The Worst Business Advice I’ve Ever Heard
How to tune into the right advice about success
There’s no shortage of business advice out there. From podcasts and blogs to social media posts and webinars, everyone seems to have their own take on what it means to be successful.
We live in an age where information, insights, and perspectives are more accessible than ever. With just a few clicks, we can find answers to almost any problem and learn from a wide range of experiences.
But with that abundance comes a challenge: how do you know which advice to follow, and which to completely ignore?
A lot of the guidance we come across is grounded in real-life experience. There are countless inspiring stories of people who’ve built thriving businesses, overcome obstacles, and forged their own unique paths. These stories can be incredibly motivating and insightful, offering valuable lessons to draw from as you shape your own business journey.
But, like anything, there’s a flip side. Some advice is dressed up as inspiration, but beneath the surface, it’s anything but helpful.
The advice might sound flashy, but it often lacks real substance. It promises quick wins while glossing over the effort, patience, and persistence needed to build something meaningful. Worse still, it can pull you away from your values, your goals, and the kind of business you actually want to create.
With that in mind, here are three of the worst pieces of business advice I’ve ever heard, and why you should steer clear if you're focused on building something aligned, sustainable, and true to you.
1.“You need to work 100-hour weeks to be an entrepreneur.”
This is the kind of advice that fuels burnout and long-term exhaustion. Success doesn't come from working non-stop, but comes from working with intention. Hustling around the clock isn’t sustainable, and more importantly, it’s not a measure of your worth or potential.
Instead of focusing on how many hours you’re grinding, focus on the impact of your work. Build a business that works for your life, not the other way around. Make space for rest, fun, and recharging, because creativity and clarity come from a full cup, not an empty one.
2. “You must be loud or extroverted to succeed.”
In a world filled with bold personalities, big followings, and louder-is-better messaging, it’s easy to feel like being quiet or introverted puts you at a disadvantage.
But that’s simply not true.
You can be wildly successful just by being you. Authenticity resonates more than volume ever will. You don’t need to shout to be heard, you just need to show up in a way that’s true to who you are. Your energy, your voice, and your vibe will naturally attract the people who are meant to work with you.
3. “Don’t overextend yourself.”
This one often comes disguised as well-meaning advice: “Play it safe,” “Stick to what you know,” or “Don’t take unnecessary risks.”
But here's the reality: real growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone.
Building a business that stands out requires courage. It means making bold moves, experimenting, and being willing to take calculated risks. Innovation comes from stretching yourself, not shrinking to fit inside someone else’s version of “safe.”
Take the leap. Even if it feels scary. Especially if it feels scary. That’s usually where the magic happens.
The takeaway:
Success doesn’t look the same for everyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, for people or for businesses. What works for someone else might not work for you. And that’s exactly how it should be.
Trust your instincts. Believe in your vision. Back yourself completely.
Absorb inspiration and wisdom from others, but don’t take everything as gospel. Let advice guide you, not govern you. No one else gets to decide how you should build your business, only you do.
In essence, it’s channelling the best advice that I’ve ever heard, and can give.
Do it in your own, unique way, always.
