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.

Marta De Movellan

If I were starting over, I would first get a CPA right off the bat! One of the biggest learning curves that I personally experienced was figuring out how to set up my business from a tax and financial standpoint. I had no idea whether I should be a sole proprietor or an LLC. I signed up for an “all-in-one financial solutions” service, and it was a HUGE mistake. It was expensive, they had terrible customer service, and gave me very misguided advice. While the promise was that they would save me money on my taxes, accounting, payroll, bookkeeping, etc., it ended up costing me much more in the long run because I had to redo everything properly once I had a legit CPA. The other thing I would do differently is to figure out a way to scale my services earlier on in my business. Often you start as the only person running/managing your business, and you only have so much bandwidth to serve clients and are limited by your own capacity and hours in the day. Read more>>

Waulisha Blanton-dawson

As a small business baker, I often reflect on how I could have leveraged social media more effectively when I first started. But instead of seeing it as a missed opportunity, I realize that it’s never too late to embrace the power of online platforms. While I may have started my business with a focus on perfecting my craft and managing the daily grind, I now recognize how much social media can help me connect with a larger audience. Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok offer the chance to share my baking journey, post behind-the-scenes moments, and interact directly with customers in ways that weren’t possible before. By showcasing my creations and engaging with my community online, I can still grow my brand, build relationships, and expand my reach. There’s a whole world out there, eager to discover what I have to offer, and it’s never too late to make an impact. Read more>>

Denasia Bacote

Honestly I would start sooner! Just get out there and leap for the stars. Overthinking things sets you back, everyone has to start somewhere. I would’ve started 10 years sooner when I had the idea at 16. I also would’ve started fundraising and promoting myself sooner. You really just have to get your name out there by any means necessary. Read more>>