Starting a business feels exciting… and terrifying. You’ve got a vision, maybe even a plan, but the day-to-day reality can surprise you. I’ve been through it, and here are **nine lessons I learned the hard way** that will save you time, money, and frustration.
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1. Spend More on Marketing and Advertising Than You’re Comfortable With
Marketing isn’t an expense—it’s oxygen for your business to generate sales. Whoever spends the most to acquire customers wins. If you feel a little uncomfortable about your marketing budget, you’re probably in the right place.
2. Your List Is Your Lifeline and Your Everything!
The **client list** is what makes your business an actual business. You can sell it, leverage it for new offers, and—most importantly—you own it. Social media followers? Vaporware. One algorithm change and they’re gone.
Collect every customer name and email at the very least, plus phone numbers and addresses if possible. Then, nurture it. Send emails to your email list! The list is your **gold mine.**
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3. Hire Aggressively If You Need Employees
If you need employees to run your business, expect that you’ll go through quite a few of them before you find your superstars. That’s normal. Don’t hesitate—hire, test, and repeat until you’ve built a team that shines. And yes, sometimes you’ll need to let people go quickly. You will need to get used to it.
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4. Treat Your Business Like Your Child
No one else will protect your business like you will. And, really, it’s not their job. It’s yours. Don’t let anyone bully it. Not employees, not customers, not suppliers and vendors. As the owner, you are the guardian, the advocate, and the defender.
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5. Back Up Your Managers in Public
Even if they’re wrong, support your managers in front of your team and customers. Correct them later in private. Public loyalty builds trust and stability, and you’ll need that.
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6. Don’t Argue with Bad Reviews
Fall on your sword and apologize—even if the customer seems wrong. Their perception is their reality, and others are watching your response. Reputation always outweighs being “right.”
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7. Charge More Than You Think
Your instinct will be to undercharge. Don’t. Know your value, price for profit, and remember: survival depends on margin. Both you and your business need PROFIT to survive.
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8. Negotiate Your Rent
Don’t take the first offer. Understand the hidden costs (like CAM) and negotiate hard. Bringing in a commercial real estate expert can save you thousands.
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9. Every Penny Counts
It’s not what you make—it’s what you keep. Shop around for everything: phone service, internet, trash removal, office supplies. Those savings add up.
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Final Thoughts
Business ownership isn’t easy, but these rules will tilt the odds in your favor. And yes—you’ll learn more as you go. Think of this as your starter playbook.
👉 Which one of these lessons resonates with you the most right now?
