4 Business Mistakes Every Entrepreneur Should Avoid

I’ve been so scared to make mistakes while on this fashion journey. However, I’m so glad that they happened because I got to learn early on. I read somewhere that if you’re going to fail, fail fast! I agree with that 100% because the mistakes I made back then seemed minor. However, if they were done now it would be a major lost for me time and money wise! So I wanted to share a few mistakes that I made in my earlier stages… hopefully this post will help someone else in the long run!

You Get What You Pay For

I went through three logos and two business cards by two separate graphic designers. In the end, I still didn’t have a dope logo OR business card that I truly loved! This comes from someone who grew up in a household where a common saying was, “You get what you pay for.” Still, I chose to be cheap and spend my money on the lower priced guy(s)… twice! If I could do it all over again, I would’ve saved my money and went with the graphic designer whose price was high but work was phenomenal! This would’ve saved me hundreds of dollars that I spent on the other two previous designers. It’s like buying a broke down car (twice) only to buy a new car a few weeks later; it doesn’t make any sense! To this day, I can’t believe that I made such a horrible decision… twice! SMH. However, it’s all a part of our story and at least this one ended well with a logo that I adore!

As for my business cards, I can’t necessarily say the same with a happy ending! I did have the higher priced graphic designer create me a business card that I loved. However, once they were shipped to me they sat in their box… for years. Now when I need to use them they’re conveniently out of date where everything is incorrect, except my name. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t of created business cards with the graphic designer at all. Instead, I’d go to one of those websites where I can create a professional card for super cheap with shipping costs included. Now I know this seems like I’m back peddling BUT these sites are mostly known for their quality with print materials. Nonetheless, it doesn’t make sense to spend hundreds on business cards since my information can change again at any time. I don’t want to keep having to redo/reprint my cards and spend a lot of money each time. As of today, I do not have a business card but I plan to create one on a site like VistaPrint.com.

Ask For Referrals

For a week or so I started my search looking for an “apparel manufacturer” to create and produce my initial design. My results were manufacturers who sell ready to wear garments, overseas cut & sew contractors and an array of companies that had nothing to do with what I was searching for. I realized later on that I was searching incorrectly and needed to search for a pattern or sample maker first. Once you find a pattern maker, they will create your initial pattern as well as your sample. After your sample and patterns are produced, they should be able to refer you to a reputable cut & sew contractor. I learned that pattern makers, sample makers, graders and contractors all work with one another. So if you don’t have a contact just ask because they’ll more than likely be able to help you! Also, I’ve found that there’s a ton of “one stop shop” cut & sew contractors who can do everything for you. These contractors can help design the product and even teach you how to bring it to the market. I feel one stop shop contractors are great if you prefer to have everything done in one place!

RELATED: 8 Reasons Why You Haven’t Started Your Business Yet

Keep Your Leverage

If you’re given the option to pay half now and half later, do it. I made the mistake of paying my sample maker in full upfront and in result, lost all of my leverage. This was a huge mistake and I learned that I’ll always need to have some wiggle room to negotiate. My leverage was completely gone once they had my total payment.

Bait & Switch Tactic

Get EVERYTHING in writing! This was a naive mistake I made with not asking for the company’s terms and conditions. In result, I ended up paying double the amount from fees that weren’t told to me beforehand. This was completely my fault for assuming and not getting all that I needed to in writing. Companies have a slick way of adding unexpected fees, so now I know to get the processes in writing that may be an additional cost. I assume nothing and ask a ton of questions! However, beware because every email answered might be an additional fee for you too!

What are some business mistakes that you’ve made early on? Share the knowledge in the comments! To stay connected, make sure to follow me on Instagram @MissAshleyAllison Twitter @MsAshleyAllison and Snapchat @MsAshleyAllison.

Until next time ASSASSINS… Stay Motivated!