In September 2009 I started my business – without a website, without a marketing plan, and without a clue what the future would bring. It was simply me, with the mission to deliver the best workshops – and the hope that quality would spread by word of mouth.

Today I look back on over 100 workshops, numerous keynotes, personal coachings, and large projects. I never imagined I would reach so many people and have such an impact.

But the road wasn’t always easy. Some lessons I had to learn the hard way. If I could turn back time, these are the 10 things I wish I had known before starting my business:

 

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1️⃣ Saying “No” is a superpower

In the beginning, out of fear of losing clients, I said yes to everything. I thought every rejected project was a missed opportunity.

It took me years to realize that a no is often the best decision for my business – and for me. It gives you the space to focus on the right projects, the right clients, and the meaningful tasks.

Lesson: You don’t grow by saying yes to everything – but by consciously saying no.

 

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2️⃣ Freedom isn’t free

One of the main reasons I started my own business was freedom – the freedom to decide when and how I work.

But here’s the truth: Freedom has its price. You decide when you work – which often means working all the time. If I’m not holding a workshop, I’m coaching, writing proposals, or planning the next big project.

Lesson: Freedom is a privilege – but it also requires discipline and clear boundaries.

 

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3️⃣ You never really switch off

When you run your own business, you are always on. Your thoughts constantly circle around new ideas, better solutions, and future projects.

It’s exhausting – but also magical. Some of my best ideas came in exactly those “restless” moments.

Lesson: “Switching off” doesn’t really exist – but that’s often where the best ideas are born.

 

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4️⃣ You’ll love it more than you think

It won’t feel like “work” – but like a calling.

Running a business is hard – really hard. But when you do something you love, the long hours don’t feel like a burden but like an investment in something that truly matters to you.

Lesson: Build something you believe in – and even the hardest days will be worth it.

 

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5️⃣ Trust yourself – sooner

For a long time, I doubted myself. Was I good enough? Would people really book my workshops?

Then the emails started coming. People wrote to me about how much my workshops had changed their lives. If only I had known earlier what was possible…

Lesson: Don’t wait for permission to believe in yourself. You are more capable than you think.

 

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6️⃣ What’s “obvious” to you is gold for others

What seemed easy or obvious to me was often life-changing for others. I often thought: “But everyone knows that.”

That wasn’t true. Even the simplest insights can make a huge difference.

Lesson: Share your knowledge – even if it feels obvious to you.

 

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7️⃣ Leave taxes to the pros

I thought I could do everything myself: coaching, workshops… and bookkeeping.

Wrong. Taxes, finances, and planning are areas where I quickly learned to get help.

Lesson: Get support in the areas that are difficult for you – so you can focus on what you do best.

 

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8️⃣ Marketing is not optional

I thought good work would speak for itself. But in a crowded market, you need to speak for your business yourself – otherwise no one will know you exist.

Self-marketing isn’t vanity – it’s a survival tool.

Lesson: It’s not enough to be good – the world also needs to know you’re good.

 

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9️⃣ Perfection is overrated

In the past, I stressed about speaking perfect German or English. I thought everything I said or did had to be flawless.

But it turned out: Authenticity is more important than perfection.

Lesson: Show up as you are. Speak with joy and confidence – people connect with your authenticity, not with your perfect grammar.

 

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🔟 You’ll never regret building something of your own

Starting my own business was one of the hardest decisions of my life – but also the most fulfilling.

There were challenges, sleepless nights, and countless lessons. But looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve built something meaningful – and no one can take that away from me.

Lesson: The road is hard – but the reward is priceless. Build something you’re proud of.

 

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🎁 Bonus: Look for the right people

I’ve learned that it can be difficult to find the right support – especially when it comes to virtual assistants. I’ve already tried two and I’m still searching.

But: I’ve meanwhile built a great team: a wonderful trainer, Mika, an excellent accounting office – and even help at home.

Lesson: Never give up looking for the right people. One day I’ll also find a great virtual assistant – maybe she’s already out there. Do you know someone or are you interested? Then feel free to reach out! 💡

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What’s one thing you wish you had known before starting your business?

Share your experiences in the comments! 🚀💫