by R. Asmerom
Starting a business is not for the faint of heart. It takes a ton of hard work, relentlessness and an unshakable level of self-confidence. It’s a tough job but the rewards of entrepreneurship are priceless. In that spirit, we’ve included six things to keep in mind when embarking on your road to entrepreneurship and also included books that can help you on your journey.
Do What You Love
It may be cliché but it’s true. When we say “do what you love,” we don’t mean, do what seems cool, hip, or “in.” We mean really examine your true affinities and capitalize on your interests and/or hobbies. When you invest in something that you love, the motivation and tenacity will naturally kick in and help you sustain your efforts. When you’re doing something purely for the money or fame, it would be that much harder to keep up the energy level required to maintain a successful business. Even if your venture doesn’t work out, it will most likely open up other doors and avenues for you to channel your expertise.
Check Out Unique Ability: Creating The Life You Want
Do Your Research
This may go without saying but you should research businesses similar to the one you’re trying to start and get a sense of the demands and needs of your business. Even if you want to start something completely new and never-been-done-before (think about how Netflix changed the game) in the tech world for example, do your research and read about other entrepreneurs who started businesses relating to online technology. Their stories will help you get familiar with your terrain.
Check out The Art of the Start: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything
Surround Yourself With People You Trust
There’s a reason that many small businesses employ family members and that many artists do the same when it comes to career management. There will be times when you will need to outsource for your positions but depending on the level of your venture, partnering up with trusted and organized confidantes will help free your mind to worry about other matters. Many people can be trained to do certain jobs but training someone to be trust worthy is a different story.
Check out How to Hire A-Players: Finding the Top People for Your Team- Even If You Don’t Have a Recruiting Department
Seek Out Mentors
SCORE is a part of the Small Business Administration and is “an organization that offers free online and face-to-face business counseling, mentoring, and training.” You’ll actually have the opportunity to talk to business veterans and get feedback on your business plan and get some advice relating to your business questions. Even if you don’t seek out advice or mentorship from SCORE, you should consult someone in your industry to advise you from time to time. It can save you plenty of headache in the long run and also boost your sense of support and confidence.
Check out The Power of Mentorship and The Millionaire Within
Mind Your Confidence, Keep Doubt At Bay
Half of someone’s success, some say, derives from confidence. Doubt is what keeps people from banking on their dreams, taking risk or what influences people to call it quits prematurely. Whenever you have doubt, just think of someone like a Kanye West. Sure, he’s super talented but the man’s confidence level is on overdrive so it’s easy to imagine that there was never a moment when he probably thought he would not make it. There is a lot of potential out there but many people fail to move forward with theirs due to fear.
Check out The Accidental Entrepreneur: The 50 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Starting a Business
Organize Your Time
You don’t have to quit your job and put all your eggs into one basket to jumpstart your ideas but you certainly have to develop a keen focus on your end goals. Make sure you’re focusing on one business idea and schedule a timeline to accomplish your to-dos over a reasonable period of time. You have to treat your project like a required course for graduation. Don’t let social events and other plans derail your concentration.
Check out The Seven Questions of Business Strategy: Focus Your Intention and Grow Your Business
