My 3 Biggest Business Mistakes (Episode 3)

My 3 Biggest Business Mistakes (Episode 3)

Mistakes in business are inevitable. No matter how much research you do, how many courses you take, or how prepared you think you are, you will make mistakes. And you know what? That’s okay.

In fact, some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur didn’t come from my successes—they came from my failures. So, in this post, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing my three biggest business mistakes and, more importantly, what I learned from them.

My hope isn’t necessarily to help you avoid these mistakes (because let’s be real—sometimes we need to make them to truly learn). Instead, I want to show you that failure isn’t the end; it’s just part of the process.

So, let’s dive into my biggest business flops and the hard-won lessons they taught me.

Mistake #1: Jumping Into Ads Without Knowing What I Was Doing

Ah, the classic "If I just throw money at ads, the sales will roll in!" mistake. I fell for it hard.

When I first started my business, I assumed that Facebook and Instagram ads were the golden ticket to instant success. I figured if I set up some ads, people would flock to my store, and I’d start making money overnight.

Spoiler alert: That did NOT happen.

What Went Wrong?

  • I had no real strategy—I just boosted posts and hoped for the best.
  • I didn’t take time to test different audiences or optimize my ad creatives.
  • I ended up spending way too much money without seeing any real return.

Lesson Learned:

Ads are a tool, not a magic solution. If you don’t understand how to use them properly, you’re basically burning money. Now, I know that before you invest in ads, you need:
✅ A proven product or offer that’s already selling organically.
✅ A clear understanding of your audience and their pain points.
✅ A testing strategy—start small, analyze the data, and scale wisely.

If you are looking for a low cost course to teach you all about ads, check out Ads to Profits. 

Mistake #2: Giving Up Too Soon on My First Two Businesses

Before I found my groove, I started two other businesses—and I walked away from both of them way too early.

At the time, I believed that if an online business didn’t take off quickly, it wasn’t meant to be. I expected fast results and, when things didn’t happen as I imagined, I convinced myself that it just wasn’t working.

The problem? I didn’t give them time to grow.

What Went Wrong?

  • I assumed success should be instant—I had no patience for the natural ups and downs of business.
  • I didn’t realize that slow growth is still growth and that momentum takes time.
  • I let self-doubt creep in and convince me that maybe I wasn’t meant to do this.

Lesson Learned:

Success takes time. Business isn’t always a straight path—it’s full of highs and lows, slow months and learning curves. If I could go back, I would:
✔️ Set realistic expectations and give my business a chance to gain traction.
✔️ Focus on small, consistent actions instead of expecting big wins overnight.
✔️ Track my progress over time to see growth, even if it felt slow.

If you’re thinking of quitting, ask yourself: Am I giving up too soon? Because often, the difference between success and failure is simply not quitting.

Mistake #3: Thinking I Could Do It All Alone

For a long time, I thought I had to do everything myself. I didn’t reach out for help, I didn’t connect with other entrepreneurs, and I tried to figure everything out on my own.

And let me tell you—that mindset cost me a lot of time and energy.

Not only did I struggle more than I needed to, but I also found myself falling into the comparison trap. I’d scroll through social media and feel like everyone else was doing better than me. Instead of collaborating or learning from others, I let jealousy slow me down.

What Went Wrong?

  • I didn’t build relationships or find a support system.
  • I wasted time trying to figure everything out alone instead of seeking help.
  • I got caught up in comparison and self-doubt instead of focusing on my own growth.

Lesson Learned:

Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Having a community, mentors, or even just a few business friends makes all the difference. Now, I surround myself with people who uplift and challenge me, and it has completely changed the way I run my business.

If I could go back, I would:
✔️ Find a support system sooner—whether that’s a mastermind group, a mentor, or business friends.
✔️ Collaborate more instead of seeing others as competition.
✔️ Focus on authenticity—trying to be someone you’re not will never lead to success.

Final Thoughts: Own Your Mistakes & Learn From Them

Mistakes are part of the process. They don’t define you—they shape you. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade these experiences because they taught me valuable lessons that helped me build a stronger, more sustainable business.

So, if you’ve made mistakes (and trust me, you will), don’t beat yourself up. Instead, ask yourself:
➡️ What can I learn from this?
➡️ How can I use this lesson to move forward?

Because every mistake is a step toward success—if you’re willing to learn from it.

What About You?

Have you made any big business mistakes that taught you something valuable? I’d love to hear your story! Drop a comment below or connect with me on @templateforthat. Let’s normalize failure and celebrate growth together.

And if you want more behind-the-scenes stories like this, be sure to listen to Episode 3 of Template Talks! 🎙️

👉 Episode Three 

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.