Choosing to write an article about startup mistakes either means I have personally experienced business failure or I think I know more than I actually do. In my case it may be a bit of both. I do not know if I would qualify as a serial entrepreneur but I have had my fair share of success and failure.

When I think of my business failures I do not feel embarrassed because every mistake, misstep, and failure taught me many very important life and business lessons.

In my experience when an entrepreneur 'fails' as long as they learned something from the experience they have not failed because they can take what they have learned to make changes to the business and succeed as a result. As long as you do not give up and quit you cannot fail.

I can honestly state that had I not made mistakes and experience failure I would not have been able to write two technical business books.

I was searching for resources on startup mistakes and failures when I came across this resource from the oregon Health and Science University that credits Entrepreneur Magazine as the source of the "What Not to Do" list of mistakes. My favorites from the article are:

Mistake 1: Failing to spend enough time researching the business idea to see if it's viable.

Mistake 2: Miscalculating market size, timing, ease of entry and potential market share.

Mistake 7: Lacking a contingency plan for a shortfall in expectations.

Mistake 9: Hiring for convenience rather than skill requirements.

Mistake 11: Accepting that it's "not possible" too easily rather than finding a way.

Mistake 13: Seeking confirmation of your actions rather than seeking the truth.

Mistake 15: Lacking clarity of your long-term aim and business purpose. Via Oregon Health and Science University