Instincts

You may not always know right from wrong, but you always get a feeling in your gut about something or someone. We are all endowed with a sixth sense. It is the way that nature protects us from ourselves, and our own bad judgment.

In business, good instincts are a prerequisite for success. That is not to say you can't make mistakes. Because you will make tons of mistakes. But how many of them can be avoided if you simple listen to your gut?

The person who is a “jinx” the person who always has “bad timing” the person who is too trusting, the person who can’t keep a secret, the person who is a double-dealing back-stabber, the person who is a thief of ideas: TROUBLE. All sorts of dream-busting trouble. Some of these are all people who can ruin you, knock you out of the race, destroy your business, reputation and sometimes your life. But don't be your worse enemy. Don't sabotage yourself.

As a general rule, though, if it seems too good to be true? It probably is. Whether you are talking business relationships or other relationships - but especially business. And do not, under any circumstances, mix business with pleasure. Well, very rarely is it excusable. Be very measured in your dabblings.

The small business owner needs a good head on his/her shoulder, a healthy dose of skepticism and the innate ability to trust his/her gut without being overly paranoid.