Starting a business is one of the most exciting and challenging journeys you can undertake. Back in 1997, when I started my business, Becker Logistics, I had passion, drive, and a vision for success. But looking back, there are a few lessons I wish I had known… lessons that could have saved me time, frustration, and maybe even a little money. Today, I want to share with you three things I wish I had known when I started my business 28 years ago. My hope is that these insights will help you build your own thriving business and achieve your goals faster.
This is importance because starting a business is a leap of faith. You pour your heart and soul into an idea, often stepping into the unknown with little more than determination and a willingness to work hard.
That’s exactly where I was in 1997. I didn’t have a roadmap, and I made plenty of mistakes along the way. But those mistakes taught me valuable lessons, lessons I want to pass on to you today. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about taking the leap, these are the three things I wish I’d known when I was in your shoes.
First is the importance of building systems and processes that work together seamlessly.
When I started my business, I was laser-focused on results: growing fast, attracting customers, and turning a profit. What I didn’t realize at the time was the importance of creating systems and processes that seamlessly work together.
Let me explain. Systems are the bigger picture, the overarching structures that keep your business running. Processes are the individual steps that make those systems function effectively. Together, they’re like a well-oiled machine, allowing your business to operate efficiently and consistently.
In the beginning, I spent most of my time putting out fires and working IN the business. I was reactive, not proactive. Every day felt chaotic because I didn’t have clear workflows or tools to streamline my work. I thought hard work alone would lead to success, but without structure, I was wasting time and energy.
If I could go back, I would have focused on mapping out both systems and processes from day one. For example, I’d create a system for customer service that includes a documented process for onboarding, addressing complaints, and following up after sales.
When your systems and processes are aligned, everything and everyone in your business works together seamlessly. This not only saves you time and resources but also creates a better experience for your customers and employees. Whether you’re a one-person operation or managing a team, start small, document what works, and refine it as you grow.
The second lesson I wish I had learned earlier is the power of mastering time. In 1997, I thought working harder and longer hours was the only way to succeed. I was constantly busy, but I wasn’t always productive.
Here’s what I’ve learned since then: Time is your most valuable resource, and how you use it will determine the success of your business. You can always make more money, but you can never make more time.
In the early days, I didn’t prioritize my time effectively. I said yes to everything, every opportunity, every request, and every task, because I felt like I had to. But not every activity is equally important. I wasted hours on low-value tasks that didn’t move my business forward.
If I could go back, I’d focus on two things: prioritization and delegation. First, prioritize the tasks that have the biggest impact on your business. Use the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle: 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Identify the key activities that drive growth and focus your time there.
Second, delegate tasks that don’t require your personal attention. Even if you’re starting out solo, there are affordable tools and services that can handle tasks like bookkeeping, scheduling, or social media. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Free up your time to focus on what only you can do, like building relationships or refining your strategy.
Finally, create a schedule that reflects your priorities. Block out time for deep work, set boundaries to avoid distractions, and protect time for rest and self-care. When you master your time, you’re not just busy, you’re productive, focused, and intentional.
The third thing I wish I’d known when starting out is how crucial mindset is to success. In 1997, I underestimated the mental and emotional challenges of running a business. I thought if I worked hard enough, things would always go my way. Spoiler alert: They didn’t.
There were times when I doubted myself. Times when I faced setbacks that made me question whether I was cut out for this. What I didn’t realize back then is that your mindset determines how you respond to those moments. And how you respond is what ultimately determines your success.
Running a business isn’t always about strategy, it’s also about resilience. It’s about staying optimistic when things go wrong and staying focused when distractions come your way. It’s about embracing failure as a teacher instead of a dead end. Because things will go wrong, you will fail, it’s how you bounce back that determines if you can do it or not.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of reframing challenges. Instead of seeing a problem as an obstacle, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. For example, when I lost a pretty major client early on, I could have let it crush my confidence, I could have laid off the 5 people that were servicing that customer, and just shut down a team. Instead, I used it as motivation to diversify my customer base, refocus and retrain that team, make it so that we have an even greater service offering.
Another key mindset shift is understanding the importance of self-belief. If you don’t believe in your vision, no one else will. There were moments when I had to be my own biggest cheerleader, even when the odds were stacked against me. Cultivate a mindset of confidence, determination, and curiosity, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
In summary, starting a business is a journey filled with lessons, challenges, and growth. Looking back on the past 28 years, I can say without a doubt that it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. But if I could go back to 1997, these are the three things I’d do differently: build systems and processes that work together, master my time, and develop a mindset of resilience and growth.
My hope is that by sharing these lessons, you can avoid some of the mistakes I made and build a business that thrives. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight, it’s the result of consistent effort, smart decisions, and a willingness to learn along the way.
What about you? What’s one lesson you’ve learned, or wish you’d known, about starting a business? Share your thoughts in the comments. And if you found this video helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out my profile for more tips on leadership, mindset, and business growth.
Together, we can elevate humanity—one post, one step at a time. Keep striving, keep learning, and keep building your dreams. Thank you for watching.