Episode 16 | What I Wish I Knew Before Leaving My 9-to-5: A Marketing Founder’s Honest Lessons
An open-book episode with real-life stories, rookie mistakes, pivots, and what I’d do differently if I was starting today.
When I left my 9-to-5 to start my own business, I thought it would feel like instant freedom.
But what it actually felt like… was fear.
Fear of getting it wrong. Fear of being too late. Fear of not making enough to replace my salary. And honestly? Fear that maybe I wasn’t cut out for it.
Now, years into running a multi-six-figure real estate marketing agency and launching a second brand to support other women in marketing, I can tell you: the freedom does come — but not in the way you think.
If you’re a marketing professional quietly craving more alignment, flexibility, and fulfillment… this post is for you.
Here are the 7 things I wish someone told me before I left my 9-to-5:
1. Your Business Will Not Be Linear
You’ll have seasons of momentum — and seasons where things feel slow. One year I signed ten new retainer clients. The next? Two. At first, I panicked. But over time, I realized: business isn’t a straight line. The dips don’t mean you’re failing — they mean you’re evolving. Learn to embrace the seasons, not resist them.
2. Your Idea Will Evolve
The idea you start with is rarely the business you end up building. I launched Muse Groupe to serve developers and real estate agents — and it’s still thriving. But over time, I also found myself mentoring women in marketing… which led to Marketing Your Way. You don’t need to know your “forever niche” to start — you just need to begin.
3. All the Tools Add Up — Start Scrappy
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need a fancy tech stack to feel legit. I started with a free Airtable account and Google Suite. That’s it. Invest in tools only when they’re solving a real problem in your business. Focus on clarity and connection — not perfection.
4. Don’t Hire Until You Have Systems
Hiring before I had structure cost me time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress. Contractors can’t read your mind — they need clear roles, repeatable processes, and documented tasks. Start building your systems before you bring people in. Even a simple Loom video or checklist goes a long way.
5. Start the Newsletter (Even If No One’s Reading)
Some of your most loyal readers will never “like” or comment — but they’re paying attention. My newsletter has led to clients, referrals, podcast guests, and new friendships… even when I felt like I was writing to no one. If you’re building a brand, consistency will always outperform virality.
6. Word-of-Mouth Will Be Your Biggest Growth Driver
So many of my best clients have come from former colleagues, friends, and silent Instagram lurkers. Don’t underestimate the power of staying in touch and showing up with intention. Send the voice memo. Share what you’re working on. Your next client might already know your name — they just need to be reminded.
7. Protect Your Calendar Like a CEO
When you work for yourself, your time is your most valuable resource. I now time-block for CEO work, client delivery, and even learning — especially with how fast AI is evolving. If your calendar doesn’t reflect your priorities, your business will reflect your burnout. Guard your energy like the asset it is.
Join the Free Beta Cohort:
I’m inviting the first 10 people into a free beta round of my new 1-hour workshop: The 48-Hour Plan to Launch Your Marketing Business
No fluff. No overwhelm. Just a clear, confidence-boosting roadmap to help you turn your marketing skills into a real business.
➡️ DM me “Beta Workshop” on Instagram @anastasiia_mann or comment on my latest post to claim your free seat.
Let’s Connect:
✔️ Weekly newsletter for women in marketing: Subscribe here
✔️ Instagram: @anastasiia_mann & LinkedIn
✔️ Website: www.marketingyourwaypodcast.com
Thank you to our affiliate partners:
✔️ Relay.ai helps you automate the back-and-forth — the approvals, reminders, follow-ups — so you can actually focus on marketing, not chasing updates or sorting through email threads.
✔️ The AI Playbook - My favorite community for learning how to actually use AI to simplify your business and gain back 5 to 10 hours a week by automating your workflows.
✔️ Airtable is my go-to platform for managing everything in my business, from content calendars and lead tracking to client deliverables and team tasks. It’s like a spreadsheet and a project management tool had a very smart baby — one that’s customizable, easy to use, and actually fun to look at.
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Hi, I’m Anastasiia!
Ukrainian-born, Miami-based, and someone who spent over a decade building a successful marketing career before finally building something that felt like mine.
I didn’t leave corporate on a whim. I left because I wanted creative freedom, flexible time, and a business that aligned with my life — not the other way around.
It started as a freelance gig. Then a full roster. Then a boutique real estate marketing agency. Now, it’s also this — an education platform and podcast that helps women like you transition from “stuck” to “started.”
I’m here to teach you how to build a business that fits your goals, your energy, and your version of success.