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Tall Tales Don't believe everything you hear about starting a business.

By Nichole L. Torres

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Folklore can be a fun diversion. but there is nothing fun aboutbasing your business on commonly held--yet incorrect--beliefs.Kevin Schehrer, author of Startup! Beyond the Myths to the Reality ofStarting a Company debunks start-up myths.

Myth 1: People who survivethe brink of business disaster are guides on how to run a business."Most successful entrepreneurs don't go to thatextent," says Schehrer. "And unfortunately, a lot ofpeople end up in serious financial trouble [after] being goaded on[by these stories]." Plan in advance--don't aim for thethrilling story; aim for a steady rise to success.

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