Ask anyone who has started their own business how they got to where they are, and there’s a strong chance that “hard work and determination” will be mentioned. While just about anyone can become an entrepreneur, it takes a certain mindset in order to truly make it in today’s business climate. After all, more new businesses sink than swim these days, and those that survive often do so because they’ve tapped into a niche market.
No one ever said that entrepreneurship was easy. If you make the right decisions and keep a clear head on your shoulders, however, it can be a lot of fun. Succeeding in the 21st century is all about learning how to use the tools that you have at your disposal and implementing proper time-management skills.
With a little bit of hard work and determination, you’ll be on your way towards finding success in business as an entrepreneur.
Focus On Your Vision
There are plenty of people in the professional sector who will tell you that even if you have a strong interest in your vision, you’ll need to adapt in order to meet the needs of your clientele. While there is certainly some truth to this, sentiments such as this often discourage entrepreneurs from taking the leaps necessary to getting where they want to in business. If you have a clear vision, stick to it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your goals, especially if you believe in your business plan. The difference between entrepreneurs who sink and those that swim is that the latter category is typically filled with people who stick with what they believe in, even in the face of controversy and hardship. Consider the story of Jeff Bartel of FPL Group – his foward-thinking mindset landed him Leadership Florida’s “Distinguished Member” award in 2009, and he wouldn’t have likely gained this without following his own path.
Take on a Business Partner
Many entrepreneurs consider themselves to be control freaks, taking every aspect of the business into their own hands whenever possible. While there are some benefits to this approach, it’s also a very quick path towards burnout. Entrepreneurs, after all, aren’t necessarily equipped to handle both the financial and operational sides of a business. If you are more operationally-minded, you might want to hire someone to deal specifically with the business’s finances. Taking on a business partner often means sacrificing pay for yourself, but since it can also increase your chances of building a successful business, it’s more than worth considering.
Don’t Waste Any Time
Time is everything for entrepreneurs. Just because the Internet has made it easier than before to own and operate a business doesn’t mean you can sleep til noon an expect to find success. A good idea can be a great start, but that’s all it is – a beginning. It’s going to take a lot of time and effort to get your business off the ground and keep it afloat, and the more you can get done in a single day, the better off you’ll be. Strive to put in at least 8 hours of work each day, and don’t hesitate to burn the midnight oil when the situation calls for it. You might find yourself a bit over-worked at first, but it’ll just make things easier for you down the road.
There’s never been a better time to become an entrepreneur than now. Just remember – stick to your vision, consider taking on a little help and develop a strong work ethic!
Article contributed by Jenna Smith