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.

Clinton Runyon

This is a wonderful question! If I were to start my business over tomorrow I would do one very specific thing differently. I would have taken the time develop and write a comprehensive business plan! Not a simple one pager or a brainstorming document. A complete and comprehensive business is critical to informing the perspective business owner of the viability of the potential business and to work through all of the details and timelines. Read more>>

Astrid Carlen-helmer

I went to film school in London – a Masters program – which didn’t prepare me for the Hollywood film industry as a whole. In London, I learned everything about exposing film, dressing a set, piecing together dailies, as well as what movies Ingrid Bergman thrived in. I learned very little about how to make money out of all of that knowledge. Read more>>

Brittnione Williams

If I were to start over today, one of the biggest things I would do differently is to include God in my plans from the very beginning. I’ve learned that when you align your goals with a higher purpose, it gives you clarity and guidance that can help avoid unnecessary detours and setbacks. I also now understand that great things don’t happen overnight—patience and faith are key. Everyone’s journey is different, and it’s important to respect the process. Read more>>

Steven J. Morris

Here is what I would tell myself. First, understand why you want to do this thing you want to do. Really examen your motivations. Because you’re going to be pushed and shoved, distracted and derailed. If you don’t get to the heart of why you want to do it, you’ll follow the wrong advice or lure.  Get it out of your head that, “if you build it, they will come.” You’re not Kevin Costner. You need a marketing plan to build an audience.  Read more>>

Kana Nakada

If I were to restart my business to make it more efficient, I would focus on my branding, researching top choreographers and industry leaders, and setting both long and short term goals. First, identifying what you’re most passionate about is fundamental to success. There are so many genres and styles in dance, that in my early stages of my career, I was experimenting with them all. . As much as I enjoyed doing this it was difficult for people to define my brand clearly. It’s important to specialize in one main area so people can easily understand what you do. Read more>>