Latest news with #businessadvice
Entrepreneur
10-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Revealed: First Picture of Cover of Mohamed Alabbar's New Autobiography
You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. It has been five years in the making – but the wait is nearly over for the release of Mohamed Alabbar's long awaited autobiography. Called "For the love of the craft", sources say the book will be released in August – as seen in the leaked pictures of the cover. It is understood to be several hundred pages long, and covers every detail of the Emaar founder's life story. "He shares everything – the early days growing up in Dubai, family, the launch of Emaar, Noon, the building of the Burj Khalifa. But most of all, it is also very much a book of advice – how to build and run an empire," says a source close to Alabbar. The cover suggests the first run of the book will be in English, and available across the Arab world, Europe, Asia and USA – with an Arabic version also believed to be in the works. Alabbar is now a global entrepreneur with interests in real estate, retail, hospitality, e-commerce, technology, logistics, F&B, and venture capital. A graduate in Finance and Business Administration from Seattle University in the United States, Alabbar also holds an Honorary Doctorate from Seattle University, an Honorary Doctorate from London School of Economics, and a Political Science Honorary Doctorate from Sun Moon University in South Korea. The book, written in the first person, is understood to delve into all aspects of his life. "Every high and every low is in there, no stone has been left unturned," says a source.
Entrepreneur
03-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
From the UAE, Kevin O'Leary Shares His No-Nonsense Advice for Entrepreneurs
On the sidelines of a special event by ONE Development, Kevin O'Leary sat down for an exclusive interview with Entrepreneur Middle East to share his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Kevin O'Leary has recently been appointed brand ambassador for ONE Development, the UAE-born international real estate company. In a strategic partnership with ONE Development founder and Chairman Ali Al Gebely, O'Leary will play a key role in supporting the company's global expansion efforts. On the sidelines of a special event by ONE Development, O'Leary sat down for an exclusive interview with Entrepreneur Middle East to share his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don't be afraid to start "Most entrepreneurs have a hard time making the first step to start. They should do it in their 20s, because that is when you have time and you don't have as many responsibilities, and you can make plenty of mistakes, which is great. I would rather invest in an entrepreneur that has felt the sting of failure a few times than one who thinks they can do it right the first time. They never can. It is so hard." Prepare your pitch "Learn to articulate the opportunity in 90 seconds or less, because no one is going to give any more time than that." Focus on execution "More important than a great idea is your ability to execute on it. Because great ideas are a dime a dozen. Executional skills are very hard to find. If you can find a young man or woman who looks and has the confidence to execute, that makes me interested in investing." Know your numbers "You have got to know your numbers. How fast is the market growing? What are the gross margins? How many competitors are there? You got to know that stuff. That is the DNA of a great entrepreneur. Then obviously, you want to be in a market that is growing. It is like all boats rise in a rising tide, and so try and find regions of the world where businesses are being started in a high growth environment like here. There is a reason entrepreneurship is so prevalent here. The regulatory environment is very good. The tax rates are really competitive. The weather is great, and the economy is growing at an extraordinary rate because it is multi sectoral. I predict pretty good things for this place." Related: The UAE Advantage: Kevin O'Leary's Perspective
Geeky Gadgets
26-06-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Why Following Viral Business Advice Could Be Your Biggest Mistake Yet
Imagine this: you're a first-time entrepreneur, eager to launch your dream business. You scour the internet for advice, soaking up every tip from self-proclaimed gurus and viral social media posts. 'Find your niche before you start,' they say. 'Consistency is everything.' 