I was completely new to sales and marketing, which led to a lot of mistakes. Looking back, the biggest one was thinking I knew enough just because I had spent six months reading books and planning. I decided to hire outside marketing consultants, but I quickly realized they didn’t fully grasp what I was trying to achieve. The real issue was that I hadn’t clearly articulated my vision or the key themes that would set me apart. As a result, I ended up wasting money on marketing consulting before I had even figured out my branding.

Instead of prioritizing features like the AI-powered generate reply button and automated follow-ups, I would have focused on gaining access to LinkedIn sooner. Our outreach efforts were significantly delayed because of this, which in turn affected our monetization. Additionally, I would have emphasized the importance of automated follow-ups over the generate reply button, as automated follow-ups seemed to offer more value to our users. Ultimately, having impressive features means little if the product isn’t available for users. It’s crucial to ensure that the product is functional and accessible before investing in making it exceptional.

Out of fear, I stayed in my full-time job longer than necessary, clinging to the steady income it provided. With my counseling practice already sufficient to cover my living expenses, leaving that job freed up 40 hours a week, which I could then dedicate to my two part-time ventures. Reflecting on this transition, one key takeaway is to give yourself less time than you think you need for tasks. Currently, I work from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, balancing my role as a single parent. To make the most of every minute, I need to stay focused and productive, ensuring my work time is well-defined and purposeful. If I could go back, I would place even greater emphasis on setting clear boundaries between work and personal time.

One decision I'd reconsider is initiating the launch with technology at the forefront, followed by concierge services and pricing aligned with that.

Early on in the algae space, our approach was to construct something. I, lacking familiarity with algae, served as a tech CEO. My co-founding brother possessed exceptional intelligence, yet the technology he introduced had limited relevance, merely a peripheral application stemming from a patent he had developed concerning nano bubbles. While this venture was intricate, our deficiency lay in expertise within the algae domain. Consequently, I've realized the importance of acquiring such expertise. Despite attempts to hire CTOs and others, we couldn't establish a culture rooted in domain expertise.

Reflecting on my experiences, if there's one pivotal change I'd make, it would be a shift within myself towards recognizing my own value. It's a common adage, yet often overlooked in practice. Understanding one's worth is fundamental, especially in professional endeavors. It's about acknowledging the unique contributions we bring to the table and owning them confidently. So, amidst the hustle and bustle of business, it's crucial to internalize this perspective, empowering ourselves to navigate challenges with a newfound sense of self-assurance.

I would likely increase my investment in outreach and business generation. While I prioritize building relationships, having a consistent flow of predictable leads wasn't something we actively established. It relied more on chance, or randomness, if you will. Attending meetings and putting in the effort should yield results. Fortunately, it has been happening for us, although it took longer than expected in the initial years. Now, more leads naturally come our way, likely because our name brand has become more relevant.

I wish I had grasped my niche earlier, but there's a saying in the coaching realm that resonates with me—a profound truth. "Your practice finds you." This implies that, despite starting your journey with a specific focus, like performance improvement, the clients may not initially align with that niche, or you might encounter challenges in marketing yourself in that particular area. However, opportunities arise, and other doors open, leading you to unexpected paths. Looking back, if I had a crystal ball, the only change I would have made is to know that my expertise would thrive in two areas: career coaching and executive coaching. I would have embraced those opportunities from the start.

I deeply regret not conceiving the costume quacker and parody concept 25 years ago. Our extensive investments in licenses and properties, driven by the illusion of cost savings, taught me that choosing cheaper licenses often compromises brand alignment. I've learned the importance of going big with top-tier properties rather than spreading efforts across mediocre ones, as the success of each property directly impacts the overall brand. Introducing the parody concept later transformed our company, highlighting the significance of doing things right from the start.