Resources: https://www.peytonlaw.com

Today, we’re going to take this podcast is a slightly different direction. Today’s episode is about something every entrepreneur struggles with—feeling like everyone else has it all figured out… and the big secret I’ve learned… that, in reality, nobody has it figured out.

In my years as an attorney, I’ve helped so many business owners, from launching new ventures and forming entities to buying, selling, and everything in between. If I’ve learned one thing from working with clients in every stage of business, it’s this: no one has it all together, even if they look like they do.

Let’s get this out there—there’s no secret formula, no 'one right way' to build a successful business. I see so many entrepreneurs beating themselves up, feeling like they’re missing something, or thinking they should have it all mapped out by now. But here’s the truth: we’re all just doing our best.

From entity formation to crafting solid (but understandable) contracts, I’ve been there with clients when they’ve hit high highs and low lows. I’ve worked with those who are just starting with a big idea and others selling a business they’ve spent years building.

Working with entrepreneurs through every stage of business has given me a front-row seat to all the things you might not see behind the scenes. When we set up an LLC or corporation, I see the excitement of a fresh start mixed with anxiety about making the right choice. Or when a business is being sold, it’s not just about transferring assets and accounts—it’s about the emotions and the legacy that are tied up in that sale.

And in between, there are so many moments of self-doubt and worry. Is this trademark going to protect my brand? Is this partnership going to last? What happens if it doesn’t?

Over the years, I’ve found that my job is, maybe 1/3 law and legal advice, 1/3 business, and helping entrepreneurs understand which decisions weigh on the legal and which are truly business decisions, and the final 1/3 is the human element – it’s hand-holding, it’s being an outside view, coming from a level-headed position, of being my clients’ scape goat (just blame the attorney), and sometimes just an ear when they need to talk something out load.

The more clients I help, and the more types of business I see the inside of, the more I realize that entrepreneurship is about staying adaptable, taking risks, and accepting that there’s always more to learn.

Here’s what I know: real success isn’t about knowing everything upfront, or waiting until you have a detailed plan of action—it’s about small steps forward, showing up every day, learning, and adapting. Every successful business owner I’ve met has a story of how they either 'figuredit out' or how they stumbled onto some one or some thing that just worked. Some of them made mistakes, others had successes they didn’t expect, and many ended up in places they hadn’t planned to go.

As entrepreneurs, we’re in the business of building

I’m Janelle Peyton, and welcome to 10onTuesday—the podcast where I answer one burning legal question in 10 minutes or less. No fluff, no confusing legal-eze—just real answers in plain english to help you grow and protect your business.

This podcast is for smart, driven people like you—intelligent, entrepreneurial, and ready to take your business to the next level.

If you found today’s insights valuable, head over to www.peytonlaw.com for show notes and helpful resources.

Just a quick reminder: the information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and isn’t legal advice specific to your situation. Listening doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship. For advice tailored to your business, please consult a qualified attorney.