'Passive income is the ultimate goal.' These ideas sound promising—after all, they're repeated everywhere. But here's the harsh truth: some of the most popular business advice for beginners is not just unhelpful—it's downright harmful. Following these misguided mantras could leave you frustrated, burnt out, or worse, out of business entirely. What if the advice you trust most is the very thing holding you back? In this investigation , Deya unravels the worst business advice that beginners are likely to encounter in 2025. From the seductive myth of passive income to the pressure of hustle culture, we'll expose why these ideas fail and what you should do instead. You'll discover how to focus on practical, high-impact strategies that build real momentum, like mastering active income models, prioritizing customer value, and experimenting your way to a niche. This isn't about following trends or quick fixes—it's about equipping yourself with the tools and mindset to build a sustainable, thriving business. After all, the right start can make all the difference. Common Business Advice Myths Why Passive Income isn't the Best Starting Point The allure of passive income is undeniable. The idea of earning money effortlessly while you sleep is a dream for many. However, the reality is far more complex. Passive income models require significant upfront effort, expertise, and ongoing management. For beginners, this approach often leads to frustration, wasted resources, and unmet expectations. A more practical business advice starting point is to focus on active income strategies such as offering one-on-one services, freelancing, or consulting. These approaches allow you to: Develop foundational skills that are critical for long-term success. Gain a deeper understanding of your target market and their needs. Establish credibility and build a reputation before scaling into passive income streams. By actively engaging with your audience and learning from direct interactions, you'll gain the insights and experience necessary to create sustainable income streams in the future. The Myth of Consistency 'Consistency is key' is a phrase often repeated in business circles, but applying it indiscriminately can lead to burnout and inefficiency. While consistency is important, trying to maintain it across every aspect of your business is neither realistic nor productive. Instead, focus on high-use tasks—those that deliver the greatest results for your time and effort. For example: Rather than posting daily on social media, create one high-quality piece of content that drives long-term engagement and value. Streamline repetitive tasks through automation or delegation to free up time for strategic activities. Consistency should be applied selectively to areas that truly drive growth and move your business forward, rather than spreading yourself too thin. The Worst Business Advice for Beginners in 2025 Watch this video on YouTube. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on Beginner business advice. The Niche Discovery Process 'Find your niche' is advice that often paralyzes beginners, making them feel pressured to define their focus before they even start. The truth is, discovering your niche is a process of experimentation, not a prerequisite for launching your business. Test different services, audiences, and industries to identify where your strengths and interests align with market demand. Over time, you'll naturally uncover the niche that fits your expertise and goals. This iterative approach allows you to adapt and refine your focus without feeling boxed in or constrained from the outset. Rethinking Hustle Culture Hustle culture, which glorifies long hours and relentless work, has become a pervasive business advice mindset among entrepreneurs. However, working harder doesn't always equate to working smarter. Overextending yourself often leads to exhaustion, poor decision-making, and diminished results. A more sustainable approach is to prioritize efficiency and balance by: Focusing on high-impact tasks that directly contribute to growth and success. Automating repetitive processes to save time and reduce manual effort. Delegating tasks to team members or freelancers, freeing up bandwidth for strategic planning and innovation. By adopting a balanced approach, you'll not only preserve your well-being but also enhance your ability to make sound, strategic business decisions. Why a Money-First Mentality Fails Optimizing solely for profit might seem like a logical strategy, but it can erode customer trust and harm your long-term success. Customers are drawn to businesses that prioritize solving their problems and delivering value over simply maximizing revenue. Shift your focus to building trust and delivering value by: Offering transparent pricing to establish credibility and foster trust. Providing exceptional customer service to create loyalty and positive word-of-mouth. By prioritizing customer satisfaction, you'll cultivate a loyal base that supports your business and drives sustainable growth over time. Passion Alone Isn't Enough While passion is a powerful motivator, it's not a guarantee of success. A passion-driven business must also align with market demand to be viable. Without this alignment, even the most enthusiastic entrepreneur can struggle to gain traction. Before diving in, validate your idea through customer feedback and small-scale experiments. For instance: If you're passionate about graphic design, start by offering freelance services to gauge demand, refine your skills, and build a portfolio. This approach ensures that your passion translates into a business model that meets real-world needs and generates sustainable income. Pricing with Strategy, Not Emotion The advice to 'charge your worth' can be misleading, as it conflates personal value with pricing strategy. This mindset can result in overpricing or underpricing your services, both of which can harm your business. Instead, base your pricing on objective factors such as: Comprehensive market research to understand industry standards. Feedback from clients