Four Years in Business: Four Lessons That Kept Me Going

Nearly half of all new businesses fail by the end of their third year.

Somehow, I’ve managed to survive four consistent years of running The Hustle Lab full-time.

The journey hasn’t been easy, and it’s far from over. I’ve accomplished a lot and messed up plenty along the way. It’s been anything but a straight path, and there were many moments no amount of planning could’ve prepared me for. Still, I wouldn’t change a thing.

August 8, 2025 marks the 4th anniversary of The Hustle Lab’s launch. What started as an idea I casually shared with a small circle of friends, family, and early supporters has now grown into a full-blown agency with contractors and clients across the U.S.—from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, New York to California.

As I celebrate this milestone and step into another year full of opportunity, I want to share four key lessons I’ve learned while building The Hustle Lab.

1. Invest in your contracts, policies, business hours, and booking links.

One of the main reasons businesses fail within their first three years? Poor management.

Taking the time to create solid contracts, clear policies, and defined business hours helps you set healthy boundaries with clients and protects your business from chargebacks, confusion, and excessive refunds.

Your booking links matter too! Whether for customers or collaborators, a well-set-up booking system saves time, prevents double-booking, and minimizes unnecessary back-and-forth.

An organized business is a healthy business.

2. Professionalism starts with integrity.

Getting new customers is one of the most expensive and time-consuming parts of running a business—unless you're able to master the art of word-of-mouth marketing driven by referrals.

Referrals happen when people love your work so much they recommend you for free —often without being asked.

But that only happens when you build a brand rooted in trust. And trust starts with honesty.

Building trust means setting clear expectations and actually delivering on them. Cutting corners, misleading customers, or overselling just to close a deal might give you a quick win, but it always catches up with you. You’ll end up chasing new clients to replace the ones who left unhappy, or wore ... trying to repair your reputation.

Save yourself the time, money, and embarrassment: Do it right the first time. If something changes, communicate it early and clearly.

3. Never stop feeding your creativity.

Building a business can consume you, and if you’re not careful, it can burn you out.

Burnout isn’t just being tired. It’s emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by being in high-pressure situations for too long. It shows up as detachment, negativity, and a lack of motivation.

The best way to fight burnout? Keep your creativity alive!

Make time for things that fuel you outside of work. Whether that’s travel, spa days, family time, fun experiences, fitness, meditation—or just doing absolutely nothing. Whatever brings you joy, schedule time for it. Protect it.

Creativity is your competitive edge. Keep it flowing.

4. Keep your ears open, eyes wide, and mind sharp.

Never assume you know it all. There’s always more to learn.

If you stay curious, you’ll always find new ways to improve, grow, and elevate your business.

And if you’re in spaces or surrounded by people who limit your thinking or require you to play small—leave. That energy will keep you stuck. Find people who challenge you, stretch your thinking, and encourage your growth.

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All in all, it’s been an incredible four years. I’m proud of how far I’ve come—and even more excited about where I’m going.

If these lessons resonate with you, or you know an entrepreneur who needs to hear them, share this post. Let’s keep each other inspired and supported.