Ep 315: The BIG mistake many failed new business owners make.

Starting a business should feel exciting—not exhausting.
But so many smart, capable women quietly drown in complication long before their first sale.

If that’s you, here’s the truth: you’re not stuck because you’re lazy, unskilled, or unmotivated.
You’re stuck because what started simple has turned into a maze of choices, tasks, and expectations no one actually asked for.

You probably already excel at your craft—whether that’s making products, coaching clients, or designing services. You’re not short on work ethic either. Life is already full—kids, jobs, caregiving, endless to-do lists. And information? There’s plenty. Courses, memberships, Etsy shops, Shopify stores, pop-ups, group programs, live workshops, mobile booths—you name it.

Just like picking a “simple white” paint that somehow turns into 50 shades of white, too many good options can paralyze you. And that’s where fear and perfectionism sneak in—stealing your time, energy, and confidence.

The Fastest Way Out: Start Simple

Version one today beats version none forever.

Learning starts the moment you start selling.
You can’t figure out your best offer, price point, or message from the sidelines—because real buyers reveal answers faster than any amount of planning.

So start with the smallest, simplest version that lets you exchange value for feedback:

• If you sell a product, open limited orders with a few clear options and a short timeline.

• If you offer a service, create one offer, one price, one way to book, and one clear promise.

Skip the obsession over logos, colors, or fancy tech. Focus instead on conversations, clarity, and delivery.

Simplicity isn’t a downgrade—it’s a power move. It gives you data, confidence, and momentum with almost no risk.

Shrink the Unknown

Fear thrives in the abstract. So make it concrete.

Write down just three things:

1. Who it’s for

2. What problem it solves

3. How someone buys it

That’s your live offer. Everything else—your website, email list, brand photos—can come later.

Your goal isn’t perfection; it’s validation.
You don’t need Pantone-perfect packaging or a full curriculum to start. Your buyers want results, not perfection.

Iteration builds excellence. After 10 sales, you’ll tighten your process. After 20, your pricing gets smarter. After 50, your offer shines.

You can’t skip the reps—but you can shortcut to your first rep. Just ship something small.

Protect Your Energy (and Your Wallet)

Big, upfront bets—like retail leases, large inventory, or complex tech—can box you in before you know what actually works.

A lean start protects you from debt and burnout.
Start with a preorder instead of a warehouse.
Run a beta round instead of a full-blown course.
Try a local pop-up instead of a permanent shop.

You’ll still build your reputation and your audience—but with cash flow and feedback, not guesswork.

As you learn what people love, expand intentionally. Add to what’s working. Drop what’s not. Simplicity keeps your growth sustainable.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Going solo makes fear louder.
Find a community that reminds you progress beats perfection every time.

And when that fear of judgment creeps in, remember—most people aren’t waiting to criticize you. They’re inspired by your courage to start.

Share what you’re building. Invite people to join a waitlist. Ask for feedback. Talking about your work makes it real—and keeps you moving forward.

When things feel complicated, pause and ask:

“What’s the smallest action I can take today that moves a buyer closer to a result?”

Then do just that.
Repeat tomorrow.

Simplicity doesn’t mean thinking small—it means building smart. It’s how you earn the right to scale later.

So yes, keep the big dream: the storefront, the team, the freedom.
But get there through a clean, humble first version that teaches you what the dream really requires.

You don’t need perfect.
You just need to start simple.