Whether it’s a business or a job, it’s just a vehicle to get you want you want in life.
If your goals are grander than just paying the bills and having a few weeks’ vacation, a business is typically required.
But starting a business is difficult. It’s unknown territory for most and has lots of loose ends and moving parts. We are all taught to go to school and get a job, not start a business. I help folks do the latter.
In my opinion, an entrepreneur needs to have a ‘why.’ He or she must have a compelling reason to change their path to business ownership or to start something new. That ‘why’ can be the pursuit of boats and cars and planes. It could be that the future owner just can’t work for the corporate rat race and not have control over their lives any longer. For some, they just have a brilliant idea that just can’t wait. Either way, a “why’ is a must. Once you know your why or goal you must keep it in front of you. A vision board or pictures of your desired result are important, as an example.
Consistency is important to achieve any goal. Even when water is not coming out of the pump you must keep pumping the lever. Folks quit too soon. The best way to stay consistent is to have MDB’s. Minimum Daily Behaviors. Do at least one thing every day toward your goal or toward the opening of your business.
Stuck with figuring out your why? Try this:
I ask my candidates one question that I paraphrased from coach, Dan Sullivan: If we sat down for lunch three years from now, what would have to happen if your business so you can say to me, “Tom, I am so glad I did this because I now have…”
Protect head space?
My grandmother used to say in a broken Italian accent, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you who you are.” To protect yourself, you need to pick your friends and associates carefully. In addition, go on a media diet. We are so concerned about what we put in our stomachs, but we don’t pay attention to what we put in our heads. Trying not reading the newspaper for two weeks. You will feel great.
What makes a great entrepreneur? Simply: fall down seven times, get up eight.
A great entrepreneur knows there is always a way to overcome an obstacle. When things go south, people typically find an excuse. An entrepreneur finds a way.