10 Things I Wish I Knew When I First Started My Business

When we first started talking about Setting Up Shop, our conversations naturally gravitated towards the lessons we had to learn the hard way as new entrepreneurs.

What did we wish someone had told us when we were just starting out? And more importantly—could we make it easier for you?

This course is the result of those reflections, a series of 10 key insights we wish we’d known from the beginning. Each lesson comes with our unique perspectives and real-world experiences, giving you a well-rounded view of what entrepreneurship really looks like beyond the glossy highlights.

Our discussions aren’t just about sharing advice—they’re designed to help you reflect, adapt, and integrate these insights into your own entrepreneurial journey. Because while the path is yours to walk, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Here's what you get:

10 videos full of useful information
Transcripts of each video
Resources aligned with the topics (more will be added over time)
2 hours of content from three informative perspectives

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Meet the Team

Louisa Stewart

Data Intelligence Specialist

With nearly two decades of experience across the public and private sectors, Louisa is an expert in business systems, automation, and data intelligence.

Mags Thomson

Messaging & Marketing Maverick

Mags helps business owners create marketing assets that articulate their message and brand identity with clarity, ensuring everything feels aligned with your core values and vision.

Tony Gordon

Business Mindset Consultant

Tony’s approach combines cutting-edge leadership theory with practical, results-oriented methodologies, ensuring measurable improvements in both individual and collective leadership performance.

Here's an example of what to expect

Course Lessons

Stay true to yourself

When you’re trying to follow advice or going through coaching, it often feels like you’re being told, “This is the way you should do it.” But I don’t think we’re taught to step back and ask, “How does this actually work for me?” The truth is, someone else’s approach might not work for us simply because we’re different people with different needs, strengths, and circumstances.

5:18 min

Reframing the Sales Call

Does the thought of a sales call make you all fluttered and filled with dread? What if they don't like you or they don't understand the value you could bring? Could there actually be more to it than a need to be liked? Let's reframe the idea that you always have to be closing—that every conversation has to end with a ‘yes’ and explore how a sales call is as much about them liking you, as it is about you liking them.

6:03 min

There is No Magic Formula

Your business isn’t a cookie-cutter operation—so why should your approach be? The truth is, no single formula works for everyone. Your ideal clients connect with you because of who YOU are, not because you’ve followed someone else’s blueprint.

6:17 min

Your Comfort Zone Has Value

Your comfort zone has value and magic happens there too. The advice that you have to leave your comfort zone like it’s the only way to grow might be counterproductive. When pushed too far beyond our comfort level, we go into survival mode. Our nervous system kicks into gear, focused on survival, not creativity or innovation. And let’s be real, that’s not a very magical feeling, is it?

6:50 min

Don't Work to Rest, Rest to Work

Productivity is so deeply ingrained in our programming, that we always feel like we have to be doing something “worthwhile” with our time and energy. But honestly, sometimes the best way to spend your time is just sitting on the sofa doing absolutely nothing.

10:55 min

You Can Always Change It

Sometimes we get so caught up in wanting everything to be perfect before we take action. You can sit at the drawing board forever, refining your business, your idea, or your plan, and never actually launch it. But at some point, you just have to do it. Build it as you go along and pivot as needed.

12:00 min

Selling is Helping

A lot of us feel squeamish about selling our services, don’t we? There’s all this baggage tied to it—stuff like value, self-confidence, and even that little voice whispering, What if I’m manipulating someone? And let’s be honest, that doesn’t feel great at all. But when we don't sell, we cannot help people and create a positive impact.

11:46 min

You Don't Have To Do Everything Alone

Many people treat their business like a baby—protective, hands-on, and hesitant to let anyone else get involved. But the more you try to do everything alone, the more pressure you pile on yourself. The good news? You don’t have to outsource to get support. Sometimes, all it takes is the right people to lean on—because even in business, it takes a village.

9:04 min

Celebrate Your Wins No Matter How Small

Whether you're marking major milestones like your business anniversary or small wins like finally cracking how to change the background colour on your PowerPoint slides, every achievement matters. Taking a moment to reflect on these victories—big or small—can boost your sense of gratitude and pride in your entrepreneurial journey.

13:02 min

Always Be Open to Learning New Things

Keep an open mind. Be curious. Learning doesn’t have to come from formal education or business books. It can come from a podcast, a children’s story, a random fact you Google, or a conversation with a friend. You never know what might inspire you next.