Starting and running a business can be an exhausting task, whether you are thinking about beginning a new self-owned business or are currently apart of a successful venture, the work ethic and mountain climb can be the greatest task you ever accomplish.
That being said, just because it’s a tough task doesn’t mean success won’t come. Here are ten tips/traits to you can grab onto as an entrepreneur to help you grasp that long-term golden ring.
1. Love what you do
To put the amount of time it takes to be successful at beginning a new business, you have to be in a passionate, loving and lustful marriage with what you will be doing. If your business doesn’t make you want to get up in the morning, then don’t do it.
2. Put Yourself Out There
You may have heard the term Pea-cocking, although the association with dating isn’t exactly what we should be doing in the business world – but we should not be afraid to stick out of the crowd. No one is going to seek you out, to do business with you, if you aren’t the first name that people think of when looking for your business offering. Tell everyone how incredible you are.
3. Learn More
Curiosity is not going kill you, ask as many questions as possible: Why? Why Not? How? Where? This will help you find the next big thing and help guide you to better understand your customers and their current needs.
4. Be Vocal
In business opinions differ and communications vary from person to person, but in the end you have to be true to yourself. Don’t try to be like someone else and follow a path that isn’t you. Be, speak and write like yourself and you’ll be happier and more likely to communicate with everyone (audience and paying customers).
5. Be a Problem Solver
Customers want solutions and always motion to those that can rectify their problems. Humans in general like to be as far away from their pains as possible and closer to pleasure (free from problems). If you can find a service or product that can make life easier then you’re on the path to success.
6. Become a “Yes” Person
The movie Yes Man personified this principle very well, the next time you think you’re going to say no, just say yes. Sometimes you get offered to be apart of a marketing program or a conference not in your industry, just say yes next time and see if you can talk out a way to make it mutually beneficial.
7. Take a Small Risk
As an entrepreneur you’ve already taken a risk, so you’re probably likely and open to taking another risk. Every opportunity should be analyzed, as not to destroy your business or finances, but it never hurts to take a dip in the risk pool to see what might come out of a new situation.
8. Learn to Delegate
Moving a business from doing it all yourself, to a point where you’re pushing accounting, marketing, design, etc. onto others will propel you to another level. You are not a machine and trying to do every aspect of a business is insane. So focus on the business aspects that are the most important and surround yourself with other outstanding individuals to help run the business.
9. Ask for the Sale.
Most times what you want is a sale, so ask for it. When you get into a discussion to sell your service or offering, don’t be afraid to get your possible client to sign the contract and ask for what you want – just be polite about it.
10. Give Incredible Customer Support
Word of mouth is your best friend. If you provide incredible customer service, go above and beyond, you will be referred again and again. People like doing business with those that their friends trust, so show incredible support and they will come back and bring their friends with them.