We asked some brilliant folks from the community to tell us about the most important lesson their business or career has taught them. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Hailey Johnson | Owner and Designer of Paper and Dust- custom wedding stationery and signage

A lot of people say this. but that is because it is correct. Failure. Failure is a hard lesson, but an important lesson everyone who owns a company has learned and is still learning. I failed this week in fact. It sucks when you do fail, but from that you learned what to do right next time, how to fix it, and how to not do it again, and you grow from it. I have taken on clients that I was in over my head on. I had no idea how to make it happen, but I made it happen and I failed in the process but I came out better from it and now know how to accomplish those tasks. Read more>>

Jason Hunt | Co-founder & Facebook Ad Specialist, Merged Media

I’ve learned that partnering with the right people is one of the most valuable lessons in business. Working alongside those whose strengths complement your own can yield positive results, but more often than not it’s a good idea to look for partners who will pick up slack when you’re weak and help fill those gaps where they exist – seeking out the right partners in business is an opportunity cost worth exploring! I’m a creative guy and not so focused on the technical side of digital marketing, this is one of the core reasons for merging my social media agency with a leading SEO company to form Merged Media. Read more>>

Shannon Gaines | Founder and co-owner of Trail Rated Coffee Company

The most important lesson business has taught me was to never give up on a dream and to be relentless. Read more>>

WEston Paas | Blacksmith – Custom Knives & ironwork

Starting a often the hardest part. But it is the most important part. Read more>>