April 1, 2025 8:00 am   •••   

Let’s be real, starting your own business is exciting, but it can also feel like stepping into unknown territory. If you’ve ever had that moment where you think, “Am I missing something huge here?”, you’re definitely not alone. The truth is, most new entrepreneurs, especially in West Virginia, make the same handful of mistakes and it’s often not because they aren’t capable or motivated. It’s because no one told them what to watch out for.

That’s why we’re sharing some of the most common mistakes people make when launching a business and how you can sidestep them before they trip you up. At 3 Steps to Startup, we’ve worked with entrepreneurs all across the state, and we know what works in West Virginia’s unique business landscape.

Why You Need to Know Your Customers Before You Launch

You’ve got a great idea, we believe you. But before you pour your savings into it, take a step back and ask: Who wants this? One of the biggest reasons new businesses struggle is because they skip the research and guess what people want.

It’s not enough to assume folks will show up, you’ve got to know they will. Take some time to talk to potential customers, ask questions, and figure out what they’re willing to spend money on. It doesn’t need to be fancy, even informal conversations at community events or online can give you insight. And if you want help figuring out what to ask or how to do this research, WV SBDC is a great local resource, and you’ll find step-by-step help in our Concept Development guide.

Planning Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated — But You Need a Roadmap

We hear from a lot of entrepreneurs who say, “I’m not a planner. I just want to get started.” We get that. But without some kind of plan, it’s easy to get lost and that’s when businesses burn out.

 

A basic business plan can be simple: what you’re selling, who you’re selling to, what it costs, and how you’ll make money. You don’t need a 30-page document, but writing down the answers to those questions can save you from huge headaches down the road. And if that feels overwhelming, start small. A short outline of your goals and next steps is often enough to give you clarity and direction.

You Can’t Do Everything — And You Don’t Have To

One thing we see all the time? Entrepreneurs trying to do it all alone. You feel like you have to be the accountant, marketer, customer service rep, and CEO all at once. But that’s how burnout happens, and when you’re burned out, your business suffers.

Here’s a secret: you don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s finding a mentor, connecting with other local business owners, or using our free guidance at 3 Steps to Startup, there are people ready to help. Check out our mentoring programs if you’re ready to find some backup — and trust us, you’ll be glad you did.

Don’t Ignore the Boring Stuff (Like Legal and Insurance)

We get it, legal paperwork and insurance aren’t exciting. But skipping these steps can cause massive problems later. You want to make sure your business is registered correctly, and that you’ve got protection in place if something goes wrong.

If you’re not sure where to start, the WV Secretary of State has a great step-by-step guide to get you set up legally. And if the word “insurance” makes you cringe, think about it like this: insurance is what keeps one mistake from ending your business. It’s worth it.

Grow Smart, Not Fast

When you start seeing success, the temptation is to grow fast. However, scaling too quickly is one of the most common ways businesses end up overwhelmed and in trouble.

Instead, think about growing at a pace that lets you deliver quality and keep customers happy. It’s better to grow steadily than to take on more than you can handle. If you’re not sure how to plan for growth, check out our Early-Stage Investment guide to help you think through when and how to scale up.

 

Your Customers Are Telling You What They Want — Are You Listening?

If you’re not asking for customer feedback, you’re missing one of the easiest ways to grow your business. Your customers will tell you what’s working, what isn’t, and what they wish you’d offer. Listening, and responding, is how you stay relevant.

Start by simply asking people what they think, in person, on social media, or through a quick email survey. Their insights might surprise you and they’ll appreciate that you care enough to ask.

Why Community and Connections Matter More Than You Think

One more thing: you can’t build a business in isolation. Especially in West Virginia, where relationships matter. The more people you know, other business owners, community leaders, potential partners, the more doors will open for you.

Get out there. Go to local business events, join your Chamber of Commerce, and take advantage of communities like 3 Steps to Startup, where we connect West Virginia entrepreneurs. You never know who might introduce you to your next big opportunity.

Ready to Build Your Business? Let’s Do It Together

Starting a business isn’t easy, and you’re not supposed to know it all on day one. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. At 3 Steps to Startup, we’re here to help you get the tools, advice, and connections you need to get your business off the ground and keep it growing.

If you’re ready to get moving, check out our free guides and mentorship designed for West Virginia entrepreneurs. Let’s take that next step together because West Virginia needs more businesses like yours, and we’re here to help make it happen.

 

Additional Helpful Resources:

 

Tags: , , ,