What I Learned From Starting My First Business at 24
I want to share a few lessons for those who haven’t yet started a business or are thinking about it. These are the mindset shifts, feelings, struggles, and practical insights I gained along the way.
Some Things You Can’t Learn From Books
1. Planning is Overrated:
While having a broad plan is important, don’t get stuck trying to create a perfect, detailed roadmap. Business is unpredictable, and flexibility is key. Be prepared for surprises—because they will come.
2. Fear and the Illusion of Readiness:
This one hit me hard. I procrastinated on my business idea for three years until I finally reached my “FTE” (F*** This Event). If I could give one piece of advice, it’s this: Start before you’re ready and improve along the way.
When I launched my first website, it was mediocre at best. Tutorials didn’t help me as much as rolling up my sleeves and doing the work. Over time, I got better and eventually built a website that outshined all my competitors.
3. The Customer Comes First
Customer Experience is Everything:
Always prioritize your customers over your own desires. Their satisfaction determines your success.
4.Customer Support That Stands Out:
Initially, I underestimated the value of great customer support. But the reactions I got from my customers changed my mind. I made myself available on WhatsApp, solved issues instantly, and often went the extra mile by offering freebies, extra items, or simply being kind and human. It worked wonders.
5.You Won’t Be Prepared for Everything
Unexpected problems are inevitable. I thought I had prepared for every obstacle, but reality proved me wrong. At times, I felt helpless and alone, facing challenges that were unique to my industry.
But here’s the thing: I learned to adapt. Each problem I solved gave me invaluable lessons and made me a better problem-solver. I became less afraid of obstacles and more confident in my ability to handle whatever came my way.
6.Even Failure Has Value
Even if your business fails, the skills and knowledge you gain are priceless. You’ll have experience and “skin in the game” that can’t be bought or taught.
When I started, I knew failure was a possibility, but I also knew I couldn’t let “paralysis of analysis” hold me back forever. I had to jump off the cliff and figure out how to build wings on the way down.
7.How I Validated My Product
I focused on creating value with:
A professional, user-friendly website.
Excellent customer support (via WhatsApp).
High-quality packaging in multiple colors.
PDF guides and top-notch product quality (after testing multiple suppliers).
Before buying in bulk, I validated my product by running ads. My first sale came within two days. I apologized to those early customers for potential delays, offered free extras, and delivered as promised. Once I saw it was working, I went all in with my supplier.
8.Giving Before Asking
Give, give, and give some more.
I paid attention to every detail to ensure my customers had a great experience. I included handwritten thank-you notes, shared a flyer with my unique story, and even sent cookies with orders. One time, I sent a free sample with free shipping to a potential customer. The package got lost, but when I offered to resend it, he declined and ended up purchasing the full product.
Pro Tip: Always ask for reviews after delighting your customers. Don’t expect them to leave a review unless you ask.
Key Takeaways
1. Validate With Minimal Investment: Start small to minimize risk. Prove your idea works before going all in.
2. Seek Honest Feedback: Don’t rely on friends; they’re biased. Feedback from strangers is more valuable.
3. Learn By Doing: Business is like a marathon you start while out of shape. You get stronger as you run. ( Alex Hormozi i think quoted this)
I’ll leave you with this:
Starting a business isn’t as scary as you think. Yes, it’s challenging, but the rewards—both financial and personal—are worth it.
I made $20k in my first year, but it wasn’t smooth sailing. Most of that revenue came in just 5-6 months after fixing major issues. Now, I’m facing new challenges as I try to scale, but the process is fulfilling.
Working on something you built, believe in, and get praised for unlocks a new level of passion and meaning in life.
Let’s not forget the joy of our first sale from a stranger. That moment was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.
What about you? What was your first sale?
I want to share a few lessons for those who haven’t yet started a business or are thinking about it. These are the mindset shifts, feelings, struggles, and practical insights I gained along the way.
Some Things You Can’t Learn From Books
1. Planning is Overrated:
While having a broad plan is important, don’t get stuck trying to create a perfect, detailed roadmap. Business is unpredictable, and flexibility is key. Be prepared for surprises—because they will come.
2. Fear and the Illusion of Readiness:
This one hit me hard. I procrastinated on my business idea for three years until I finally reached my “FTE” (F*** This Event). If I could give one piece of advice, it’s this: Start before you’re ready and improve along the way.
When I launched my first website, it was mediocre at best. Tutorials didn’t help me as much as rolling up my sleeves and doing the work. Over time, I got better and eventually built a website that outshined all my competitors.
3. The Customer Comes First
Customer Experience is Everything:
Always prioritize your customers over your own desires. Their satisfaction determines your success.
4.Customer Support That Stands Out:
Initially, I underestimated the value of great customer support. But the reactions I got from my customers changed my mind. I made myself available on WhatsApp, solved issues instantly, and often went the extra mile by offering freebies, extra items, or simply being kind and human. It worked wonders.
5.You Won’t Be Prepared for Everything
Unexpected problems are inevitable. I thought I had prepared for every obstacle, but reality proved me wrong. At times, I felt helpless and alone, facing challenges that were unique to my industry.
But here’s the thing: I learned to adapt. Each problem I solved gave me invaluable lessons and made me a better problem-solver. I became less afraid of obstacles and more confident in my ability to handle whatever came my way.
6.Even Failure Has Value
Even if your business fails, the skills and knowledge you gain are priceless. You’ll have experience and “skin in the game” that can’t be bought or taught.
When I started, I knew failure was a possibility, but I also knew I couldn’t let “paralysis of analysis” hold me back forever. I had to jump off the cliff and figure out how to build wings on the way down.
7.How I Validated My Product
I focused on creating value with:
A professional, user-friendly website.
Excellent customer support (via WhatsApp).
High-quality packaging in multiple colors.
PDF guides and top-notch product quality (after testing multiple suppliers).
Before buying in bulk, I validated my product by running ads. My first sale came within two days. I apologized to those early customers for potential delays, offered free extras, and delivered as promised. Once I saw it was working, I went all in with my supplier.
8.Giving Before Asking
Give, give, and give some more.
I paid attention to every detail to ensure my customers had a great experience. I included handwritten thank-you notes, shared a flyer with my unique story, and even sent cookies with orders. One time, I sent a free sample with free shipping to a potential customer. The package got lost, but when I offered to resend it, he declined and ended up purchasing the full product.
Pro Tip: Always ask for reviews after delighting your customers. Don’t expect them to leave a review unless you ask.
Key Takeaways
1. Validate With Minimal Investment: Start small to minimize risk. Prove your idea works before going all in.
2. Seek Honest Feedback: Don’t rely on friends; they’re biased. Feedback from strangers is more valuable.
3. Learn By Doing: Business is like a marathon you start while out of shape. You get stronger as you run. ( Alex Hormozi i think quoted this)
I’ll leave you with this:
Starting a business isn’t as scary as you think. Yes, it’s challenging, but the rewards—both financial and personal—are worth it.
I made $20k in my first year, but it wasn’t smooth sailing. Most of that revenue came in just 5-6 months after fixing major issues. Now, I’m facing new challenges as I try to scale, but the process is fulfilling.
Working on something you built, believe in, and get praised for unlocks a new level of passion and meaning in life.
Let’s not forget the joy of our first sale from a stranger. That moment was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.
What about you? What was your first sale?
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