What I Wish I Knew Before Starting an Online Business
Sat Dec 20 2025
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting an Online Business: 9 Fresh Tips for Solo Startups!
Starting an online business today looks different from how it did a few years ago.
After years of building, refining, and working with solo business owners, I’ve had time to reflect on what actually matters and what keeps everyone busy, but unsuccessful.
In this episode, I’m sharing what I wish I knew when starting an online business, based on real experience, real mistakes, and lessons learned along the way.
If you’re early in your journey, this will help you focus on what truly moves you forward.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
If you’re starting an online business, this episode will provide insights:
Why staying busy can feel productive while still holding you backThe decision most new business owners delay, and why it matters more than they realizeWhy does some advice sound smart but doesn’t work in real life for solo business ownersThe overlooked asset that makes selling feel easierWhy chasing what’s “working right now” often leads to exhaustion
…and more
Closing Thought
If you’re starting an online business, you don’t need to do everything; you need to do the right things. Start with strategy, keep it simple, and let clarity guide your next steps. If you need a complimentary strategy call, please visit: https://marisashadrick.com/contact/
Audio Timestamps
00:00:00 Intro and why starting with strategy matters
00:01:00 Strategy vs. tactics explained
00:06:24 Why being busy doesn’t equal progress
00:07:31 One clear offer and validation
00:09:00 Managing doubt when starting an online business
00:10:38 Filtering advice and avoiding overload
00:11:55 Visibility without clarity creates noise
00:13:58 Podcasting and YouTube strategy insight
00:14:39 Why email list building matters early
00:16:22 The cost of chasing algorithms
00:18:27 Building a business that fits your life
00:20:33 Lessons as mentors and selling earlier
00:24:34 Final thoughts and next steps
FREE RESOURCE
Capture the Human Knowledge Your AI Needs to Model Your Voice, Values, and Brand Identity
INTRODUCING THE HEART PROFILE™
If you’re ready to step off the sidelines and start using AI with confidence, CLICK HERE t
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Whether you’re writing, planning, analyzing, or brainstorming, my C.O.N.T.E.X.T. ™ method transforms ChatGPT into a consistent marketing assistant. No steep learning curve.
Free Download!
https://marisashadrick.com/prompts
If you’re ready to grow with effective marketing that actually feels manageable, here’s your next move.
Inside AI Lab for Solopreneurs, get Custom GPTs, templates, and coaching to grow your business.
Visit: https://marisashadrick.com/community
Listen to the "Amplify Your Authority" Podcast! Click Here!
Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts.
Tip: Answer these questions inside of ChatGPT (free or paid) and have AI craft your review!
How did you discover this podcast? What's your biggest takeaway from this episode? How has this podcast helped your current journey? Thanks so much for taking a few minutes to craft a review!
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What I Wish I Knew Before Starting an Online Business: 9 Fresh Tips for Solo Startups! Starting an online business today looks different from how it did a few years ago. After years of building, refining, and working with solo business owners, I’ve had time to reflect on what actually matters and what keeps everyone busy, but unsuccessful. In this episode, I’m sharing what I wish I knew when starting an online business, based on real experience, real mistakes, and lessons learned along the way. If you’re early in your journey, this will help you focus on what truly moves you forward. What You’ll Hear in This Episode If you’re starting an online business, this episode will provide insights: Why staying busy can feel productive while still holding you backThe decision most new business owners delay, and why it matters more than they realizeWhy does some advice sound smart but doesn’t work in real life for solo business ownersThe overlooked asset that makes selling feel easierWhy chasing what’s “working right now” often leads to exhaustion …and more Closing Thought If you’re starting an online business, you don’t need to do everything; you need to do the right things. Start with strategy, keep it simple, and let clarity guide your next steps. If you need a complimentary strategy call, please visit: https://marisashadrick.com/contact/ Audio Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro and why starting with strategy matters 00:01:00 Strategy vs. tactics explained 00:06:24 Why being busy doesn’t equal progress 00:07:31 One clear offer and validation 00:09:00 Managing doubt when starting an online business 00:10:38 Filtering advice and avoiding overload 00:11:55 Visibility without clarity creates noise 00:13:58 Podcasting and YouTube strategy insight 00:14:39 Why email list building matters early 00:16:22 The cost of chasing algorithms 00:18:27 Building a business that fits your life 00:20:33 Lessons as mentors and selling earlier 00:24:34 Final thoughts and next steps FREE RESOURCE Capture the Human Knowledge Your AI Needs to Model Your Voice, Values, and Brand Identity INTRODUCING THE HEART PROFILE™ If you’re ready to step off the sidelines and start using AI with confidence, CLICK HERE t Skip Hours of Prompt Trial & Error with ChatGPT Whether you’re writing, planning, analyzing, or brainstorming, my C.O.N.T.E.X.T. ™ method transforms ChatGPT into a consistent marketing assistant. No steep learning curve. Free Download! https://marisashadrick.com/prompts If you’re ready to grow with effective marketing that actually feels manageable, here’s your next move. Inside AI Lab for Solopreneurs, get Custom GPTs, templates, and coaching to grow your business. Visit: https://marisashadrick.com/community Listen to the "Amplify Your Authority" Podcast! Click Here! Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Tip: Answer these questions inside of ChatGPT (free or paid) and have AI craft your review! How did you discover this podcast? What's your biggest takeaway from this episode? How has this podcast helped your current journey? Thanks so much for taking a few minutes to craft a review!