If you have any entrepreneurial tendencies, you probably know by now that the path you’ve chosen comes with a unique set of challenges and rewards. Most entrepreneurs tend to be strong-willed, driven and self-motivating. Most also tend to be single-minded, anti-authority and workaholics! If you recognize yourself in these words, fear not, there is hope and help along the way to international fame and fortune! According to a report by Australia’s Office of the Chief Scientist, fostering innovation and providing students the tools, the opportunities and the support to embrace entrepreneurialism is the way to ensure Australia’s business future, particularly in terms of probable economic growth and possible global impact. These future innovators are the ones who will drive the global economy of the future. So how does the guy or girl-next-door, with a passion for developing the next great app, or serving exquisite pastries, or writing superb self-help books, make it to the same level as Oprah or Richard Branson? Here are some key characteristics to nurture and expand on:
1. Love what you do and know why you’re doing it.
Passion fuels and provides momentum. Values provide strength and character. When the going gets tough, allow your passion to fuel you and your values to guide you. There is no greater inspiration than seeing someone living his or her truth.
2. Plan Everything
“If you fail to plan you plan to fail”. Knowing everything about your business means that you are able to stay on top of opportunities, trends, and possible threats. It also means that you have the ability to work ON your business rather than simply IN the business. When you have a helicopter view, it is easier to prepare for possible opportunities or threats. It also means that by delegating, you empower your team to perform at a level that will keep them engaged, challenged and loyal.
3. Build the Best Team
There is value in surrounding yourself with people who know more than you do. As well as collaborating, they add value to your business that will often lead to a Unique Selling Proposition. Being innovative requires teamwork, focus and a collaborative mind-set. Fostering this in your business will create an empowered team that works well together, brings their best to every interaction, and feels valued and appreciated. The flow-on effects are that you have a team that is loyal, attentive and shamelessly promotes your business ideas.
4. Promote a learning environment, your business and yourself
One of the chief characteristics shared by successful entrepreneurs is the ability to continuously learn and apply new knowledge. This ability ensures that they are never stuck in a comfort zone, or dealing with stale ideas.
5. Find a Mentor or a support group
They say you become whom you surround yourself with. Success can be a lonely road, but with the right encouragement and someone to champion you, the journey to success becomes one of contribution to the community at large. You will find that most successful business people are only too happy to offer guidance. What most people starting out don’t think of is that by taking up their mentor’s valuable time, a return on investment is required. Report back to your mentor on ideas you’ve implemented and successes you’ve had as a result of your interactions with them.
HOW TO SURVIVE BEING AN BY Gretel Breytenbach ENTREPRENEUR 7