Every entrepreneur faces setbacks, but are lessons on failing in business actually the key to long-term success? In the world of small business, challenges are inevitable—but how you respond to them determines your growth.
After two years of running Brittany Miller Socials, I’ve learned firsthand that success isn’t just about winning. It’s about learning from business failures and successes, adapting, and making smarter decisions along the way. The biggest lessons I’ve gained from my journey have nothing to do with marketing hacks or overnight success stories. Instead, they’re about overcoming setbacks in business, building resilience, and understanding what truly drives sustainable growth.
In this blog, I’ll share the entrepreneurship lessons that shaped my business over the past two years. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, these insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and create a stronger, more strategic path forward.
If we haven't met yet, hi! I'm Brittany, I'm a multi-passionate mom of 4. I teach women how to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality through smart, actionable marketing strategies that get them seen, loved, and paid. Whether you’re eager to DIY your way to success or hire professionals to help you along the way–my goal is to make sure you walk away with the clarity you need to see the results you desire & build a life you love.
Table of Contents
Lesson 1: Your Business is Only as Healthy as You Are
As entrepreneurs, we often push ourselves to the limit—long hours, endless tasks, and little time for rest. But here’s the truth: burnout doesn’t lead to business growth. It leads to exhaustion, bad decisions, and setbacks.
Ignoring Health Leads to Burnout
In my second year of business, I learned this the hard way. I was constantly working, taking on too much, and prioritizing my business over my own well-being. It felt like I had to hustle non-stop to keep growing, but in reality, I was running myself into the ground. Eventually, I hit a breaking point. My energy was drained, my creativity suffered, and instead of scaling, I was barely keeping up.
Productivity Isn’t Just About Hours worked
Many entrepreneurs believe that working longer means getting more done. But real productivity comes from working smarter, not harder. I realized that my best ideas and most effective strategies didn’t come from overworking—they came when I allowed myself to rest, reset, and take care of my health. When I started prioritizing sleep, exercise, and boundaries, my business improved. I had more clarity, made better decisions, and worked more efficiently.
Key Takeaway: Prioritizing Well-Being Leads to Business Success
Your business growth strategies can’t thrive if you’re constantly running on empty. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you want a sustainable business, you have to treat yourself like your most valuable asset. Because you are.
Ask yourself: Are you running your business in a way that’s healthy and sustainable? If not, what changes can you make today?
Lesson 2: Investing in Your Business Isn’t Always the Solution
One of the biggest misconceptions in entrepreneurship is that spending more money automatically leads to business growth. I’ve learned that this isn’t always true—some investments pay off, but others drain resources without delivering results.
Spending Money Doesn’t Always Equal Growth
In my second year of business, I made several investments that I thought would accelerate my growth—coaching programs, tools, and courses. Some were helpful, but others turned out to be business mistakes that didn’t align with what I actually needed. Throwing money at a problem doesn’t guarantee a solution.
I realized that I was sometimes investing out of fear or FOMO (fear of missing out) rather than strategy. I thought, “If I don’t do this, I’ll fall behind.” But in reality, those decisions weren’t always moving my business forward.
Knowing When to Invest
Not every business growth strategy requires a financial investment. Before spending money, ask yourself:
✔ Will this directly help me increase revenue or efficiency?
✔ Do I have the time and capacity to implement what I’m paying for?
✔ Am I making this investment because it aligns with my strategic business plan or because I feel pressured?
Some of the best business decisions I made weren’t about spending money—they were about optimizing what I already had, focusing on organic marketing, and making intentional choices.
Key Takeaway: Be Strategic with Spending
A strong annual business plan format includes smart financial decisions, not just big investments. Spend wisely, track results, and avoid investing just for the sake of it. Growth comes from strategy, not just spending.
Ask yourself: Are your business investments truly paying off, or are they just adding unnecessary costs?
Lesson 3: Trust Yourself and Your Expertise
One of the biggest obstacles in business isn’t competition—it’s self-doubt. Too often, entrepreneurs second-guess themselves, thinking they need more courses, more research, or more validation before taking action. But at some point, you have to trust yourself and move forward.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
In my second year of business, I struggled with imposter syndrome. I questioned whether I was “qualified” enough, if my strategies were good enough, and if I was making the right decisions. I kept looking to others for answers instead of trusting my own knowledge.
What finally changed? I realized that no one else had the exact experience, insights, or approach that I did. I wasn’t just “figuring things out”—I was actually helping clients grow their businesses. Once I recognized that my skills were valuable, I stopped waiting for external validation and started making decisions with confidence.
If you're struggling with imposter syndrome, check out this episode of the Go Get Great podcast which blew my mind! Did you know there are actually different types of imposter syndrome that can affect your personal life and business in different ways?
Too Much Research = No Action
Many entrepreneurs get stuck in learning mode—reading endless blogs, taking every free masterclass, and consuming nonstop information. But too much research can lead to inaction. The more I researched, the more I felt like I wasn’t ready, and it slowed my progress.
At some point, you have to stop learning and start implementing. The best way to grow is through experience—not by waiting until you feel “ready” (because you never fully will).
Key Takeaway: Experience is the Best Teacher
The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the ones with the most knowledge—they’re the ones who take action despite uncertainty. Trust yourself, make decisions, and learn as you go.
Ask yourself: Are you stuck in learning mode, or are you actively implementing what you know?
