23 Brutal Business Truths
I recently watched a compelling YouTube video by Dan Martell, where he shared some hard-hitting business truths he wishes he’d known in his 20s. These lessons cut across industries and are deeply relevant to anyone leading or building—business or otherwise. Here’s a reflection on his insights and why they still hit hard in today’s world.
Brutal Business Truths: Lessons Every Entrepreneur Must Learn
I recently watched a compelling YouTube video by Dan Martell, where he shares hard-hitting business truths he wishes he had known in his 20s. These lessons cut across industries and are deeply relevant to anyone building or leading a business.
From scaling smart to avoiding painful mistakes, these insights serve as a powerful roadmap for navigating the realities of entrepreneurship. In today’s fast-paced, high-stakes business environment, understanding these truths can make the difference between struggle and success.
Here’s a reflection on these truths and why they matter in today’s business landscape.
1. Spend Money to Save Time
Many entrepreneurs waste time trying to save money, but true growth comes from valuing time over dollars. Outsourcing, automation, and delegating are essential to scale efficiently.
2. Sell Before You Build
Pre-selling is a business superpower. Validate demand before investing in development—this prevents wasted resources and ensures market fit.
3. Manage Energy and Time
Productivity isn’t about scheduling tasks—it’s about aligning them with your energy peaks. Focus on high-impact activities when you’re at your best.
4. Simplicity Scales, Complexity Fails
Business complexity slows down decision-making and execution. The more streamlined your operations, the faster you’ll grow.
5. Cash Flow Is Critical
Never finance your customers. Get paid upfront to keep your business financially healthy and self-sustaining.
6. Model and Modify
Follow proven frameworks before trying to reinvent the wheel. Once you achieve success, then tweak for optimisation.
7. Be Patient with Results but Impatient with Action
Long-term success comes from consistency. Take action daily and trust that results will follow over time.
8. Never Assume You Have All the Answers
Continuous learning is non-negotiable. Seek external knowledge and expertise to stay ahead of the curve.
9. Measure Everything and Make It Visible
Transparent metrics drive accountability. Data should be accessible to everyone to foster ownership and alignment.
10. Be the Smallest Person in the Biggest Room
Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you to grow. If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
11. Play to Win, Not Just to Avoid Losing
Fear-based decisions stunt growth. Take calculated risks and focus on opportunities, not just threats.
12. It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who Knows You
Personal branding is key. Be recognised in your industry so opportunities come to you.
13. Doubt Kills More Dreams Than Failure Ever Will
Overthinking leads to inaction. Take imperfect action instead of waiting for certainty.
14. Build People, and They’ll Build the Business
Leadership is about investing in people. Their growth fuels your company’s success.
15. Your Team Should Work Harder on Themselves Than Their Job
Personal growth drives professional excellence. Encourage continuous learning in your team.
16. Train, Don’t Just Tell
Develop systems that empower employees to solve problems independently. A well-trained team scales effortlessly.
17. Lead Like a 5-Year-Old
Foster curiosity and ownership in your team. Avoid micromanaging—let them take initiative.
18. Results Matter More Than Effort
Working hard isn’t enough. Deliver outcomes, not just activity.
19. Business Problems Are Personal Problems in Disguise
How you handle stress, leadership, and emotions reflects in your business. Master yourself to master your business.
20. Solve Process Problems Before Blaming People
Before firing someone, fix the system. Most issues stem from poor processes, not bad employees.
21. Know Your Time’s Worth
High-value entrepreneurs protect their time like an asset. Say no to distractions and low-return tasks.
22. Use the 10-80-10 Rule for Delegation
• 10%: Set the vision
• 80%: Let the team execute
• 10%: Fine-tune the outcome
This method balances delegation with creative input.
23. Dream Big Enough for Your Team’s Dreams to Fit Inside
People don’t leave companies; they leave small visions. A compelling mission attracts and retains top talent.
Do any of these truths resonate with your current journey or past experiences?
Which one hits the hardest or feels most relevant right now?