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.

learn more about Jacob Hall

By Jacob Hall

Capital One

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

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

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

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

Everyone Wants to Get Close to Their Favorite Artist. Here's the Technology Making It a Reality — But Better.
The Highest-Paid, Highest-Profile People in Every Field Know This Communication Strategy
After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.
Having Trouble Speaking Up in Meetings? Try This Strategy.
He Names Brands for Amazon, Meta and Forever 21, and Says This Is the Big Blank Space in the Naming Game
Travel

6 Secret Tools for Flying First Class (Without Paying Full Price)

It's time to reimagine upgrading. Here's how to fly first class on every flight, business or personal.

Business News

These Are the Most and Least Affordable Places to Retire in The U.S.

The Northeast and West Coast are the least affordable, while areas in the Mountain State region tend to be ideal for retirees on a budget.

Business News

Amazon Driver Donates $10,000 to Charity After Being One of the Most 'Thanked' Drivers

Greylon Anthony was one of the most popular drivers in Amazon's 'Alexa, Thank My Driver' Program.

Business News

I Live on a Cruise Ship for Half of the Year. Look Inside My 336-Square-Foot Cabin with Wraparound Balcony.

I live on a cruise ship with my husband, who works on it, for six months out of the year. Life at "home" can be tight. Here's what it's really like living on a cruise ship.

Business News

TikTok Influencer Reveals She Makes $350,000 a Month on OnlyFans. 'Absolutely Unreal.'

When Tara Lynn promoted her OnlyFans page on TikTok, she saw her income more than double.