As I approach nearly 30 years in business, I’ve been thinking about what I would tell the younger version of myself—the one who had no idea what the next three decades would bring.
Here are a few things I wish I knew then:
1️⃣ Stay in the fight.
There will be hard work, sacrifices, tears, frustration, mistakes and plenty of moments when you wonder if it’s worth it. If you believe in what you’re building, keep going. Someday you’ll look back and realize those difficult years helped create something you’re incredibly proud of.
2️⃣ Ignore the naysayers.
There will always be competitors, critics and people who underestimate you or try to make you feel smaller than you are. You don’t need their permission or approval to succeed. Focus on your clients, your work and becoming better at what you do.
3️⃣ Know what NOT to do yourself.
Being a small business owner doesn’t mean you need to be an expert at everything. Hire professionals for the things that can seriously affect your business. Let an accountant handle your taxes, an attorney review your contracts, and an IT professional manage important technology and hardware issues. Sometimes doing it yourself is far more expensive in the long run.
4️⃣ Get GOOD business insurance.
This is one I wish more business owners understood. Don’t simply buy whatever general policy is recommended to you. Find an experienced commercial/business insurance professional who understands what your company actually does, the risks you face and the coverage necessary to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build. The cheapest policy isn’t a bargain if it doesn’t protect you when you need it.
5️⃣ Hire people you can trust—not simply people you know.
Look for people who want to work, are honest, dependable and take pride in what they do. And when you find them, treat them well. Appreciation for the good pay, flexibility and freedom should be reciprocated with hard work, loyalty and kindness. Mutual respect goes both ways.
6️⃣ Not every client is your client—and that’s okay.
A client will leave. A prospect will choose a competitor. Someone won’t see the value in what you offer. Don’t let it consume you. You’re not right for everyone, and not everyone is right for you. Sometimes losing the wrong client creates room for the right one.
7️⃣ Don’t forget to appreciate the journey.
When you’re constantly focused on the next deadline, client, problem or goal, it’s easy to forget how far you’ve come. Take time to appreciate the obstacles you’ve overcome, the lessons you’ve learned, the skills you’ve developed, the people you’ve met and the business you’ve built.
After nearly three decades, I’ve learned that owning a small business isn’t simply about making money or building a company.
It’s about resilience. Relationships. Growth. Freedom. Mistakes. Lessons. Reinvention. And having the courage to keep showing up.
Would I have done some things differently if I knew then what I know now? Absolutely.
But maybe learning these lessons along the way is part of what makes the journey worthwhile.
💚 Almost 30 years later, I’m still learning, still growing and still grateful that I took the chance.
— Startup Production