to gauge the perceived value of your offerings. The tangible results and benefits you provide to your customers. Start with competitive rates and gradually increase them as your expertise, reputation, and demand grow. For example, if you're a new consultant, offering discounted rates initially can help you build a portfolio and gain testimonials that justify higher pricing later. The Importance of Traffic Generation Even the best product or service won't succeed without consistent traffic. Building a system to attract and nurture potential customers is essential for growth and sustainability. Consider strategies such as: Search engine optimization (SEO) to drive organic traffic to your website or platform. Email marketing to engage and retain your audience over time. Collaborating with complementary businesses or influencers to expand your reach and credibility. For instance, a small e-commerce store could use content marketing to attract visitors while running targeted ads to convert them into paying customers. Personal Branding: A Means, Not an End Personal branding is often emphasized as a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success, but it should never overshadow your primary goal: solving customer problems. A polished personal brand without substance won't lead to sustainable success. Focus on serving your audience by: Creating valuable content that directly addresses their needs and challenges. Building trust through authenticity, transparency, and consistent delivery of value. Let your personal brand evolve naturally as a byproduct of your commitment to delivering exceptional service and solving real problems for your customers. Actionable Strategies for Long-Term Success To navigate the entrepreneurial landscape and miss the worst business advice in 2025 effectively, consider these strategies: Begin with active income models to build expertise and credibility. Focus on high-use tasks to maximize results and avoid burnout. Experiment with different opportunities to discover your niche naturally. Adopt a balanced approach by automating and delegating tasks. Prioritize trust and customer satisfaction over short-term profit. Validate your business ideas through market demand and feedback. Develop a consistent traffic generation system to grow your audience. Serve your audience's needs first, allowing personal branding to follow naturally. Media Credit: Deya Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Entrepreneur
23-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
3 Truths Every Founder Learns the Hard Way
There's no manual for entrepreneurship — and your mom's advice, while well-meaning, didn't cover the realities of building a business. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Growing up, most of us were raised on a handful of core values: Be respectful, work hard, go to school, and try to find a "good job." That kind of advice served a purpose — until you stepped into the world of entrepreneurship. Once you start building companies, managing risk and making decisions that impact other people's livelihoods, you quickly realize that much of the real-world playbook wasn't passed down at the dinner table. There are rules no one told you — lessons that only become clear through experience, failure and a few bruises along the way. Here are three truths your mom probably didn't mention, but every entrepreneur eventually learns. Related: 5 Truths About Entrepreneurship You're Better Off Knowing From the Start 1. Relationships matter more than money — don't burn bridges Money gets a lot of attention. In business, it's often treated as the ultimate scorecard. But ask anyone who's been through multiple cycles — booms, busts, exits, restarts — and they'll tell you the same thing: Relationships are the true long-term currency. Too many people early in their careers treat business like a zero-sum game. Win the deal. Beat the competition. Squeeze every cent. But what they don't realize is that business is a marathon, not a sprint. And the bridges you burn now could be the ones you need to cross later. People remember how you made them feel. They remember how you showed up when things were good and how you behaved when things weren't. I've seen incredibly talented people sidelined from opportunity not because they lacked skill, but because they left a trail of scorched relationships behind them. Business isn't just about capital — it's about trust. When the tide turns, it won't be your profit margins that save you. It'll be the people who trust you enough to bet on you again. So, here's the bottom line: Protect your name. Don't burn bridges. Stay in touch with the people who helped you early on. And never underestimate the value of loyalty, humility and consistency. 