If you're still reading...

This week, while working on this new project I've been sharing with you...

I reflected on the 9 major mistakes I've made through the years when starting new businesses...

...and how to avoid them

If you're in business or planning to start something, these might help you avoid the failures I had:

1. “Helping out friends”.
→ If they're your friends they should be 1st to pay, not ask for freebies.

2. Friends' opinion or help.
→ If they're not your target audience. Their opinion doesn't tell you what you need.

3. Depending on 3rd party platforms.
→ It's not your business if you can't control your relationship with the client.

4. Not having a plan or goals.
→ If you don't know where you're going how will you ever get there?

5. Non-revenue activities.
→ Don't waste time on things that don't generate revenue.

6. There will be taxes.
→ Half of what you earn is not yours. Save it.

7. Not having a Dream Client Avatar.
→ If you're talking to everyone, you're not talking to anyone. If you're trying to sell to everyone… you're selling to no one!

8. Not building an email list.
→ On average, people need to see you 7 times before they're ready to buy. Do you control those 7 touch points?

9. Competing with the sharks.
→ If you're entering an existing market without differentiating yourself, sooner or later you'll be losing money.

I hope that helps you avoid some of them!

Talk soon.