In IT consulting, and perhaps in IT leadership overall, there's a prevailing myth that business and industry expertise isn't all that crucial. The belief often is that best practices, proven frameworks, and methodologies—applied across various industries—are sufficient for setting up infrastructure, security, and data systems. However, I believe it’s a misconception to overlook the value of deep industry knowledge and experience. Understanding the specifics of an industry can play a significant role in shaping effective, tailored solutions.

In the coaching world, being a great marketer doesn’t automatically make someone a great coach. It frustrates me to see so-called experts urging others to take steps they’ve never taken themselves. For instance, I recently met three relationship coaches who weren’t even in relationships, yet they were advising others on how to navigate them. That just doesn’t make sense to me. I’m passionate about coaching and believe it’s valuable, but I encourage people to dig into the backgrounds of their coaches. I can confidently discuss helping businesses because I’ve built and sold three of my own; I’m not asking anyone to do anything I haven’t done myself. While this might just be a pet peeve of mine, I think it’s an important consideration.

It’s about the pursuit of happiness, which ties back to the point we discussed earlier about unrealistic expectations. Society often suggests that we should always be happy, but constant happiness can actually have downsides. When we focus solely on being happy, we risk becoming complacent, losing our sense of purpose, and devaluing meaningful experiences. While happiness is valuable, it shouldn’t be our only goal. Fleeting moments of joy are important, but striving to be perpetually happy is unrealistic and sets us up for disappointment. It's essential to recognize that having unrealistic expectations for ourselves and others can hinder our growth and fulfillment.

As an entrepreneur, I believe the idealism surrounding entrepreneurship can be quite misleading. Many people envision it as a dream job where they're constantly doing what they love and everything is perfect. While it is incredibly fulfilling to build and create something of your own, it also demands a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Not everyone is cut out for entrepreneurship; it requires a willingness to take risks and the courage to try new things, even if failure is a possibility.

Be cautious about striving for perfection. It's often more beneficial to focus on progress and keep moving forward rather than waiting for everything to be perfect. Perfection can actually become an obstacle. Instead, aim for things to work well enough and be ready to adapt as you go. The goal isn't perfection; it's about understanding how to pivot and adjust along the way. Chasing perfection can leave you stuck in planning mode instead of taking action.

I believe the biggest misconception is that older workers won't add value to your business. The idea that they are too slow, too expensive, or too set in their ways is simply not true. These stereotypes, like being too cranky or inflexible, are myths. Research increasingly demonstrates the numerous benefits of employing older workers. Therefore, exploring their potential contribution to your business or company is a wise investment.

One of the most prevalent myths in our industry revolves around the idea that having a mentor, a business partner, or even discussing your business with your spouse or a close friend renders the need for a business coach unnecessary. I recall being confronted with this notion years ago during an interview when I was running my own company and utilizing a business coach. Initially, I grappled with the question because, at the time, I didn't have a business partner. However, with time and experience, I've come to realize the immense value a business coach brings, regardless of other support systems in place. Having now been on both ends of the spectrum, I can attest that a business coach offers unique insights and guidance that extend beyond ordinary conversations.

Isn't there just something special about good old-fashioned, face-to-face marketing? If you're not actively engaging in networking, tapping into your local chambers, attending networking events, or joining either closed or open networking groups where you can connect—whether it's on a monthly or weekly basis—then you're really missing out on opportunities for your business. After all, people tend to do business with those they know and trust. And how can they get to like and trust you if they haven't had the chance to get to know you? At the heart of it all, building relationships is key. And that starts with putting yourself or your product out there, directly in front of people. Whether it's your own presence or something you've crafted, being visible is essential to making sales.