2. Don't just look for a job — build a career that points forward Most people are trained to look for stability. A job with a paycheck, a title, maybe benefits. But entrepreneurship requires a different mindset — one that's focused not just on the next role, but on the next direction. If you're constantly looking straight ahead, reacting to what's in front of you, you'll miss the bigger picture. The best founders don't just ask, "What should I do next?" They ask, "What kind of life do I want to build? What impact do I want to have?" Looking up means identifying a bigger vision. It means saying no to short-term moves that don't serve the long game. It means thinking in terms of legacy, not just tasks. Every great company starts with someone who wasn't satisfied with the status quo. Someone who refused to settle for "just another job" and instead chose to take a risk on a bigger idea. If you're serious about entrepreneurship, your job isn't to chase opportunities — it's to shape them. Stop asking what's available. Start asking what's possible. Related: What No One Tells You About Entrepreneurship — 5 Hard Truths 3. Go to college — but not for the reasons you think We've been told since childhood: "Go to college. It's the only way to succeed." And sure, if you're planning to be a doctor, attorney or engineer, that advice still holds up. But for the rest of us? The real value of college has little to do with the diploma and everything to do with the people. College isn't just a classroom. It's your first real network. Your first taste of navigating relationships, learning to pitch an idea, convincing others to join your vision and failing publicly — then bouncing back. That's not something you learn in a lecture hall. Some of the most successful founders of our time didn't finish college, but they were smart enough to immerse themselves in a social ecosystem where ideas, ambition and bold personalities collided. College is where you find your tribe. Your co-founders. Your early supporters. Your future business partners. So if you're going to invest in college, don't do it for the framed degree. Do it for the four years of social capital you'll never get back. Skip the resume-padding clubs and find the circles where ideas get challenged, risks get taken and relationships get built. Because ten years from now, no one's going to ask what grade you got in Econ 101 — but they will ask who you built something with. Related: The 6 Scary Truths About Becoming an Entrepreneur Entrepreneurship is one of the toughest and most rewarding paths you can take. But it doesn't come with a manual — especially not one your parents had. The lessons you need to succeed often fly in the face of conventional wisdom. So let this be your updated guide: Prioritize people over profit. Think in decades, not quarters. And recognize that your social intelligence will often carry you further than any degree. Your mom gave you the basics. Now it's on you to learn the rest — and write your own playbook.
Forbes
18-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
4 Ways Young Entrepreneurs Can Use ChatGPT As Their Co-Founder
teen using chatgpt to help with his business Young entrepreneurs face a unique challenge: building businesses while managing school, limited budgets, and a lack of professional networks. With 66% of teens aged 13-17 expressing interest in starting businesses as adults, the entrepreneurial drive is strong, but the resources are limited. While young founders must rely on their creativity, empathy, and business instincts to succeed, ChatGPT has emerged as an unexpected solution: a $20-per-month co-founder that never conflicts with your class schedule and doesn't want equity. At WIT (Whatever It Takes), the organization I founded in 2009, I've watched over 10,000 young entrepreneurs navigate the early stages of business building. The most successful ones understand that AI can't replace their unique perspective or emotional intelligence, but it can serve as a strategic sounding board that amplifies their natural entrepreneurial abilities. Try this approach: "You're an experienced startup advisor. I'm a 17-year-old with an idea for [your concept]. Ask me 10 hard questions to evaluate whether this could make money and help real people." Example prompt: "I'm 16 and want to start a tutoring service for middle school students struggling with math. I'd charge $25 per hour and work after school and on weekends. You're my business advisor—ask me 10 tough questions to determine if this idea is realistic and profitable. Don't go easy on me just because I'm young." This prompt forces young founders to think beyond their immediate social circle and consider market realities. Unlike adult mentors who might sugarcoat feedback, AI delivers direct analysis that helps teens develop a realistic business sense. Young entrepreneurs often struggle to create professional-looking business plans, websites, and marketing materials with zero budget for designers or consultants. ChatGPT can draft comprehensive business documents, write website copy, and create marketing strategies that rival those of some agencies. Try this approach: "You're helping a teen entrepreneur create a professional business plan for [your idea]. Include market analysis, financial projections, and a growth strategy that shows I understand real business principles." Example prompt: "I'm a teenage entrepreneur creating a safety app for my generation. I need a comprehensive business plan that demonstrates my understanding of the market and outlines a realistic path to success. Include: 1) Market size and target customer analysis, 2) Revenue model and pricing strategy, 3) Development timeline and resource requirements, 4) Marketing approach specific to reaching teens, and 5) Financial projections for the first year." Example prompt: "I'm starting a podcast for teenage