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.

Leah Lindeman

It is a well known author trope that being an author is a lonely journey, that an author is destined to remain a lone wolf. Whatever entrepreneurial industry you may have chosen that requires long hours alone on a computer, making calls, vision boarding, or slogging through your company’s finances, you don’t have to go it alone. You shouldn’t! Read more>>

Belinda Bowman-andreotti

I have started over from scratch about 3 times already. If I had to start over again, I would purchase from vendors who offer credit to small businesses for materials. I have spent thousands out of pocket only to find out that there were companies that offered credit to businesses like mine for materials such as packaging, labels, gloves, office equipment, oils, butters, and even lipgloss bases. Read more>>

Gabrielle Lester

If I were starting over today, I think I’d lean even harder into trusting my instincts and doing things afraid—because honestly, it’s those uncomfortable moments that have taught me the most. Looking back, I’ve learned that if I listen to that gut feeling and move forward, even when I’m unsure, things always work out in the end. I’d focus on building something that feels deeply authentic to me, not just trying to keep up with what everyone else is doing. I’d remind myself that it doesn’t have to be perfect—there’s beauty in the mess and the process. Instead of holding back, I’d take more risks, experiment more, and embrace the mistakes along the way. The most important thing would be just to keep moving forward, even when it feels scary, because that’s where the real growth happens. And, of course, I’d try to have fun with it, trusting that things would fall into place as long as I stayed true to my vision. Read more>>

Dweh Brown

If I were starting Homebase Films over today, knowing what I know now, I would take a much more strategic and streamlined approach. One of the biggest changes I would make is building systems early. When I first started, I was handling everything shooting, editing, marketing, client management without a clear structure. I would set up simple systems early, like automated scheduling, easy-to-use client management tools, and ready-made email templates, to save time and keep everything organized. Read more>>

Matthew Tortoriello

The first thing is understanding the importance of picking the right partner. One of the biggest things that happened early on was that we chose a couple different partners that were problematic for different reasons. Structuring and understanding partnerships and the value that is added in the right context would have helped a lot. Putting controls in place would have made a big difference for us. For instance, we had one partner that was stealing money out of the account. They said they owned multiple rentals but it turns out they didn’t. We also had another partner who wanted to have full control and was slowing all of our processes down. Now I feel like we have removed those hinderances. If we hadn’t had these partnership issues early on it would have allowed us to grow much faster. Read more>>

Ellie Powers

If I were to start over I would approach my career with more humility. Keeping a listening ear open to those who have been in the canine behavioral field for many more years would have given me the opportunity to be enriched in further education, mentorship, and have a community that supported me as I grew my business. As I have begun to lean on the support of my local community I have experienced nothing but kindness and constant support. Read more>>

Zion Smith

Looking back, with all the knowledge and experience I’ve gained at my current young age, I realize how much I wish I had started sooner in Graphic Design and Photography. During my teenage years, I was always certain about my dream of playing soccer professionally, but I struggled to identify a career path that would allow me to serve both my community and the world in a meaningful way while identifying a career path I would genuinely love and respect. During my teenage years, I didn’t fully grasp how vital networking and continuously strengthening my foundation could be for long-term success. As I’ve grown in my Graphic Design and Photography journey at my current young age, I’ve realized that every connection, collaboration, and opportunity plays a crucial role in shaping my career. Read more>>

Philip Coiro

Out of college, I was all music, all the time. In NYC, getting gigs isn’t just about how well you play—it’s about networking. And for musicians who aren’t naturally good at it, networking often comes off as transactional, like you’re just trying to get something from someone. Meanwhile, when I got into contracting about ten years ago and started my own company in 2017, I studied negotiation, business strategy, and scaling—skills I wish I had when I was grinding in the music world. If I had approached my music career like I did my construction business, I would have gotten further, faster, and with way fewer roadblocks. Read more>>

Rebecca Benison

As an author, I’ve learned so much since publishing my first book last year. The biggest lesson has been the importance of starting promotions early.

If I could go back, I would have worked with my publisher to build in more time between having proof copies available for review, and officially releasing the book. Having that time would have enabled me to pitch more reviewers, go after higher-profile reviews in the industry, and run more promotions ahead of release. Read more>>

Cari Sanders

Looking back when I first started my business, I was so excited and motivated. I dreamed the big dreams of my business becoming this huge success that would boggle minds. I put in a lot of hard work and things began to grow. But always in the back of my mind I always doubted myself and my abilities. Many times I wouldn’t push myself to do more or put myself out there for fear that others would see me as a fraud. Someone who really wasn’t good enough and thought too highly of myself. So I would make excuses as to why I couldn’t go after certain goals. My kids need me more, or I have to many other things to do at home. But really those were just excuses keeping me down. Read more>>

Syrae Spina

If I were to start my career anew, I would begin by refining my skill set and then concentrate on the hospitality elements of the industry that elevate the overall client experience. Read more>>

Mungo Parker

Firstly, I would have got on the social media things quicker and learnt how to use them properly earlier on. Also, I would have stayed longer in earlier jobs which I didn’t like / which were unsuitable just to make more money so that I could then spend more money on my music. Always try to survive another day. Read more>>

Loreal Hill

If I had to build Loaded Lashes from the ground up again, knowing everything I know now, I would definitely move forward with better self-confidence from the start. One of my biggest setbacks while growing my brand was that I didn’t believe in myself. I constantly compared my skills to others and talked myself out of opportunities that I felt I wasn’t ready for. When I finally snapped out of imposter syndrome and started walking into rooms like I belonged, everything else fell into place. You can’t expect to gain a steady flow of clientele if you don’t trust that you are the woman for the job. Read more>>