What Nobody Tells You About Starting a Business

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My partner looked at me, bewildered, as we clicked “End” on the hours-long recording session that was supposed to train us on the most critical piece of machinery for our new startup operation.

The angel of a consultant we’d hired off Reddit (crazy, right?) from across the country for a virtual walkthrough was the only thing bridging the knowledge gap between helpless novice and beginner with a chance.

To say this operation was far from intuitive would be a generous understatement, but if we wanted to break into this industry, it was legally required—so here goes.

That’s the thing about startups: you’re constantly thrown into situations where you have no clue what you’re doing, but you figure it out.

Lesson 1: Startups Don’t Come With Manuals

No matter how many business books or YouTube videos you watch, nothing prepares you for the actual grind of running a startup. The biggest shock for me wasn’t the workload—it was the uncertainty.

That moment with the machinery taught me something valuable: nobody knows what they’re doing at first. The difference between those who fail and those who succeed is that successful founders keep moving forward, even when they’re clueless.

Tip: Embrace the unknown. Every challenge is just a problem waiting to be solved.

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Lesson 2: Find Unexpected Angels

Who would have thought our lifeline would come from a stranger on Reddit? Yet, that consultant became the bridge that made our operation possible. In the world of startups, help often comes from unexpected places—mentors, online communities, even strangers who just love solving problems.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask. The startup world is full of people willing to lend a hand if you just reach out.

Lesson 3: Simplicity Wins

We were overcomplicating things, trying to master every detail before moving forward. But startups don’t reward perfection—they reward momentum. Once we stopped aiming for “perfect” and settled for “functional,” things began to move faster.

Dropbox started with just an explainer video. Airbnb launched with air mattresses in an apartment. Your first version doesn’t need to be flawless—it just needs to work.

Tip: Launch fast, learn fast.

Lesson 4: Build Resilience

I won’t lie—there were moments I wanted to quit. Between the legal requirements, the confusing machinery, and the endless nights of trial and error, it felt impossible. But here’s the hard truth: every successful startup founder has felt that way.

The difference is that the winners push through.

Tip: Expect setbacks. Don’t let them define you.

The Big Picture

That night, after our exhausting training session, I realized building a startup isn’t about knowing everything in advance. It’s about showing up, learning fast, and refusing to quit.

And It’s not glamorous. It’s not easy. But it is simple:

• Solve a real problem.
• Find the right people to help you.
• Keep things simple.
• Push through the challenges.

That’s how startups go from “two confused novices on Zoom” to “mega-successful business owners.”

Final words

If you’re waiting until you feel “ready” to launch your startup, you’ll be waiting forever. The truth is, nobody is ready. You just start. You figure it out along the way.

And sometimes, your best teacher might just be a kind stranger on Reddit.