athletes about mental health and performance. Help me create: 1) Five compelling episode topics, 2) Interview questions that get guests to share meaningful stories, 3) Professional email templates for reaching out to potential guests, and 4) A content calendar for consistent publishing." Young entrepreneurs often excel at social media but struggle with strategic marketing that drives sales. ChatGPT helps bridge this gap by creating cohesive marketing campaigns that connect social media activity to business results. Try this approach: "You're my marketing strategist. I'm a teenage entrepreneur selling [your product/service] to [your target audience]. Create a complete marketing system: social media content calendar, email sequences, and sales messaging that speaks to my customers' real problems." Example prompt: "I'm a teen selling custom phone cases to high school students. My main competitors are big online retailers. Create a marketing system that includes: 1) Social media posts that highlight what makes my cases special, 2) Email sequences for turning followers into customers, 3) Strategies for getting word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers, and 4) Ways to create urgency without being pushy." The key difference for teen entrepreneurs is that AI helps them think strategically about their audience rather than just posting content that their friends might like. This shift from peer-focused to customer-focused thinking often determines which young businesses succeed. Young entrepreneurs face decisions they've never encountered: pricing strategies, hiring decisions, and partnership opportunities. ChatGPT provides analysis frameworks that assist inexperienced founders in navigating complex business decisions. Try this approach: "I'm a teenage entrepreneur deciding between [specific options]. Help me analyze the pros, cons, and long-term consequences of each choice. Include questions I should ask myself and potential outcomes I might not have considered." One teenage entrepreneur employed strategic analysis when deciding how to utilize the prize money from winning an entrepreneur competition. Rather than immediately scaling production, she invested in education and skill development—a choice that positioned her for sustainable growth. Example prompt: "I'm 16 and just won $2,000 in a business competition for my candle-making business. Should I use this money to buy more inventory, invest in marketing, hire help, or improve my skills? Analyze each option, including potential returns, risks, and what would help my business most in the long term." Young entrepreneurs gain specific advantages from AI collaboration that older founders might not experience: Time flexibility: Unlike human mentors, ChatGPT provides guidance at 2 AM or between classes. This availability aligns with the irregular schedules that most students maintain. No judgment about age: AI doesn't dismiss ideas because they come from teenagers. It evaluates concepts on merit rather than the founder's age or experience level. Educational value: Each interaction teaches business principles that enhance both entrepreneurial skills and academic learning. This dual benefit appeals to parents and teachers who want to see educational value in business activities. Cost-effectiveness: Most teen businesses operate on minimal budgets. AI consultation costs significantly less than professional business advice while providing comparable strategic value. Today's young entrepreneurs are creating ventures that older generations couldn't have imagined: mental health apps, sustainability platforms, and digital services that address problems adults might not have recognized. AI partnership enables them to build these businesses without waiting for adult approval or traditional funding. At WIT, we've seen teens utilize AI to develop business plans for a range of initiatives, from launching podcasts to creating fashion brands. These young founders aren't just copying existing businesses—they're identifying new opportunities and building solutions that reflect their generation's values and capabilities. The partnership model also teaches essential skills for the AI-driven economy these teens will inherit. Learning to collaborate effectively with artificial intelligence may be as valuable as the businesses they create. Begin by identifying a problem you've personally experienced or observed in your community. Use AI to validate this opportunity and develop a plan for addressing it. The key is maintaining your authentic perspective while gaining business sophistication through AI collaboration. Start with specific, detailed prompts that include your age, available time, and resource constraints. The more context you provide, the more relevant guidance you'll receive. Remember that AI amplifies your capabilities—it doesn't replace your creativity, empathy, or unique understanding of your generation's needs. The most successful young entrepreneurs utilize AI to think more strategically while maintaining the innovation and energy that give them an advantage over older competitors. For young entrepreneurs willing to learn prompt engineering and strategic ChatGPT use, this partnership offers something unprecedented: the ability to build professional-quality businesses while still in high school.
