Lettuce | Business Matchmaking | Small Business Development | Business Strategy | Networking | Meredith Tawney

You're Not Bad at Business—You Might Just Be Building the Wrong One

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:49:11 -0700

You're Not Bad at Business—You Might Just Be Building the Wrong One

Have you ever looked at someone else's business and wondered, "Why is it working for them, but nothing I try seems to stick?"

Maybe you've bought the courses. Listened to the podcasts. Filled notebooks with business ideas. Started a side hustle... then another... then another.

Eventually, you start asking yourself a painful question:

"Maybe I'm just not cut out for business."

I don't think that's true.

In fact, I think many people who believe they're bad at business are simply trying to build the wrong business.

The Problem Isn't You

We've been taught to ask the wrong question.

Instead of asking, "What business fits me?" we're asking:

What's making the most money?
What's trending on TikTok?
What's easy to start?
What made someone else successful?

Those questions make sense—but they don't tell you whether you'll actually enjoy running that business six months from now.

A business isn't just a way to make money. It's something you'll spend your time thinking about, talking about, solving problems for, and showing up for every day.

If it doesn't fit who you are, eventually it starts to feel like another job.

One Size Doesn't Fit All

Imagine handing the exact same pair of shoes to 100 people.

Some would fit perfectly.

Some would be too tight.

Some too loose.

Some people would get blisters after five...Read More

Why Most Side Hustles Fail Before They Ever Make Money

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:38:22 -0700

Why Most Side Hustles Fail Before They Ever Make Money

If you've ever dreamed of starting a side hustle, you're not alone. Every day, people decide it's time to take control of their finances, pursue a passion, or build something of their own.

But here's the hard truth: most side hustles never make it past the starting line.

It's not because people aren't smart enough.

It's not because they aren't willing to work hard.

And it's definitely not because they lack ambition.

Most side hustles fail long before they ever earn their first dollar because the foundation wasn't there.

Over the years, I've watched countless aspiring entrepreneurs jump into business with excitement, only to lose momentum a few months later. Their stories are different, but the reasons they struggle are surprisingly similar.

Here are the five biggest mistakes I see—and how you can avoid them.

1. They Fall in Love with an Idea Instead of a Problem

Many people choose a business because it's something they enjoy doing.

"I love baking."

"I'm creative."

"I've always wanted to sell handmade products."

There's nothing wrong with building a business around something you love. In fact, passion can carry you through the difficult days.

But passion alone doesn't create customers.

Successful businesses solve problems, make life easier, save people time, reduce stress, or help people achieve something they want.

Before investing...Read More

Have you ever felt excited about a business idea one day and completely overwhelmed by it the next?

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:52:58 -0700

Have you ever felt excited about a business idea one day and completely overwhelmed by it the next?

You’re not alone.

I meet aspiring entrepreneurs all the time who have plenty of ideas, endless tabs open in their browser, and notebooks full of possibilities. Yet they still feel stuck.

Here’s the surprising truth: Most people don’t need another business idea. They need clarity.

The problem often isn’t a lack of ambition or capability. It’s that they’re trying to force themselves into a business that doesn’t actually fit who they are or the life they want to build.

Here are five signs you might be pursuing the wrong business idea.

1. You’re More Excited About the Possibility Than the Process

It’s easy to get excited about the outcome.

The freedom. The flexibility. The income. The idea of being your own boss.

But are you excited about the day-to-day...Read More

From Highways to High Tech: How AI Automation Drives Small Business Success

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 13:51:03 -0700

Growing up, I was always that kid in the back seat incessantly asking, "How much longer until we get there?" Whether it was a short trip to my grandparents' house just a few towns over or a longer journey, it always seemed like forever before we arrived. As we sped along the interstate, I noticed smaller, often neglected roads parallel to our route.

My parents often reminisced about their younger days when a journey from just two or three towns away would take significantly longer than it did for us now. They explained how the construction of the interstate system revolutionized travel. Instead of the constant start-and-stop of navigating through small streets, these broader, faster roads were designed to streamline the journey from one place to another. The result? A trip that used to take hours was dramatically shortened, not just for family visits but crucially for businesses transporting products.

The advent of highways saved countless hours, translating into trillions of dollars in economic benefits. Similarly, Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing business operations today, streamlining processes and saving invaluable time—because just like then, time is indeed money.

There are countless ways that a business benefits from implementing AI strategies, especially for a small business. Small business owners are regularly handling many roles in the company. Marketing, yes, books, yes, technician, yes. When an owner has to be the jack of all trades, it is hard to be the master of all of them. When incorporating AI in a small business, it allows the business to run more smoothly, grow in scope and professionalize.

One of...Read More

Strategies to build your business without spending a dime

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 08:57:53 -0700

This list of marketing strategies won't cost you a dime, but can easily generate more leads, brand awareness and can even be FUN to implement!
DOWNLOAD