The Most Common Small Business Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

No one starts a business knowing everything.

Mistakes are part of the process.

But there are a few common ones I see over and over again that can slow you down, drain your energy, and stop your business from growing.

Here are three big ones and how to avoid them.

1. Trying to do everything yourself

When you start out, it's natural to wear all the hats. But if you keep doing everything, you hit a ceiling fast.

You don’t have to outsource everything overnight, but start small. Could someone else do your admin? Your bookkeeping? Even a few hours a week can free you up to focus on the stuff that actually grows the business.

2. Ignoring your numbers

So many business owners avoid their numbers because they feel confusing or uncomfortable. But if you don't know what’s coming in, what's going out, or where your customers are coming from, you're running blind.

Even tracking just a few basics - income, profit, number of leads and conversions, gives you clarity and control.

3. Underpricing your services

This one’s emotional. We want to be affordable, we worry about charging too much, and sometimes we think if we just keep prices low, people will say yes.

But underpricing often leads to burnout and resentment. You end up working too hard for too little. Instead, price based on value, not just cost. And stand by it.

Avoiding these mistakes won’t make your business perfect. But it will make it more sustainable, more enjoyable, and more likely to grow.