How to Build in Public Successfully

Justin Welsh shared 48 rules for entrepreneurial success. Here's our deep dive into each one, with practical insights to help you build in public.

1. Pessimists are often right, and optimists are often wealthy.

Pessimists tend to look at the risks, which often helps them avoid costly mistakes. However, optimists are driven by their vision, and this mindset is essential for creating wealth. The key takeaway here is that while pessimism can provide caution, optimism is necessary for entrepreneurial success. Strike a balance between caution and optimism to navigate the business world successfully.

2. If you don't respect people's time, they won't respect you.

Time is one of the most valuable resources we have. Being punctual, prepared, and mindful of others' time demonstrates that you respect them and their efforts. In business, building mutual respect with your network is essential for fostering strong relationships and partnerships.

3. The best entrepreneurs know how to teach themselves.

Self-reliance is a fundamental trait of successful entrepreneurs. While learning from others is important, the ability to teach yourself — through trial and error, online resources, or experimentation — is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart from those who fail to adapt and grow. You must cultivate a mindset that constantly seeks to learn and improve.

4. You learn 100x more by trying than by reading about someone else.

It's tempting to spend hours reading about strategies and tips from others. But real learning comes from hands-on experience. By diving in and making mistakes, you gain insights that no book can provide. Get started, experiment, and iterate as you go — that's where the real growth happens.

5. If you don't know how to sell, you're going to struggle.

No matter how great your product is, if you can't sell it, your business will never grow. Sales are at the heart of any successful business. Whether you're selling a product, service, or even yourself, learning how to communicate value effectively is key to building a sustainable business.

6. Thick skin is a prerequisite for building in public.

Building in public exposes you to criticism, doubt, and negativity. To survive and thrive, you need to develop resilience and not let negative comments or setbacks derail your progress. Embrace criticism as a chance to improve, but don't take it personally.

7. You go 10x faster by supporting people, not tearing them down.

Collaboration is more powerful than competition. Supporting others, whether by offering encouragement, sharing insights, or networking, helps build a community that lifts you up in return. A positive, supportive attitude accelerates your progress and creates more opportunities for growth.

8. No matter how good your product is, someone will hate it.

You can't please everyone, and that's okay. Embrace the fact that criticism is part of the process. Focus on serving the people who appreciate what you do and take feedback from detractors to improve. Build your product or service around your core audience, and don't waste energy on those who aren't interested.

9. Price whatever you offer at a rate you'd be comfortable paying.

Pricing is a critical aspect of any business. It's important to price your offerings in a way that reflects both the value you provide and what you believe is fair. If you wouldn't pay your price, it's a good indication that you need to adjust your pricing structure or the value you're offering.

10. Your network can either speed you up or slow you down.

The people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your success. Having a strong, supportive network of like-minded individuals can help you access resources, advice, and opportunities quickly. Conversely, negative or unproductive relationships can slow your progress or hinder your growth.

11. Stop reading 50+ business books. Just get started.

It's easy to fall into the trap of constant learning without action. While books can be valuable, the real learning happens through doing. Take action, experiment, and refine your approach as you go. Don't wait for the "perfect" moment — just start, and adapt as you learn.

12. Stop asking everyone, and start figuring 💩 out on your own.

While it's great to ask for advice, relying on others too much can slow your decision-making. You'll learn far more by solving problems yourself, even if it means making mistakes along the way. Embrace the challenge of figuring things out independently; it builds confidence and valuable skills.

13. If people root for you to fail, cut them out of your life.

Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and support your growth. Those who wish for your failure or undermine your efforts are toxic influences. Eliminate negativity from your life, as it can drain your energy and hinder your ability to move forward.

14. Always over-communicate.

Clear, transparent communication is essential in any business. Whether you're dealing with customers, employees, or partners, over-communicating ensures everyone is on the same page and reduces the chances of misunderstandings. The more you communicate, the better your relationships and your business outcomes will be.

15. Assume you can learn something from everyone.

Every person you encounter has unique insights and experiences. Approach interactions with the mindset that everyone has something to teach you. By being open to learning from others, you broaden your perspectives and enhance your own skill set.

