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.

Reagan Verdi Lia Mueller

This is such a great topic! While we are still early on in our business and have plenty more to learn, we also have plenty of things we would’ve done differently at the very start. One that comes to mind is focusing on one clear offer, instead of trying to develop multiple products/services. We now see the value in getting really clear on one thing, then adding in other offerings later if we so choose. This not only simplifies everything for us as business owners, but it also helps potential clients more clearly understand what we offer. Another would be niching sooner into our specific target audience and ideal client. As the old marketing adage goes, “when you try to talk to everyone, you end up talking to no one”! Read more>>

Chynna Morgan

If I were to start over today, one of the biggest things I’d focus on is building authentic relationships earlier—both during my college years and in the early days of starting my company. Relationships and partnerships are such a crucial part of growth, and I didn’t fully lean into that initially. Read more>>

Charles Thomas

If I could start over, the first thing I’d change is embracing collaboration earlier. For a long time, I thought I had to prove myself by doing everything solo—photography, creative concepts, building relationships. But looking back, I realize how much stronger ideas and opportunities come when you let others bring their energy and perspective to the table. Read more>>

Clay Banks

After founding eight companies over 23 years, the perspective gained is invaluable, and with it comes the clarity to approach business formation differently. First and foremost, I would carefully select my business partners based on shared core values and a common north star mission for the business. It is crucial to understand not just their skills but also their character, behavior, and how they treat others. A thorough period of collaboration and mutual observation before formalizing partnerships could prevent misalignments that might arise down the line. Read more>>

Alexis Mckenzie

Knowing everything that I know now, the first thing I would do faster is find my niche and find my target audience. In the beginning I spent a lot of time trying to market my product to any and everybody just because I knew I had created a high quality juice. That honestly didn’t mean much to an ordinary consumer. But if I took my time and only seemed out the health conscious individuals who mainly consume cold pressed juice I would have picked up a lot faster. Read more>>

Emily Davis

I love this question, as I’m in a unique position, and I’ve actually gotten the opportunity to start over in my career. I started my photography business in 2014, took an extended break in 2020, and recently rebranded, and have started completely over in 2024. One of the things I’ve done differently is really building my online presence, previously all my work came from word of mouth, which is great but can only take you so far. Social media can be such a great resource for businesses, and can send so many potential clients your way. For example I had a gentleman from Wisconsin reach out to have his proposal captured while in town local to me. If I didn’t have a social media presence, he would have never found me, and would have found another photographer as he was searching on Instagram. Read more>>

Suzanne Rothmeyer

I think the single most thing I would have done earlier is learn what to say “no” to. In the early years it’s so common to feel like you have to say yes to every inquiry – there’s that fear of scarcity that makes you think you have to take anything and everything that comes down the pike. What results is you’re trying to be everything to everybody and not really doing anyone justice…including your business. It’s very scary to say no when you’re starting out – you convince yourself that it’s a lost opportunity that is going to cost you all other similar opportunities down the road. But over time it can lead to confusion for the potential client – what exactly IS it that this photographer specializes in? Read more>>

Kortnie Hairston

In my entrepreneurial journey, I neglected to capitalize on the full range of social media platforms and marketing strategies at my disposal. My attention was divided between completing tasks and learning the intricacies of business management while pursuing my education. The advertising potential of Instagram Reels and TikTok has become increasingly apparent, allowing entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a broad audience. Although Facebook and Snapchat were not my preferred platforms, I acknowledge that I shouldn’t have been discouraged by the relatively low engagement levels. Instead, I should have focused on the inherent value of my business, regardless of online metrics. It’s essential to recognize that success can manifest at any moment, but it’s often the culmination of sustained hard work and determination. Read more>>