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.

Michelle Fell

So. Many. Things. And also nothing. What I mean by that is this: I started my business by accident. I never intended this to be more than a hobby; a creative outlet for me to share party planning tips and make a balloon garland here and there and make a pretty Instagram page. It was completely and only for me. I didn’t start this business with a goal to quit my corporate job, to make a certain amount of money per year, or with a list of clients in mine. I enjoyed throwing parties for my kids and a few people asked me to throw them a party and the rest is history. With that being said, there is so much I would do differently and also not at all. Read more>>

Alex Hines

If I were to start over today, I would focus on a few key strategies to expedite my journey as an entrepreneur in the creative field. Here’s what I would do differently: Niche Specialization: I’d define my niche even more precisely right from the beginning. Specializing in a specific style or genre of photography would help me stand out in a crowded market and attract clients who resonate with my unique vision. Stronger Online Presence: Building a robust online presence is essential in today’s digital age. I’d invest more in my website, SEO, and social media marketing from the outset to ensure that potential clients can easily find and connect with me. Read more>>

Gabi Previtera

If I were to start over today – I would have a different name for my company for sure. I couldn’t think of a name, I was asking my brother and my mom when I was putting it all together back in 2017. My mom actually came up with the name! It was fine for the time and for what I was doing (which was a lot of mini sessions and children’s portraits) but now I’ve really curated a style for my portraits and I feel the name isn’t something that reflects my work – if that makes sense. I also would have done more model calls to get my work to where it is now – I would have experimented a lot more in the art of photography as opposed to just taking pictures. Anyone can take a photo but I think it takes an artist to create and take a portrait. Read more>>

Lydia Venjohn

I’ve been running my own business for about a year and a half. While there’s still much to learn and lots of room for growth, one thing that has significantly helped my business succeed is networking. As a creative service provider, the key for me lies in connecting with the right people—other business owners who can benefit from my services or individuals who can refer my offerings to their network. On the flip side, you never know who you will meet that can help fill a need in your own business, someone you can hire to better your processes or add value. Networking is like a web, the more you do it, the more it grows and catches the right people. Invest the time up front, because the connections you make never expire, they only multiply. It’s mutually beneficial. Read more>>

Maurice Pugh Jr

I honestly don’t think I’d do a thing differently because I can’t/refuse to live and the past. I feel as if I’m where I need to be, with the right people and at the right time. That’s not a dig to anyone either because, I just feel like I’ve built the perfect support system. That being with family , friends and other creatives that I have met in the city. I wouldn’t trade it or change it for anything! Read more>>

Yanover Blanco

If I had the chance to start over, my approach would involve a more comprehensive and long-term strategic plan for both my career and personal life. While I initially planned a few years ahead, I’ve come to realize the importance of extending this foresight even further. Mapping out the trajectory of my journey all the way to the end would provide a clearer direction, allowing me to make more informed decisions and adjustments as needed. One significant change would be to spend more time working for someone else before venturing out on my own. The experience of working under someone else’s guidance provides invaluable mentorship opportunities and a built-in support system that can significantly accelerate the learning curve. Read more>>

RuthAnne Snow

I would focus far more on in-person connections with librarians and booksellers and less on social media. Social media engagement is important, but also, its impact is rarely measurable for an individual creative. Writers especially can get sucked into the world of social media, and not only does that take away from your writing time and mental energy, but it’s unclear what impact it actually has on your sales. Read more>>

Miguel Hampton

What I understand about entrepreneurship today versus what I knew then, I’m not sure if there is much I would do differently. My background has always been about fast, efficient, and goal-oriented growth that focuses me. Should I have to do it all over again there are a few key points I would implement. First, I am a bit of an operational person, everything has to have an organic manual or a playbook if you will. I also like forecasting everything, I write on everything mapping out how every aspect of the business connects directly and indirectly. Having a strategic plan with very specific growth goals that are customer-centric is key. As I am writing this it seems super technical and I am, but I can also be what I call rigidly flexible I love to pivot and I will shift based on how our business is performing. Read more>>

Edwina Adams

I started one of the first (automated/eco-friendly) trash can cleaning services in America in 2014. I learned so much the hard way. Mostly because there were no forums or groups of operators to learn from. I jokingly tell people, “Never be the first to do something”, but it’s kind of true. When you have people to learn from – learn from them then do it better if you can. Get a mentor, pay for a mentor. It’s worth it. I wish I could have done that and now I understand the importance of mentors. What has been rewarding is, I have become an industry leader. I initially established one of the first groups for trash can cleaners in America and it was amazing to teach others and learn from others. I’ve written three different industry e-books over the years and have helped thousands of people understand the industry before they invest their time and money and provided them with some best practices and useful advice. Read more>>

Leanna Rios

If I were to do it all over again, one thing I’d enthusiastically embrace is the power of connections and mentorship. Transitioning from earning a license as an esthetician to launching a solo career might feel a bit overwhelming at first. Figuring out the steps to achieve your career goals can be a bit like solving a puzzle without the pieces – challenging but definitely doable with the right support. Here’s where having a mentor becomes a game-changer, turning the journey into a much smoother ride toward success. Picture a mentor as your trusty guide, someone you truly admire in the field, offering not just advice but a personalized roadmap tailored to your dreams. Read more>>