In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation dives into the invaluable lessons learned from mistakes in business—those defining moments that make us say, never again. Host Shawn Walchef is joined by a dynamic group of business owners, entrepreneurs, and hospitality leaders who share their hard-earned wisdom on avoiding costly missteps. From partnerships gone wrong to contracts overlooked, they explore how learning from failure can lead to smarter decision-making, stronger businesses, and long-term success. Together, they discuss the challenges, red flags, and pivotal shifts that come from experience, leaving listeners with actionable takeaways to navigate their own entrepreneurial journeys with confidence.

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• Trust Your Gut and Learn from Red Flags – Many business owners shared stories of ignoring early warning signs, whether it was working without a contract, partnering with the wrong people, or saying yes to everything. The key lesson is to listen to instincts and recognize when something feels off before it leads to a costly mistake.
  
• Know Your Value and Protect Your Time – A common mistake discussed was giving away too much knowledge or work without clear agreements. Business owners need to charge for their expertise, set boundaries, and avoid clients or partnerships that don’t respect their time and effort.
  
• Plan Ahead and Define Expectations Clearly – Whether it’s securing deposits for catering, avoiding unclear equity deals, or ensuring contracts cover all details, the discussion highlighted the importance of thorough planning and clear communication in business dealings.
  

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