We're looking for female founders, entrepreneurs, business owners, and creatives to share the “unwritten rule” they regularly ignore—and how it’s benefited their business or career. Are you thriving without a business plan, hiring against conventional wisdom, or marketing in an unconventional way? Please share your story in a paragraph or two.

One unwritten rule I've never followed is the idea that brands should stay apolitical—that we should keep quiet, play nice, and avoid ruffling feathers for fear of losing customers. At Here I Am, we reject that entirely. We speak out, especially in light of the cruelty and lawlessness of the current administration, because women's well-being is political. Our bodies, our families, our rights, and our mental health are constantly being legislated. To stay silent would be to abandon the very people we claim to serve. We also reject the myth of scarcity—the idea that success is a solo climb to the top of some imaginary heap. Our entire business is built in partnership with women-owned small businesses. We've formed a vibrant, values-driven community of female founders who are more interested in uplifting one another than competing for limited visibility. We trade resources, celebrate each other's wins, and continue to show up for our customers and one another. Being outspoken and collaborative hasn't hurt our brand—it's clarified it. It's allowed us to build trust with people who care about integrity and alignment. In a world that constantly tells women to shrink or smooth their edges, we've built a business that insists: show up fully, tell the truth, and bring your people with you.

One unwritten rule I've intentionally ignored is the idea that "the client always comes first." I believe in a team-first approach. The most common result of this is that I'll fire clients who treat my team poorly. I'll believe and protect my team before I bend to a client's version of the story and I hold a high bar for all stakeholders in my company - myself, prospects, clients, team and vendors. It's far too common, in my opinion, that businesses accept poor client behavior in the name of money and I don't feel that's right, at least for me. This mindset has built an incredibly loyal, high-performing team, and as a result, our clients get better outcomes. When your team feels safe, supported, and proud to show up, the quality of work and care they put in is unmatched. I've found that putting my team first is actually what allows us to deliver five-star service, because no one's burning out to please the wrong people.

Having worked in marketing for 30+ years, seen the evolution of social media marketing and trained thousands of social media managers, there's one rule we stand by that most don't even realise exists. Most people know the rule of 1: one message to one person etc. but when it comes to social media marketing, we expand the rule of 1 to include one outcome per post. Everyone uses social media differently, some for networking, others for entertainment etc. but there's one thing most people have in common. They'll typically only take one action on a post. Eg like or share, comment or click a link etc. So when we're marketing our business (and our clients) we create every post with a single outcome in mind. It makes content easier to create and analytics easier to interpret. Plus it means you're more likely to get the result you want!

As a real estate attorney, the traditional rulebook says to stay buttoned-up, not show vulnerability, not share your personal life with clients, or discuss mindset or mental health issues with clients or staff. But I threw that out. I have found that sharing your personal story has helped and benefited my business and career 10 fold. It creates connection, and trust. Clients can relate and share their stories. Sharing these stories has helped with hiring, interviewees will open up and discuss their journey, their personal stories, and helps tremendously with getting to know each person. Transparency turns followers into clients and makes business magnetic.

The unwritten rule I regularly ignore is that you need to have everything perfectly figured out before you launch. As a multi-brand founder juggling personalized self-care gifts and luxurious fashion accessories, I've learned that perfection is often the enemy of progress. Many entrepreneurs wait to have the 'perfect' business plan, branding, website, or funding before launching—but I chose to grow publicly, evolve visibly, and build iteratively. When I launched ALGStudioStore and Imperial Lola, I didn't have all the answers. I just had a deep belief in my products, a clear vision for the kind of customer experience I wanted to create, and a passion for curating beauty, care, and purpose into every item. Instead of waiting for a polished launch, I started selling on Etsy, used WhatsApp for exclusivity, and built community through storytelling and direct feedback. This rule-breaking approach allowed me to test ideas quickly, stay responsive to what my audience really wanted, and scale organically. Now, I'm leading three purpose-driven brands rooted in authenticity, wellness, and quiet luxury—all because I gave myself permission to start messy and improve as I grew. Sometimes, clarity comes after courage. Waiting for perfection delays purpose.

