How many attempts did it take you to launch your first successful business?
From listening to different people and their journeys, I’ve realised that before they built their first profitable product, many of them failed multiple times.
Similar stories were shared by @marclou , @levelsio or @iuliia_sh to name a few.
Today, after several attempts, these creators are earning solid profits.
When I averaged some of their answers, it came out that it took them around 8 –10 years – that’s how long it was from their first attempts until things finally started working.
I see a similar pattern in my own journey as well.
Would you be open to sharing your own fail-to-success stories?
(How many attempts or years did it take you?)
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I agree failure is essential for learning, but in the AI era everything is moving much faster. Don’t you think the 8 years cycle of trial, error, and eventual success will shrink dramatically for new startups ?
As for me, I’m only in my first year, and still failing… or “learning” ;)
minimalist phone: creating folders
@alshaigy yes, it can shrink, but only for those who have deep knowledge. I can see many people vibecode but the product doesn't work well.
@busmark_w_nika Totally agree.
Triforce Todos
This is a great reminder that failure is part of the journey. Every attempt teaches something valuable.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@abod_rehman As you said, without failures, there are no learnings (and possible improvements) ;)
Papermark
Thanks for mentioning Nika!
Failure is best learning before successful attempt.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@iuliia_sh Iuliia, your story is so inspiring, and I recall it very often from our interview. :) Happy to see you climbing UP! :)
For me, in a more traditional business, I have to admit it was a bit clearer and easier — things were more straightforward compared to a startup. So definitely fewer attempts and less time to see results.
With startups, I see how the journey can take much longer, with more iterations and failures before anything clicks — and I can relate to that pattern as well.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@viktorgems what kind of traditional businesses do you mean?
@busmark_w_nika regular production, distribution, sales of goods and services, generally not necessarily innovative ideas and offerings. I meant the difference between startup and a traditional business.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@viktorgems Okay, I just meant that you refer to some manufacturers, like plumbers etc.
NoSho.app
I've launched a few small business ideas over the years, but I'm currently launching the one I believe to be the 'one' after 25 years working in the creative industry. A year in the making and in the top 3 today is something I never expected, truly grateful to be doing something I love.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@mark_nosho When is the official launch? :)
NoSho.app
@busmark_w_nika This was my launch, it's now open to the public to use right now. This is the starting point of my micro idea, I have lots coming and I'll keep building from here.