The hard reality of entrepreneurship

The unwritten rules of collaboration: how to choose the right partners and why commitment is the only basis for success.

03 September 2025 -

"Sometimes entrepreneurship just isn't fun."

Friday Funday. But honestly? Sometimes entrepreneurship just isn’t fun.

You are ambitious, you believe in your vision, you want to move forward. So you take advice. From a business coach, a good friend, a partner, an agency… And then you just hope you choose the right one.

But that’s the tricky part: who really has your best interests at heart? And who has the right knowledge? It’s a huge task to bring in the right expertise. And before you know it, you’ve been led astray, with all the consequences that entails.

Unfortunately, I’ve experienced it myself multiple times. Since then, I’ve been working with a simple but strict rule: 25 checks. All green ✅

Every collaboration must be correct on all points. And all with conviction. As soon as there is even one small doubt, a mini red flag… don’t do it ⛳️

I always tell prospects who are still in doubt the same thing: “The timing has to be right. The trust has to be there. You have to want it now, with full dedication. Only then will it work.”

And if that’s not there yet? That’s completely okay. Then I’ll answer a few more questions or call you back next week. No pressure. Only commitment.

Strangely enough, that is greatly appreciated. And I truly believe in it.

Take advantage of it.

Show me the magic in real life 🪄

Michiel Verstraten

Build your personal brand

Michiel Verstraten

LinkedIn updates: what’s new!

More cases

View all cases