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By Andries van Tonder
Recently, I was asked a thought-provoking question: “What would you do differently if you could start over as an entrepreneur in affiliate marketing, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies?”
It made me reflect deeply on my journey—my wins, my failures, the pivots, and the powerful lessons I’ve learned since I began this path in 2013.
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with uncertainty, risks, breakthroughs, and reinventions. In the fast-evolving world of digital marketing and decentralized technologies, the rules of the game keep shifting.
But if I had the chance to begin again—with the clarity I now possess—there are ten key things I’d focus on.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to restart your journey, these principles can save you years of trial and error.
If I could rewind to 2013, I would commit to mastering one business model before chasing multiple shiny objects.
In those early years, I fell into the trap of jumping from program to program, hoping the next one would be “the one.” But momentum only comes through mastery.
Whether it's affiliate marketing, blockchain tech, or investing in crypto, pick one—and go all in until you’re great at it. Clarity is a multiplier.
I cannot emphasize this enough: if I had focused on building an email list from the beginning, my growth would have skyrocketed sooner.
Social platforms change, algorithms get tweaked, accounts get banned—but your list is yours.
It’s a true digital asset. Every campaign, every product launch, every referral system works better when you control your traffic.
Back then, I underestimated the power of a personal brand. People buy from those they know, like, and trust.
If I had focused earlier on building my own brand—sharing my story, being visible online, and creating value-driven content—I would have positioned myself as a trusted authority much sooner.
Your name is your brand. Own it.
In the early days of crypto, like many, I was captivated by the potential of quick returns.
But I wish I had taken the time to truly understand the foundational technology—blockchain.
It’s not just about coins and charts.
It's about decentralization, transparency, and new economic systems.
Real knowledge creates better decisions and long-term opportunities.
In the beginning, I wore every hat: marketer, tech guy, content creator, customer support.
That’s normal.
But I should have transitioned to systems thinking earlier.
Systems allow you to scale.
Whether it’s automation in email follow-ups, duplicatable funnels, or repeatable content workflows, your business grows when you stop doing everything manually.
There’s no shortcut to success, but the right mentor can cut years off your learning curve.
I learned this the hard way. I chased popular “gurus” with big promises instead of seeking mentors who aligned with my values and long-term goals.
If I could go back, I’d surround myself with proven leaders who teach principles—not just hype.
One of my biggest regrets is not documenting my journey from day one.
The wins, the losses, the ideas—these are the raw materials of content, credibility, and connection.
Today’s audience craves authenticity. I’d tell my younger self: start a blog, create short videos, share your process.
You don’t need to be perfect—just real.
Like many early adopters, I approached crypto ( mining) as a speculative tool rather than a strategic asset.
I bought on hype, sold on emotion, and learned some tough lessons.
If I started over, I’d build a crypto (Go E1U Life) portfolio with intention—focusing on utility, ecosystems, and passive income opportunities, not just trends.
Crypto isn’t a game—it’s a long-term play.
Relationships are currency. I wish I had been more intentional about networking—not just adding names to my contact list, but forming genuine connections.
The right partnerships, collaborations, and community support can accelerate your growth like nothing else.
In this industry, who you know can unlock exponential doors.
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Perhaps the most important lesson of all: play the long game.
I was too focused on quick wins early on, chasing instant gratification instead of building something sustainable.
If I had planted deeper roots, been more patient, and thought in terms of years instead of weeks, I would’ve reached stability sooner.
Long-term thinking creates lasting success.
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If there’s one message I want to leave you with, it’s this: starting over doesn’t mean failure—it means growth.
Whether you’re beginning your entrepreneurial journey or pivoting after years in the game, every moment is a chance to reset with more wisdom, clarity, and purpose.
The tools are better. The knowledge is out there. The networks are global. And the potential—especially in affiliate marketing, blockchain, and crypto—is bigger than ever.
If I could start over, I wouldn’t change the challenges. I’d simply embrace them with more strategy and less ego.
Because in the end, entrepreneurship isn’t about having all the answers—it's about committing to the process of becoming the person who will find them.
Every misstep holds a lesson, and every failure is just feedback. If you’re committed to the path, stay curious, stay humble, and adapt boldly.
The future of entrepreneurship is not fixed—it’s being written by founders like you.
Let your startup be the exception, not the statistic.
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About: Andries vanTonder
Over 46 years selfemployed
He is a Serial Entrepreneur, an Enthusiastic supporter of Blockchain Technology and a Cryptocurrency Investor
Find me: Markethive Profile Page | My Twitter Account | My Instagram Acount | and my Facebook Profile.
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