Hindsight is often 20/20, and it can be challenging to accept that we couldn’t have known everything when we first started out. However, successful women entrepreneurs and business leaders can share the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way. Here are some insights they wish they had known from the beginning:
1) Kali Rogers, founder of Blush:
The most valuable lesson Kali learned is that success is not a one-size-fits-all formula. Despite listening to experts and following other entrepreneurs’ advice, she realized that no one knows her business better than herself. She had to rely on her own judgment and embrace trial and error. Understanding that her company is unique and trusting her own decisions would have been beneficial from the start.
2) Amanda Barker, founder/CEO of Halftee.com:
Amanda wishes she had approached cash flow differently when starting her company. Instead of turning to family for financial support and offering them a percentage of her company, she would have explored other funding options. If necessary, she would have set up the family’s contribution as a loan rather than giving away stock. This decision would have protected her company’s ownership and minimized potential conflicts within the family.
3) Katie Kapler, co-founder of CourseHorse:
Katie reflects on a time when a competitor garnered significant attention and funding, causing her and her team to feel anxious and paranoid. Looking back, she wishes she had approached competition from a place of calm and curiosity. Instead of letting negative emotions consume her, she would have focused on learning from their successes and mistakes while staying dedicated to her team, customers, and service.
4) Brandi Britton, district president of OfficeTeam:
Brandi emphasizes that success is not solely determined by intelligence. A strong work ethic and common sense can take you far. It’s essential to treat everyone you work with respect because you never know when your paths may cross again in a different capacity. The challenging situations you face often become opportunities for growth and improvement.
5) Michelle Shemilt, founder of Nudy Patooty:
Michelle highlights two important lessons. First, she advises spending time building and nurturing your network, especially relationships with mentors and advisors. It can be tempting to focus solely on work, but having a network of supporters is crucial for personal growth and development. Second, she emphasizes the importance of building a team. Trying to do everything alone can be overwhelming and ineffective. Identify your strengths and seek support to delegate tasks that drain your energy and distract you from key areas of your business, even if it means starting with part-time team members.
By learning from the experiences and insights of these successful women, aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders can gain valuable knowledge and approach their journeys with a more informed perspective. Additionally, creating an office space conducive to innovation and productivity can also contribute to their success.