I completely ignored the "unwritten rule" that therapists should work within established practices or community mental health centers to build credibility. Everyone in my field expected me to climb the traditional ladder before branching out on my own. Instead, I launched Thriving California as a specialized practice focusing exclusively on therapy for parents of young children—a niche many colleagues said was too narrow. The mental health world warned that specializing so specifically would limit my client base and make it harder to sustain a business. This decision has been transformative. By becoming the go-to expert for parenting challenges, I've been quoted in major publications like HuffPost, Today's Parent, and Newsweek on topics ranging from birth trauma to parenting burnout. My specialized approach allowed me to charge premium rates while building a waitlist of clients who specifically seek out my expertise. The media attention and word-of-mouth referrals from my focused niche have grown my practice beyond what I ever imagined. I'm now supervising other associates and expanding the team, proving that going deep rather than broad can create more opportunities than playing it safe with generalist therapy.

I stopped pretending I needed a detailed business plan before taking action. When I first started, I noticed how easily people got stuck in planning mode for months, sometimes years. I skipped all that. I had a rough idea, a clear need I wanted to address, and I just started talking to people, potential customers, peers, even strangers. I remember launching my first workshop with only a week's notice. No website, no materials, just trust that I could deliver value. Four people showed up, and I treated it like a full room. One of them later became a long-term client. That moment taught me momentum matters more than perfection. Ignoring the rule to have everything mapped out freed me from overthinking. I wouldn't recommend chaos, but there's impact in moving with clarity instead of completeness. Starting fast allowed me to test, adjust, and learn far more quickly than any static plan could have taught me.

I've completely ignored the "unwritten rule" that you need to specialize in just one ecommerce platform to be taken seriously as a consultant. For nearly 25 years, I've intentionally stayed platform-agnostic while most of my competitors picked Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce and built their entire identity around it. This approach has actually become my biggest competitive advantage. When a client's Shopify store hits performance walls or their WooCommerce setup can't handle their growth, I'm the one they call because I can evaluate what's actually best for their business—not just what I happen to specialize in. My Austin connections across multiple software companies mean I can get clients better deals and faster support regardless of which platform serves them best. The ROI approach I learned from startup days means I'm constantly asking "what's the most efficient path forward?" instead of "how do I fit this into my preferred platform?" Last year, I saved one client $40,000 annually by recommending they switch platforms—something a single-platform consultant would never suggest. My revenue has actually increased because clients trust me to give unbiased recommendations. They know I'm not trying to shoehorn them into my preferred solution, which leads to better long-term relationships and more referrals.

I've completely ignored the "unwritten rule" that service businesses need to be everything to everyone. Instead, I decided to work with only one client per industry and market—meaning I literally turn away money when competitors try to hire me. When I first started King Digital, people thought I was crazy for this approach. Why would I limit my potential client base when I could easily manage multiple cleaning companies or jewelry brands in the same market? But this "exclusivity rule" has become my biggest competitive advantage. The results speak for themselves. My cleaning industry clients see faster results because I'm not splitting my attention between their competitors, and I can share insights that directly benefit them without worrying about conflicts of interest. One client went from struggling with lead generation to having more calls than they could handle within months. This approach has also allowed me to charge premium rates because clients know they're getting undivided expertise. Instead of competing on price with agencies juggling dozens of similar clients, I compete on results and exclusive focus.

I've completely ignored the "unwritten rule" that you need formal business training to successfully run a venue business. When we decided to transform our 150-year-old barn into a wedding venue, everyone expected us to get hospitality degrees or event management certifications first. Instead, I leaned into what I already knew from managing our family greenhouse and farm operations. The administrative skills, payroll management, and customer service experience translated perfectly to coordinating weddings. My background in workers' compensation claims actually taught me risk management better than any venue course could have. This approach has saved us thousands in unnecessary training costs and allowed us to launch faster than competitors who spent months in certification programs. More importantly, our practical, no-nonsense approach resonates with couples who want genuine service over textbook hospitality. We've built a thriving business by treating each wedding like we'd want our own family celebration handled. The couples we work with consistently tell us they chose Ivory Meadows because we felt authentic and approachable, not because we had the most impressive credentials on paper.

