Let’s Talk Business …

We all know that being an entrepreneur is exciting yet sometimes scary and a heck of a lot of hard work! In my experience, it’s a bit like a washing machine — rinse n’ repeat – the longer you’ve been in business. Now, don’t go thinking that by me saying “rinse n’ repeat” that what I do is entirely boring me to death as that’s now what I mean. It’s about finding what works for you and getting into a solid routine.

Now, I’ve been “rinsing n’ repeating” for quite sometime. 

That got me to thinking that I would take today’s blog post to boil down some of the biggest lessons I have learned about building and growing a business, no matter what your niche is.

Alright, let’s dive in …!

1. This is probably the most important thing to know … DO NOT start a business doing something you will not want to be doing in five (or more) years because if you’re successful at it, you will still be doing this in five years. Choose to start a business with something you’re not only good at but passionate about.
   
   
2. Never partner with someone just because it’s convenient. Partner with someone because it makes you stronger. Makes you BOTH stronger. Choosing the wrong partner (if you actually even need one at all) will just make your days harder, make you hate your work and end up causing way more grief and problems than they solve. You are becoming an entrepreneur to build your big picture, make your goals and dreams come true … not just for convenience. So, your partner shouldn’t be chosen that way either.
   
   
3. You do not know everything. Even if you’re fully prepares, super organized and have done tons of research … it’s impossible to know everything there is to know about starting a business. In fact, you may not know anything when you first get started. But don’t let that hold you back. Start anyway.
   
   
4. Reading and research are very important. So, read lots! Or if you’re learn more by listening (or just can’t find the time), listen to podcasts, TedTalks and audiobooks. And not just books about business, finance and marketing … Read motivational books, success books, self-help books, affirmations, fiction stories, biographies – whatever makes you feel good about yourself and doing what you do.
   
   
5. Your brand is important. More important than you may even realize at this point. But stop wasting time designing your logo, business cards, stationary, social media pages and website. These things are important but so no matter right now. You need to go build your business plan first and stop setting yourself back with all that “busy work” that makes you feel like you’re getting ahead. Without a strategic plan these designs will mean nothing in the end.
   
   
6. Statistics say that 95% of businesses fail. Don’t listen to that! It’s just an excuse to make you feel like giving up before you even get started. That number is high because most people don’t fully commit, don’t follow through until the end or they’re bad at managing their money. Don’t listen to statistics!
   
   
7. Always finish what you start. If you’re a good entrepreneur, you will more than likely have a ton of great ideas and most of them will probably work out to your advantage. Maybe even make you rich! However, this does not mean you should go ahead, dive right in and pursue every single one of them. This will make you part of that 95% you just read about. Pick one and go with it until it dies or makes you happy. Or rich. Whatever floats your boat.
   
   
8. Some people may tell you there is a fine line between dedicated and obsessed. Or “you’re working too hard”. F*ck that line! As an entrepreneur, you will need to continuously cross that line. For the first while, or maybe even first handful of years, you may work long hours. But to you, those long hours won’t even feel like work because you are passionate about what you are creating. So, never let anyone insult you with their comments about your ideas.

If you’re new to the entrepreneurial world, just remember you are not the only one.
There are plenty of people you can touch base with, run ideas past and ask questions to both in-person and online. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Do you have any additional tips you would like to share with others from your story? Or a tip you would like to expand upon?

Feel free to leave your comments below (or on VU’s Facebook page) and we can continue this conversation.