Don’t Let Lack of Experience Hold You Back

Lack of Experience: Turn It Into Your Advantage

No matter what stage of life or business you're in, there's always going to be a first time for everything. Whether it's learning to walk as a toddler, riding a bike, driving a car, buying a mobile home, rehabbing a property, or negotiating with residents—it’s all part of the process. Here's the great news: you don’t have to have all the experience yourself to succeed. You can borrow the faith of others who’ve already been there, done that, and learned the hard lessons for you.

When I first started as a real estate investor, I made a HUGE mistake—I thought I could figure it all out on my own. I had this arrogant belief that I didn’t need help. Collaboration? Networking? Nah, I’d just "wing it." Looking back, it’s amazing that I didn’t go bankrupt or completely burn out in those early years.

Then, when I did finally seek help, I fell into another trap. I got caught up in the hype of fancy marketing. If someone could tell a good story or had slick branding, I assumed they must know their stuff. But here’s the reality I learned the hard way: many people selling courses or ideas are teaching theory, not experience. Or, their knowledge is 10-20 years outdated.  Or their knowledge is only in a bull market.

It took me attending multiple seminars and working with real-world mentors to figure out how to spot the people who truly had the goods. These were the folks with real transaction experience—not just the shiny objects. And once I started learning from them, everything changed. I became a better investor, a better advisor, and someone who could confidently make smarter decisions.

How to Learn From Experience Without Making Every Mistake

One of the masterminds I was in, a member called me out for saying, “Yeah, but…” every time someone tried to give advice. That phrase—“Yah, but…”—kills curiosity. Instead, I was told to say, “Tell me more.”

When someone experienced is sharing their wisdom, don’t shut the door by doubting or questioning everything right away. Instead, ask them to elaborate, to share more, or to clarify. “Yeah, but…” creates walls. “Tell me more” builds relationships.

Action Steps for You

1. Find a Mentor: Seek out someone who has real-world experience in what you’re trying to achieve. Be willing to listen and apply what they teach.
2. Avoid the Shiny Objects: Don’t get distracted by slick marketing. Look for people with proven results, not just good stories.
3. Adopt a Learner’s Mindset: Replace “Yah, but…” with “Tell me more.” It’s a simple shift that opens the door to deeper learning.
4. Take Action Quickly: Knowledge is only valuable when it’s put into action. Start small, but start now.

Experience is earned, but it doesn’t have to come from making every mistake yourself. Learn from others, take action, and watch how quickly you grow.

What’s one area in your business where you feel stuck or inexperienced? Let’s talk about it—maybe I can help you take your next step!