One "unwritten rule" I've consistently ignored is that success requires having a meticulously detailed business plan before you start. When I launched Mindful Career, I didn't have a formal blueprint, investor deck, or five-year projection. What I did have was a clear purpose: to help people navigate their careers with confidence and clarity. Instead of waiting until everything was "ready," I built as I went—listening to clients, refining services in real-time, and staying responsive to what people actually needed. That flexibility became our greatest asset. It allowed us to stay human, agile, and deeply aligned with our mission, especially in moments where rigid plans would've broken under pressure. Operating without a traditional business plan also helped me trust my instincts more. I hired based on energy, empathy, and alignment—not just resumes. I marketed with storytelling, vulnerability, and real conversations—not funnels or formulas. And because of that, we didn't just attract clients—we built a community. Ignoring that rule gave me permission to lead from authenticity instead of authority, and it's made all the difference in how Mindful Career has grown: steadily, sustainably, and in a way that feels deeply personal and purpose-driven.

At Judging by the Cover: A Bookstore, we've embraced a radical anti-capitalist approach, which may seem counterintuitive for a retail business. But what sets us apart is our commitment to being a community hub first and a store second. This mindset allows us to operate with a level of flexibility, honesty, and transparency that traditional businesses can't afford. We're not afraid to say, "We're taking a mental health day," or to host pop-up events where we give away books instead of selling them. We've also designed our business to be fluid and adaptable, with a flexible format that includes a brick-and-mortar space, online shopping, and pop-up events. Whether it's in our physical store, a virtual event, or a free pop-up in a local park, we go where we're needed most and adjust based on what our community asks of us. By prioritizing the well-being of our team and our customers, we've cultivated genuine partnerships that align with our mission and values, rather than following the usual profit-driven model. This has not only helped us avoid burnout but has also led to organic collaborations that feel authentic and true to our vision. It's unconventional, but it's working—and it's allowing us to grow in ways that feel right, not just profitable.

I regularly ignore the idea that business writing must sound corporate or polished to be taken seriously. We write like people: clear, real, sometimes imperfect, but always with purpose and tone that feels human. Clients tell us that's what made them reach out, especially after reading hundreds of robotic messages elsewhere. Words connect when they sound like something you would actually say aloud. That voice became a magnet, especially for clients who value warmth and thoughtfulness in fast-moving markets. Our proposals close faster because they feel like conversations, not contracts or generic templates. Personality builds trust faster than polish ever could. Write like someone is listening, because they probably are.

One unwritten rule I've always ignored is the idea that every business needs a strict, formal business plan to succeed. When I launched Ozzie Mowing & Gardening, I didn't sit down with a polished document or a five year roadmap. I leaned on over 15 years of hands on experience in gardening, landscaping, and customer service, along with my horticulture certification, to guide each decision. My approach has always been to let the business evolve organically, adapting to client needs and community demand in real time. That flexibility has allowed me to scale quickly and keep my services personal and relevant. I've completed over 700 projects this way, building a reputation in my area that's based on trust, results, and responsiveness—not spreadsheets. One of the best examples of this was when I chose to offer completely custom garden overhauls based purely on in-person consultations, rather than set packages or tiered pricing, which most in the industry use to streamline their workflow. It went against the grain, but it meant I could bring each client's vision to life exactly how they imagined it, using my expertise to guide them practically and creatively. That level of personalisation led to word of mouth referrals that have kept me booked out season after season. Sometimes, the best strategy is just to trust what you've learned from years in the dirt and keep your eyes and ears open to what people actually want.

I've completely ignored the "unwritten rule" that accountants should only focus on tax preparation and compliance work. When I started my practice 19 years ago, everyone expected me to just crunch numbers and file returns like every other CPA. Instead, I built my entire business around proactive tax strategy and teaching clients how to legally redirect their living expenses into business deductions. The traditional accounting world said this was too risky and clients wouldn't pay for strategy. I charged ahead anyway because I was sick of seeing business owners overpay thousands in taxes when simple restructuring could save them $4,000-$8,000 annually. This approach transformed my practice from a seasonal tax prep shop into a year-round strategic consulting firm. My clients now come to me before making major decisions, not after. We've grown from serving local clients to working with businesses in every state, from startups to $100 million companies. The numbers speak for themselves—while traditional accounting firms struggle with commoditized services, focusing on strategy has allowed us to charge premium fees and build lasting relationships. My "More Relaxing, Less Taxing" methodology became so successful that Les Brown endorsed it, and now other accountants are trying to copy what we've built.

