The 17 Rules These Entrepreneurs Say You Should Break in 2017

This story appears in the January 2017 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »
Follow the lead of these entrepreneurs as they throw the rulebook out the window and focus on what makes sense for their business. Their advice for 2017, as told to Amy Wilkinson.
Related: These 4 Books Changed These Leaders' Lives and Businesses for the Better
Sara Sugarman, founder and CEO, Lulu & Georgia

Jonathan Neman, cofounder and co-CEO, Sweetgreen

Alexa von Tobel, founder and CEO, LearnVest

Sarah Pierson, cofounder, Margaux

Ariel Kaye, founder and CEO, Parachute

“Break the rule of perfection and focus on progress instead. When you obsess over every misstep or criticism, you become your own roadblock to growth.” -- Ariel Kaye, founder and CEO, Parachute
Clare Vivier, founder, Clare V.

Ariel Nelson, cofounder, Jack Erwin

Jeni Britton Bauer, founder, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Kelechi Anyadiegwu, founder and CEO, Zuvaa

Tristan Walker, founder and CEO, Walker and Company

“We break communication rules that traditional consumer packaged-goods companies have followed for decades. We don’t talk at our community; we have a dialogue with them.” -- Tristan Walker, founder and CEO, Walker and Company
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Katie Doyle, cofounder, Brass Clothing

Karissa Bodnar, founder, Thrive Causemetics

Grady Laird, cofounder, Grady’s Cold Brew

Kari Saitowitz, founder, The Fhitting Room

Neal Gottlieb, founding twin, Three Twins Ice Cream

David Mandelbaum, cofounder and CEO, Panatea

“Operate responsibly within the means of your balance sheet but dream way outside its lines. Give yourself two hours to freely think bigger. Your mind and business will thank you later.” -- David Mandelbaum, cofounder and CEO, Panatea
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Andres Hinostroza, cofounder, JoyBird
