After a decade in the entrepreneurial world, I’ve learned a lot—sometimes the easy way, but often the hard way. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about having a great idea; it’s about execution, adaptability, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Here are the biggest lessons I’ve picked up along the way.
1. The Most Successful or Genuine People Don’t Gatekeep
Information is meant to be shared. You never know how pointing someone in the right direction might come back around to benefit you. Hoarding knowledge out of fear that someone else might “steal your idea” will only hold you back. The real difference between success and stagnation? Execution.
One of the key goals of StarahDixon.com is to take the mask off entrepreneurship and leadership. The same goes for Authentic Ambitions—we’re here to have real conversations, to highlight the journey behind success, and to show that everyone is figuring it out as they go. True leaders and entrepreneurs don’t hoard knowledge—they uplift, collaborate, and share because they understand that there’s enough success to go around.
2. Ask for What You Want
Need advice? Looking for an introduction? Trying to figure out your next steps? Ask. The worst thing you can do is struggle alone when the solution was just a conversation away. People won’t always offer help, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be willing to give it if you ask.
3. We All Started Somewhere—Forget Imposter Syndrome
If imposter syndrome is stopping you from making big moves, you’re robbing yourself of opportunities. Your experience, insight, and story matter—sometimes even to people you assume know more than you. We evolve through social interactions, so don’t let fear keep you stuck.
Also, don’t be afraid to be seen starting out small and building—or even pivoting—your business. Most people are scared to take action on their dreams, so just by showing up, you’re already ahead of the game. Every successful entrepreneur started somewhere, and progress—no matter how slow—is still progress. Own your journey and allow yourself the space to grow.
4. Embrace Learning—but Use Discernment
You don’t get anything out of being stubborn except deep wrinkles. Take in new perspectives, but also know yourself well enough to decide which advice to follow and which to leave behind. Growth comes from knowing when to adapt and when to stick to your own vision.
5. Build a Strong Community & Cut Out the Naysayers
Your support system is everything. If you have people in your life who constantly doubt you, cut them off or silence your ideas around them immediately. Energy transfers, so be mindful of who you share your vision with.
At the same time, don’t surround yourself with people who just clap for everything you do. You need a circle that challenges you, gives you honest feedback, and pushes you forward.
6. Know Your Customer Persona—Or Become Your Own
If you don’t intimately understand your customer, you’ll struggle to sell to them. Before I started HealthHires, I thought I understood the employment industry. I didn’t. I quickly learned that it had a revolving door rate I hadn’t considered. To strengthen my position, I offered my COO the role of co-founder because her expertise in hiring and recruitment was invaluable.
Lesson? If you don’t know something, ask. If you can’t do it yourself, leverage people who can.
7. Stay Organized—Find What Works for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all method for organization. Find a system that works for you. Whether it’s a digital planner, a Notion board, or old-school pen and paper, structure your tasks so nothing falls through the cracks.
And remember—YouTube is free. If you don’t know how to organize something, search it.
8. Mentors Matter—Build Rapport & Ask for Intros
Mentors can help you avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your growth. But here’s the key:
- Build relationships first. Don’t just slide into someone’s inbox asking for mentorship—show up in their spaces, engage with their work, and prove you’re serious.
- Ask for introductions. If someone in your network knows a potential mentor, ask them to connect you.
9. Network the Right Way
Don’t network for instant results. Network to build long-term relationships. The people you meet today might be the ones who advocate for you years from now.
One of my biggest mistakes when starting out was wondering, “Okay, I HEAR ‘Network, network, network,’ but no one explained HOW it actually worked for me.” So for those who don’t know, let me explain. Networking isn’t just about handing out business cards or making small talk—it’s about building genuine connections with people who align with your vision and goals.
- Be intentional. Connect with people who inspire you, challenge you, or can offer valuable insights—not just for what they can do for you, but for mutual growth.
- Follow up. A single conversation won’t build a relationship—consistent engagement does.
- Give before you take. Offer help, share resources, and support others before asking for something in return.
- Surround yourself with people who want to elevate with you, not be you. There’s a difference between those who genuinely want to grow alongside you and those who just want to mirror your success. The latter can be costly in ways you don’t see coming, so be mindful of who you keep in your circle.
And always remember—networking is a two-way street. Give as much as you take.
10. Don’t Always Be the Smartest Person in the Room
If you’re always the most knowledgeable person in your circle, you’re in the wrong circle. Growth comes from being challenged, learning, and being exposed to new ways of thinking. Know when to share your insights and when to absorb knowledge from others.
11. Protect Your Vision—But Be Open to Refining It
When you have a new idea, don’t let outside noise cloud your foundation. Build the framework yourself before bringing in outside opinions. Once you have a solid vision, then you can refine it with strategic feedback.
It’s important to stand firm in what you believe, but also to recognize when adjustments are necessary. The best entrepreneurs are those who balance conviction with adaptability—knowing when to double down on their ideas and when to tweak them based on valuable insight.
Also, be mindful of who you take advice from. Not everyone will have your best interests at heart, and sometimes, well-meaning people project their own fears and limitations onto you. Listen, evaluate, and trust your instincts.
And don’t be afraid to block out distractions when needed. Your vision is yours for a reason—make sure you nurture it the right way.
12. Get Your Business Structure & Finances Right Early
- Establish a legal structure for your business from the start.
- Document income and expenses early—especially for tax season.
- Create SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) immediately. They’ll help when you start delegating and serve as a roadmap when things get hectic.
13. Go Where Opportunities Are
Whether that means moving to a new city, attending industry events, or joining virtual communities—be intentional about placing yourself where doors open.
