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.

Xiyin Wang

If I were to start over today as an artist with the knowledge I’ve gained over time, I would take a proactive and confident approach to my journey. First and foremost, I would remind myself to be more self-assured and embrace the ‘fake it till you make it’ mindset. Often, we wait for the perfect moment when we feel completely ready, but in reality, readiness often comes through action. I’d emphasize the importance of consistently showcasing my work, even if I had doubts. Read more>>

Latifah Al-Hazza

If I were to start over I wouldn’t wait. Some of these creators that I read about just took a hobby or even something they did when bored and turned it into a successful career. Growing up I kept myself so busy that I didn’t stop to think about how I could turn something I do everyday into a career. I also grew up thinking that no one would want to watch this or read about that, or that the media/market is already saturated with this so I shouldn’t bother. Read more>>

Sequoyah Glenn

If I were starting over, I wouldn’t have cash-strapped my business. People always say ‘cash is king’ but is it really? As our small businesses are formed, it’s so important that we follow stories that match our aspirations. Example: if you’re starting an agency and want to become competitive with WPP, then study WPP’s founding journey and what they’re doing to sustain and grow the business. Read more>>

Lexi Foster

If I were to start my business from scratch, the first thing I’d invest in is education from successful photographers and/or business coaches before doing anything else. Education and mentorship has become a huge part of my business and what I believe to have helped me excel. Being able to hear first hand experiences, mistakes and failures from others in the industry has propelled me forward and excelled my business. Read more>>

Alyssa Pallant

It’s really hard to say what I would do differently. When I first started modeling around 18 years old. I started modeling in the car industry and learn pretty quickly, how hard it was to do well in that industry. Fashion was always a passion of mine, but I didn’t think I had a choice in doing so. Read more>>

Don Jante

If I were to start over today, I would do everything cash based. I would not borrow money from people and/or use credit cards. Read more>>

Lynette Jefferies

If I had to start over again, I would be very clear on who my target audience was. I would then have all systems and processes in place. The last thing I would do, because I am a solo-preneur, is to honestly focus on keeping the brand with the intimate boutique feel. I’ve learned that I am not interested is a traditional bakery or various locations. Read more>>

Valerie Quinones

I feel like I’m starting over all the time. I say that in the sense that as technology evolves and people evolve, so do our business’ and the way we go about doing business. Read more>>

Stacee Catron

The first thing we would do is start earlier! We spent so much time thinking about why we couldn’t start the business and couldn’t start the Youtube channel instead of figuring out how we COULD make it work. Many high level entrepreneurs will tell you to start before you’re ready and that is so critical to building a brand because you have to have the guts to say I’m doing it, and I don’t care what anyone else thinks. Read more>>

Brandon Ewing

If I were to go back and start from scratch again, the most important thing I would focus on would be taking the time to learn the skill/service I’m providing and becoming a master at it – not spending my time try to get clients and provide a service I’m not confident in. I spent a solid year wasting my time sending out cold emails, cold calling, etc. trying to get clients before I even had a sturdy foundation on the service I wanted to provide – was just under the assumption I would ‘figure it out as I go’ or find someone trustworthy to outsource work too. Read more>>