6 Common Mistakes New Business Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Your Guide to Smarter Small Business Strategy

Hey there!

If you’re a new business owner (or thinking about becoming one), this post is for you. I see a lot of people jump into entrepreneurship with passion and excitement—only to get stuck or sidetracked by a few avoidable missteps.

The good news? You don’t have to make the same mistakes. I’ve rounded up six of the most common challenges I see small business owners run into—and how you can skip the stress and stay focused on building something that works.

Let’s dive in.

Mistake 1: Not Talking to an Accountant First

Before you register your business or start invoicing clients, it’s smart to speak with an accountant. A quick conversation can save you headaches (and dollars) down the road.

Try this instead: Book a consultation early on to get clarity around your business structure, tax setup, and reporting needs.

Mistake 2: Mixing Personal and Business Finances

This one’s a biggie. Blending your personal and business money makes it harder to track expenses, manage cash flow, and file taxes.

Try this instead: Open a separate business bank account. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in how organized and professional your business runs.

Mistake 3: Not Pricing for Profit

Many new business owners set prices based on what others are charging—or what feels "reasonable." But that often leads to undercharging and stress.

Try this instead: Price based on your costs, value, and goals. Your business deserves to be sustainable and profitable—not just “busy.”

Mistake 4: Winging It Without a Plan

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of starting your business and skip the planning part. But without direction, things can get messy fast.

Try this instead: Create a simple plan that outlines what you offer, who it’s for, and how you’ll reach them. It doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to keep you focused.

Mistake 5: Trying to Sell to Everyone

When your message is for everyone, it resonates with no one. The broader your audience, the harder it is to stand out and sell with confidence.

Try this instead: Get specific. Define your niche and ideal client. It’ll make your marketing easier and your business stronger.

Mistake 6: Saying Yes to Everything

It’s tempting to say yes to every request, client, or opportunity—especially in the early days. But that can quickly lead to burnout and overwhelm.

Try this instead: Set clear boundaries and filter opportunities based on your goals. Not every "yes" moves your business forward.

Let’s Build Together

Mistakes are part of the journey—but the more you know, the better prepared you are to grow with confidence. If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone—and it’s never too late to shift gears.

Together, we’ll make smart business strategy a whole lot more approachable.

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Thanks for reading—here’s to building smart from the start.

Hillary Desmond

CEO

Blueprint Business Strategies