Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Business

1. Starting a business is tough, but it is possible.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t count how many times I’ve heard someone casually say, “oh, just start a business.” Starting a business should not be a casual suggestion. People tend to speak as if you are at Burger King, and you’re trying to decide if you want a Whopper or an Impossible Whopper. No, starting a business is a big deal. It will take so much of your time, energy, and money to get started. It should be contemplated, calculated, and pondered. It will push you to the extreme. You will learn more than you thought you needed to know. You will grow more and more each day. Once you reach your goals, you will see it was worth it.   

2. You don’t need a degree to start a business, but you do need knowledge.  

Some people only feel comfortable starting something new after taking a class or two. Some go all in and pursue a degree. And there’s some who don’t choose either. I can’t say if you should or shouldn’t, but you must have some knowledge in the field you’re entering. Having knowledge prepares you for the unexpected. My sister is a teacher who decided to tutor on the side. She was hired by a tutoring company but didn’t stay very long. There were several reasons why my sister decided to stop tutoring but one of her complaints was the unnecessary requirements demanded by the owners. For example, my sister was required to pay for training. She was a teacher for five years during this time. Because she was a certified teacher she had already completed the training. Not only was this a financial cost to my sister. This also showed her how much knowledge the owners had in this field. If you don’t have the knowledge hire someone who does. 

3. It gets legal.  

Have you ever come across someone who says, “Just get an LLC”? Then you find yourself on IRS.GOV and they tell you to register with your state first? Yes, you should get an LLC if that fits your business structure. However, registering your business with your state is the first thing you do. Each state differs in its legal requirements and cost. It’s important to know what your state requires. This will help you determine if this is the right time to start your business. I had no idea how many fees I would be expected to pay after starting my business. Thankfully, you can research this information online. So, before you go and get that LLC, do your research to stay complaint.  

4. Count your coins. 

Many of us business owners don’t realize how much it costs to start a business until they’re in it. Of course, opening costs differ but one thing we know each business will have is expenses. Determining if you can afford the cost is important. You don’t want to be surprised with expected fees and financial costs. Having a business plan is beneficial. It gives an outline of your business structure and costs.  

5. Work hard but know when to rest.  

Starting a business will require you to give 110%. You are the boss or at least one of the bosses. Decisions must be made and you need to make them. Running on fumes is a bad idea. Burn out is real and will make or break your business. Knowing when to work and when to rest is important. I come up with my best idea on a rested mind. When I’m overwhelmed and feeling like I’m in over my head the only good thing I can do is rest. Knowing when you have drained yourself is something only you will know. I have learned to pull myself away immediately and recharge. If not, I make more mistakes and waste more time. Just know you must work hard and also rest hard. 

business

november 1, 2025