posted by
Daymond E. Lavine aka Daymond The Brand
Certified Life Coach
15 Unfiltered Truths Every Entrepreneur Must Know Before Starting a Business: From Wishful Thinking to Real Results: What It Really Takes to Build a Successful Business.
Let’s be honest—starting a business is not for the faint-hearted. It’s exciting, yes, but it’s also a rollercoaster filled with sleepless nights, self-doubt, and moments where you wonder if you’ve lost your mind. So, let me break it down for you: 15 must-know truths that will prepare you for the wild ride ahead. Ready?
1. Talk Is Cheap.
Out of every 60 people who talk about starting a business, only one actually does it. Think about how many people you know who said, "One day, I'm going to start my own company," but never do. People get stuck in wishful thinking. So, if you're serious, stop talking and start doing. The odds are already in your favor if you just take the first step.
2. Ideas Are Worthless Without Results.
Here's the thing about ideas: they're like air—free. Until your idea produces tangible results, it’s worth nothing. Execution is the only thing that will demand a price. So, don’t get too attached to the idea of being an entrepreneur; get obsessed with executing like one.
3. No One Will Care About Your Business Like You Do.
Even that best friend you think would make the perfect business partner? There’s a good chance they’ll move on to the next shiny thing before you’ve even ordered business cards. It stings, but it’s a reality check. You are the heartbeat of your business, and no one will ever match your level of passion or commitment.
4. You Don’t Need Cash to Start a Business.
You’ve probably bought a house or car using credit before, right? Why not think of your business the same way? Credit, personal loans, or converting your time into money (think side gigs) can all fuel your startup. So, don’t let the lack of cash stop you—get creative!
5. Starting a Business Always Comes with Sacrifice.
You’ll sacrifice time, money, sleep, and sometimes even relationships. I wish there was a shortcut, but there isn’t. Prepare yourself to put in the work now, so you can enjoy the rewards later. Success doesn’t come without a cost.
6. Build Smart from the Start.
Customers will come, so set up systems that can handle growth. Have replaceable components in your business. If something breaks down—whether it's technology or a process—you don’t want everything to come to a screeching halt.
Make room to scale from Day 1. It’s hard to expand a house that wasn’t designed with extra rooms in mind. Think bigger. Keep your vision clear and constantly reassess your direction.
7. Free Up Your Time.
Eventually, you’ll have to stop being the do-everything person in your business. Replace yourself as the employee. Delegate and automate, because if you don’t, you’ll become your business’s biggest bottleneck.
8. Fail Fast, Fail Forward, Then Adapt!
Failure is not your enemy—it’s your teacher. The faster you fail, the quicker you can adapt and improve. Don’t waste time avoiding mistakes. Instead, learn from them and pivot when necessary.
9. Long-Term Success Depends on Managing Resources.
It’s not just about making money; it’s about keeping it. Track your spending, manage your cash flow, and invest wisely. Business survival often comes down to one thing: resource management.
10. The Right Mentor Is Worth 10 Years of Struggle.
Find someone who’s walked the road you’re on. A good mentor will help you bypass the potholes that would have taken you years to figure out on your own. Their experience is invaluable and can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
11. There Are No Shortcuts.
Every ‘overnight success’ you’ve heard about was years in the making. If someone tells you there’s an easy way, they’re either lying or selling something. Buckle up and prepare for the long haul.
12. Sales Solve All Problems.
It doesn’t matter how pretty your logo is, how clever your social media posts are, or how “on-brand” you feel—sales are what keep the lights on. If you’re not selling, your business isn’t thriving. Branding and marketing come later.
13. Only Use Investors If You Truly Need It.
Here’s a pro tip: ownership matters. If you don’t need investors, don’t use them. Strive to maintain 100% control of your business, because once you give that up, your vision is no longer entirely your own.
14. Always Understand Your End Game.
Before you even open the doors (or launch the site), ask yourself: What’s the goal? Do you want to grow this business and sell it, or do you want to run it for the rest of your life? Whatever your answer is, let that guide your strategy and decisions from Day 1.
15. Legal Concerns Can Wait.
Yes, I said it—don’t sweat the legal stuff too early. You’ll need contracts and trademarks eventually, but for now, focus on testing your business. See what works and what doesn’t. Once you have something that works, then protect it legally.
Starting a business isn’t easy, but it’s also the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do. Don’t let the challenges scare you off. Push through the doubt, silence the noise, and take action every single day. In the end, it’s all about turning your dream into reality—and I’m here to tell you, it’s possible.
Read, Set, Go, Start!
aymond, Founder of Plurapreneur.com
"Technically Inclined, Creatively Driven"
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