The Number One Big Mistake Every Business Owner Makes When Starting a New Business

Starting a new business is exhilarating. You have a vision, a dream, and the drive to turn your idea into reality. But as you venture into this uncharted territory, there is one major pitfall that almost every business owner who has come to me for help makes: they listen to their friends, family, or others' opinions instead of verifying the information. Let me be clear: opinions are not strategies, and good intentions don’t always lead to good results.

The Trap of Listening to Opinions

When you're launching a business, everyone seems to have advice. Your cousin might suggest a catchy logo. Your friend might claim your target market is "too small to succeed." Even your parents might express concerns about whether your idea is "practical." While these opinions often come from a place of love and care, they are rarely grounded in the hard facts, data, or experience you need to succeed.

What makes this mistake so dangerous is that it can lead to paralysis by analysis. You’re pulled in a hundred directions, trying to accommodate everyone’s ideas and concerns, instead of focusing on building a solid foundation for your business. Worse yet, relying on unverified opinions can set your business on the wrong course, costing you precious time and resources.

Search for the Best Advisors

Instead of relying on a patchwork of advice from well-meaning amateurs, seek out the best advisors—people who have actually walked the path you’re about to embark on. These are experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and business strategists who can offer you actionable insights and help you avoid common pitfalls.

When you’re vetting potential advisors, ask yourself:

• Have they successfully done what I’m trying to do?
• Can they provide real-world examples and results?
• Do they understand the specifics of my industry or market?

The right advisors will challenge your assumptions, guide your planning, and hold you accountable for achieving your goals. They won’t sugarcoat the truth or tell you what you want to hear. Instead, they will equip you with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions.

Learn from Proven Examples

Another critical step is to study the journeys of successful entrepreneurs in your industry. Look for examples of people who have built thriving businesses similar to the one you want to create. What strategies did they use to overcome challenges? How did they differentiate themselves from competitors? What mistakes did they make, and how can you avoid them?

Learning from these real-world examples not only provides inspiration but also offers a practical roadmap. Keep in mind, though, that no two businesses are identical. You’ll need to adapt what you learn to fit your unique circumstances and goals.

Act Quickly When You Make a Hiring Mistake

Building a team is one of the most critical aspects of starting a business. However, not every hire will be the right fit. When you realize you’ve made a mistake—whether it’s hiring someone who lacks the necessary skills, doesn’t share your vision, or creates a toxic work environment—act fast.

The cost of keeping the wrong person on your team can be immense. It can drain your energy, slow your progress, and negatively impact your company culture. As the saying goes, "Hire slow, fire fast."

To minimize hiring mistakes, focus on:

• Clearly defining roles and expectations: Ensure you know exactly what you need before bringing someone on board.
• Assessing cultural fit: Skills can often be taught, but values and work ethic are much harder to change.
• Conducting thorough interviews: Ask questions that reveal how candidates think, solve problems, and handle challenges.

If you’ve made the wrong choice, don’t let fear or guilt hold you back. Letting someone go quickly is not only better for your business but also fairer to the individual, who can then move on to an opportunity that’s a better fit.

Build Your Business with Confidence

Starting a business is one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys you can undertake. By avoiding the trap of listening to unverified opinions, seeking out the best advisors, learning from proven examples, and acting decisively when necessary, you set yourself up for success.

Remember: building a business isn’t about pleasing everyone; it’s about executing a vision with clarity and purpose. Surround yourself with the right people, focus on what truly matters, and trust the process. Mistakes are inevitable, but the biggest mistake of all is failing to take ownership of your decisions and actions.

When you’re ready to take your business to the next level, reach out to someone who has been there before. You’ll find that the right guidance can make all the difference between struggling to survive and thriving with confidence. And always, always verify the information before you act—your business’s success depends on it. Read more about me here.

Written by Darlene M. Ziebell