Starting a business is both an exciting and challenging journey. I first started planning Playground42 around February 2024, and nothing could have fully prepared me for what these past 4 months of my startup journey have brought about. I'm 4 short months in, but have already learned so much along the way. I thought I'd share some early lessons I've learned and share some tips that I wish I would have gotten 4 months ago. These lessons have helped me learn to navigate the startup world, and I hope they can guide you too, no matter what stage of the process you're in.
Where One Door Closes, Ten More Open
Get comfortable with hearing 'no'... at first. As a startup, you will experience various people that simply won't want to work with you. Commercial building owners are extremely hesitant to lease to you, banks are hesitant to loan to you, getting grants is nearly impossible, businesses are hesitant to partner with you, and the list goes on.
In fact, get used to getting ghosted too. I've sent numerous emails, phone calls, and had in-person meetings with businesses to see if they'd like to partner, sponsor, collaborate, or any other number of possibilities. Then... radio silence. I try to follow up and, guess what? More radio silence. As an introvert, maybe I'm too quick to concede and accept this, but at the end of the day if I don't hear back from someone after a 2nd text or email, I'll gracefully bow out because I'd much rather give my energy towards people that are excited at the prospect of my business from the jump. Much like any other relationship in life, it should be equal give and take, and I'm not trying to beg anybody to see my vision. Either get on board, or get out of my way (please adopt this mentality, you deserve it).
The big takeaway? Do NOT let all these negative moments bring you down. Hearing 'no' (or radio silence) is inevitable. Though it can feel like it early on, these setbacks are not the end. Far from it. In fact, I can honestly say that when 1 door closes, ten more open. Maybe not at first, but when your business starts gaining some traction, suddenly you may find yourself caught in a wind tunnel of opportunities you'd never even considered before. When something doesn't go to plan, look to alternative paths and be continuously ready to pivot. Pivoting is about to become your middle name. But I can promise you that each closed door is right next to several new ones waiting to be opened.
Don't Lose Sight of Your Vision
Behind every startup is a 'why'. What is yours? Why this business concept? What is the vision? If you can't give these questions a strong answer, then I am not sure you're quite on target with your business yet. Sit down and think these questions out, give some community surveys or otherwise get input if you have an idea but aren't quite sure on the execution. Because at the end of the day, your vision is going to end up being your north star. It is what will help keep you focused and motivated. This is the passion that people will feel when you talk about what you're starting. YOU need to be the first person to truly, passionately believe in what you are doing.
As your business grows and evolves, you may get opportunities that could be hard to turn down. However, I'd urge you to stay true to your core values and long-term goals. It is so easy to get distracted by short-term gains or external pressures, but keeping your vision in mind will help you stay on track.
Passion > Greed
In the same vein as the last section, starting a business for the right reasons is essential. If you're driven by a passion in what you're doing, rather than just the desire to make money, you'll be more resilient and motivated. Passion fuels perseverance, and it will show in the quality of your work and the authenticity of your brand. And then guess what happens? The money will follow. But do not let greed be your driving force behind your business. Instead, try to be the change you want to see in the world. Go after something you passionately believe in.
Believe in Yourself
Confidence is key in entrepreneurship. Sure, there are some days where you might have to fake it until you make it. But please hear this: there WILL be times where you doubt yourself or your decisions. There might be days that discourage you so much that you just want to throw in the towel. Please be kind to yourself in these moments, and put trust into your instincts and belief in your vision. Self-belief will help carry you through these tough times, and will help inspire others to believe in you too. It is okay to have human moments, but don't dwell in them. Remember, there are always more doors either open or waiting to be opened. You'll find them, just do your best to believe in yourself during all phases of the process.
