What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Business Owner

Starting a business is exhilarating, challenging, and often downright chaotic. When I launched Creative Ghost, I thought I was prepared—spoiler: I wasn’t. Turns out, running a business comes with lessons you don’t see coming until you’re knee-deep in them.

From figuring out how to price your services without flinching, to surviving months where sales feel non-existent, the journey is equal parts rewarding and relentless.

These are the hard-won lessons I wish someone had shared with me before I dove headfirst into entrepreneurship. If you’re just starting out (or even a few years in), this list might save you some headaches—or at least reassure you that you’re not alone.

1. The Feast or Famine of Sales

Owning a business feels a lot like being stuck on a rollercoaster. One week, inquiries flood your inbox, and the next, it’s nothing but crickets. It’s normal—but it’s also exhausting. The key? Be ready to pivot during slow seasons. Develop evergreen content, nurture relationships, and improve your processes when sales are slow. That way, when the feast arrives, you’re ready to dig in.

2. Make the Damn Content

Overthinking kills creativity. What to post? When to post? What format? Forget all that. Focus on conversations you’re already having with clients or questions you answer daily. Start there.

Here’s the truth: the algorithms will always do what they want. Your job is to show up consistently and authentically. The value is in showing up, not in perfection.

3. Pricing Purgatory

Set your prices. Stand by them. Raise them when it’s time. Simple, right? Not really. Pricing is emotional, especially for service providers, but you need to get comfortable with discomfort. Transparent pricing builds trust, but it also weeds out unaligned prospects. And trust me, you want them to ghost you before you get into a bad deal.

4. Build the Damn Email List

I used to think email marketing was dead. Turns out, it’s very much alive and thriving. Social media reach? Unpredictable. Ads? Expensive. Your email list? Direct access to your audience. Start building it from day one, even if it feels small. A good email list isn’t about size—it’s about connection.

5. Reality Check: No One Cares (At First)

Harsh but true: When you start your business, most people won’t care. You’ll get polite nods, maybe a few “good luck” texts. That’s it. But here’s the kicker: it’s not personal. It’s up to you to make people care by showing up, proving your value, and delivering results. Until then, embrace being the dreamer with risky finances.

6. You’ll Want to Quit More Days Than Not (At First)

There will be moments when you ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?”

• Tight finances.

• Health insurance lapses.

• Endless client demands.

• Personal sacrifices.

The list goes on. It’s hard because it is hard. But every successful entrepreneur has been there. The ones who make it? They’re the ones who keep going anyway.

7. Take Inbound Sales Calls

I rarely buy from sales calls, but I always take them. Why? Because they’re a goldmine for insights. Use these calls as a fact-finding mission. Ask about trends in your industry, other businesses they serve, and strategies that work. Even if you don’t buy, you’ll walk away smarter—and that’s a win.

8. Automate Anything That Makes Sense

Repetitive tasks drain your time and energy. Automate them. For me, AI tools have been a game-changer. My CRM’s AI Magic tool drafts email responses in seconds, saving me hours every week. The less time you spend on admin, the more time you can spend growing your business.

9. Say Yes to Pro-Bono Work (Sparingly)

Pro-bono work can open doors, but it’s easy to overcommit. Creative Ghost logged over 250 hours of free work in just 7 months. Excessive? Maybe. Worth it? Definitely. We gained referrals, visibility, and trust—but we also learned to set boundaries. Give freely, but strategically.

10. Bad Days Are Just That—Bad Days

In our first year, we faced more “How will we get through this?” moments than I can count. Blood, sweat, tears—you name it. But here’s what I learned: bad days are just that—bad days. They don’t last forever. Every tough moment teaches you something. And every lesson makes you better.

Bonus Tips:

If I could add a few more to this list:

• Invest in branding early. Your brand isn’t just your logo—it’s your reputation, your story, and your connection with customers.

• Celebrate the small wins. It’s easy to focus on what’s not working, but those small wins? They keep you moving forward.

• Build a support system. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or a fellow business owner, having someone who gets it can make all the difference.

Takeaway:

Running a business is tough, messy, and wildly unpredictable—but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know this: You’re not alone. The road to success is paved with lessons, and you’re learning every step of the way.

Let’s Talk:

Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? Creative Ghost is here to help. Whether you need branding, design, or just a little guidance, we’ve got you covered. Let’s turn your “what ifs” into hell yeses.