16. Assume everyone you talk to is also full of 💩.

While it's essential to be open to learning from others, also be discerning. Not everyone's advice or opinions are valuable or accurate. Critically evaluate the information you receive and be prepared to filter out what's not relevant or helpful to your journey.

17. Your business heroes are regular people who took action.

Many successful entrepreneurs started with little more than determination and a willingness to act. They weren't necessarily smarter or more talented than others, but they took risks and made things happen. If they can do it, so can you.

18. If you can make $1, you can make $1,000.

Making small amounts of money is the first step. Once you prove your concept with small wins, scaling up becomes a matter of applying the same principles and efforts to larger opportunities. Don't underestimate the value of small successes — they're the foundation for bigger achievements.

19. If you can make $1,000 you can probably make $100k.

Once you've made a smaller amount of money, such as $1,000, you've proven that your business idea is viable. The next step is scaling. While the challenges grow as you aim for larger goals, the foundational steps and lessons you learned from reaching the smaller target will carry you forward. Scaling is just an extension of what you've already done.

20. Don't ask random people questions. Ask your customers.

While it's tempting to seek advice from strangers or those with more experience, the most valuable insights come from the people who actually use your product or service. Your customers are the best source of feedback, and their needs and pain points will help shape your business in meaningful ways.

21. You don't need meditation and sunlight. You need action.

While self-care and mindfulness can be important, they should never replace action. Taking consistent steps toward your goal is the most powerful thing you can do to grow your business. Don't get caught up in the idea that you need to be perfectly balanced to succeed — just start taking action.

22. Don't "find a mentor". Do interesting things & attract mentors.

Mentors often come into your life naturally when you're doing exciting and impactful work. Instead of actively seeking a mentor, focus on creating value and doing interesting things that attract mentors to you. Build your own expertise and network, and the right people will gravitate toward you.

23. Promote yourself online every day.

In today's digital age, personal branding is key. Consistently putting yourself and your work out there online helps build visibility and trust. Whether it's through social media, blogs, or videos, daily promotion ensures that your audience remains engaged and aware of what you're doing.

24. Write daily for at least 30 minutes.

Writing daily helps refine your communication skills, clarifies your thoughts, and builds content for your audience. Whether it's writing a blog, social media post, or journal entry, the practice of writing every day helps improve your clarity, creativity, and consistency in content creation.

25. Ignore haters. They are the least interesting people.

Haters often come from a place of jealousy or frustration, and their opinions rarely add value. Focusing on them can be a major distraction. Instead, invest your time and energy into engaging with people who support you, encourage your growth, and contribute positively to your journey.

26. Help others and let them reciprocate. If they never do, move on.

Building meaningful relationships is about mutual benefit. Helping others without expecting immediate returns is important, but if your efforts are not reciprocated over time, it's wise to move on. You don't want to drain your energy by constantly giving without receiving support in return.

27. Go to therapy and be honest.

Entrepreneurship is stressful, and mental health is a key factor in long-term success. Therapy provides a space to process your emotions, work through challenges, and maintain a healthy mindset. Being honest with yourself and a therapist helps uncover hidden issues that could hold you back from reaching your full potential.

28. Drink less alcohol.

Alcohol can impair judgment, reduce energy, and cause long-term health problems, all of which can negatively affect your ability to succeed as an entrepreneur. While occasional social drinking is fine, minimizing alcohol consumption can help you maintain focus, clarity, and overall well-being.

29. Start with one revenue stream, but diversify shortly after.

In the early stages, focusing on a single revenue stream allows you to build a solid foundation. However, once that stream is flowing, diversifying into multiple sources of income provides stability and growth. Different revenue streams also protect your business in case one area faces a downturn.

30. Anyone selling instant results is a con.

There are no shortcuts to success. If someone promises instant results, they're likely trying to sell you something unrealistic. Building a sustainable business takes time, effort, and perseverance. Be wary of quick-fix solutions and focus on long-term strategies that build solid foundations.

31. Systems beat motivation & discipline every time.

Motivation and discipline are important, but systems are what truly allow you to scale and succeed. When you create repeatable systems for your work, you reduce the reliance on willpower. Systems make productivity and consistency automatic, allowing you to focus on growth instead of daily decision-making.

