Anna Stella is an award-winning marketing expert, academic researcher, and founder of the global marketing outsourcing agency BBSA. She is also the president of the BASA Awards® and host of the hit YouTube show “The Best of Business Show.”
Every entrepreneur makes mistakes, and it’s part of the journey. However, some missteps can be avoided with the right advice and experience. Knowing what not to do in business can save you time, money, and frustration.
Expert advice on common business mistakes and how to avoid them
1. Don’t ignore your local market
In today’s hyperconnected world, it’s easy to focus on growing your online presence, chasing likes, followers, and validation through social media. However, one of the most valuable lessons from seasoned entrepreneurs is never to neglect your local market. It’s really easy to spend time on social media and get positive feedback from that, but when it comes down to it, real people in real locations are the most important.
These are the people you can build genuine relationships with. They will become your biggest fans, strongest referral sources, and loyal customers. Focusing on establishing deep, meaningful connections within your local community gives your business a solid foundation that online followers can’t replicate.
2. Don’t underestimate cash flow management
Managing cash flow is often cited as a challenge for new business owners, and failing to properly account for it can cripple your business. As experienced founders will attest, everything costs way more than you think. Whether you’re launching a new product or expanding an existing line, everything demands cash, and every investment needs to be well-planned.
When you’re starting out, it’s important to overestimate your expenses. Even if you’ve padded your budget, it may still not be enough. Cash flow management is not just about tracking what comes in and goes out. It's about strategically allocating your resources to maximize growth. Too many entrepreneurs fail to prioritize this, thinking more about launching their next product than managing the money they already have.
3. Don’t do everything yourself
Another common mistake in business is trying to do too much yourself. This is especially true when it comes to tasks that don’t directly grow your business, such as accounting. You could end up spending months doing your own accounting because you know how, but in hindsight, you may find it was a poor use of time. Instead, you could spend that time more wisely building your brand.
The lesson? Outsource tasks that aren’t in your core expertise sooner rather than later. Your time is best spent on activities that will directly contribute to growing your business, such as networking, building relationships, and developing your brand.
While doing everything yourself may seem like a cost-saving measure, in the long run, it can hinder your ability to scale and succeed. If you spend too much time on non-revenue-generating activities, you’ll miss out on opportunities to grow your business.
4. Don’t forget to build relationships
Building meaningful relationships is a critical part of any business. While social media can give you a platform to connect with a wide audience, face-to-face interactions will always be more impactful. Focus on forming relationships with local people who will stick around for the long term – they will be your most loyal and greatest referral sources.
Networking in your local community and industry allows you to create a stronger, more loyal customer base. These relationships will outlast any online engagement, providing you with continuous support and advocacy.
5. Don’t avoid learning from your mistakes
No business journey is without its bumps. Mistakes are inevitable, but what sets successful entrepreneurs apart is their ability to learn from their mistakes. These lessons have long-lasting benefits, and sometimes mistakes can be your best teachers.
Be willing to reflect on your decisions, pivot when necessary, and admit when something isn’t working. This practice will not only help you avoid repeating the same mistakes but also allow you to grow faster and more efficiently.
6. Don’t underestimate the value of time
In business, time is one of your most valuable assets. Spending too much time on tasks that don’t drive growth is one of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make. If you’re constantly bogged down by routine activities, like managing finances or handling administrative tasks, you’re not focusing on what truly matters: growing your business.
The key takeaway here is to evaluate where your time is best spent. Ask yourself, “Is this where I should be spending my time?” If the answer is no, find a way to delegate or outsource the task.
Anna Stella, Marketing Expert, Founder
Anna Stella is an award-winning marketing expert, academic researcher, and founder of the global marketing outsourcing agency BBSA. She is also the president of the BASA Awards® and host of the hit YouTube show “The Best of Business Show.”
Anna has more than 20 years experience in the B2B, B2C, and non-profit industries. Notable clients include Volkswagen AG, the Government, the European Union, RICS, and Rational AG, to name a few.
Anna holds an MBA in Marketing from Henley Business School, a Master’s Degree (MA) in Strategic Marketing Management from Kingston University, and a BA (Hons) in Marketing and Communications from Nottingham Trent University. She is currently completing a Doctorate in Marketing Outsourcing at Strathclyde University and is due to publish her first book in 2025.
