Any entrepreneurs out there that feel like there’s a million things no one told you before starting your company? (Good&Bad) 5 years in myself and nearly could write a book with my list of sh*t no one told me… curious to know what’s on your list???

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First. Awesome that you made it five years. When I started my distribution platform, my goal was to test the market and get a better understanding. Turned out I was completely wrong about certain things, and it was both easier and harder than I expected.

When it came to advice from other entrepreneurs, they will never really understand your business like you do, but they can have some great ideas that lead you to the right place (you just have to follow their theme not their advice).

Always happy to chat.

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Thanks for this! Yes, that’s exactly my struggle. The seat of founder is more lonely than CEO some days and it seems like even my right choices still make it hard to put everything into action like I want. Would love to connect; I’ll send a PM.

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Surround yourself with smarter people than yourself and pay them well enough to stay.

Never forget your frontline opinion and voice.

Due diligence should be a top priority.

Celebrate the wins while secretly prepping for the loss.

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🤣🤣 I feel like when my consulting gig starts up, I will have several of those moments, too.

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Same. I found out I had been doing all the right things, but I was doing them all wrong. Ugh. Hiring a business coach saved me. Learning how to sell finally got me off the roller coaster for good.

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A roller coaster is absolutely the way it feels. And it’s lonely too because there’s usually no one that understands what’s even in play… I tried the business coach route last year but it cost me giving raises to my team and that cost me this year in several ways when they left. The coach also just kept pointing out I was doing all of the right things so that stung.

Great advice and information in these responses. Seeing that there are others who’ve been here or are also here helps me too.
I used SCORE with the SBA to find a mentor who has similar experiences and has time to be not just my business coach but a true confidant whose life experiences and business expertise has already helped me see several steps ahead and miss colliding with some obstacles.
It’s working and I feel very well supported. One of the key benefits has been that I can discuss my plans objectively and not use my husband as my sounding board. While extremely intelligent and always my biggest supporter, he’s not an expert in where I am and where I am going. I love having separation from work and specifically in growing my business - not allowing the business to become the 3rd wheel in our marriage. I love the actual work /life balance I’ve heard others speak of. I’m working less hours. I sleep much better.
And - I’m prepping for an SBA loan too! SCORE is entirely volunteer - and you can review their profiles to select the mentor you feel has the best alignment to your needs. The Covid business world showed me that it is the small business owners who have kept the economy going. I’ve learned the value of helping one another succeed.

Good luck and reach out if you’d like to form a mini- support system. Once a week check in, texts, etc. I’m open to growing my Village.

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F&CEO 1: Glad it was a helpful insight. I hope it helps you as much as it has me. It’s a new level of confidence to hear I’m on the right track from someone who has been there and understands the risks.
I’d love to join your group. It is a great looking site. There are so many of us out here looking to connect - I’m glad to see you’re creating the space for it. - I am DinaMarie L. and I’m subscribing to your site for updates: dina@getinthehive.com

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Literally same, but instead of writing a book I chose to blog about it. At least with blogging I get paid out from people learning about my experiences.

Here you go https://lifewithtina.medium.com

Trust your gut about people. It’s typically right.

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