Logo
Max van der Vlugt • March 28, 2025

“Don’t Do This” – The Candid Guide Every Entrepreneur Needs to Start and Survive

advertorial: Don’t Do This

The road to entrepreneurship is paved with ambition—and landmines. For every startup success story, there are a dozen untold failures. Enter Don’t Do This: A Guide to Business Survival by Furkat Kasimov, a brutally honest, practical guide that flips traditional business books on their heads.



While many entrepreneurship books focus on what to do, Don’t Do This offers a refreshingly direct take: here’s what not to do. It is, as the title suggests, a survival manual for business owners who are tired of fluff and ready for real talk.


Why Furkat Kasimov’s Approach Matters

Furkat Kasimov is not your average business author. Known for pioneering AI-driven marketing solutions and co-founding LeadsMarket.com, he built a $100 million business without external investors. His book is not theory—it’s experience.

The value in Don’t Do This lies in its candid approach. Kasimov doesn’t pretend to have a magic formula. Instead, he shares war stories—times he nearly failed, the decisions he regrets, and what saved him. It's this honesty that resonates in an oversaturated business book market.


His transition from tech innovator to author is already gaining attention, with the book recently featured on Mashable.com. That recognition underscores the unique position this book holds in 2025’s business literature landscape.


What “Don’t Do This” Actually Teaches You

Kasimov structures the book around real-world mistakes, each followed by clear strategies for how to avoid them. Topics include cash flow nightmares, failed marketing campaigns, team dysfunction, and scaling too fast—challenges every entrepreneur faces.


But what sets Don’t Do This apart is its immediacy. Each chapter ends with actionable steps—no jargon, no vague metaphors, just solid advice. It’s truly a guide to start a business without blindly falling into the most common traps.

One of the book’s strengths is its mix of storytelling and tactical advice. You don’t just read about the problems; you understand the psychology behind them, the warning signs, and how to pivot before it’s too late.


A Book for Startups—and Survivors

Whether you're starting your first business or recovering from your third failed venture, Don’t Do This is a compass in the chaos. It's not motivational fluff—it’s raw, honest and relatable.


Unlike traditional guides that offer blueprints for growth, Kasimov’s book teaches readers to look for the cracks before they become chasms. This preventative mindset is especially valuable in today’s volatile economy.

It's also an incredibly accessible read. No lengthy case studies or complex models. Just straight talk from a founder who's been through the fire and lived to write about it.


Combining AI and Intuition

As a tech veteran, Kasimov also brings a unique twist: insights derived from AI. According to the author, part of the book was influenced by machine learning analysis of thousands of business case studies.


This fusion of data-driven insight and gut-level experience gives the book both credibility and edge. It's not just his story—it’s the story of countless others, distilled into lessons we can all use.


Where to Get “Don’t Do This”

You can explore more about the book on the official website https://www.dontdothis.ai/ and dive deeper into the backstory of Furkat Kasimov’s entrepreneurial journey.

It’s also available for purchase worldwide—buy the book here if you're serious about making fewer mistakes and more impact in your business.


Final Thoughts

In a world obsessed with hustle culture, Don’t Do This offers a refreshing counterpoint: slow down, learn from others' mistakes, and build your business on solid ground. It’s more than just a guide to start a business—it’s a manual for staying sane while doing it.


For entrepreneurs, founders, side-hustlers, and even seasoned CEOs, Furkat Kasimov's Don’t Do This should be a must-read. Not because it tells you how to succeed—but because it teaches you how not to fail.

ALL OUR OTHER NEWS:

