38 Lessons I’ve Learned from Being an Entrepreneur
(The Birthday Blog): Business truths they don’t teach you in school
Hey there, Erin here!
This week’s I’m mixing it up because it’s my birthday week (cue confetti and awkward singing). BTW, if you ask me what my favorite holiday is, I say: my birthday, duh!
Since my birthday always falls right after July 4th, we usually plan our summer vacation around it, because my husband gets a market holiday and well pool time, also duh!
So, in true birthday-week style, I’m dropping some wisdom. When I speak about my book or entrepreneurship, I always end with a “5 Things You Should Know” list. But, now that I’m 38, I’m cranking it up a notch.
38 Things I’ve learned about Entrepreneurship, So You Don’t Have To
Most entrepreneurs didn’t go to business school. They just had a great idea and created something valuable that someone would pay for.
Know the difference in working ON your business VS IN your business.
Understand the job you are asking someone to do. If you don’t know, they don’t know.
Make everyone sign a contract - even your parent, your sibling, and especially your friend.
More money, more problems isn’t exactly true. It’s more like “more money, the more complex issues become,” but that’s not a good rap lyric.
Firing someone never gets easier. Even if they 100% deserve it.
Your initial team truly defines your business, surround yourself with people who will keep you going, hold you accountable, and lift you up when needed.
Your business WON’T make money at first. If you sell products, expect to be in a deficit for YEARS.
Posture is the #1 way to fake confidence. Walk with your chest upright, belly pulled in, and shoulders up, back, and down.
Numbers and data tell you SO MUCH, and so do your clients. LISTEN TO THEM. You and your business are two totally different things.
Success should be defined as more than money. Define it YOUR way or burnout will win.
Be willing to ask basic questions that you might think are dumb - it’s the only way to truly understand how something works.
Don’t let your calendar eat you alive. You can’t fill every moment or you’ll have a full breakdown.
You don’t owe anyone an emotional explanation. Data-driven decisions and gut instincts both count.
Know your strengths and know your weaknesses.
Build your business around your life, not your life around your business.
The only two assets you have are your time and your money - spend them wisely.
Boundaries will save your peace. They are a b*tch to build at first, but OMG once you have them make sure they are locked in tight. I had a mentor say, “You left a window open for a snake to come in.”
Be willing to be wrong and keep learning.
Social Media isn’t real life. If 90% of businesses fail, how is everyone on LinkedIn so successful?
Don’t go into business with your best friend. Your relationship will definitely change.
Your friends suck as clients, but strangers who are your clients will become great friends.
Not everyone will like you, and they shouldn’t.
Remember where you come from. I’ve had a chip on my shoulder, and it wasn’t great. Remember to be YOU no matter what business you build or what income you bring in. You can have whatever, but having your authenticity is where you truly shine.
Don’t ask your business owner friend for a discount. You’re not “supporting” them by asking them to make less.
Always be willing to help another founder. A 5-minute phone call or a short intro could change their life, and yours.
Your kids will humble you, and brag about you…all in the same breath!
A lot of people just want free sh*t.
You’ll always remember your first bad review. Don’t let it define you.
It’s better to ask and hear NO, because it’s the YES that changes everything.
Just do it, and ask for forgiveness.
There’s nothing more satisfying than being the boss. No waiting for answers, no “running anything up the chain.”
There’s also no PR, no HR, no marketing team, no accounting department. When you’re running a biz or if you’re a solopreneur, it’s all on you.
Entrepreneurship is lonely, exhilarating, terrifying, and beautiful.
A lot of people don’t know a lot of things, they just pretend they do.
Ask for help when you need it. People are actually willing to help, they just need to know how.
It’s better to have said how you feel than wish you could go back in time.
“Say yes, and figure it out afterwards.” - Tina Fey
Final Thought:
This isn’t just about entrepreneurship, it’s about growth, grit, and choosing yourself over and over again. Entrepreneurship takes courage, strength, and knowing you can do it.
Whether you’re launching a product, scaling your services, or redefining what success looks like for you…
Remind yourself today and every day that you are courageous, capable, and strong.