7 Things I'd Do If I Was Starting A Business All Over Again

When you're just starting your business, it's so easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new venture and all the possibilities. And it’s also really easy to overlook the foundational pieces that make any business sustainable. 

Looking back, there are a few key things I wish I'd have known and implemented from day one. These aren't complex strategies - honestly, they're simple practices that can make a huge impact on your business and your journey from brand new business to business success.

This is what I’d do differently and advise any new business owner to do first…

1. Establish Clear Systems From Day One

Running a business without systems is like trying to build a house without blueprints - you'll spend countless hours reinventing the wheel and wondering where your time goes. 

As your business grows and scales so will some of your systems but do these things to create that initial set-up:

• Start with one simple client management system. Use a basic spreadsheet if that's all you have - just track client names, contact info, and session dates. The tool matters less than the habit of systematic organization.

• Create one folder on your computer for all client documents. Name everything clearly and consistently. Again, simple is better than perfect.

• Pick one tool for managing your tasks. Maybe it’s as simple as the notes app on your phone. The key is having one place for all your to-dos, not having the fanciest project management software.

2. Start Building an Email List Immediately

A lot of entrepreneurs spend their first year focused almost solely on social media, building an audience that they don’t own. While this may seem the easiest path, remember that your social content is on rented land and you are not the landlord. 

An email list is one of the only marketing assets you truly control.

Like a lot of your other systems, start simple…

• Add a simple sign-up form to your website or social media bio to collect email addresses. Offer something valuable in exchange - a quick guide, a meditation recording, or a helpful checklist. (Check this blog for how to create your freebie lead magnet) 

• Don't overthink your welcome email sequence. Send a welcome message with the freebie they requested and let them know what they can expect from your weekly/bi-weekly/monthly emails

• The key is starting now, not perfecting your strategy.

Remember: Your early subscribers are likely to become your most loyal supporters. Treat every single one like gold.

3. Start Creating Connection Content Consistently 

It’s easy to try and be everywhere at once initially. Quality content on one platform beats scattered posts across many so create a content strategy that’s focused on connection and establishing your business's voice and message.

Before you start to spread yourself thin…

• Pick one platform where your ideal clients spend time. (This blog post will help you better define who that ideal client is.)

• Write or create one post a week about the problems you solve. Start where you can stay consistent and increase your content creation as you find your rhythm.

• Share your real experiences and insights with your audience. This improves brand authority and shows how well you understand where they are and the transformation they’re looking for.

• Don't worry about being polished - focus on being helpful.

• Save everything you create in a content library. These pieces will become your social posts, emails, and even course material later. Repurposing is your friend!

4. Focus on One Offer First

Multiple offers can quickly create confusion - both for you and your potential clients. Spreading yourself too thin trying to serve every single client with different services is a sure fire formula for burnout. 

In the beginning, focus on perfecting one core offer. 

With your core offer start here…

• Create one signature service that solves a specific problem your target audience has.

• Make that offer simple to understand and simple for you to deliver.

• Price it based on the transformation you provide, not your time.

• Master delivering this one offer before expanding.

5. Get Comfortable with Sales Early

For many new business owners, the selling part of business is one of the hardest to master. I avoided sales conversations, hoping great work would speak for itself. But I quickly learned that selling is simply having honest conversations about how you can help your prospective clients. 

Before your first pitch, work on a few things…

• Practice talking about your work with everyone you meet. The more you talk through your business and your services, the quicker you flush out the fluff and hone in on the results you can offer.

• Focus on listening first to your target audience and understanding their challenges. This will allow you to refine your messaging to speak so directly to how you can serve them.

• Share stories about how you've helped others and allow prospective clients to see themselves in those transformations.

• The more you talk about your work, the more natural sales become.

6. Invest in the Right Tools from the Start

It’s so easy to waste money on shiny tools that you don’t need while also skimping out on the essentials.  The right tools will save you time, increase your overall efficiency, and most importantly, make you look professional from day one.

The tools to have locked & ready in the beginning…

• A professional email address. No gmail.com addresses here!

• A simple website with a domain that you own. 

• An automation tool for scheduling and client management. Automation On A Mission may be a great place for you to start!

Remember that in the beginning, make investments in tools that will directly impact your client experience and save you significant time.

7. Build a Support Network

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road and when you go it on your own, it could impact your growth. As you start your small business journey, make a point of seeking out and connecting with other entrepreneurs. Having the support of others who “get it” makes everything easier.

As you’re starting to find your support network…

• Join one business community where you can ask questions and share challenges in a safe and supportive space.

• Find one accountability partner who's at a similar stage as you and who you can support as well.

• Connect with others in your field - they're potential collaborators, not just competitors.

Starting a business is a journey of learning and growth. There are a lot of things that you simply have to learn along the way but, as an entrepreneur of over a decade, I know these seven things will always be the best time and money investments you can make. 

Focus on the fundamentals, invest in what will make the process easier, find support & community and you'll build a strong foundation for your inevitable success. 

Remember: start small, stay consistent, and prioritize progress over perfection.

And if you’re interested in learning how Automation on a Mission can help you build the right systems from day one, let’s talk!

Click here to book your free demo!