Don't Be a Dick: Ten Rules that no one tells you about running your own business

Running your own business is a wonderful, life-affirming, and challenging journey.

It’s filled with tremendous highs and lows, and along the way, you’ll make lifelong friends and grow a network of genuine supporters.

I’ve been fortunate to experience both in abundance. The friendships I’ve made through business have changed my life more than any financial success.

Rule 1: If you need a friend, get a dog

You’ll lose people, and there’s a real sadness in that. It’s part of business life. People come and go, sometimes on good terms, sometimes not. Disagreements happen, and the stakes can be high. Looking back, there are things I wish I could have handled better, but it’s all part of the learning curve. Don’t burn bridges unnecessarily, but sometimes, you’ll need to set fire to a bridge and grind the embers into dust. Choose wisely.

Rule 2: Make your own way

There’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. You’ll need resilience, energy, and strength of character to navigate the unique challenges of your journey. Working with a business coach can offer much-needed support and perspective, especially when the world grows darker—as it inevitably will. Seek out good advice and lean on it, but remember that the final decisions rest with you.

Rule 3: Don’t Be a "D..k"

Arrogant Alphas, Slacker CEOs, Divisive Directors—these personas can poison your business. Remember, you’re there to serve and lead, not to play politics or inflate your ego. If you catch yourself behaving badly, take a step back before it’s too late. The goal is to support and empower your team. As an employer, you hold responsibility, not power. Value your staff, train them, and remember that they’re people, not just resources. Cherish your suppliers as well—they’re your partners in success.

Rule 4: Avoid the Vampires

Negative people can drain your energy and passion, turning every solution into a problem. These "Office Vampires" will sap your time and enthusiasm with their negativity. Identify and remove them as soon as possible to maintain a positive, productive environment.

Rule 5: Focus on the mission

Critics and advisors will appear in abundance, often indistinguishable from one another. Roosevelt said it best: "It is not the critic who counts…" Focus on your mission and ignore unsolicited negativity. Don’t engage with those who aren’t in the arena with you.

The famous Theodore Roosevelt quote about striving valiantly and daring greatly. “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better.

Rule 6: It's your fault, and it always will be

As a business owner, everything will always be your fault. Employees may come and go, often without appreciating the time, opportunity, and support you provided. While it can be disheartening, remember that success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan. Stick with the good ones—they are your most valuable asset, along with your customers.

Rule 7: Find Balance

Balance is easily lost in business, and it’s more about managing boundaries than managing time. Avoid unproductive meetings and time-wasting activities. Learn to say no and protect your time and focus. It's possibly better put as work-life harmony than work-life balance. Things don't always fit at all times and you'll have to burn both ends of the candle. That's okay, just try not to let it become your life.

Rule 8: The Customer Isn’t Always Right

Customers are essential (obviously), but not all of them are a good fit for your business. Some will indulge in power trips or blame games, which can be toxic. While it’s crucial to value your customers, don’t be afraid to cut loose those who don’t align with your principles. Build relationships with those who share your values and always ask, "How will this benefit my customers?". We're in the relationship economy now. Build great ones with your customers.

Rule 9: Play to Your Strengths

You won’t be good at everything, and that’s okay. Stick to what you excel at and delegate or outsource the rest. Focus on being productive, not just busy. Hire specialists—bookkeepers, PR agents, etc.—to handle the tasks outside your expertise.

Rule 10: Growth Brings Challenges

Growth is a great problem to have, but it brings its own set of challenges. As your business expands, so do the complexities. Invest in your infrastructure and hire capable staff to handle the increased demands. Growth requires careful management to avoid creating new problems.

Conclusion:

Running a business is tough and competitive, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It’s a roller coaster of a life, but there’s nothing else like it.

Long may it continue for us all.

If you’re in business or planning to start, I genuinely wish you the very best of success.

Which Rules would you have included?