The Business Mistakes I've Made (So You Don't Have To)

Let’s be honest: running a business is hard. It’s messy, relentless, and unforgiving. One minute you’re on top of the world, securing clients, and celebrating wins. The next you’re wondering how you got it so wrong.

I’ve made my fair share of wrong calls, (more than I’d like to admit), and every single one of them stung. But here’s the thing, every mistake taught me something, and in the long run, they’ve probably been more valuable than many of the successes.

If you’re a business owner, founder, or entrepreneur, chances are you’ve hit the same walls I have. But after 15+ years building, breaking, and rebuilding, I’ve learned what not to do the hard way - so you don’t have to.

And while I’m sure there’ll be more obstacles, challenges, and mistakes along the way, (that’s part of the game!), here’s what I’ve learnt so far:

1. Stop working in the business

Classic founder trap.

I spent far too long being the busiest person in the room: emailing clients, attending meetings, firefighting, proofing work, giving final approval. The list goes on…

I was in everything. But I wasn’t actually progressing anything.

What I realised (a few years too late), was that I was the bottleneck. I was a hindrance, I slowed growth, and blocked innovation. And worse still, I was sending a message to my team that I didn’t trust them to do their jobs and give them space to thrive.

I had to hand over the reins, focus on the tasks the business needed from me, and have confidence in my team. It was a tough shift to make – arguably the toughest – but essential for the growth, progression, and development of the agency.

My Advice:

• Step back

• Have faith in the experts you hired

• Focus on vision and strategy

• Create the space for your company to evolve

• Work on your business, not in it.

That’s leadership – not checking for typos!

2. Competitors aren’t the enemy

For years, I avoided connecting with peers in my industry because I saw them as a direct threat.

I thought they’d steal my ideas, poach my staff, or just get too close for comfort.

In retrospect, I can see it was small-minded. And it held me back.

A few years ago, I decided to start saying yes to networking opportunities, specifically Agency Hackers events, eager to see what all the fuss was about.

To my complete surprise, I found a safe space with encouragement at its core, where practical and candid conversations with other founders, business owners, and marketing specialists gifted me unparalleled insights into the industry.

And none of them wanted to sabotage me!

What I once saw as a competitive risk, I began to realise could be a treasure trove of possibility. It was a huge mindset shift, but stepping into vulnerability provided access to actionable ideas that I could immediately introduce to the team and implement across the agency.

I found a community with collaborative ventures. I gained insights into trends I’d missed. And I received expert support in overcoming shared challenges.

My Advice:

• Connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals and businesses

• Step into your vulnerabilities

• Don’t let fear stop you from trying something new

• Be prepared to learn and grow

• Share your knowledge, expertise, and insights.

3. Don’t expect a fanfare

Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough: not all good work gets applause. Some of the most important things I’ve done for my business have happened behind the scenes. No celebration. No fanfare. No thanks.

Whether it’s systems, processes, backend improvement, commercial growth, or team development, it all matters. But much of it is rarely seen, let alone rewarded.

And that’s okay – and necessary!

But it does mean you must block out ample time for deep, strategic, undistracted work. The stuff that won’t trend but will transform. Set aside time in your diary and protect it. Fiercely. Because this is the foundation that lets your team operate smoothly and your business scale with stability.

My Advice:

• Don’t expect a pat on the back

• Leave your ego at the door

• Be strict with your time

• Allocate (and defend) dedicated and regular slots in your diary for strategic tasks.

Business Mistakes You Might Be Making Too:

o Not asking for help

I used to think I had to know it all. But I don’t – and neither do you.

This is why you employ talented professionals, invest in team growth and development, and implement strategic processes and systems. And when you give them the space and resources to thrive, you’ll be amazed at the results.

o Hiring too late

Every time I waited too long to bring in support, it ultimately cost us more. If you see a gap, fill it. Often, it might take time to find the best candidate, but it’s important not to take your eye off the ball else you’ll likely be caught out.

o Over-promising

We’ve all done it.

But keep your word, or don’t make the promise. Simple.

o Under-promising

Likewise, it’s easy to diminish the skills, value, and expertise that you (and your team) can bring – especially in the early days. It’s important to punch above your weight, charge what you deserve, and give yourself credit.

o Focusing on perfection

Progress beats perfection, always.

Mistakes Made, Lessons Learnt

Business is one big lesson. You’re always going to make mistakes. But you don’t have to repeat mine.

And if you’re in the thick of it right now, juggling growth and chaos, know this: there’s (usually) a better way, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

If you’re ready to work on your business – whether it’s strategy, marketing, operations, or just learning to cut through the noise – I can help. No jargon, no fluff, no bs. Just bold ideas, built for sustainable growth.