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.

Ellie Diaz

When I started my business, I took a lot of advice and direction from outside sources and industry “gurus”. This lead me down a path that was, at it’s core, inauthentic. I was so focused on doing everything the “right way” or the “best way”, that I completely lost sight of why I even wanted to start my business in the first place. Read more>>

Bryana Bertrand

To other aspiring business owners, my one piece of advice is always to promote, promote, promote. Start recording all of your business-related activities; people are interested in seeing how you work and how much you admire the business you run. Put pride into your content! Since social media is the most powerful network out there, consider what you can do to differentiate yourself from other businesses. Read more>>

Tia Washington

Knowing the things I know now about the cosmetic industry, if I were to start over the first thing I would do is partake in more research and finalize my products before I put it out. I would research about the financial aspect about running a business. Taxes, how much to charge each product, and assets. I would also make sure that my product is perfect before putting it out into the world. Read more>>

Jacquelyn Flanders

If I had to start over again today, some things that I would do differently is how I started my business. When I was in school to become a photographer they send you through several different classes that highlight things like portrait, business, lighting, etc. The goal is that you get to try on different hats so to speak. Read more>>

Alex Gore

Looking back on our journey, there are a few key changes I would implement if starting anew with my current knowledge. Read more>>

Morgan Cowperthwaite IV

If I could go back years and tell my past self what to do, I’d tell myself to jump into the creative sphere even quicker and to really take it seriously. I’ve been a hobbyist photographer for over a decade, yet I’ve reached a point in my life where I have a business that specializes in several sectors. Read more>>

Keirsten Johnson

As a self-taught cookie artist, I poured my heart and energy into honing my skills and overseeing my business’s production side. Regrettably, I overlooked the importance of thoroughly grasping the financial intricacies, such as precise cost calculation and break-even analysis. Instead of setting prices based on actual costs, I priced them based on perceived customer willingness to pay, which was a pivotal misjudgment. Read more>>

Quanishia Dixon

Knowing what I know now, If I had to start over the things that I would do differently is market research, diverse revenue streams effective budgeting and have a strong online presence. When I first started out, I didn’t do any research on the market for baking, or even ways to target audience, I just went in blindly. Now I would do the research to find ways to target my audience so that I can come up with desserts that they would want. Read more>>

Emilee Nieminen

If I was able to start over, I would appreciate the steps it took to get here more. I was eager to get through school, and be licensed, while I wish I would’ve taken it in every moment. I would’ve taken every mentor, every lesson, every peer, in with a little more appreciation! Read more>>

Claudia Montoya

*BUILD A BUSINESS PLAN!* Definitely one of the things that still hunts me down, is not having a clear idea on where I wanted to take my business since day one. Read more>>

Alex Pardo

If I were to start over today with my life in business I would do a handful of things. First, I would determine my why, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of why your doing what your doing in the first place. After determining your why, then you can create a plan of action. Simply writing down a big goal and then breaking it down into smaller goals with individual action steps that will lead you there. Read more>>

Antonia Bryant

Absolutely! I would have entered a Flight School program while I was in high school to earn my Private Pilot license and upon graduation I would have enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University . And became a Commerical Pilot all before age 30 with a Ph.D. in Aviation . Read more>>