You’re new in business or working on growth. Perhaps you resonate more with being a small business owner than entrepreneur. It’s possible, this isn’t your first rodeo. And, it may also be true that you’re still working through the ebbs and flows. Wherever you happen to fall this post is going to touch on the 5 things we believe every entrepreneur should know.
Although a short list, we believe it to be a powerful one.
Things we wish people had told us when we first got started.
And, a few things we’ve learned along the way!
Every Entrepreneur Should Know …
As a quick note, we have been entrepreneurs full-time for more than 20 years. And believe us when we say, we’ve seen A LOT! For the first handful of years we questioned why we were even trying to make a go of this.
Although at the time we were on separate journeys (hadn’t met yet) … the struggle was similar. It’s as though you get so fired up to own your own business and do you own deal — but no one warns you about the tough times, right?
Even now, with social media, we see highlight reel after highlight reel and it just gives such a crazy impression to the world of owning a business.
So, let’s dive into the 5 things we believe every new or growing entrepreneur should know.
If you aren’t committed you have a hobby not a business.
… and a hobby that’s likely costing you a ton of time and money. If you aren’t achieving because you have too many other commitments that are taking up your time, personally or professionally, then you need to figure out how to get all in. Like, yesterday.
See, the word entrepreneur became a trendy word in some ways … So many people flocked to the industry be it starts ups or network marketing chasing that dream. And although that’s amazing — so many fell short in the commitment department.
Make a decision to your business from the beginning. Every entrepreneur should know their non-negotiables.
Humility and a sense of humor go a long way.
Humility suggests confidence. So does humor. You will have a lot of setbacks and the best way to deal with them is to not digress, not to live there. Humor and humility let you get beyond failures and setbacks so you can quickly get back to business.
No one ‘worthwhile’ can steal your idea.
Every entrepreneur needs to know that the people who can actually execute your vision are already working on and are entirely consumed by their own.
And trust us on this, their dream is far more important to them than yours is.
Too often we don’t share what we have going on or in the works for fear of someone stealing your idea. Stop that! Sure there are a few exceptions to this; if you have intellectual property, protect it.
Give people the what, not the how.
The more you share about what you’re doing the more people you have interested and in some ways, invested in your success! We can’t stress this enough … this is so KEY in your network marketing teams too. SHOW people the way!
Focus on what’s in front of you. The rest can wait.
Multitasking is the biggest lie ever told. Think about this; have you ever spoke to someone on what you believe to be an important phone call and it’s totally obvious that they are doing something else while talking to you?
Remember that feeling?
Well, that’s the same behavior that taints your product or service every time you attempt to multitask.
It looks like you aren’t serious about what is supposed to be your focus, because let’s be honest, you aren’t. Focus on one task at a time. Use better time management techniques to help block your time. Whatever works for you — every entrepreneur should know that focus is what builds businesses.
There will be ebbs and flows.
You’ve heard this a thousand times before, we get it. But, when you are in business you will see mountains and valleys. You will see the trend spike and fall every now and again. This, is normal.
It’s your consistency in the tougher times that will help dictate how long you’re in the valley for. It’s in the valley that mountains are made. Go on, build that mountain!
Should you require some help getting there, recommitting to your vision or help in growing and scaling it — reach out to us. This is what we love the most out of our 20+ years — serving others who are just getting warmed up!
