My First Year in Business and What I’ve Learnt

After 25 years in the corporate world, stepping into business ownership was both exciting and daunting. I had never run a business before, so my first year has been a steep learning curve filled with challenges, growth, and some big lessons.

1. It Can Be Lonely

In the corporate world, there’s always a team around you. Running your own business is very different – the decisions, the doubts, the celebrations, they’re all on your shoulders. Networking has been a lifeline for me. Not only has it opened doors to opportunities, but it’s also given me a support system of people who truly understand what it’s like. And it’s not just about who can give you business – some of the best outcomes have been the knowledge, advice, and friendships I’ve gained along the way.

2. Cash Flow is Tricky

One of the biggest challenges has been managing cash flow, especially in those early months when the work hasn’t quite started rolling in. Some months are busy and full-on, others are quiet, and learning to weather that storm has been vital. What I’ve realised is that business will come – but it doesn’t happen overnight. Patience and perseverance are key.

3. Know Your Worth

At some point, every business owner will be asked, “Is that the best price you can do?” It’s tempting to lower your rates just to secure the work, but I’ve learnt not to undervalue myself. Instead, I look for solutions that work for both sides, whether that’s adjusting the scope or offering phased payment options. But cutting prices just to say yes? That’s not sustainable – for me, or for the client.

4. Don’t Say Yes to Every Request

When you’re starting out, it feels like you should grab every opportunity that comes your way. But I’ve learnt that sometimes the right choice is to say no. I’ve turned down work that came at a time when I really needed my “big break” because the scope just didn’t feel right, or I wasn’t confident I was the right fit for the client. It’s tough in the moment, but it’s far better to turn down a project than risk underdelivering and receiving poor feedback that could damage your reputation before you’ve even built it.

5. Don’t Say Yes to Every Marketing Opportunity

The other kind of “yes” to watch out for is with marketing. When you’re new, businesses will approach you with advertising opportunities that look shiny and promising. I learnt this

lesson the hard way by spending money on magazine adverts I’d never heard of — and they brought me absolutely no business. Not every marketing offer is right for you. Be selective, focus on strategies that align with your goals, and don’t get caught up in the excitement of simply being “featured.”

6. Credibility Takes Time

You don’t launch a business and immediately have a reputation. Credibility is built over time – through consistency, results, and visibility. Whether it’s social media, Google, or word of mouth, I’ve realised that being “known” is a slow burn. But with persistence, it comes.

7. Keep Building Your Pipeline

One of the easiest traps to fall into is pausing your marketing when you’re busy. I’ve learnt the importance of keeping the pipeline flowing – because the busy periods don’t last forever. Regular marketing, networking, and outreach are non-negotiable, no matter how full your diary looks right now.

8. Hiring is a Big Step

Employing staff felt scary – a huge responsibility and a big financial commitment. But it’s also been one of the most rewarding steps. Growing a team allows you to scale, share the load, and bring new skills into the business. It’s overwhelming at first, but it can also be the thing that takes your business to the next level.

9. Every Day is a School Day

If there’s one thing this year has proved, it’s that you never stop learning. From handling clients and managing finances to figuring out marketing, tech, or simply the “business of business” — there’s something new to pick up every single day. Some lessons are small, others feel huge, but together they all add up to growth.

Final Thoughts

If I could sum up my first year in business, I’d say this: it’s hard work, but it’s worth it. There are highs and lows, moments of doubt, and times when you wonder if it will ever “work out.” But with resilience, networking, and a clear focus on your value, things start to shift.

For anyone just starting out – keep going. The business doesn’t come the day you launch. But it does come. And when it does, it’s one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take.