As young entrepreneurs, this is something my family and I took advantage of. I’m not recommending it for everyone (because this really is just my family being adventurers too), but we moved places for opportunities. We’ve lived in New York (our home state), Connecticut, Georgia, Tulsa, and TBD for the next (though our ultimate goal, since we love the outdoors, is Colorado). Each move was tied to an opportunity given to us—some through accelerators, others through business growth prospects.
Yes, you can go for a 3-month program, but why not—if able—stay in a state longer? Explore! Make connections. Expanding your environment can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Whether that means moving to a new city, attending industry events, or joining virtual communities—be intentional about placing yourself where doors open.
14. Create a Customer Persona Before Your Business Plan
A lot of people write their business plans first, but honestly? Defining your customer persona first helps you get clearer on your business model, messaging, and product-market fit.
Using a well-defined customer persona puts you inside the mind of your target audience. It helps you understand their pain points, desires, and buying behaviors, which directly impacts your marketing approach. If you know exactly who you’re selling to, you can create branding, messaging, and offers that resonate deeply rather than taking a scattered approach.
Your customer persona should include:
- Demographics (Age, gender, location, income level, etc.)
- Psychographics (Values, interests, motivations, and concerns)
- Spending habits (Where do they shop? How do they make purchasing decisions?)
- Pain points & solutions (What problem does your product/service solve for them?)
When you truly understand who you’re selling to, your marketing becomes more effective, your messaging hits the right notes, and your business decisions align with customer needs. In short: Build for the right audience, and success will follow.
A lot of people write their business plans first, but honestly? Defining your customer persona first helps you get clearer on your business model, messaging, and product-market fit.
15. Keep Your Job (If Possible) Until You Validate Your Concept
You will never feel 100% ready to take the leap. But before quitting your job, validate your business concept. It’s better to have steady income while you test things out than to go all in without proof of demand.
Yes, entrepreneurship is a risk, but it’s a calculated risk. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking you should jump in blindly without a thought process. Smart entrepreneurs plan, strategize, and execute with intention. Take the time to build a solid foundation before making major moves.
And if you do need to jump back into the workforce, do it. No one else is living your life for you. Sometimes, it takes stepping into entrepreneurship to realize it’s not for you—and that’s completely fine. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. A diverse range of people with different priorities makes the world go round.
Other times, jumping back into the workforce is actually a way to refine what you were trying to do. I’ve done it—it is what it is, and I never felt a way about it. Sometimes, you need to take a step back to sharpen your vision and skills before stepping forward again.
Another option? Instead of leading a business, work as part of a startup. This lets you gain hands-on experience, learn how to wear multiple hats, and hone the skill of learning to fail forward fast.
16. Health Insurance Matters—Plan for It
This isn’t talked about enough. If you have a job with benefits, consider keeping it just for the health insurance. If you plan to transition, make sure you know when open enrollment starts so you can move accordingly. If you have a partner with benefits, look into joining their plan.
17. Take Advantage of Programs That Pay You to Grow
There are grants, accelerators, and pitch competitions designed to support entrepreneurs. Sometimes, securing funding through these programs is even better than keeping a job because it allows you to fully focus on your business.
Additionally, consider joining business certification programs such as:
- NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council) – Helps minority-owned businesses connect with corporate partners and government contracts.
- WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) – Certifies women-owned businesses and provides networking and contract opportunities.
- SBA (Small Business Administration) Programs – Offers various certifications like 8(a) Business Development and HUBZone to help small businesses gain federal contracts.
These programs help align your business with larger opportunities, open doors to exclusive contracts, and provide networking and educational resources that can fast-track your growth.
There are grants, accelerators, and pitch competitions designed to support entrepreneurs. Sometimes, securing funding through these programs is even better than keeping a job because it allows you to fully focus on your business.
18. Get Rich Quick? It’s a Scam.
Be cautious of so-called “business coaches” selling expensive courses that promise overnight success. The key phrase here is exactly that—overnight success. True entrepreneurship takes time, effort, and strategy.
Before investing in anything, do your research. If you don’t see legitimate reviews or proof points of their success, ask yourself—what’s their track record? If they’ve truly built something sustainable, there should be a clear history of results, not just flashy marketing.
Not all business courses are scams, but many thrive on selling the dream rather than delivering real, proven success. Use discernment, ask for testimonials, and don’t get caught up in the hype. There’s no shortcut to sustainable success—real growth takes work.
19. Success Is an Iceberg—You Only See the Results
What you see from a successful entrepreneur is the after-effect of years of hard work. Think of it like the iceberg concept (which I actually spoke about on Authentic Ambitions with Nichole Healy). People see the small, visible tip of the iceberg—the success, the wins, the recognition—but they don’t see the massive foundation beneath it.
That foundation? The late nights, the failures, the pivots, the doubts, and the constant effort it took to get there.
So if you think you’re moving slowly—you’re not. Of course, always strive to improve, but don’t compare your journey to someone else’s highlight reel. All great things take time.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Fall for the Hype—Everything Takes Work
There’s so much more we could get into, but let’s just say this is a very long Part 1 that I really wanted to get off my chest lol.
One more thing—don’t let social media metrics define your success. Just because you don’t get likes or praise on social media doesn’t mean your business or message is failing. Check your analytics. Engagement doesn’t always happen publicly, and visibility and sales matters more than vanity metrics. As far as I’m concerned, social media is just a tool to increase awareness—even if just one person who didn’t know you existed now does.
At the end of the day, success in business isn’t about luck. It’s about execution, strategy, and consistency. Work smart, stay adaptable, and keep growing.
What are some lessons you’ve learned on your entrepreneurial journey that weren’t mentioned here? Drop them in the comments or share them with me—I’d love to hear them!
