We sent out a survey recently and a lot of you had this to say… I don’t know where to start.
Whether it be the Duo Universe of content or just your business in general when it comes to marketing. There’s just SO much content out there that you start to feel that business overwhelm.
If you’re in the thick of it, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Why every business owner feels overwhelmed sometimes
- Reasons why you don’t know where to start
- “Start here” zones for every season
Why We All Feel Overwhelmed (Especially New Biz Owners)
You aren’t alone. We all feel overwhelmed during different seasons of our business.
This is why:
- There’s no rulebook for entrepreneurship
- Too much information → zero prioritization
- Everyone online screams different advice
- Comparison makes it worse
- Feeling like you “must do everything” to be successful
- Not knowing what actually moves the needle or who to trust
- Comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle
If by the end of this episode you still feel unsure where to start, we built something exactly for you — a free quiz that gives you your next right step.
The Real Reason You Don’t Know Where to Start
You might feel that business overwhelm, but why do you actually not know where to start?
- You don’t have a clear focus.
- You don’t know what stage you’re in.
- You’re trying to fix EVERYTHING at once.
- You’re mixing “growth tasks” with “foundation tasks.”
We ALL have felt these before. You might be feeling like you should be further than you are. We don’t know a business owner who hasn’t felt that way.
You might have so much on your plate that you aren’t sure how to prioritize. We’ve been there.
This is exactly why we created the quiz — because what you need right now might be different than what someone else needs. Your roadmap depends on your stage.
The 4 “Start Here” Zones
Which of these zones do you resonate with the most?
#1: I’m Just Getting My Feet Wet
You’re learning, figuring things out, and just trying to get the basics right.
This is for the entrepreneur who is:
- Still defining their audience + offers
- Unsure how branding or SEO applies to them
- Feeling totally overwhelmed by where to start
- Searching for clarity + a simple plan (without business overwhelm)
What matters most right now:
- Build strong foundations — not fancy marketing
- Learn the basics + take one tiny step at a time
This is where so many of us start — and that’s okay.
Guess what… you can be three years in business and head back to this phase. AND that can be a very good thing.
Maybe you pivot, restructure your packages…. You have to go back to the drawing board with your foundations.
#2: My Business Exists… But It Doesn’t Feel Like Me
You built it… but something feels “off” when you look at your brand.
This person is:
- Showing up, but with a brand they outgrew
- Inconsistent online because their visuals/voice don’t feel aligned
- Doing “SEO-ish” things but unsure if any of it works
- Stuck and craving a refresh
What matters most right now:
- Clarity in brand identity + messaging + maybe visuals
- Aligning how you show up with who you are today
This is the “I cobbled something together and now I regret it” season. 😂 ORRRR it’s the “things have changed” season.
“I’m not who I was three years ago when my business started.” → This is how we felt before we rebranded Duo in 2024!
#3: I’m Creating… But It’s Not Connecting
You’re posting… but nothing is happening.
This person:
- Knows what they have to offer is solid… but…
- Produces content regularly
- Sees some traffic… but not leads
- Feels stuck with messaging or target audience
- Is wondering what’s missing in their marketing
What matters most right now:
- Improve visibility + connection
- Align content with what your audience actually needs
- Strengthen SEO + storytelling
This is where confidence can take a hit — but momentum is SO close.
#4: I’ve Hit My Limit — It’s Time to Bring in Experts
You’re juggling too much — and your business needs more support.
This person is:
- Wearing all the hats and dropping some
- Growing, but overwhelmed
- Knowing SEO + branding matter but having zero bandwidth
- Ready to invest (you have the spending dollars) and you just need help you can trust
What matters most right now:
- Delegating
- Protecting your time and sanity
- Getting expert support to sustain growth
This is the “I cannot DIY one more thing” stage.
Narrow Down Your One Stage
If you’ve been overwhelmed because you’re trying to do a little of ALL four stages… No wonder it feels impossible. You just need to know which stage you’re actually in.
That’s why we created this quiz — so you can finally stop guessing.
You don’t need to hustle harder — you just need clarity. Let’s make 2026 the year of simple, sustainable growth. Not business overwhelm.
FAQs About Business Overwhelm
Starting a business is overwhelming because you’re building structure while operating inside it. You’re responsible for every decision—strategy, marketing, finances, systems—often without clear guidance or immediate feedback. The combination of impostor syndrome, emotional investment, and constant learning creates mental overload, especially in the early stages.
Business overwhelm is usually situational and temporary. Burnout is chronic and persistent. If taking a break helps you feel better, it’s likely business overwhelm. If rest doesn’t restore your energy, burnout may be present.
Yes. Overwhelm is extremely common for new business owners. You’re learning new skills, managing risk, and making decisions that directly affect your income. Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re stretching into something new.
Need More Details About Each Stage?
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Abbey Oslin and Courtney Petersen are Minnesota-based marketing experts with over 20+ years of combined experience working with big brands. They are educators and co-founders of Duo Collective; a boutique organic marketing agency specializing in SEO, branding, and custom websites for women-led small businesses and creative entrepreneurs.
Ready to grow your visibility and become unforgettable?
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