By Jerry Mooney

There’s so much business advice floating around online. Not all of it is great advice to take! You’ll regularly see bad business advice dished out here and there, and the scary thing is that some people actually take it. If you’re interested to find out what it is, read on…

Don’t Bother Starting Your Business At All

Some people might tell you that it’s too hard to run a business. That it’s too hard to be different, to look after every aspect of running a business, too hard to succeed in a world full of similar businesses. This is false! If you’re passionate about what you do and you have a good idea, you could very well make a success of your business. You need unwavering faith and a willingness to work hard. But don’t let that put you off! If you’re serious about this, don’t listen to anybody who tells you not to start your business.

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Create A Thorough Business Plan And Make It Perfect

While creating a business plan can help to drive you forward, making it absolutely perfect isn’t essential. In fact, many people stray from their business plan over time and even change it. A good business plan can help you to secure funding, but it doesn’t need to be perfect.

Don’t Stop Working Hard

Working hard is a must, yes. But you need to find a good balance when it comes to work and the people you love. You need a sustainable lifestyle that allows you to take rest time and time with your loved ones. If you don’t have that, chances are, you’ll burn out pretty quickly. If you can find ways to automate your business and make your life easier, do so. Creating strong relationships with other companies and suppliers can help. In the hospitality industry, things like commercial laundry services will make your life easier.

Keep Your Job On The Side

Keeping your job on the side can help to ensure that you have a bit of an income coming in while you get your business off the ground, but it could also stunt your growth. Sometimes, what you really need to do is take a leap of faith.

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The Customer Is Always Right

You do need to take customer feedback into account, as you know they are important to your business. That being said, they are not always right. If you are constantly giving in to your customer’s demands and giving discounts, special offers, you might find you’re affecting your bottom line. Customer service is essential, but bending to their every whim is not.

Only Hire People With Experience

Hiring people with experience can be helpful. But vowing to only hire those with experience is  plain silly. Sometimes, it’s better to hire somebody with enthusiasm, who shares the same passion for the industry you’re in. In some cases, it can be even more important!

Don’t follow this business advice if you want to create the best version of your business!

Jerry Mooney is co-founder and managing editor of Zenruption and the author of History Yoghurt and the Moon. He studied at the University of Munich and Lewis and Clark College where he received his BA in International Affairs and West European Studies. He has recently taught Language and Communications at a small, private college and owned various businesses, including an investment company. Jerry is committed to zenrupting the forces that block social, political and economic justice. He can also be found on Twitter @JerryMooney