Wish I Knew: Lessons from Startup Mistakes and the Power of On-the-Job Training

Having started a business can be both exhilarating and challenging. Often, the path to success is riddled with hard-learned lessons that could have been avoided with a little extra knowledge and preparation. Just as I discovered the power of budget-friendly air travel during a chance encounter in Switzerland, I also realized the importance of proper career preparation before embarking on entrepreneurial ventures. In this article, we delve into my experiences, the lessons I learned, and how to avoid common startup pitfalls.

The Power of Budget-Friendly Travel and Low-Cost Airlines

In 2022, I had a conversation with a girl at a hostel in Switzerland. She shared a crucial piece of advice that would later prove invaluable: traveling on low-cost airlines across Europe is often cheaper than taking the train. She had spent a mere 15-Euros for a flight from Berlin to Bern, with the only requirement being a carry-on bag that could fit under the seat. Impressed by the cost-effectiveness, I decided to apply this knowledge to my travels in Europe in 2023.

My journey to Iceland from Italy presented an opportunity to explore low-cost options. Wizz Air offered a 100-euro ticket. While I initially ignored frequent e-check-in notifications, their importance became clear on the day of my flight. Despite ignoring the notifications, I could have saved myself a significant amount of money by simply checking in online. Instead, I ended up paying 45-Euros for a boarding pass at the counter.

Traveling efficiently and budget-consciously can be a powerful tool in managing resources and reducing stress, a lesson I wish I had known earlier.

Lessons from My Painting and Remodeling Business

My experience in opening a painting and remodeling business prompted me to reflect on the challenges that came with it. In hindsight, one of the most crucial lessons I learned is the importance of understanding the technical aspects of the business before jumping in.

When I established the business, I lacked the experience as an expert painter or remodeler. Looking back, 50% of the mistakes I made in the first three years could have been avoided if I had sought proper training and gained hands-on experience in a secure environment.

I now advise all aspiring entrepreneurs to obtain a job related to their business. This allows them to work closely with seasoned professionals, learn from their mistakes, and pick up valuable skills while earning a salary. The advice comes with a caveat: being an entrepreneur often means starting without all the knowledge, but the financial and operational knowledge gained through preparatory employment can save substantial costs and time.

Exploring the Entrepreneurial Mindset and Career Preparation

While the entrepreneurial mindset of starting a business when you're not fully prepared can be driven by necessity or ambition, it's essential to weigh the potential costs and risks. My experience underscores the value of gaining practical, on-the-job training beforehand.

Choosing to open a painting and remodeling business without prior experience meant I had to learn on the job and manage the business without a clear understanding of the technical and logistical challenges. This process was not only costly but also required a lot of trial and error. If I could turn back time, I would have pursued a role within a similar business to gain the necessary skills before launching on my own.

Understanding the intricacies of running a painting company, including managing a team and selling jobs, could have saved me tens of thousands of dollars and countless hours of stress. For many, the frustration of starting from square one is inevitable, but the right preparation can mitigate these difficulties.

The Importance of Career Flexibility in Entrepreneurship

While the allure of entrepreneurship can be hard to resist, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons. As an entrepreneur, there's a certain thrill in taking control of your business and making decisions without constraints. However, this freedom comes with risks that can be mitigated by gaining relevant experience in the chosen field.

Choosing a job before starting a business can be a powerful strategy. It allows you to:

Learn the technical details of the business you want to own Gain exposure to the operations and day-to-day challenges Pick up valuable skills from industry leaders without the financial burden of opening a business Cultivate your network and build a foundation of knowledge that can later support your entrepreneurial venture Understand the industry better, which can lead to more strategic decision-making

Entrepreneurship is a journey, and sometimes, taking the road less traveled through a job can paved a smoother path to success. By gaining relevant on-the-job training, you can better prepare yourself for the ups and downs of owning a business and potentially avoid the pitfalls that tripped me up along the way.