TL; DR

Build good operational foundations into your new venture from the get-go.

A good simple starting point:

  • Keep your bookkeeping and legal files in order, even if you don't like it. A little bit every day should be enough. Just don't procrastinate.
  • Pick your 1 key process. Map it. Document it. Improve it. Repeat with other work as capacity allows.
  • Track how good you are today (e.g., speeds, costs). With every repetition, track how much better you got, just from staying aware of what can improve.