The Lessons Learned: What I Regret Not Knowing Before Entering the Real World
Back in 2022, I had the opportunity to meet a young woman at a hostel in Switzerland. During our lengthy conversation, she shared her travel experiences, primarily opting for low-cost airlines over trains. It was remarkable how she managed to travel frequently and inexpensively, highlighting the advantages of low-cost travel options.
Travel Tales: The Power of E-Check-in
Fast forward to 2023, when I planned to travel from Italy to Iceland with Wizz Air, a budget airline known for its affordable fares. I booked a ticket for 100 euros and received frequent notifications for e-check-in. However, my habit of waiting until the last minute to check in led to a significant cost. The airline informed me that I would have to pay 45 euros for a printed boarding pass, which I initially thought was negotiable. However, upon checking the official cost, I realized it was non-negotiable. This incident taught me the importance of digital check-in to avoid unexpected fees.
Entrepreneurship 101: Hindsight is 20/20
Reflecting on my early business endeavors, I wish I had known one crucial lesson: the importance of hands-on experience before starting one's own venture.
Opening My Own Business
When I started my painting and remodeling business, I was enthusiastic but lacked the necessary skills. It wasn’t until recently that I recognized over 50% of the mistakes I made could have been avoided with proper training. This realization underscored the importance of thorough preparation.
The Value of Corporate Training
The advice I now give to aspiring entrepreneurs is to gain hands-on experience first. Spend time under the tutelage of experts in the field of your chosen business. Not only will this provide invaluable knowledge, but it will also earn you a salary, which can be beneficial for financial stability during the learning phase.
My experience as an entrepreneur validates the value of this approach. Had I trained for even a year, I would have saved tens of thousands of dollars and gained a better understanding of the technical aspects of running a company. This includes managing teams, handling sales, and overseeing projects.
The Entrepreneur's Dilemma
While some entrepreneurs thrive off of self-reliance and innovation, I admit that stepping into someone else’s business can be challenging. However, the benefits of this approach are undeniable.
If I could redo my journey, I would prioritize getting paid to learn the business I wanted to own. This would have provided a structured environment to gain the necessary skills and confidence to manage a venture.
Ultimately, combining entrepreneurial passion with practical experience under expert guidance is a winning combination. Embracing the opportunity to learn and grow in a secure environment can pave the way for successful business ventures and personal satisfaction in the real world.