7 Ways to Celebrate Uplifting Wins in Your Small Business

Before we dig into all the ways to celebrate wins in your business, I want to address a couple of things.

Notice how I used the word uplifting in my title? Please, don’t minimize your accomplishments by describing them as small. All wins are important to acknowledge, regardless of how big or small they may seem. Entrepreneurship is hard work. Your wins are certainly not small and they all deserve to be celebrated in some way!

Second, there are always going to be highs & lows running a business. Keep a list of your wins so when you’re feeling down you can go back and see how far you’ve come. Track your success & your milestones – you’ll be so grateful you did!

Here’s a list of milestones you might want to track:

• the first time you are published
• your first feature on someone else’s Instagram account
• the first time your testimonial is featured on someone’s website
• landing a podcast interview
• your first sale, your first 4 figure sale, 5 figure sale, 6 figure sale…!
• hitting a 10K month
• booking an ideal client
• setting a boundary
• your first contractor or team hire
• taking time off!
• launching something new in your business
• building a new website
• canceling a project (this one takes guts!)
• showing up on video for the first time or in a new way
• sharing something personal your audience needs to hear
• getting a speaking gig
• showing up at a networking event

We often let successes go by without taking the time to enjoy them, moving quickly onto the next thing. I urge you, next time you do something you’re proud of, take a moment and let it sink in… Here are some ways to celebrate wins in your small business:

1. Journal and Reflect on Your Accomplishment

First, I want you to let it sink in. Sit with it – how does it feel? What does it mean to you? Why is it a success? Journal about it – let the moment linger & preserve the feeling permanently by reflecting on this success. Remember back to the day when you dreamed of this exact thing? Savor your moment.

2. Share Your Milestone so Others Can Celebrate With You!

I get it… it feels weird telling people about your successes. It feels braggy and boastful. We’re taught to be modest, that bragging about ourselves isn’t polite.

But your wins matter. Credibility is important. Others need to know your accomplishments as they establish trust & respect in your brand. They prove you can do what you say you do so don’t be shy!

Last year I was featured on someone else’s blog for the first time. You can see how I shared about it here.

3. Make an Occasion of It!

Turn your win into a win for your customers too – do something special or offer something new.

Birthday or Anniversary sales are great examples – you celebrate another year in business and your customers get something in return.

Speaking of anniversaries, did you see my 3rd year Anniversary post? Have a read here or watch me tell it on IGTV here.

My client Tiana recently celebrated her nail salon clients by hosting a free photo booth. Each client got a free, professional print with their service.

The ways to celebrate wins are endless. See how creative you can be while giving back to the customers that helped you get to where you are now.

4. Celebrate Your Wins With Loved Ones

The people that support you through your small business journey are going to be the ones that are the proudest when you achieve uplifting success. Your loved ones are your biggest cheerleaders. Go out for a cocktail, a coffee, ice cream or just do something fun and share your accomplishments with them.

5. Create a Momento

In my first year as a business owner, I responded to a post in a Facebook group that led to an interview for a local university newspaper. My name was published in print for the first time as a web designer. My dear friend printed it and had it framed.

For example, maybe you make a piece of art, frame a quote, or buy a piece of jewelry that represents the struggle & success that came from it. It’s worth documenting and cherishing these moments – you’ve worked so hard for them!

6. Do Something Nice For Yourself

You’re a scrapper and do what needs to get done. You work hard, make sacrifices, and put in the long hours sometimes giving up sleep, showers, proper nutrition, and exercise in the process. Often we put ourselves last when we’re trying to run a business and be there for all the people in our lives. Successes are great reminders to stop and celebrate by doing something kind for ourselves.

Curious what kind things I’ve done for myself this year?

I celebrated a good quarter of sales by joining a coaching program, connecting me with a mentor and a group of amazing designers through Design Business Mastery.

I set up monthly home cleaning – a job I was neglecting. It frustrated me to finish my work for the day and have to look at a messy house but not have the energy to tidy. So I delegated it! It feels like a luxury and it makes me so happy that I can afford it through the success of my business.

I also decided to do a 3 week cleanse recently. This felt like a luxury because of the time commitment to prepare nutritious food for my body.

Need a few more ideas? Well, take an afternoon off to read a book. Treat yourself to a lunch out. Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you have to stick to leftovers. Today I treated myself to a burrito in the park. Then a coffee out just because I can.

You got into business for yourself for the freedom it gives you – don’t forget to take advantage! Do anything that fills you up and brings you joy whatever that may be.

7. Buy Something Nice For Yourself

Celebrate gratitude for your business and everything you’ve built for yourself by buying something special just for you. For example, maybe you buy flowers or a new house plant. Maybe a piece of art for your office walls – every time you look at it you’ll be reminded of how far you’ve come.

Perhaps new clothes will make you feel great and give you the confidence to show up differently on sales calls or Instagram stories. That’s a win in my books!

Can you think of other ways to celebrate wins in your business? Share a photo & tag me on Instagram. I want to cheer you on! And don’t forget to pin this post for later…