You\u2019re most ambitious goals rely on your stubbornness. When you\u2019re an entrepreneur, you\u2019re central identity shifts from what it was before. This might sound off putting or even \u2013 completely wrong. How can you put being an entrepreneur supersede any other identity you hold? Here\u2019s how \u2013 being an entrepreneur will require your persistence, boldness, and fearlessness. It means hearing \u2018NO\u2019 and being ok with it. It will test your patience, drive and, sanity. But when being an entrepreneur becomes your life and not your job, you have little choice but to embody these audacious qualities. The minute you dilute your identity into two or more layers \u2013 you place limitations on yourself and your perception of your abilities. Be brave. Go out. Talk to people. Reach out to them on LinkedIn. Find great mentors. Ask questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For your business to grow, it must be scalable. Hire freelancers, outsource and get employees. Hire people who are experts in their fields and have them help you. If you can\u2019t afford employees, freelancers are an excellent way to keep your costs down without hindering productivity. The goal is to work for your business, not in it. Focus on your strengths, isolate pain points and strategise more efficient ways to divide and conquer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes,\nespecially in the beginning of your entrepreneurship journey. The overwhelming\nurge and\/or guilt to say yes to every client, job or opportunity is overwhelming.\nIf a client or opportunity aren\u2019t the right fit, worth the money or your\nefforts \u2013 don\u2019t second guess your worth. Keep things that don\u2019t serve you off\nyour plate so you have room for great people and opportunities that may come\nalong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes you\u2019ll\nfeel a compulsion to employ friends and family into your business. This is\ncertainly true for everyone. However, before you commit to employees your\nfamiliar with ask yourself the following questions: Can you treat them like any\nother employee? Can you enforce company policy or disciplinary measures when your\nexpectations are not met? Will you pay these affiliates more than they deserve because\nit feels awkward not to? Unless you already know your personalities, goals and\nwork ethic won\u2019t clash \u2013 avoid hiring friends or family if they won\u2019t be instrumental\nin furthering your goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Excuses get you nowhere\u2014not with dissatisfied clients, customers, or employees. If you mess up, take accountability. Apologise for the problem, find the root of the issue, put a process in place to ensure it doesn\u2019t happen again, and if necessary, throw something in for free. Think about how you\u2019d feel were you in the client\u2019s shoes and what it (reasonably) takes to make it right. Then, do it. Practicing accountability as a business owner will also demonstrate transparency and honesty to build trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKeep focused on what it is you\u2019re trying to do. Your worst enemy is going to be yourself throughout this journey. Be original\u2026 Don\u2019t think of yourself as an extension of anything; whether it\u2019s a culture, a place, an environment or industry…\u00a0Have the guts, have the courage and the belief in what you do<\/a>. <\/em>Think bigger, think within a planet where only you exist. That\u2019s where the interesting stuff happens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n