Starting your own business can feel a lot like signing up for a marathon without realizing there’s also an obstacle course, a quiz, and maybe a pie-eating contest along the way. Fun, right? But here’s the thing: no one hands you a handbook labeled “Mistakes to Avoid 101.” So, in the spirit of saving you some heartache (and possibly a few thousand dollars), I’m sharing the three biggest mistakes I made when I was starting—along with what I wish someone had told me.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Financial Literacy (AKA, “Taxes? Never Heard of ‘Em”)
When I started my business at the ripe age of 28, I had dreams, determination, and absolutely zero financial know-how. Before that, I’d been blissfully employed, filing my taxes, getting a nice little refund, and calling it a day. Then I became my own boss, and tax time hit me like a freight train.
Imagine my shock when I found out I owed $4,000. FOUR. THOUSAND. DOLLARS. To the government. I thought, “Wait, you mean that’s not my refund?”
Spoiler: it wasn’t. Cue the crying, the scrambling, and the panic-induced emails offering clients last-minute packages to make up the cash.
WHAT I WISH I KNEW
Talk to an accountant early. Like, before-you-even-order-business-cards early. They’ll help you figure out what you need to track, what you need to save, and how to avoid awkward conversations with the taxman. Don’t have the funds for a fancy accountant? Check out free resources in your area. Many places offer support for small businesses—and trust me, the advice is worth its weight in gold.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Mentor
When I first started out, I was running on pure adrenaline and Google searches. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a business podcast hosted by a woman just a few steps ahead of me that things clicked. Suddenly, I had actionable advice, inspiration, and most importantly, someone who made me feel like I wasn’t completely alone.
Finding mentors (whether they know they’re mentoring you or not) was a game-changer. These were women who’d just hit six figures and were sharing exactly how they did it. Listening to their stories gave me clarity, confidence, and a roadmap I didn’t even know I needed.
WHAT I WISH I KNEW
Find your North Star—whether it’s a podcast host, a local business owner, or a Facebook group of like-minded entrepreneurs. Having someone (or a few someones) in your ear to cheer you on, share advice, and keep you motivated can make all the difference. Bonus: it’ll make you feel way less lonely.
Mistake #3: Running a Business Without Systems (Chaos, Thy Name Was Melanie)
When I first became my own boss, the freedom was intoxicating. No more commutes, no more strict schedules… just me, my laptop, and… total disarray. I spent those early days jumping from one task to another with zero structure. And guess what? That’s a fast track to burnout.
It wasn’t until I started setting up systems and boundaries—like time-blocking my days and creating workflows—that things began to feel manageable. Now, my Google Calendar is my BFF, and my business runs smoother than ever (well, most days).
WHAT I WISH I KNEW
Set up systems from the start. They don’t have to be perfect—in fact, they won’t be—but just start. Decide how you want your days to look, block off time for the important stuff, and build boundaries that let you focus on what matters. Trust me, Future You will thank you.
You’ve Got This!
Starting a business isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it. You’re going to make mistakes—we all do. But with a little planning, a lot of curiosity, and the willingness to learn as you go, you’ll figure it out. Just remember: every entrepreneur you admire started out not knowing what the heck they were doing either. If I can survive surprise tax bills, awkward networking attempts, and more late nights than I’d care to admit, so can you.
And remember: You’re smarter than you think, more capable than you feel, and braver than you know. Go get ‘em!
