The other day, a friend texted me after a particularly deflating day at work:

“I can’t last here a day longer. It’s time to finally focus full-time on my business. What advice do you have for a newbie entrepreneur?”

And the words flew out.

Eight Years In: The Business Lessons I Keep Returning To

1. There isn’t just “one” thing that makes a business successful.

My completely unscientific but strongly-held belief is that business success isn’t driven by a single factor. It’s shaped by a mix of influences that carry different weights.

My current working theory looks like this:

• ~40% business skills and strategy
• ~30% privilege/luck
• ~15% personality/relationships
• ~15% nervous system regulation

This is why I’m wary of anyone who claims their method is “the” answer.

Those narratives often ignore what’s outside our control (like privilege) or what rarely gets named (like regulation).

What matters more is noticing how these percentages show up in your business over time, and which you’ll focus on.

2. If you can afford it, pay to learn the skills faster or get into the right rooms.

The sooner you learn, the sooner you can make better money.

The better connected you are, the more opportunities you'll have.

More revenue + the right relationships = more choices.

3. Your business is a mirror. Personal stuff will come up.

Oh, you think you’re all healed now? Think again! You’re a business owner.

Just call your therapist already.

4. Dissonance means you’re paying attention.

It’s exhausting to exist in capitalism (and all the other -isms) while trying to decolonize your business.

Sometimes you’ll feel bad when your business is doing well.

I don’t have an easy answer to this one. Just know you’re not alone.

5. Know your business model. Seriously.

When you know the business model you’re actually running, you’ll stop buying programs that aren’t designed for you, listening to misaligned advice, and feeling bad when your business isn’t performing the way someone else says it “should.”

(Wish I had this book in 2017.)

6. No one cares about your business as much as you do.

Not your clients, not your business coaches, not your colleagues. That’s not a defect on their part; it’s by design.

You need to be the safeguard of your own sanity. That means setting your hours, rates, and communication boundaries.

Your clients will not hold these for you.

7. Don’t make business decisions under pressure (if you can help it).

Over time, you’ll learn the difference between inner knowing and urgency, which is crucial in making aligned business decisions. Give yourself time. Most pressured decisions are fabricated.

🎤 Back to you, Reader.

Whether you’re a newbie or going on 10+ years, what do you wish someone told you before you started your business?

🩵 Arianna

P.S. These lessons didn’t arrive in a straight line. If you’re stuck in your head, looping on a decision, or feeling pressure to “figure it out” fast, Business Tarot Readings offer a way to slow down, access clarity, and make space for all that shows up in business. Book a reading to see what’s asking for your attention.​

P.P.S. Whether you're starting a business or planning a rebrand, copy is foundational to attracting top-tier clients + aligned visibility opportunities. If you don't know the buyer psychology of your ideal clients and how to confidently position your services so they'll sell, I can help. Request a custom quote here.​

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