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

By Jacob Hall

Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences 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 BIZ Experiencess 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 BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

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

Science & Technology

OpenAI's Latest Move Is a Game Changer — Here's How Smart Solopreneurs Are Turning It Into Profit

OpenAI's latest AI tool acts like a full-time assistant, helping solopreneurs save time, find leads and grow their business without hiring.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Money & Finance

These Are the Expected Retirement Ages By Generation, From Gen Z to Boomers — and the Average Savings Anticipated. How Do Yours Compare?

Many Americans say inflation prevents them from saving enough and fear they won't reach their financial goals.

Starting a Business

I Built a $20 Million Company by Age 22 While Still in College. Here's How I Did It and What I Learned Along the Way.

Wealth-building in your early twenties isn't about playing it safe; it's about exploiting the one time in life when having nothing to lose gives you everything to gain.

Science & Technology

AI Isn't Plug-and-Play — You Need a Strategy. Here's Your Guide to Building One.

Don't just "add AI" — build a strategy. This guide helps founders avoid common pitfalls and create a step-by-step roadmap to harness real value from AI.