Barbara Corcoran, best known as a seasoned investor on Shark Tank, has built an impressive career. With her sharp financial acumen and deep understanding of market trends, she often shares practical advice to help everyday people improve their finances.

Here are some of her most valuable lessons from 2024 that you can carry into 2025.

Stay True to Yourself

Corcoran believes authenticity is key to success.

“Show up as your true self! Investors can smell a phony from a mile away, and trust me, I won’t invest in someone who isn’t genuine,” she shared in a recent LinkedIn post reflecting on her experiences on Shark Tank.

Choose a Great Boss

“Don’t take any job based on how much it pays, but take it on the important thing: how much it will teach,” Corcoran said in an interview with Fortune.

Early in your career, the right boss can significantly impact your future success. A good boss can mentor and guide you toward growth, while the wrong one might stifle your potential. When evaluating a job offer, think beyond the paycheck and consider how much you can learn under their leadership.

Know Your Value

It’s common to doubt yourself early in your career, but Corcoran urges against selling yourself short.

“If you think you’re worth a dime, that’s all you’ll get! Recognize your worth — you’re a diamond, not a pebble!” she wrote on LinkedIn.

She added, “At the same time, don’t overhype yourself without evidence to back it up. Find the balance and stay realistic.”

Avoid Mixing Business with Friendship

Partnering with friends in business may seem appealing, but Corcoran warns against it.

She shared on The Bobby Bones Show how a business deal cost her two friendships. Even with her success in real estate, mixing business and friendships proved costly. Instead, she advises keeping these two aspects of your life separate to protect your relationships.

Start Investing in Real Estate Early

As a real estate mogul, Corcoran credits much of her wealth to the industry. She encourages others to explore real estate as a way to build financial security.

“Get started in real estate as soon as you can,” she advises.

Master Delegation to Grow Your Business

Running a business requires a range of skills, including the ability to delegate effectively.

“Delegating well is a tough skill to master because every good boss is a control freak,” Corcoran admitted in a recent post. “But if you can’t learn to let go, your business won’t grow to its full potential.”

Her advice? If someone can perform a task at least 80% as well as you can, it’s good enough to keep the business moving forward. She warns against perfectionism, suggesting that striving for “good enough” is often more productive.

Use Imposter Syndrome to Your Advantage

Feeling like an imposter is more common than you might think, but Corcoran sees this self-doubt as a hidden strength.

“Imposter syndrome gets a bad rap. I look for entrepreneurs who feel insecure because they tend to work twice as hard to prove themselves,” she shared.

Rather than letting self-doubt hold you back, use it as motivation to prepare thoroughly and strive for success.

Act on Your Ideas

Corcoran emphasizes the importance of taking action.

“When you have an idea, act on it immediately. Don’t overthink whether it’s a winner or a loser—just try it out,” she advised in a LinkedIn post. “Failures often pave the way for your biggest successes. Stay in the game long enough to see things turn around.”

Takeaway

With years of experience building successful businesses, Barbara Corcoran offers financial advice that’s worth considering. As you prepare for 2025, keep her tips in mind to make the most of the opportunities ahead.