Helping more people thrive doing what they love or are passionate about means helping more folks learn from those who came before them and so we asked successful entrepreneurs, artists and creatives to tell us what they would do differently, knowing what they know now, if they were starting over.

La Juana Chambers Lawson

I am living my third life (I thank God for life each day). In this life, my motivation to do what I do is purely intrinsic. I established The Global Intrapreneur Network, a network featuring mentorship, industry certification/retention, & intrapreneurial resource matchmaking, for the people who work so hard to optimize operations & produce value for businesses daily. Success doesn’t come to those who think that they can reach the stars on their own. It is honorable to ask for help. It is economically wise to ask for help, even when you think you can do it on your own. Read more>>

Tiara Ma’rei

First, I would spend less time worrying about HOW it was going to get done and more time exercising the faith I grew to have today. Back then I spent energy and time being fearful about being rejected, misunderstood or not good enough because of insecurities no one else thought but me. If I could go back I would take the power and courage I’ve always had deep inside of me and live bold and fearlessly. Read more>>

Sherry Redwine

If I got the chance to start over, one of the first things I would have done would be to get a business coach or join a coaching group. Although I have a degree in Marketing and a minor in Business, I was not fully prepared for all aspects of running my own business. Support from a group has been invaluable in helping us be a better company which in turn has helped us serve our community more effectively. Read more>>

Skylar Bennett

If I were starting over today I would seek out more guidance from those that have succeeded in my same space before me. This could be from books, online courses, real life relationships or anything else. Being a successful entrepreneur is a balance between having the confidence to take steps forward even when you may not know everything you feel you should, and knowing when you don’t know enough and need more knowledge or guidance before taking steps. Read more>>

Anne McAuley Lopez

Great question! If I were starting over today, I would learn SEO, build content on my website, and then launch the business. When I started my writing business in 2010, I had been laid off from corporate America and jumped right in, not understanding how to network, what services I was offering, and not having a website. I learned quickly but am always envious of the people who build a side hustle first and then transition to full-time business owner. Other than that, I would not trade the networking and connections I’ve made and continue to make. Read more>>

Sergio Santos

I was fairly savvy as far as using social media for marketing early on, but If I could go back–I would be way more aggressive about learning the ins and outs of new social medias as they formed and adopting them earlier. Read more>>

Brandy Hall

If I were starting over, I think the main thing I would have done differently is to undergo strategic planning earlier–even if it felt silly to do it alone, when it was just me! Early in the company, I did a lot of visioning and goal setting, but once we did a formal 5-yr plan, that is really what set things in motion for us. We grew more than double in revenue and staff size in less than 2 years. It is absolutely amazing what can be done when a team aligns on goals and actions. Read more>>

Allison Craig

When I first opened my business, I was doing everything through Google and YouTube and knew nothing about running a small business. I didn’t have any prior business experience and no one to really turn to, so it was difficult to even know I was making mistakes. The saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” absolutely applied to myself and the business I was trying to create from scratch. Read more>>

Ludy Saintil

If I was starting over I would not compare my first year in business or my first year in anything with someone’s else ‘s 5 year in business or whatever it is they are doing . I would also tell myself that the process to achieving life goals does not have to be perfect. Just start. One of the reason I am where I am today is because I am able to fully embrace who I am in God and the lane He has created for me. I realized the more I focused on the path He has set for me is the more fulfilled I feel and the people that were called to me are impacted. Read more>>

Shelby Smith

To be quite frank with you, If I was starting over the main thing I would do differently is have more of a discerning heart. I have always been the person who was open and very trusting. In business you can be fair but being kind and loving has no place in business. Fairness rules while passion is the driving force behind creating something great. I have learned the boundary line and proud of those lessons. Read more>>