Jan 21 • General discussion
Why I Take What All People Say With a Grain of Salt, Especially Entrepreneurs
In a world where social media amplifies every voice, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine expertise and hollow claims. Over the years, I’ve learned to approach what people say—especially entrepreneurs—with a healthy dose of skepticism. Here’s why:
🌟The Rise of Performative Success🌟
We live in an era where image often overshadows reality. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to showcase their wins and paint themselves as unstoppable forces, but this often comes without context. Claims like “I scaled to seven figures in a year” or “I’m disrupting the market” are thrown around with little evidence to back them up. It’s not that I doubt everyone’s abilities, but I’ve seen enough of these claims fall apart under scrutiny to approach them cautiously.
🌟The Missing Details Matter 🌟
Success stories often omit crucial details. How much was spent to achieve those results? What risks were taken? Were there financial or personal sacrifices that made the achievement unsustainable? For example, someone might boast about earning $1 million in revenue but fail to mention their $950,000 in expenses. Without a clear picture, it’s easy to be misled.
🌟Intentions Aren’t Always Pure 🌟
Let’s face it—some people make bold claims not to inspire but to impress or sell. Whether it’s to gain followers, sell a course, or boost their ego, their goals might not align with their audience’s best interests. Entrepreneurs, in particular, are often selling themselves or their brand, which makes it essential to separate genuine insights from marketing fluff.
🌟Experience Taught Me Better 🌟
I’ve encountered people whose claims didn’t hold up when pressed for details. Entrepreneurs who made bold statements about their profits but couldn't explain their tax strategy. People who promised value but delivered surface-level solutions. These experiences taught me that words are cheap, and only consistent, proven action tells the real story.
🌟Accountants Know the Real Story 🌟
When it comes to understanding the true health of a business, no one has more insight than the person handling the financial planning and accounting. Here’s the truth that many entrepreneurs don’t want to admit: more businesses are carrying DEBT than actually seeing profits. The flashy revenue numbers or impressive growth claims often mask the reality of how much businesses owe, whether it’s to vendors, lenders, taxes, or even personal loans taken to keep operations running.
🌟Balancing Skepticism and Openness 🌟
Taking what people say with a grain of salt doesn’t mean shutting out all ideas. Instead, it’s about being discerning. I listen, ask questions, and look for evidence before fully buying into someone’s narrative. If their story checks out, I’m more than happy to celebrate their success or learn from their journey. But if it doesn’t, I move on without wasting energy.
In the world of entrepreneurship—and life in general—it’s wise to approach grand claims with caution. The truth is, not everyone has the same level of integrity, and it’s up to us to separate fact from fiction. By taking things with a grain of salt, we protect ourselves from unnecessary disappointment and focus on the voices that truly matter.
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Why I Take What All People Say With a Grain of Salt, Especially Entrepreneurs
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