At SXSW - Anthony Bourdain's Advice for Entrepreneurs: Don't Suck, Be Fake or Be Boring Blunt tips from from the outspoken chef and television personality.

By Jacob Hall

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Capital One

Anthony Bourdain is not known for holding back. It was just that straight talk we we were seeking when we caught up with the outspoken chef and personality this past week at SXSW where he spoke about passion in small business at the festival's Capital One's Spark Small Business House. He shared his thoughts on standing apart and what to stop worrying about right now. As you'd expect, his advice is simple and straight to the point.

Worry about the right things
Bourdain doesn't worry about standing out -- and suggests you don't either. "I'm not looking to separate myself from everyone else; that's a counterintuitive process." Instead, he doubles down on his passions and the work that interests him. Being true to yourself puts you far ahead of the others looking for shortcuts, he says. "I've had a lot of success in my career by doing things that are creatively satisfying and not really concerning myself with the market."

Don't suck
Never confuse great work with popular work. Bourdain cautions entrepreneurs against racing to the middle in the name of building wide appeal. "I'm willing to accept less of an audience or maybe no audience rather than suck." He suggests thinking carefully about the work you want to do and the market you want to capture. Betraying what makes you special is "the road to probable suicide and spectacular self-loathing and madness."

Know when to fold "em
Be willing to walk away. By standing up for himself and showing integrity, Bourdain says he was able to bend rules and avoid exploitative situations. "That's a fundamental part of my business model," he explains. "We can do business together or not. Tell me now." If someone wants something derivative or down the middle from you, Bourdain says, you should just tell them to ask the other guy.

Don't fake it and don't play it safe
You can't make exciting work if you're not excited. Following some template just because it's familiar or recognizable will hurt creativity and authenticity. "Don't put me in a kitchen and ask me to feign enthusiasm for a Denver fucking omelet." Consistency may be the key to running a great restaurant, but it's "the enemy of creativity" for other industries. "The next thing you know, it's Two and a Half Men season 19," Bourdain quips, cautioning anyone from getting too complacent.

Jacob Hall is a writer living and working in Austin, Texas. He writes about movies, books, games and technology.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Leadership

Lead From the Top: 5 Core Responsibilities of a CEO

Knowing exactly what the chief executive's role entails is critical for steering a company to success.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Personal Finance

Is AI Too Good at Tracking Stock Market Trends?

How long before AI-powered investment tools like this one become the norm?

Side Hustle

I Took My Side Hustle Full-Time and Made $222,000 Last Year. Here's How — and Why Sometimes I Work Just 10 Hours a Week.

Carter Osborne launched his side business in 2017 to help with his tuition payments for graduate school.

Business News

Astronomer's CEO and HR Chief Were Placed on Leave After the Coldplay Kiss-Cam Scandal. Here's How the Unicorn Tech Company Has Responded.

Astronomer responded after its top leadership went viral during the usually cute "kiss cam" segment of Coldplay's show.

Science & Technology

5 AI Tools Doing Overtime So You Can Run a Profitable Solo Business (Without Losing Your Mind)

Most entrepreneurs are using AI to save time — but that's not where the real leverage is.