We’re still very much a work in process and we haven’t figured everything out by a long shot. But I’ll tell you what, we’ve learned a lot since we’ve been open and one of the most potent lessons has been that it just ain’t always like the books say. I’ve read 50 or so business books at this point and there’s a TON of stuff that no one is saying anywhere. Here’s a beginning look at what I think is important for new business owners.

My best general business advice:

1. start with a lemonade stand and go from there. I see all kinds of people that want to start huge and when they fail, it’s bankruptcy. Start teaching in the park or wherever you can pay as little rent as possible. Build up the clientele from there and only then expand only so much as you can see the business supporting. “Build it and they will come” is a huge risk that i never take. That’s why I’m still open.

2. do what you have to do until you no longer have to do it. You might have to take questionable business at the beginning when you’re getting started. That’s just the price of going on your own. You need the money and you need to take a chance that folks might turn out to be good clients or that situations might pan out. Later as the business builds, you can be selective about what business to pursue and what not to pursue.

3. Be very careful who you get your advice from. I used to get approached almost everyday by people telling me “you should do this” and “you should do that.” If I did half of what they suggested I’d never get anything done. My efforts would be all over the place. Those folks never knew a thing about my business, my market, or my challenges. Heck, they didn’t usually even run businesses themselves, let alone successful ones. So I’ve narrowed my funnel on who I listen to and try to get only quality info. It will be hard to tell who really knows something at first, but you’ll notice that you keep going to certain places for info and that’s a good sign of quality.

Most of all, good luck. Being your own boss is extremely liberating and also a ton of responsibility. Enjoy the ride!