As you’re beginning to build your personal brand, you’ll run across many folks who carry themselves with a high level of integrity and professionalism. On the flip side, you will also run across people who are the total opposite.

For the inexperienced, listening to the later can lead to costly mistakes and a difficult path. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid while building your business.

3. Being Unprepared

One of the major mistakes that beginners make when it comes to anything worthwhile is lack of preparation. If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail. It’s just that simple. Preparation is essential! Whether you’re working on landing a big deal with major client or simply starting your day off, making strategic plans sets you up to be successful.

2. Dealing With The Wrong People

As tempting as it may seem to invite all your family and friends to help you build your dream into a reality, don’t do it. It’s important to surround yourself with good people, but more importantly the right people. Not everyone will see your vision and unfortunately sometimes the people that are closest to us can be the most detrimental. Watch who you hang around.

“Too many Urkels on your team, that’s why your wins low”

– Kanye West

1. Letting Your Ego Get In The Way

Having a big ego isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, when your ego prevents you from accepting constructive criticism and causes you to disregard sound advice, you are setting yourself up for failure. Agree to disagree. Allow others to have their opinion. Not everyone will like you, let alone love you, but we can all respect one another.

Sometimes its better to park your ego in favor of progress.