One of the best things about video games is the ability to restart – you can use your learnings to move faster and avoid obstacles. We often think about what we would do differently if we were starting over in business and we figured others probably think about this as well and so we asked the community to share their thoughts with us.
Samantha Burd
I would have started marketing before my first book released
My name is Samantha Burd. I write dark paranormal romance. I am most proud of my FMC, Maude. She is a creature feature like no other, a product of my own design. Read more>>
Schynell Walker
This is my opinion on how I would move more quickly if I was to start over or if I could do it all over again. If I’m 100% honest, I wouldn’t do anything different than I did this time other than less procrastination. The reason I say that is because everything I’ve been through, everything I’ve experienced, all the people I’ve worked with, have all added to my growth and experiences so I could learn the lessons needed for me to be where I’m at today. I’ve realize that all of these things have brought me to the point I am at today. If I wouldn’t have went through the different jobs, businesses, bad deals, etc, I might not be doing what I’m doing right now. So in closing, I say I would not change anything to speed it up because I realize that we are always where we need to be at the point we need to be. Other than that, I would say be fearless and Just Do It. Read more>>
Stephanie Barenz
This is a great question and one that I’ve reflected on often. I would approach a few key things differently, particularly when balancing my career as an artist and my role as a gallery director.
Firstly, consider all the different paths you can take as an artist. There isn’t just one way. I was set on getting my MFA right out of undergrad and thought it was my only option to pursue a career in the arts. I have nothing against higher education, and I am genuinely grateful for my MFA because it has opened doors for me. However, it’s essential to consider why you would want one. Higher education often comes with significant debt, and managing that debt while trying to establish a new business/art career can be daunting. This financial strain can also be damaging to your creativity. You can choose many paths to nurture your creative life- you can be self-taught, take community classes, work as an artist assistant, or join an artist collaborative. There is no right way. When I was fresh out of college, I felt like there was only one way, and looking back, I would have told myself to consider all of my options and create the path that works best for me. Read more>>
GIULIA DEL MASTIO
I was born and raised in a small town in Italy where no one knew how to show me a way to turn my passion into a job.
I always knew that I would draw all my life, but I had no idea of the most useful schooling to get to become an illustrator. Read more>>
Suki Su
If I were to start over a brand today, here are the key things I would do differently:
1. Hire Professionals First: I would prioritize bringing in experts early in the process and listen to their advice. Their experience can provide invaluable insights, helping to avoid common pitfalls and making more informed decisions from the start. Read more>>
Chris Wells
I’d like to start by saying that I regret absolutely nothing. While there’s been a ton of blood, sweat, and tears, I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything in the world. With that said, one of my favorite sayings is, “Slow equals smooth, and smooth equals fast.” If I were to do it all over again, I would take my time and really lower the barrier to help as many people as possible. I wouldn’t charge or worry about being compensated for my work at first. I would spend as much time and as many hours as possible honing my coaching skills in exchange for collecting testimonials and proof along the way. Essentially, more farming and less hunting. Read more>>
Marli Ansel
Ohmygoodness, there are so many things I would do differently looking back.
And at the same time, I can see so clearly how it was all necessary to build me into the entrepreneur and the person I am today. As much as we don’t like them, the stumbles or the “failures” definitely make us better.
When I started my business, I knew it would be successful. I didn’t know how. But I knew that I would succeed. Read more>>
Jessica Martin
If I were starting over today building a business, I would focus more on the systems in place and how it all works together.
It doesn’t matter how many clients you have if your systems are broken and things are slipping through the cracks. Unfortunately, this was a lesson I’ve had to learn the hard way. But don’t take that to mean that it’s not like a living breathing entity. It’s not always done once you set it up. A healthy system is adaptable to change. Read more>>
Sequoyah Matoaka
If I was to start over I would plan and make sure to have better marketing. When I first started out, I just started. No thinking, no planing, no marketing just started. I had a plan and a vision and I went all in. It worked out but it took some time. I realize that people have to know and trust you before supporting or shopping with you. Read more>>
Courtney Clarke
If I were starting over, there are a few key strategies I would implement to accelerate growth and optimize resource use. First, I would place a greater emphasis on understanding the target market from the get-go. Conducting thorough market research early on would help tailor our services more precisely to client needs, reducing trial-and-error periods and fostering quicker adoption of our offerings. Read more>>
Daidrien Johnson
What I would do differently is seek business funding earlier, right after starting my LLC, to secure the essential capital needed to launch effectively by leveraging my personal credit, I would then focus on brainstorming marketing strategies to promote my product and build trust and encouragement from potential customers. Read more>>
Philia Kelnhofer
Something I’d do different is start social media platforms sooner. Seemingly with every one I’ve been behind. I worked a regular 9-5 job when I started my food blog and people got on Pinterest and Facebook early and I wasn’t even on them until it was seemingly too late. Read more>>
Uchechukwu Ajuzieogu
Starting over with the knowledge I have now would undoubtedly be a transformative experience. Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve gained invaluable insights that would guide my approach if I were to begin again. Read more>>
Jarmel McClary
If I was starting over today, I would do my research more before just jumping into the fashion industry. I would’ve went overseas to get all my clothing made from the beginning instead of cricut machine Read more>>