We asked some folks we admire to share one piece of conventional advice they disagree with.

Dichelle Jordan | Graphic Designer & Illustrator

The whole idea that you shouldn’t work in the same field or niche as someone else. I agree to an extent but I also believe if you really are meant to be somewhere that statement isn’t correct for all business owners. Your experience and the quality that you provide is what can make you stand out. Read more>>

Catrice Spain | Self Care Queen, Teeth Whitening Specialist, and Tooth Gem Artist

The one piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is: Traditional education is everything. I have a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree, and I have taken courses towards my Doctoral agree. At this point obtaining your degree may cost you more than opening an efficient, profitable business. I have learned a lot over the course of the years and one of the most important things I have learned is in order to learn the game you must get in and play. I do agree that you can go to school to learn how to analyze and work with numbers, but sometimes as an entrepreneur, you have to jump in and learn how to swim. Read more>>

Vandissa Brown | Sticker Maker & Memory Keeper

I don’t believe that anyone should be pigeon-holed into anything. Gender or age or anything else can’t decide where you end up. There are no “boy’s sports” or “girly hobbies”. There was a time when only men wore pants and look at us now, women are rocking the hell out of pants! When you listen too closely to the “shoulds” you block yourself from some incredible “coulds”. Read more>>

Lammar Fyre | Spiritual Life Coach, Master Oracle Reader & ADHD Warrior

I disagree with the advice that you have to believe in yourself to be successful. For a long time I just couldn’t understand why I couldn’t believe in myself to make certain business moves or create certain products and services. But with other things I would believe in myself with no hesitation. So I asked myself what was the difference? After much meditation I realized that the things that came easy and I was able to believe in myself about had nothing to do with belief and everything to do with knowing. So instead of trying to muster up belief I began to know within myself that I can do anything I need to in my career regardless of it’s perceived difficulty. Read more>>

Evawill | Music Producer, Creator, Business Enterprise

One piece of advice I find difficult to agree with is “Good things come to those who wait.” I don’t recall ever seeing that phrase play out as such in real life. Now to be fair, I do acknowledge there is value in having patience. Maybe the ultimate purpose of the advice is to value patience. However, the structure of the phrase itself establishes this sort of unrealistic notion that waiting will always result in a positive consequence. If I had followed that advice throughout the years, I honestly feel like it would have hindered my growth and success. I grew up in a non-traditional setting as a witness to adversities that many would not have made it out of successfully had they waited. Read more>>

Andrea Zoppo | Play and Nature Based Facilitator and Consultant

People may tell you to make a plan and Stick to it. I disagree. When I started my company I thought things would go a certain way. I sure was wrong. and guess what? That is alright! Actually being flexible is a big plus! The only constant is change and in today’s ever changing world being able to pivot, change your plan, and work with what you have is key. Read more>>

E. Mack Grace | Educator/Business Owner

You see this all the time on social media, “quit your 9 to 5 and start your business.” But is that always the best decision? Probably not. Entrepreneurship is full of dull, sad and scary moments. Quitting your job without a plan will definitely add to your stress level. I’m not saying you should stay at your crappy job and not pursue your dreams; I’m simply saying be smart before leaving. Plan, Plan, Plan! No, it’s not going to be easy to work for someone else and yourself at the same time. Read more>>