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.

Diomira D’Agostino

If I were starting over, I would be more discerning about the “expertise” I hired to support me and how much weight I gave to their advice and opinions. Early on, I recognized my gifts and strengths. But I also understood I had a lack of knowledge and experience when it came to running an business. I had no idea how to connect with people who could benefit from my work; nor did I know anything about marketing. Read more>>

Melina Marin

At the beginning of starting Loteria con Melina & My Hustle Agency LLC, I wish I would of known my worth. Knowing my worth would of saved me so much time. Time is very important when you become an entrepreneur because that’s all you have. People would forget about our meetings, show up late, or not even show up at all, and I kept trying to reach out to them after. I quickly learned that I didn’t want to work with people that didn’t respect my time. So now anytime someone wants to schedule a meeting, they have to go through a process to get a meeting with me. Always value your time & worth. Read more>>

Christopher Davis

If I was to start over, I would learn more of the basic aspects of being a dj. I honestly just jumped into the industry without full knowledge of how to maintain or even grow a following. Granted I stayed humble through these years of growth that helped me to be able to take corrective criticism easier. Also I am always trying learn more and more things to make my sets more enjoyable! Read more>>

Elle Elle Torres

If I were to start over, I would do more research, more financial planning, and I would take the time to narrow down my target market as much as possible. Read more>>

Chrissy DePauw

If I were starting over, I wouldn’t waste years trying to figure things out on my own. I would have found a mentor immediately! I would have signed up for that high dollar course if I had to work two jobs for a few months! As soon as I started having these things in place, my business skyrocket in a matter of months. There’s no sense in making the same mistakes someone else has already made. Accept the help. Pay for the education! Find the mentors! Read more>>

Alissa Peña

The food business is something that I’ve immersed myself in for almost 20 years. If I were starting over from scratch with my salsa business, I think I would give myself more of a financial plan. The salsa is loved and making food that people truly love and are loyal to seems to be the best and most rewarding part! Creating a business plan and having solid financial goals with more funds allocated to start up costs would have been a tremendous help from the very beginning. Read more>>

Stefano Mazzucca

If I was to start over, I think the first thing I would do differently is how I approach people. I used to be really shy and not approach potential customers thinking I would get rejected, but with time I learned how to approach people and how to take a no as an answer. I focus more on automotive photography and most of the people I have worked with have been super friendly and professional, it is an amazing feeling to approach a person and being able to have a nice conversation while taking pictures of their vehicles. Read more>>

Ashtyn Miranda

During my first year as a commission stylist, social media transformed the beauty industry. I WISH I jumped onto that bandwagon at the time! Having an online presence created opportunity for hairstylists to control their work unlike before and I didn’t understand that. Making an effort would’ve helped me to attract the clientele I desired to see in my chair. Instead, I relied on my salon to build my clientele and believed that controlled my success. Read more>>

Mazy Roland

If I chose to start over I don’t think there would be much to change. I would encourage myself to try and stand out more. Theres so many amazing artists in the photographer community, especially living in Atlanta. You always have to take that chance and next opportunity to grow. A big part of how I got where I am today is networking. Getting to know people and sharing my work as much as possible. Read more>>

JoBrea Neal

My name is JoBrea Neal and I’m a photographer from Houston Texas. If I were starting over what would I do differently? I would have believed in myself more when I first started. I didn’t have much motivation like I wanted to have for myself. I absolutely would’ve pushed myself harder to do more so that my name could have been more. Once I got a picture I took featured on ESPN and I slowly started getting published that motivated but I should’ve always kept going and grinding and never stopped. Read more>>