Go Ahead, Dream
I'm tired of grumpy adults stifling other adults' dreams. Nope, nope, nope. In the world of entrepreneurship, you have to be a dreamer. Dream big, and don't be afraid to set ambitious goals. Your dreams are the foundation of your vision. Let them guide you, let them sweep you away even. The possibilities are endless. Be prepared to break these dreams down into actionable steps at some point, though! I've seen businesses create and sell guides on how to start specific businesses like yours, create YouTube Channels, podcasts, B2B and/or B2C community groups, create and sell products, lead certain workshops, find new ways to get out into the community, pull together amazing collaborations or partnerships, and so much more. If what you love doing most isn't making you quite enough money to sustain your family, then keep dreaming! Maybe there are other elements you haven't previously considered that you could incorporate to get more of a reach, make more of an impact, all while earning some extra cash. Forget about any naysayers and dream, dream, dream. It gets you so far in the world of business.
Be Open-Minded
Sticking to your vision is important, but sometimes we get tunnel vision too. This brings me to an extremely useful tip- keep an open mind and hear people out. Our community has given us so many ideas that I never in a million years would have thought of. The ones that align with my vision, I try out. The ones that don't... well I consider them in as many ways as I can to confirm there's no way to make them align with my vision, and then I thank that person for that idea and simply move on. But be open to new ideas and opportunities.
Pop-up events, collaborations with new/expecting parent agencies, and certain marketing demographics (e.g. homeschooling parents) were just a few examples of some things that I just simply hadn't thought of yet. But by keeping an open mind, having conversations, and asking for (and actively listening to) community input, I started implementing these suggestions and voila! SO many more doors opened alongside them. Having an open mind can lead to so much unexpected growth, as well as learning opportunities. Plus, embracing change can lead to innovation and help you stay competitive.
Find a Place to Ask All Your Questions
As a new business, you will have a LOT of questions. I am the queen of questions, so finding a community where I could ask these questions, share experiences, and learn from others, was a game-changer. In my case, it was the Facebook group "Indoor Play Space - Owners & Dreamers https://www.facebook.com/share/xKk1xKLPmgQycTE8/ so if you're starting something similar, there ya go! Otherwise, maybe you can find something similar. In addition, you might be able to find a local entrepreneur group, other online forums, mentorship programs, or so much more. Two great, guaranteed resources: Your local chamber of commerce, and your local small business development center. If you're a vet, try the VR&E self-employment track (up to $24,000 in grants towards equipment if you qualify, you can thank me later). And not that I'm trying to add even more to my plate, but I have had similar business concepts reach out to us and I'm totally cool with sharing my business plan (as long as we won't be in direct competition) and I can try to help answer any of your questions too. I'm all for helping other entrepreneurs, especially if you're a mama just trying to figure out a way to balance work and time with your kiddos.
Hang on to Those Who Support you Early On
Your early supporters are invaluable. These are the people that believe in you and your vision when it is still just an idea. Learn their names if you didn't before, appreciate them for their support, thank them, and involve them in your journey. We have a few of these already and their loyalty and feedback have given me so much strength.
It is easy to gain support once you're getting more established and have made a name for yourself. While still great to have of course, it is truly those that were there for you when your business was just an idea that deserve so much love. Remember their order, their name, or just throw them the occasional discount or freebie. Give those loyal people all the love they deserve for being there when you were still trying to find your footing.
And, from personal experience... it might not end up being your family or friends. I hope this doesn't end up being your experience, but I unfortunately have a feeling it is probably fairly common. I thought for sure, between all the people my husband and I know, we'd get more follows, shares, help, or even a few dollars donated by certain family members or people we saw as good friends. A few did support us, sure, but it was eerie how much radio silence we got from people that we really thought would be there for us in some capacity. *cough* not one family member *cough*
Final Thoughts
Starting a business is a rewarding journey filled with so many lessons and growth opportunities. These were just some of the ones we've learned along the way so far. I think, by following these tips, you will be well on your way to navigate all the challenges you may face while being able to appreciate and celebrate the successes. Remember, every setback is a setup for a comeback. With some passion and perseverance, you can achieve all your entrepreneurial dreams. I believe in you. Please reach out if you have any questions! Playground42LLC@outlook.com
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