What No One Tells You: How to Succeed as an Entrepreneur


Ready to Build Your Business? Here Are 6 Lessons I Wish I Knew Sooner

Starting a business is exciting, but it’s also a wild ride filled with ups, downs, and lessons you often learn the hard way. After building two businesses and becoming fully self-employed, here are six powerful tips I’ve picked up along the way that can help any entrepreneur get started—and keep going.

1. Market, Market, Market

If there’s one truth in entrepreneurship, it’s this: marketing is everything. You can have the best product or service in the world, but if people don’t know about it, they won’t buy it.

I’d argue that more than 50% of your success is marketing. That means being consistent, creative, and visible. I once heard, “If people don’t see your product, how will they know it exists?” That stuck with me. I reminded myself of it every time I felt nervous or tired of promoting. It pushed me to show up again and again.

Whether you’re using social media, email marketing, word of mouth, or flyers, the more eyes on your business, the more chances you have to grow.

2. Take a Break—and Come Back Stronger

Burnout is real. There will be moments when you’re tired, overwhelmed, and questioning everything. You might feel like you’re giving your business your all—and still not seeing results. I’ve been there.

My husband would say, “Maybe you just need a break,” and honestly, I didn’t want to hear it… until I realized he was right. Dreams don’t happen overnight. And working yourself to the ground doesn’t make them happen any faster.

Take a break, regroup, and return with fresh eyes. You’ll be surprised how clarity and creativity flow when you give yourself room to breathe.

3. Brainstorm. Shift. Apply. Repeat.

When something isn’t working, don’t get discouraged—get creative.

Early on, I spent hours promoting my music classes, but nothing was clicking. Then I realized: maybe it wasn’t the service, maybe it was how I was presenting it. I started tweaking my messaging. Instead of “Music & Movement Class,” I tried names like “Musical Storytelling Adventure” or “Vroom, Vroom—Let’s Go to the Moon!”

That small change? It sparked curiosity. People responded. The service didn’t change, but the presentation did—and that made all the difference.

You have to be willing to brainstorm, shift your approach, and try new things until you find what resonates.

4. Save When It’s High, So You Can Survive When It’s Low

Entrepreneurship has seasons. Some months you’ll make more than you ever imagined. Others, you’ll barely make enough to scrape by.

That’s why it’s crucial to save when business is booming. Put money aside to cushion the slow months, unexpected expenses, or reinvest in your growth. It’s tempting to spend when things are good—but financial discipline is what keeps your business alive long-term.

5. Social Media is Your Secret Weapon

I once got over 40,000 views on a post—and I didn’t pay a dime. No ads. Just consistency and creativity.

Social media is a powerful (and free!) marketing tool that can reach more people than flyers, business cards, or word of mouth alone. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Nextdoor, and even your Google Business Profile can drive visibility fast.

Post often. Be authentic. Share your journey. The more you show up, the more people will notice.

6. Ignore the Naysayers—This is YOUR Empire

Some people will make comments like, “You’re always posting about your business,” or “You talk about it too much.” Let them talk.

If you’re trying to build a full-time income, create generational wealth, or simply follow your passion—you don’t owe anyone an apology for going all in.

Set your own standard. Stay committed. Keep promoting, keep learning, and keep going. You’re building something meaningful, and it’s okay to go hard for your dream.


Final Thoughts

Are you a small business owner looking to grow your brand without breaking the bank? I’ve taken what I’ve learned from building two successful businesses and becoming 100% self-employed—and now I’m helping other small businesses do the same.

If you’re ready for affordable, real strategies that get results, reach out to us today. We’d love to help you grow your dream into something real.


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Comments

2 responses to “What No One Tells You: How to Succeed as an Entrepreneur”

  1. Event promoter here, new in the business!

    1. Alexandria Cooper Avatar
      Alexandria Cooper

      Hi! Congratulations on your new business — that’s so exciting!
      Thank you so much for taking the time to read our article.

      Best,
      Alexandria C.

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