3 Things to Know Before Starting a Business

Most of y’all know, I have been a business owner for 20+ years. A lot has changed since my husband and I first started our business: marketing via social media, having an online website, making connections via online not in person, etc! But at the same time, several things have not changed. That's why today I am going to share about three things I wish I had known before starting a business - and these three things still hold true 20+ years later and will hold true forever. 


Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Business

• Things will not go as planned, it is okay.

As a new business owner it is very likely that you will make a list of goals or make your own plans for your business. These will serve as a guide for your business to be successful. But what happens if what you’ve planned fails or worse never comes to fruition? Do you just give up all your hopes and dreams for your business? Well, I’m here to tell you that it is perfectly alright to fail or for things to not go exactly as planned. I have been there, and it was disappointing and sad. But I’ve learned a lot from that and look at what I’ve achieved in my 20+ years in business!

• You will never feel like you are qualified, but you are.

A lot of business owners, even the successful ones, still succumb to Imposter Syndrome. This feeling can do nothing but harm you in the long run. It will also sabotage your own ambition and goals in life. You need to have faith in your own capabilities and stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone is unique. We all have something special we can offer to others, and that is what you should focus on.

• If you aren't making money, it is a hobby!

There are many hobbies that you can monetize and may feel like you’re not working. That’s great! But if you’ve been working hard and not reaching your target income or not making enough, then something’s got to give. I don’t see any reason to continue with a business that’s not making any money. Analyze the situation, your business goals, and your cash flow. 

These are three things I wish I had known in the beginning years of my business and that I still need to look back and remind myself of today!

As a new business owner, you will have many failures and things go wrong; but don’t let them get in the way of your business goals and in pursuing your dreams. Use them as motivation and lessons to get better! I hope you find these helpful in your journey to starting your own business.

What is something you wish you had known or need to be reminded of as a business owner? 

Download our free business checklist today!! 

P.S. Here are three more tips that will help you choose a business name, get organized, and create systems in your business!