5 business rules to live by, according to Mark Bouris

Business is a battlefield, and if you’re not armed with the right mindset, you’re setting yourself up for failure. After decades of experience, I’ve boiled down a few key rules that keep me grounded and moving forward. These aren’t just tips—they’re principles I live by, and they’ve served me well. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business leader, maybe take these on board. They'll make all the difference.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of sitting in boardrooms, negotiating deals, and talking to countless people, it’s this—everyone has an agenda. And that's not a bad thing; it's just reality. It’s human nature to prioritise self-interest, and in business, that's magnified. The quicker you recognize this, the better. You can’t be naive in business.

Here’s the kicker: understanding someone’s agenda doesn’t mean you shut down or become cynical. On the contrary, it gives you power. It helps you manage the conversation, anticipate moves, and build stronger relationships. When you know what drives someone, you can find common ground more easily and get closer to a win-win outcome. Always be aware of what’s driving the person sitting across from you.

Don’t discard or ignore your own agenda. Be upfront about what you want out of every deal, every meeting, every conversation. You don’t need to play games or hide it. Be clear about your goals, and don’t apologise for them.

Curiosity is one of the most underrated qualities in business. People often think they know enough or they’ve ‘seen it all.’ That’s a mistake. The moment you think you know everything, you’ve already lost. The world is constantly changing, and if you stop asking questions, you’ll get left behind. Be curious, not just about your business, but about everything around you.

There’s always a new rising tide—whether it’s a technology, trend, or emerging industry. Keep your eyes out for it. Ask questions, and don’t be afraid to dig deep. When you’re sitting with someone, don’t just listen to respond—listen to learn. What’s their background? What motivates them? What’s the bigger picture behind what they’re saying? Being curious keeps you sharp, and it makes you a better leader. You’ll start to see connections and opportunities that others miss because you’ve trained yourself to think beyond the surface. The most successful people I know are lifelong learners, always on the hunt for knowledge and insight.

There’s no time to waste in business, so let me say this—be direct. You’ll save yourself and everyone else a lot of time. When you dance around an issue or sugarcoat feedback, you’re not helping anyone. It might feel uncomfortable in the moment, but people respect honesty. They respect knowing where they stand. That’s not to say you should be rude, but don’t be afraid to get to the point.

Assertiveness is often misunderstood. People think it’s about being loud or forceful. But true assertiveness is being clear and concise. It’s about having enough confidence in what you’re saying that you don’t need to add fluff. Being direct cuts through the noise and leaves no room for misinterpretation. People appreciate that. They might not always like what you have to say, but they’ll respect the way you say it.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—failure is part of the process. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough. The fear of failure is the biggest thing holding most people back. It keeps them in their comfort zones, and nothing good happens there. The truth is, you’re going to fail. It’s inevitable. But that’s where the learning happens.

The key is to not let that fear paralyse you. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, to adjust, and to come back stronger. The most successful people I know have all faced failure head-on. What sets them apart is that they didn’t quit. They didn’t let the fear of what might go wrong stop them from going after what they wanted. Remember, the only real failure is not trying.

Finally, trust your gut. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in situations where logic told me one thing, but my gut told me another. Nine times out of ten, my instincts were right. There’s something to be said about experience and intuition. You’ve built that muscle over time—use it.

In business, you’ll come across situations that don’t have a clear answer, where data alone won’t give you the full picture. That’s when you have to trust yourself. You know more than you think, and sometimes you just have to back yourself and make the call. Trusting your instincts doesn’t mean ignoring logic or research—it means recognizing that your experience has value. These rules aren’t just theories—they’re lessons learned through years of practice. They’ve guided me through tough times, big wins, and everything in between. If you can internalise these principles, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the complexities of business. And remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being strategic and intentional. Every move you make should have a purpose behind it. That’s how you win the long game.

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_{Disclaimer: This is general information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Seek professional financial and/or legal advice to determine the right outcomes for your business.}