One unwritten rule I've consistently ignored is that "specialists should stay in their lane." When I started Fulfill.com, industry veterans warned that bridging the gap between eCommerce brands and 3PL providers was too ambitious—these were separate worlds that operated differently. Instead of accepting this conventional wisdom, I built a platform that sits comfortably at the intersection. I've found that the most innovative solutions emerge precisely where different domains collide. While competitors focused solely on logistics or exclusively on eCommerce tools, we created a matching system that speaks both languages. We've connected thousands of businesses with fulfillment partners not by forcing one to adapt to the other, but by understanding the nuances of both worlds. This cross-disciplinary approach has been our greatest advantage. I've hired team members with diverse backgrounds—retail operators alongside logistics veterans—creating a blend of perspectives that traditional 3PLs don't possess. The industry said consolidation was the future, but I've doubled down on creating partnerships instead. By ignoring the pressure to stay narrowly defined, we've built something that genuinely serves both sides of the marketplace. Sometimes the most valuable path forward is precisely where others tell you not to go.

I've completely ignored the "unwritten rule" that healthcare companies should stick to traditional clinical approaches and avoid "wellness-first" workplace cultures. When I became CEO of Thrive Mental Health, everyone said mental health companies needed to be serious, clinical environments with rigid hierarchies. Instead, I implemented flexible schedules, mental health days, and leadership-led vulnerability sessions where I openly share my own struggles with self-doubt and career transitions. Other executives warned this would undermine my authority and create "unprofessional" boundaries. The results proved them wrong. Our team retention improved dramatically, and our client satisfaction scores increased because our staff genuinely embodies the wellness principles we teach. When your therapists aren't burned out and feel psychologically safe, they deliver better care. At Lifebit, I applied the same approach to the traditionally buttoned-up world of healthcare data and federal partnerships. Being authentic about challenges and showing vulnerability in stakeholder meetings has actually strengthened our partnerships with health systems and government clients. People want to work with humans, not corporate facades.

We market by giving away strategy instead of guarding it behind high-ticket discovery calls or paid audits. I believe generosity builds trust faster than secrecy or gated content ever will. When we show people how we think, they self-qualify and often return with more conviction. That upfront transparency has been our most effective lead generation tool to date. We once earned a six-figure client simply because they followed our newsletter for eight months. Every insight built confidence in our values, process and clarity before we ever spoke directly. That deal closed in three days without negotiation or hesitation. Giving away your best thinking can build loyalty faster than perfect pricing ever could.

I ignore the assumption that growth always means adding headcount, expanding space or scaling complexity. We focus on depth, increasing profit per client, improving lifetime value and delivering more with less. Growth for us is about clarity not size and that distinction changed everything. Bigger is not always better if the stress and systems crumble under weight. We now turn down deals that do not align with our margins or internal capacity goals. Instead of growing fast, we grow well intentionally and with structure behind every decision. That discipline has helped us retain our team and protect our creative culture. Growth should feel like alignment not exhaustion or chaos dressed up as success.

Coming from a Fortune 100 corporate background, structure and rigid boundaries were the unwritten rules of how we worked. But as entrepreneurs in a creative and seasonal industry, my business partner Jen and I have learned to let go of that rigidity. While we maintain just enough structure to keep things running smoothly, our "meetings" often happen over spontaneous car calls while running errands or quick lunches with toddlers in tow. As two women running a pumpkin delivery and design business in Dallas, TX, adaptability and quick pivots are essential. Our marketing is grassroots and highly visual: think front porch photoshoots, behind-the-scenes reels and real-time social content that connects directly with our customers. We've taught ourselves everything from social media marketing to supply chain logistics, skills we never imagined needing in our former corporate HR roles. Ignoring the traditional rulebook has allowed us to grow in ways we never expected and build a business that reflects both our creativity and resilience.