Service-based Business Lessons

Business: Lessons Learned

It's been some time since I took the leap and started my own business. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

Overview

With a mix of luck and support from family and friends, I ventured into entrepreneurship in mid-2021. After building websites during the pandemic, I saw an opportunity and launched my own web development agency.

Having been a quiet observer on LinkedIn, I’ve gathered valuable insights over the years. Now, I’d like to give back by sharing some of the key lessons I’ve learned on this journey.

Lesson 1: Traction is Everything – Getting Customers is Hard

No one cares if you’ve been around for one year or 150 years—they care about results. If you can deliver, they’ll pay you, and pay you well. But if your business can't show value quickly, you’re in trouble.

Business Insight: I gained clients not because I was experienced, but because I delivered results.

Lesson 2: Word of Mouth > Online Presence

Most clients came to us because they were referred by someone they trusted—not because of our website. While an online presence is important, personal recommendations are what drive success.

Business Insight: Many clients came to us simply because we were recommended by a friend of a friend.

Lesson 3: Time is Your Most Valuable Asset

Our most time-consuming clients were often the ones paying the least. We now prioritize online meetings and keep business and friendships separate. If a client is serious, they’ll agree to meet virtually.

Business Insight: Stats don’t lie—online meetings only!

Lesson 4: People Break Promises

We noticed that bad paymasters often came with big promises. Authority and prestige can sometimes be used to avoid obligations. That's why we always take advance payments and never deliver fully without being paid in full.

Business Insight: I’ve been burned in the past, so now I always ensure we have leverage—payment first, delivery second.

Lesson 5: Your Network is Your Net Worth

People are more likely to do business with someone they know or who comes highly recommended. Building a strong network has been one of the best investments in my business.

Business Insight: Joining BNI (Business Network International) has been a game changer.

Lesson 6: You Never Know Who Knows Whom

Like the concept of "six degrees of separation," you’re likely just a few connections away from someone important. Always keep in mind that you could be closer to a big opportunity than you think.

Business Insight: Do a LinkedIn search—you’ll be surprised how connected you are to influential people!

Lesson 7: Warm Leads Beat Cold Calls Every Time

People don’t like cold outreach. The best way to connect is through a mutual introduction. A joint call or introduction through a shared contact works wonders for building trust.

Lesson 8: Givers Gain

Why would someone give you business or make an introduction? People are more willing to help if you’ve done something for them in the past, no matter how small. Collaboration and reciprocity are key.

Lesson 9: Gratitude for Being Part of the Economy

Business is a cycle—A gives business to B, B gives to C, and so on. Eventually, business will come back to you. Patience is key. There’s a piece of the pie for everyone.

I’m grateful for the journey so far and for the lessons learned. Here's to the next chapter! #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLessons #Networking