Not all business advice is good advice. In fact, some of the worst advice I ever received came from people who called themselves experts – consultants from big-name firms, corporate mentors, and business coaches I once trusted.
This episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast is a little different. It’s personal. I was inspired to record it after chatting with my team and laughing (and cringing) about some of the truly ridiculous things I’ve been told throughout my career.
9 Pieces of Bad Business Advice I’ve Gotten Over the Years
1. “If you care about people, you’ll work for free.”
Years ago, a mentor told me that if I really wanted to help people, I should never charge for it. She tied it to karma and energy and made me feel like accepting money was somehow wrong.
What I’ve learned since is that your work has value – and those things are worth paying for.
2. “‘Build from the inside out’ is weird.”
Someone once told me that my signature phrase, “build from the inside out,” was weird. Trust your gut. If something aligns with who you are and how you help, don’t abandon it because someone else doesn’t get it. The right people will.
3. “Don’t trust people.”
When we stop trusting others, we often stop trusting ourselves, too. And when that happens, self-doubt creeps in and leadership gets shaky. Instead of assuming the worst, learn to trust yourself first.
4. “Always negotiate your price.”
Yes, you can run special promos or offer VIP pricing, but constantly adjusting your prices confuses people and dilutes your value. As one of my mentors said, “A confused mind never buys.” Set clear prices. Deliver consistent value. Keep it simple.
5. “Don’t tell your story. It’s pathetic.”
Your story is powerful. It’s what makes people connect with you. It builds trust, shows your humanity, and helps others see what’s possible for them. So please – tell your story. Own it. Don’t let anyone make you feel like it’s not enough.
6. “You have to work seven days a week.”
You teach people how to treat you. If you set the precedent that you’re always available, they’ll expect that. Boundaries aren’t selfish – they’re necessary. When we say yes to everything, we’re often saying no to the people and parts of our lives that matter most.
7. “You need to stop working one-on-one.”
The truth is, I love working one-on-one. I love hearing people’s stories, especially from local business owners who’ve taken big leaps from corporate life to follow their dreams. That connection – that human-to-human understanding – is where transformation happens.
8. “Never work with local businesses.”
Local businesses have been some of the most inspiring, heart-driven clients I’ve ever worked with. Yes, it can be frustrating. Yes, it takes a special kind of grit to run a local business. But these are real people with incredible stories and huge dreams.
9. “You can’t compete with the big names in your niche.”
You don’t need to compete. There is only one you.
Your story, your voice, your heart – those are your differentiators. Nobody else has your journey, your struggles, or your perspective. You’re not here to be the next someone else. You’re here to be the first you.
4 Things I’ve Learned from This Bad Business Advice
1. Be Who You Are
You’re here for a reason. You don’t need to copy anyone else’s journey, branding, or voice. The most magnetic, powerful thing you can do is simply be who you are and let your business reflect that same authenticity.
2. Never Negotiate Your Value
You’re not just offering a product or service – you’re creating a transformation. You’re solving real problems and changing real lives.
So when it comes to pricing, don’t shrink yourself. Don’t discount out of fear. Align your prices with the impact you create.
3. Every Business Is Different
There’s no cookie-cutter path to success. Every person is different. That’s why I don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach in my work. Sure, I have a framework – but it’s flexible, because people need different things.
4. Your Story is What Sets You Apart
Your story is what connects you to your audience. It’s what builds trust. When we strip away the titles, the labels, and the pressure to perform, what’s left is your truth. And that truth is what your business should be rooted in.
So don’t hide your story. Honor it. Share it. Use it as a compass to guide how you show up, what you create, and who you serve.
2: Tune Into the Secret Podcast
Looking to improve employee engagement, build connections with your customers and get the freedom to finally take a vacation? Get access to my special, secret podcast Lead with Soul where I dive deep into what you can do to avoid the most common pitfalls in leadership while building a high performing team and a business that thrives no matter what the economy is doing. Head on over to https://theresacantley.com/lead-with-soul/ to join the movement!
Resources Mentioned
🎙️ Get access to my secret podcast Lead with Soul
☕️ Schedule a Virtual Coffee with Theresa
💻 Join me every Friday at 10 am on LinkedIn for my free workshop
📝 Uncover Your Biggest Blindspots with the Entrepreneur Quiz
Related Episodes
The Power of Choice: How to Lead with Intention
Build a Strong Foundation: Why Your Team Isn’t Engaged and How to Get Better Employee Engagement
