The Best Advice for Starting a Business
Starting a business is a bold move — one that can be incredibly fulfilling. Whether you're launching a consultancy, opening a brick-and-mortar shop, or testing out a side hustle, those early days are filled with excitement, unknowns, and a million decisions.
After years of coaching business owners, building companies, and walking alongside founders through the highs and lows, I’ve gathered some of the most powerful, practical advice that holds true across every industry.
Here’s what I believe every entrepreneur should know before they dive in.
1. Start Before You Feel Ready
Waiting for the perfect time or perfect plan is a trap. Momentum beats perfection! The best way to learn is by doing — testing, iterating, and evolving in real time. Don’t overthink it. Start small, stay scrappy, and keep moving.
“I spent so long trying to make my brand perfect before launching. Once I finally put it out there, I realized the real clarity came from working with actual customers. You learn so much faster by doing.”
— Kendra, Founder of E-Commerce Company
2. Validate Your Idea Before You Invest
Before you build a fancy website or invest thousands in developing a new product, make sure people actually want what you’re selling. Talk to potential customers. Pre-sell your offer. Get feedback. Your idea doesn’t have to be original—it just has to solve a real problem for real people.
3. Know Your Why
Your "why" is the fuel that will get you through the hard days—and there will be hard days! Are you doing this for freedom? Flexibility? Financial growth? A creative calling? Define your purpose early and return to it often.
It’s also a good idea to formalize your core values. Think of core values as the guiding principles that shape how you run your business, make decisions, and interact with clients, team members, and the world around you.
Our Core Values Workbook can be a huge help!
4. Keep Your Overhead Low
In the beginning, simplicity is your superpower. Don’t fall into the trap of spending money to “look legit.” No one is focusing on you as much as you are!
Focus on driving revenue first. Refine things later. By running lean and avoiding unnecessary expenses early on, you’ll be able to drive profit which truly is your POWER in any business.
“I bootstrapped my business for the first 18 months using free tools and a lot of sweat equity. Looking back, it was the smartest thing I did. It forced me to focus on what actually drove revenue.”
— Mandy, Marketing & Brand Design
5. Build a Strong Support System
You don’t need to go it alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in you — mentors, peers, business coaches, friends.
Join communities of fellow entrepreneurs, online and in-person. It’s not just about advice you may receive; it’s about accountability, encouragement, and connection.
6. Treat Marketing as Essential, Not Optional
If you don’t market your business, no one will know it exists. Learn the basics: who your audience is, what they need, and how to reach them.
Marketing is not sleazy—it’s storytelling, relationship-building, and making the right people aware of the value you offer.
“The biggest shift for me was realizing that marketing isn’t about bragging. It’s about helping the right people find you and showing them how you can help.”
— Lisa, Business Coach & Podcast Host
7. Focus on Solving Problems, Not Selling Products
Your business exists to help people. When you stay focused on the problems you solve and the results you deliver, selling becomes easier. Speak their language. Address their pain points. Show your potential clients and customers what’s possible.
8. Don’t Confuse Busy with Productive
It’s easy to fill your day with tasks that feel important but don’t move the needle. Prioritize revenue-generating activities. Set clear goals. Track your time. Protect your focus. You’re the most valuable asset in your business—use your time wisely.
9. You’re Building a Business, Not Just a Job
It’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity, but long-term success requires structure. Develop systems. Set boundaries. Learn to delegate, even if it’s just to a virtual assistant who helps you out for a few hours a week. Create repeatable processes so your business can grow with you, not because of you.
10. Be Ready to Pivot
The path you start on isn’t always the one you stay on. Markets shift. Customers evolve. Your interests might change. Stay open, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to shift direction if the data (or your gut) tells you it’s time.
A SWOT analysis can be really helpful for assessing both the internal and external shifts that may be affecting your business. We include one in our Business Review workbook, which you can grab in our shop.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business takes courage, resilience, and a willingness to figure things out as you go. But it also gives you the rare opportunity to create something entirely your own — something that reflects your values, your vision, and your voice.
So if you’re on the edge of starting — or deep in the messy middle — remember this: You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to start.
Want more support?
If you're launching a business or looking to grow smarter, check out our business planning templates, Strategic Business Coaching support, or reach out to connect. You're not alone in this!