15 things I wish I knew before I started out in business

1. Some people are radiators, others are drains. Be conscious of where you devote most of your precious time.
2. Writing builds clarity and connection like nothing else. Master it.
3. You don’t need to pretend you know it all. You don’t, so ask for help.
4. There are no rules in business. So don’t follow other people’s definition of success. Optimise for your own happiness.
5. It takes 10 years to build a great company. Take your time, enjoy the ride.
6. Most people aren’t your customers, so stop trying to appeal to everyone. Your job is to find the people you want to serve.
7. You’re a leader, so don’t underestimate the impact you can have on others. The world needs you and your ideas.
8. Perfection is the enemy of done, so get going. An idea that never ships has zero chance of success.
9. Nothing fails 100%. Even projects that didn’t work can teach you something. So don’t fear failure, it’s never that binary.
10. Don’t be a lone wolf. Business is hard, and entrepreneurship is a lonely road. Seek like minds and eat, hike, have fun together.
11. When you’re on purpose there is no competition, only collaboration. So stop comparing yourself to others (and feeling worse). You have something unique — you.
12. Collaborations bring energy. Work with people that light you up.
13. Create time for serendipity and embrace randomness. Do the opposite of everyone else.
14. When you’re knee deep in a problem and feel stuck, walk away. Come back with fresh eyes.
15. Stop putting others on a pedestal. Inspiration porn is a disease. Remember this: nobody knows what they’re doing. So create more and consume less.

Come join Happy Startup Summercamp this September 16–18 in the UK, or the next tribe of our Vision 20/20 online group coaching program.