After nearly a decade in a stable job, stepping into the world of entrepreneurship was both exhilarating and intimidating. Like many new founders, I had my fair share of wins—and just as many setbacks. From investing in projects that didn’t take off to refining products based on real feedback, the journey has been a masterclass in growth.7 Key Lessons from Starting My Own Business
Over the years, I’ve consumed a library of books on business, strategy, and marketing. But nothing compares to the lessons that come from building something from the ground up. If you’re on a similar path, or even just considering it, here are the seven most important things I’ve learned.
1. Launch First, Perfect Later
Many aspiring entrepreneurs delay launching because they’re chasing perfection. But the truth is, perfection is a moving target—and one you can only approach after real users interact with your product.
History is filled with examples: Toyota began as a textile business, Amazon started by selling books, and Play-Doh was originally a wallpaper cleaner. None of these companies launched with their final form in mind. They adapted through real-world experience.
When I launched my online community, I spent months planning the perfect version. But within weeks of going live, feedback from users led to major changes that improved both engagement and experience. Lesson learned: Don’t wait for perfect—start small, launch fast, and evolve through feedback.
2. Know Your Numbers
In the early days, I tried everything—guessing what might work, throwing ideas out there to see what stuck. It’s a natural phase. But as your business grows, guesswork becomes a liability.
Understanding your financials gives you clarity. What products are actually profitable? Where are the hidden costs? What’s draining your budget? The ability to make data-informed decisions is what separates sustainable businesses from struggling ones.
Using tools like Xero has helped me keep a pulse on everything from cash flow to expenses, and even tax deductions. Financial visibility empowers you to act with precision rather than gut instinct.
3. Optimize Taxes Early
Tax planning isn’t just for big corporations. Small businesses often lose thousands due to preventable tax mistakes—missed deductions, poor record-keeping, or selecting the wrong business structure.
From the beginning, get smart about tax. Know what you can legally deduct—home office expenses, travel, software subscriptions—and track everything. Also, explore whether a sole proprietorship or limited company offers better advantages for your situation. Early planning saves money and stress down the line.
4. Marketing Is Just as Important as the Product
You could create the most innovative, useful product in the world—but if no one knows about it, it won’t sell. Marketing isn’t an afterthought; it’s a core part of the business.
I’ve learned that sometimes, a strong headline or thumbnail can be the difference between getting seen or being ignored. It’s the same with products. Don’t just pour energy into perfecting your offering—invest equal effort in making sure people know it exists, and why it matters to them.
In fact, sometimes it’s better to market before you build. Testing your idea through a landing page or pre-sale can help gauge demand and avoid wasting time on something people don’t actually want.
5. Always Remember Why You Started
Every entrepreneur faces tough decisions. Sometimes, opportunities come along that seem great on paper—but don’t align with your mission or values.
I’ve had to turn down lucrative sponsorships because they didn’t fit with my message. It wasn’t easy, and I questioned myself. But staying true to my purpose has always brought me back to the right path.
When challenges arise—and they will—it’s your original “why” that will keep you grounded. Passion and purpose are what carry you through the hard times, more than any strategy or tactic.
6. Business Is Personal
Coming from a corporate background, I was taught to keep things professional, polished, and distant. But entrepreneurship is different—it thrives on authenticity.
People don’t connect with faceless brands. They connect with stories, with humanness. Every time I’ve opened up—shared my motivations, my challenges, even my mistakes—it has created deeper trust and stronger engagement.
Don’t be afraid to show up as yourself. Your personality, your journey, and your values are assets. Big companies spend millions trying to appear relatable. As an entrepreneur, you already are—you just need the courage to share it.
7. Just Start
Starting a business is one of the hardest yet most rewarding things I’ve done. It’s stretched me, challenged me, and helped me grow in ways I never imagined.
Not everyone wants to quit their job or build a company. But if you have a creative idea, a side hustle, or a dream you’ve been sitting on—just give it a try. You’ll either build something incredible or gain invaluable experience. Either way, you won’t be left wondering, “What if?”
Final Thoughts
Entrepreneurship isn’t a straight road—it’s a winding path full of experiments, setbacks, and breakthroughs. These lessons aren’t just for full-time founders. They’re for anyone who wants to take control of their career, follow a passion, or create something meaningful.
Start small. Stay curious. And most of all, stay true to what matters most to you.