32. Quit focusing on tools and tech. Just use what you know.

While tools and technology can improve your workflow, they should never be your primary focus. What matters most is your ability to deliver value, not the tools you use. Stick to what you know and ensure that the tools you choose help streamline your business, rather than becoming distractions.

33. Experiment often, but never with 2 new variables.

When testing new ideas or strategies, make sure to only change one variable at a time. This allows you to understand what's driving the results. Experimenting with multiple changes at once can lead to confusion and prevent you from identifying what's actually working.

34. Use data to create better content.

Data is a powerful tool for improving content. By analyzing performance metrics such as engagement, traffic, and feedback, you can identify which types of content resonate with your audience. Using this information allows you to refine your approach, ensuring that your content is always aligned with your audience's preferences.

35. Never plagiarize people but borrow shamelessly.

Plagiarism is unethical and damages your credibility, but borrowing ideas is part of the creative process. Take inspiration from successful creators and adapt their ideas to suit your style and audience. Borrowing without directly copying allows you to innovate while respecting others' work.

36. Stop trying to be cool. Be successful. Cool will come.

Focusing on "coolness" can distract you from your true goal: success. Trying to impress others with trendy ideas or flashy gimmicks doesn't build a sustainable business. Instead, focus on doing meaningful work, solving problems, and creating value. Success will naturally attract attention and admiration.

37. You're a lot less clever than you think you are. Be clear.

It's easy to overestimate your own cleverness. Simplicity and clarity are more important than trying to appear smart. Clear communication is essential in business, whether you're marketing a product or engaging with customers. Strive for clarity in your messaging and decision-making.

38. Be on time for important things. You're not a teenager.

Professionalism is a key trait of successful entrepreneurs. Being punctual for important meetings or deadlines shows that you respect others' time and are serious about your business. It's an easy way to build credibility and demonstrate your commitment.

39. Nobody is coming to save you.

You are solely responsible for your success. While mentors, partners, or investors can offer guidance and support, it's ultimately up to you to take action and drive your business forward. Relying on others to "save" you is an illusion — take charge of your own destiny.

40. Arguing online is a waste of time and energy.

Online arguments rarely lead to productive outcomes. They often devolve into negativity and waste valuable time that could be spent building your business. Instead of engaging in pointless debates, focus on activities that bring value to your work and personal growth.

41. Don't be arrogant, but have a mindset that you can do anything.

Confidence is important, but arrogance can alienate others. Believe in your ability to succeed, but stay humble and open to feedback. A growth mindset, which believes that you can learn and achieve anything with effort and perseverance, is key to overcoming challenges and finding success.

42. You never know what will resonate. Try a lot of different things.

You won't always know what will catch your audience's attention, so don't be afraid to experiment with different types of content or offerings. Through trial and error, you'll discover what works best for your brand and audience. Keep testing and iterating until you find your sweet spot.

43. Don't argue with your customers.

Customer feedback is invaluable, but it's important to handle criticism with grace. Arguing with customers can damage your reputation and alienate potential buyers. Instead, listen to their concerns, offer solutions, and use their feedback to improve your product or service.

44. Everyone has the same 24 hours. It's how you use it.

Time management is a powerful tool in business. Everyone has the same amount of time in a day, but how you choose to spend it will determine your success. Prioritize high-impact activities and eliminate time-wasters to ensure you're using your hours effectively.

45. It's not helpful to study Elon and Bezos if you're making $0.

While studying the successes of billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos can be inspiring, it's not practical if you're just starting out. Focus on learning from people who are at a similar stage to you or those who have scaled businesses from the ground up. Their advice will be more relevant and actionable.

46. Quitters win a lot because they know when to give up.

Persistence is key in business, but knowing when to pivot or abandon an idea that's not working is just as important. Successful entrepreneurs aren't afraid to quit when something isn't serving them or their business goals. The ability to recognize when it's time to move on is a strength, not a failure.

47. You can't control your past.

Dwelling on past mistakes or missed opportunities will only hold you back. The past is out of your control — what matters is what you do moving forward. Focus on what you can change and create the future you want, rather than being bogged down by what you can't change.

48. You are 100% responsible for your future.

Your future success is entirely within your control. While external factors and luck can play a role, ultimately, your decisions, actions, and mindset determine the direction of your life and business. Take full responsibility for your choices and actions, and you'll empower yourself to create the future you desire.