Lesson 4: Systems Set You Free
When I first started my business, I was doing everything manually—client follow-ups, content creation, invoicing, and even small admin tasks that ate up hours of my day. At first, it felt manageable, but as my business grew, I quickly realized this was slowing me down and limiting my ability to scale.
The Reality of Doing Everything Manually
For a long time, I told myself, “It’s faster if I just do it myself.” But in reality, managing every little task manually was draining my time and energy. Instead of focusing on growth, I was constantly playing catch-up.
I knew something had to change when I found myself spending more time on repetitive tasks than actual business growth strategies. That’s when I started implementing systems and automation.
Why Automation Matters
Once I started setting up annual operational planning and automating key processes, everything changed. Here’s what I did:
✔ Scheduling Tools: Automated social media posts and emails so I wasn’t manually posting every day.
✔ Client Workflows: Created templates for proposals, contracts, and onboarding to save time.
✔ Outsourcing: Delegated tasks that didn’t require my direct involvement, freeing me up for high-impact work.
The result? More time, less stress, and a business that could run smoothly even when I wasn’t glued to my laptop.
Key Takeaway: Systems = Freedom & Efficiency
Creating key elements of a strategic plan doesn’t just apply to business goals—it also applies to daily operations. If you’re spending all your time on tasks that could be automated or streamlined, you’re limiting your growth. The more systems you have in place, the more time you have to focus on what really matters.
Ask yourself: What tasks are eating up your time that could be automated or outsourced?
Lesson 5: You Can’t Do This Alone
For a long time, I thought that being a successful entrepreneur meant figuring everything out on my own. I believed that if I just worked harder, I could handle everything myself. But the truth is, business growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens through connections, support, and community.
The Importance of Support
In the early stages of my small business journey, I wore all the hats—marketing, sales, admin, client work, and everything in between. It wasn’t until I reached a breaking point that I realized I needed help. I wasn’t failing because I wasn’t good enough—I was struggling because I was trying to do too much alone.
Once I started leaning on others—whether it was mentors, peers, or even outsourcing small tasks—I noticed a shift. Support isn’t a weakness; it’s a business growth strategy. Which is why I love being a part of the Monarch community.
Why Networking Matters
Business isn’t just about skill; it’s about relationships. Some of my biggest opportunities have come not from applying to jobs or cold pitching but from networking, building connections, and being part of a community.
Whether it’s through collaborations, referrals, or learning from other entrepreneurs, your network directly impacts your business growth. Surrounding yourself with people who understand the journey makes a huge difference in your success.
Key Takeaway: Build Your Circle
If you’re trying to do everything alone, you’re making it harder than it needs to be. Find a network, get support, and surround yourself with people who push you forward.
Ask yourself: Who is in your business circle? Are you actively seeking connections that help you grow?
Lesson 6: Failure is the Way Forward
Every entrepreneur wants to avoid failure, but the reality is failure is inevitable. What separates successful business owners from the rest is how they respond to it. I’ve had my share of setbacks, but the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that failure isn’t the end—it’s the foundation for growth.
My First Failed Course Launch
One of the hardest lessons in my business failures and successes journey was my first course launch. I spent so much time planning, creating content, and promoting it, convinced that it would be a game-changer for my business. But when launch day came, the results weren’t what I expected. I didn’t get the sales I had hoped for.
At first, I saw it as a failure. But after stepping back and analyzing what happened, I realized it wasn’t a failure—it was a learning experience. I saw where I had missed the mark in my strategy and what needed to change for the next time. Which is why my second course launch, of Profile to Profit was more of a success. Learn more about my second course.
How Failure Fuels Success
That failed launch taught me more than any success ever could. I learned:
✔ What my audience actually wanted versus what I thought they needed.
✔ Where my messaging needed improvement to make a stronger impact.
✔ That no failure is final—it’s just part of the process.
Many entrepreneurs let one failure hold them back. But those who succeed are the ones who learn, adapt, and try again.
Key Takeaway: Every Failure is a Lesson
If you’ve experienced a setback in your business, don’t see it as the end—see it as feedback. Learn from it, make adjustments, and move forward. The only way to truly fail is to stop trying.
Ask yourself: What’s one past failure that you can turn into a learning opportunity?
Final Thoughts on Lessons on Failing in Business & Next Steps for You
Two years in business has taught me that success isn’t about getting everything right the first time—it’s about learning, adjusting, and pushing forward despite challenges.
Here are the biggest takeaways from my small business journey:
Your health matters—burnout won’t get you to the next level.
Invest wisely—spending money doesn’t always equal business growth.
Trust yourself—too much research leads to inaction.
Systems create freedom—automation and structure make scaling easier.
You need support—entrepreneurship isn’t meant to be done alone.
Failure is part of the process—every setback is a learning opportunity.
What’s Next?
Now, it’s your turn. Reflect on your own entrepreneurial journey. What challenges have you faced? What lessons have you learned? How will you use those experiences to move forward?
Want more insights? Listen to my latest episode on the Go Get Great Podcast, where I dive even deeper into these entrepreneurship lessons and share actionable tips to help you grow.
Episode References
Come say hi!
Give us a follow if you're ready to take life from good to great, you'll be the first to know when we share more about motherhood and business. If it really resonated, the kids and I would do a happy dance if you left us a review 💗 ~ Brittany
00:00 Intro
2:10 Mistakes/learnings
7:25 Burnout
12:50 Investing is not always a solution
19:20 Trust yourself
30:00 Systems set you free
35:00 You cannot do this alone
42:00 Failure is the way forward
54:30 Recap & wrap up
Comments