5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Business – Robert Himelfarb
By Robert Himelfarb
Starting a business is one of the most exciting — and humbling — things I’ve ever done. Like many first-time entrepreneurs, I dove in with ambition, energy, and big ideas. But along the way, I hit walls I didn’t see coming.
If you’re thinking about launching your own business, here are five things I wish someone had told me before I started mine.
1. Passion Isn’t Enough — You Need a Plan
I started with passion, which is great fuel in the early days. But without a clear plan, that energy burns out quickly. I didn’t fully grasp how much structure, budgeting, and strategic thinking go into even the simplest operations.
What I learned: A business plan doesn’t need to be perfect — but you need one. Start with goals, expenses, customer profiles, and timelines. The clearer your path, the more prepared you’ll be when things get tough.
2. You Don’t Need to Be Good at Everything — But You Do Need Help
I tried to do everything myself: marketing, web design, bookkeeping, customer service — all while running the core of the business. That led to burnout and a few costly mistakes.
What I learned: Delegate sooner than you think. Whether it’s hiring part-time help, using automation tools, or bartering services, don't go it alone. Focus your time on what you do best.
3. Cash Flow is More Important Than Profit
One of the biggest surprises for me? I could be “profitable” on paper and still be broke. If clients paid late, or I didn’t forecast expenses correctly, I ran into serious stress.
What I learned: Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. Track it weekly. Build a cushion. Get clear payment terms with clients, and don’t be afraid to chase down invoices.
4. Your First Idea Probably Won’t Be Your Final One
When I launched, I was sure I had the perfect product and pitch. Six months in, I had to tweak both — based on real customer feedback. That felt like failure at first, but it was actually growth.
What I learned: Adaptability is a superpower. Most successful businesses pivot — it’s not a weakness, it’s a strength. Stay curious, listen to your market, and evolve as needed.
5. Your Mindset Will Make or Break You
I expected business to be hard. What I didn’t expect was how much of it would be mental. Impostor syndrome, self-doubt, comparison — they all hit me at once.
What I learned: Discipline beats motivation. Keep showing up. Build routines. Talk to other business owners. Your mindset is your most valuable asset, so protect it.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business has been one of the most challenging and rewarding chapters of my life. It’s taught me resilience, creativity, and how to trust myself — even when the path isn’t clear.
If you're thinking about taking the leap, I hope these lessons help you avoid some of the bumps I hit.
I’m Robert Himelfarb — entrepreneur, learner, and believer in second starts. Feel free to connect with me or explore more of my thoughts [on the blog/about page/contact page].