Tariq Farid was a florist. One day, he had a unique idea.
Why not make beautiful bouquets of flowers—except instead of using flowers, using fruit that people can eat? Melon chunks. Pineapples. Chocolate-dipped strawberries. Stuff like that. Like an edible bouquet.
He shared his idea with a few business experts. A small focus group.
They (literally) laughed in his face.
“Stick with flowers,” they told him.
He ignored them and followed his instincts. Now his company—Edible Arrangements—is worth $500 million.
Nobody’s laughing now.
I’ve met so many people with exciting business dreams. All too often, though, I see people ignoring their instincts and looking to outsiders—advisors, mentors, experts, Facebook ad gurus—searching for the answers.
I see people asking, “How can I make more money? Which product should I launch? How should I market myself?” and then blindly following the latest expert’s advice. Blindly following—even if something doesn’t feel right. This leads to a brand that feels inauthentic, a website that you hate, a depressing bank account balance, and panicked sobbing in the bathroom.
Surround yourself with a few trusted advisors, for sure. It’s great to have a tribe. But your instincts must come first, and your instincts must carry the most weight. Not theirs.
If something feels wrong for you, it probably is. If something feels right, it probably is. If something’s never been done before, but you know that society needs it, and it lights a fire in your heart, and you feel a buzz of “yes-yes-yes” electricity down your spine… then run with it.
Your instincts are worth millions.