How to Get an AI Employee? A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
By Max van der Vlugt January 29, 2025
Consistency and Accuracy Unlike human employees, AI does not suffer from fatigue, distraction, or inconsistency. AI employees execute tasks with high accuracy, eliminating errors in data entry, calculations, and reporting. This ensures compliance, maintains operational standards, and enhances the reliability of business processes. Optimized Marketing and Advertising AI streamlines digital marketing efforts by automating ad placements, analyzing campaign performance, and generating personalized content. AI employees conduct A/B testing, identify the most effective keywords, and optimize advertising budgets to maximize ROI. Businesses leveraging AI-driven marketing strategies see improved engagement rates and higher conversion rates. Seamless Integration with Human Employees AI employees are not meant to replace human workers but to complement them. By taking over mundane and repetitive tasks, AI allows employees to focus on higher-value work, fostering innovation and problem-solving. Companies that
How to Get an AI Employee? A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
By Max van der Vlugt January 29, 2025
Introduction: The Shift to AI in the Workplace The modern business world is evolving rapidly, and artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this transformation. AI employees are revolutionizing industries by automating tasks, optimizing workflows, and improving efficiency. Companies looking to stay competitive are integrating AI into their daily operations. But how does a business go about implementing an AI employee? What are the steps required to ensure a smooth transition from traditional workflows to AI-driven efficiency? This guide walks you through the process of acquiring and integrating an AI employee into your business. Understanding What an AI Employee Is An AI employee is a digital workforce powered by machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and automation technology. Unlike human employees, AI operates without fatigue, handling repetitive tasks, data analysis, content creation, and customer interactions with speed and precision. AI employees can function in a variety of r
What is an AI Employee? Explanation and Benefits for Your Business
By Max van der Vlugt January 29, 2025
Benefits of Using an AI Employee in Your Business The adoption of AI employees offers significant advantages, allowing companies to work smarter and more efficiently. Increased Efficiency and Productivity AI employees automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up human employees to focus on strategic initiatives. This leads to faster execution and better resource allocation. Cost Savings Hiring and training human employees can be expensive. AI employees require an initial investment but save costs in the long run by reducing labor expenses and improving operational efficiency. 24/7 Availability Unlike human workers, AI employees do not require rest, ensuring continuous operations. This is particularly beneficial for customer support, global businesses, and e-commerce platforms. Improved Decision-Making AI provides real-time analytics and insights, helping businesses make data-driven decisions. By analyzing patterns and predicting trends, AI employees contribute to better strategic planning. Scala
How to Get an AI Employee? A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
By Max van der Vlugt January 29, 2025
Testing and Refining AI Processes AI implementation is an iterative process. After initial deployment, businesses should closely monitor performance to assess its impact. This includes tracking AI-generated content for quality, measuring customer satisfaction with AI-driven interactions, analyzing marketing performance, and evaluating data accuracy. Adjustments may be necessary based on feedback from employees and customers. AI improves over time, but human oversight is crucial to ensure it aligns with business expectations. Integrating AI with Human Employees AI employees are designed to work alongside humans, not replace them. Successful AI adoption requires clear communication with employees to address concerns and provide training on how to leverage AI capabilities. Employees should understand that AI enhances their work by automating repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic and creative responsibilities. Providing hands-on training sessions and AI workflow demonstrations will help em
Why an AI Employee is the Future for Businesses
By Max van der Vlugt January 29, 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the modern workplace, offering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and decision-making. One of the most groundbreaking developments is the emergence of AI employees—digital entities capable of performing tasks traditionally handled by humans. This article delves into why AI employees are becoming indispensable assets for businesses aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Understanding the AI Employee An AI employee is an advanced system designed to automate and manage various business functions. Unlike basic automation tools, AI employees utilize machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and predictive analytics to execute complex tasks with human-like proficiency. They can generate content, manage customer interactions, analyze data, and optimize marketing strategies, among other functions. Advantages of Integrating AI Employees Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity AI employees can process vast amounts of da
Hiring a marketing communication agency
By Max van der Vlugt January 16, 2025
In a world where online and offline marketing are constantly evolving, managing your marketing activities can become a time-consuming and complex task. Hiring a marketing communication agency is an effective solution to make your business more visible, reach your target audience, and achieve results. But why should you take this step? In this blog, we explain what a marketing communication agency does, why hiring one is a smart investment, and how Marcom.nl can help you. What does a marketing communication agency do? A marketing communication agency helps businesses effectively deliver their message to their target audience. This can be done through various channels and strategies, such as online marketing, social media, advertising, branding, and content creation. The goal of an agency is to strengthen your brand, reach your target audience, and generate conversions. At Marcom.nl, we combine marketing and communication in a smart way. Whether you want to drive more traffic to your website, build a strong s
AI Video Chatbot: The Future of Customer Interaction
By Max van der Vlugt January 16, 2025
The way businesses communicate with their customers is changing rapidly. Technologies like AI Video Chatbots offer an innovative and unique way to engage and support customers. But what makes these chatbots so special? And why are they the future of customer interaction? In this blog, we dive into the world of AI Video Chatbots and explore how they can help your business grow. What is an AI Video Chatbot? An AI Video Chatbot is an advanced virtual assistant that communicates with customers through video. Unlike traditional text-based chatbots, a video chatbot adds a human dimension to interactions. Imagine a virtual assistant welcoming customers, answering their questions, and guiding them during their visit to your website. An AI Video Chatbot can help customers by: Finding products or services. Answering frequently asked questions. Explaining complex information in an accessible way. Guiding customers through the purchase process. The Benefits of an AI Video Chatbot Why choose an AI Video Chatbot? Here a
Breaking into the US Market: How to Advertise Successfully in America
By Max van der Vlugt January 6, 2025
Introduction The United States is one of the largest and most dynamic markets in the world. For businesses looking to expand internationally, breaking into the US market can unlock immense growth opportunities. However, with its diversity, size, and unique consumer behaviors, advertising successfully in America requires careful planning, cultural understanding, and strategic execution. In this blog, we’ll explore the key strategies for advertising in the US, including the importance of audience segmentation, the power of storytelling, and how to leverage the country’s most popular platforms. Plus, learn how Marcom.eu can help you develop a tailored strategy to achieve measurable success. Understanding the US Market The US is home to over 331 million people, spread across 50 states, with varying cultural, economic, and social dynamics. Its size and diversity mean that what works in one region may not resonate in another. Understanding your target audience is crucial for creating campaigns that connect and co
Show More
Share by: