In the September 2009 I started my business – without a website, without a marketing plan, and without any idea what the future would hold. It was just me, with the mission to hold the best workshops – and the hope that word would spread about the quality.

Today I look at over 100 workshops, numerous keynotes, personal coaching and large projects back. I never thought I could reach so many people and make such a difference.

But the path hasn't always been easy. I had to learn some lessons the hard way. If I could turn back time, these are 10 things I wish I had known before I started my business:

 

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1️⃣ Saying “no” is a superpower

At the beginning, I was afraid of losing orders Yes to everything. I thought every rejected project was a missed opportunity.

It took me years to understand that a No is often the best decision for my business – and for me. It gives you the space to focus on the correct projects, matching Customers and meaningful to concentrate on tasks.

Lesson: You don’t grow by being Yes saying – but by consciously No say.

 

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2️⃣ Freedom is not free

One of the main reasons why I started my own business was the Freedom – to decide for myself when and how I work.

But here is the truth: Freedom has its price. You decide when you work – which often means always to work. When 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 are constantly circling around new ideas, better solutions, and future projects.

It's exhausting—but also magical. Some of my best ideas came precisely in these "uneasy" moments.

Lesson: There is no such thing as “switching off” – but that is often where the best ideas arise.

 

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4️⃣ You'll love it more than you think

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

Running a business is hard – really hard. But if you do something you love, the long working hours do not feel like a burden, but like a investment in something that is really important to you.

Lesson: Build something you believe in – and even the toughest 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 People wrote to me about how much my workshops had changed their lives. If only I'd 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 is “obvious” to you is worth gold to others

What seemed simple or obvious to me was often life-changing. I often thought: “Everyone knows that.”

That wasn't true. Even the simplest insights can make a big difference.

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

 

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7️⃣ Leave your taxes to the professionals

I thought I could everything yourself do: coaching, workshops… and Accounting.

Wrong thought. Taxes, finances and planning are areas in which I fast 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 have to speak for your business yourself – otherwise no one will know you exist.

Self-marketing is not a sign of vanity – it is a Survival tool.

Lesson: It's not enough to be good - the world also needs to know that you are good.

 

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9️⃣ Perfection is overrated

I used to stress myself out, perfect German or English. I thought that everything I said or did had to flawless be.

But it has been shown: authenticity is more important as perfection.

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

 

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🔟 You will never regret building something of your own

Starting my own business was one of the toughest Decisions of my life – but also the most fulfilling.

There were challenges, sleepless nights, and countless lessons. But looking back, I would nothing do things differently. I have built something meaningful – and no one can take that away from me.

Lesson: The path is hard, but the reward is priceless. Build something you're proud of.

 

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🎁 Bonus: Find the right people

I have learned that it difficult Finding the right support can be challenging—especially when it comes to virtual assistants. I've already tried two and am still looking.

But: I now have a great team built up: a wonderful trainer, Mika, a great tax office – and even help with the household.

Lesson: Give never onto look for the right people. One day I will also great virtual assistant find it – maybe it’s already out there. Do you know someone or are you interested? Then please get in touch! 💡

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

Share your experiences in the comments! 🚀💫