to another year of learning, evolving and making a positive impact.

Read our blog on Why Social Responsibility is Important for Businesses here.