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.

Darnay Smith

If I were to start over I would do a few things differently. Biggest one for me, which is probably scary for some, is I wouldn’t have gone to university to get my degree in design. Practical learning is at our fingertips these days with courses and workshops and they’re usually a fraction of the price and time. In addition to that, I would’ve focused on understanding and implementing marketing as well. This is where I find most creatives struggle, myself included. We all have the eye for creative design, that’s why were in the space we are, but putting our work out into the world and knowing our worth is a hurtle to move past. Had I taken time sooner to work through a marketing course specific to my industry I know I could’ve moved along in my journey faster. Read more>>

Venus Hawbaker

Realizing that *I* am the secret sauce to the success of this business. Picking the right CRM, joining the right networking groups, choosing the best tagline for my business, all are not nearly as important as trusting my judgement about what is best. At the end of the day there is no “right” answer, only what is the right fit for me. Trying to find the objectively “right” answers slowed me down from listening to my intuition and recognizing what works for another marketing firm doesn’t mean it is the right choice for mine. Read more>>

Juan Granados

If I would start all over, I will definitely do more of marketing myself. I did the opposite I went ahead and brought everything I needed to start servicing customers but I never got into marketing. I would definitely start to focus more on creating a website and building a business profile and doing SEO to rank on the first page of google! I would rather have my phone ringing and I can’t service the vehicle then having a whole set up and not having my phone ringing. Read more>>

Drew English

Hindsight is always 20/20 and, though we can’t change the past, we can take what we’ve learned and use it for inspiration going forward. I’ve been a professional cinematographer for over a decade, the owner of a production company since 2016 and have recently started a video-first podcast studio this year. The common thread (with the podcast studio being a slight exception) is that I’ve jumped in head-first without a well thought out plan or road map to follow. Read more>>

Brandon Waters

If I were to start over knowing what I know now, I would focus on business operations, create a system as quickly as possible to stick to, document the journey of the process, and adjust when needed. Read more>>

Dorothea (Dot) Saint-Fleur

Knowing everything that I know now about running a business, I would have trusted trusted myself much sooner. I’ve always known the flexibility I desired in life, but I allowed fear to control me. It resulted in me submitting to the societal pressure of working for companies, instead of working for myself. We all have talents and skills, but very rarely do we trust that they can be monetized. I took a skill that I’ve had since I was a teen (braiding hair) and turned it into an entire business. The success and freedom that I have now, would have taken me years to build up if I was still working for other people. Read more>>

Robert Gould

If I were to begin anew today, my primary emphasis would revolve around sales and marketing, while outsourcing labor tasks to subcontractors. The core objective should be marketing and selling the services rather than personally performing the work. Much of our marketing efforts would rely on mass email campaigns. Additionally, I’d prioritize the development of a streamlined automated system encompassing workflow automation, including automated follow-ups, a structured sales process, automated marketing strategies like email and text campaigns, monitoring work efficiency and production, and harnessing the capabilities of a virtual workforce. Simultaneously, I would also place a strong emphasis on delivering the very best customer service and client experience, ensuring to consistently ask for reviews to enhance our reputation. Read more>>

Chioma Ikoku

If only we could have hindsight before we set out on our journeys! If I could go back in time, I’d invest even more in patience capital. It’s like venture capital, but the ROI is peace of mind. I spent so much time jumping from one model or process to another, thinking it wasn’t working “fast enough.” I’ve learned that processes are like wine—they improve with time. Rushing the journey only leads to cutting corners, and in entrepreneurship, each corner is a learning opportunity. You might reach the finish line quicker, but you’ll arrive without the wisdom you need for the next phase. Read more>>

Yolanda Brionez

I love this question because I didn’t know anything when I started. I had never worked retail in my life and I am still learning how to manage and upkeep our inventory system. So obviously one of the major things I would do is 1.) Learn inventory for a product has business. Take an accounting course. Its worth the time and effort! Read more>>

Jasmine Lackey

Knowing what I know today I would have taken more time to research every aspect of photography. I watched a few Youtube videos and jumped right in. I offered a few free sessions and raffles to get my foot in the door but I didn’t prepare myself for any issues that may have come up. I didn’t realize how monumentally important contracts are. I could have saved myself a lot stress by just really learning everything that goes into this craft. If I had to start over I’d start by joining Photography groups for beginners. I’m talking support/advice groups, groups discussing the legal aspects of Photography, basic camera knowledge groups…any and every group possible. Being in so many different groups now has helped me tremendously. Read more>>