"Don’t follow the crowd": Shark Tank mentor Robert Herjavec shares common mistakes to avoid while starting a business

Shark Tank mentor Robert Herjavec shared his thoughts on how to avoid common mistakes while starting a business. He opened up about some tips via an Instagram clip he shared on January 31, 2025.

Since his appearance on Shark Tank, Robert Herjavec has been one of the renowned names on television. Young entrepreneurs often follow his advice regarding business, investment, finances, and entrepreneurship.

He captioned the recently released reel with:

"Don't follow the crowd—lead it. Entrepreneurs often chase what's trending, but real success comes from predicting the next big thing. Instead of running after the "cheese" everyone else is, focus on where it's going. The future belongs to those who think ahead."

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Shark Tank: Robert Herjavec shares tips and mistakes for entrepreneurs

Shark Tank mentor Robert Herjavec often shares tips and knowledge about various businesses and entrepreneurship. In a recently shared Instagram clip, he discussed not following the "crowd." He discussed how most entrepreneurs chase where everyone is going and do the same.

Referring to how many people are interested in starting a business and seeking advice, the mentor shared some tips and the common mistakes everyone should avoid.

Robert advised the entrepreneurs not to do that. He shared:

"Everyone wants to start a business and people are always asking me what kind of a business should I start? Here's the most common mistake I see young entrepreneurs making. What's the best analogy?"

He continued:

"This of it this way: There's a piece of cheese and all the entrepreneurs are mice and they're all screwing around. They go after that piece of cheese. And then tomorrow there's a piece of cheese over here and everybody goes this way."

Further in the clip, Robert recalled a quote from Wayne Gretzky and stated:

"Wayne Gretzky said it best. "Don't go where the puck is. Go where you think the puck is going."

Shining more light on the subject, he revealed that entrepreneurs should not be getting into a business that "everybody else is getting into." In opposition to that, he stated that the "next wave" will be Artificial Intelligence.

Robert Herjavec advised the young business enthusiasts to get into the AI because it is "still super hot." Fans must have witnessed another Shark Tank mentor, Kevin O'Leary, who often shares insights regarding AI and business strategies.

Robert concluded the clip by again citing the phrase from Wayne Gretzky and stating that entrepreneurs should think of where the "puck is going to go."

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Fans can stream upcoming Shark Tank Season 16 episodes on ABC Network.