The Biggest Mistake First-Time Entrepreneurs Make

When people tell me they're thinking about starting a business, one of the first things they usually ask is:

"What's the best business to start right now?"

It's a fair question. After all, if you're going to invest your time, money, and energy into something, you want to make a smart decision.

But here's what I've learned after years of helping businesses grow and talking with aspiring entrepreneurs: I think we're asking the wrong question.

The better question isn't, "What's the best business?"

It's, "What's the best business for me?"

That one little word changes everything.

We Start Looking in the Wrong Place

Most people begin their entrepreneurial journey by researching business ideas.

They scroll through social media, watch YouTube videos, read articles about profitable side hustles, and ask friends what they think they should do.

Before long, they have a notebook full of ideas...and no more clarity than when they started.

I've seen it over and over again.

Someone tells me they're considering opening an Etsy shop, starting a pressure washing business, becoming a coach, investing in real estate, launching a podcast, or selling digital products.

None of those are bad ideas.

In fact, many of them are great businesses.

But whether they're great for you is a completely different question.

A Good Business Isn't Automatically the Right Business

Let's use a simple example.

A local cleaning company can be incredibly profitable. The startup costs are relatively low, there's steady demand, and it can grow into a successful business.

But if you hate managing employees, don't enjoy physical work, or are looking for a business you can run from anywhere in the world, it's probably not the right fit.

The same is true for coaching.

People often assume that because someone loves helping others, they should become a coach. But coaching requires marketing, sales, client management, and constant communication. Some people thrive in that environment. Others don't.

Neither person is wrong.

They're just different.

That's why I don't believe there's one perfect business.

I believe there's a business that's the right match for you.

Before You Choose a Business, Learn About Yourself

This is where I encourage people to slow down.

Before researching business ideas, spend some time researching yourself.

Ask questions like:

• What am I naturally good at?
• What kind of work gives me energy?
• What lifestyle am I trying to create?
• Do I enjoy working with people, solving problems, building systems, or creating things?
• What season of life am I in right now?

These questions might not seem as exciting as scrolling through business ideas, but they'll save you from investing in a business that looks good on paper but feels miserable to run.

This Is Why I Created Lettuce

For more than 15 years, I've helped organizations and businesses grow.

What surprised me wasn't how many people struggled with marketing or strategy.

It was how many people struggled with clarity.

They had ideas.

Lots of ideas.

What they didn't have was confidence that they were choosing the right one.

That's what inspired me to create Lettuce.

I wanted to help people stop chasing trends and start making decisions based on who they are, what they're good at, and the kind of life they actually want to build.

Because entrepreneurship isn't just about making money.

It's about creating a business that fits your life—not asking your life to fit your business.

Start With Yourself

If you're thinking about starting a business, my advice is simple.

Don't start by asking what's trending.

Don't start by asking what's making the most money.

Start by asking questions about yourself.

The clearer you become about your strengths, your goals, your lifestyle, and what success means to you, the easier it becomes to recognize the opportunities that truly fit.

That's what business clarity is all about.

And in my experience, clarity is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself before you ever print a business card, buy a domain name, or make your first sale.

Because when you choose a business that's aligned with who you are, you're not just building a business.

You're building a life you'll actually enjoy living.

🥬 Lettuce create something great together.