The Proprietor

The Worlds Full Of Business: There’s Room For More

DON’T JUST SAY IT, CREATE IT! Steps To Start Your Own Personal Business

REACH FOR THE SKY NO MATTER HOW HIGH The Worlds Full Of Business: There’s Room For More

DON’T JUST SAY IT, CREATE IT! Build Your Team To Create Your Dream

NO IDEA IS WAISTED CREATIVITY

the

prietor

Your First Time

Read everything you can. Talk to as many experienced people in your field as you can. Be thoughtful in your decision making process.

Yes—There is definitely a first time for everything.

That certainly is true in the realm of business ownership. So, when was YOUR first time? Right out of college?

Or did you get your feet wet working for another company before you set out on your own? Were you brave enough to start something while you were in high school and then skipping that upper education all together to focus on your goals?

Actually, maybe your VERY FIRST TIME was that lemonade stand you started when you were nine years old.

Hmmmm.

In a room full of business owners, entrepreneurs, and capitalists, there would be many many stories about “the first time.” Everyone holds that “first time” in high regard because of the lessons learned, the experience offered, and possibly the profits earned. Like many other occasions in our personal lives, nothing can compare to that first time.

Let’s suppose, however, that now—right now—this is your first time. Your first bakery. Your first cleaning service. Your first virtual office assistant service. Your first entertainment venue. Your first shopping mall. Your first car lot.

While there will be lists a mile long of things to do, equipment to purchase, people to hire, and new clients to acquire, the thrill is the same for every business owner. Your name is on the door. Your reputation is connected to the product or the service. Your future hinges upon the results.

The best advice anyone could give you is to read everything you can. Talk to as many experienced people in your field as you can. Be thoughtful in your decision making process. Then, trust your gut and don’t second guess yourself.

Be yourself. The first time will possibly lead to many more possibilities.

BECOME Build to Create

Build Your Team to Create Your Dream Starting your own business it’s stressful and pretty much demands your complete focus. On the plus side, it can also be a fulfilling experience professionally and personally.

Starting a business Starting your own business can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It can offer numerous advantages such as being your own boss, setting your own schedule and making a living doing something you enjoy.

But, becoming a successful entrepreneur requires thorough planning, creativity and hard work.

Being your own boss also means you’re the one making tough decisions.

Entrepreneurship involves uncertainty.

Do you avoid uncertainty in life at all costs? If yes, then entrepreneurship may not be the best fit for you. Do you enjoy the thrill of taking calculated risks? Then read on.

You may have the greatest idea in the world, but if you cannot persuade customers, employees and potential lenders or partners, you may find entrepreneurship to be challenging. If you enjoy public speaking, engage new people with ease and find you make compelling arguments grounded in facts, it’s likely you’re poised to make your idea succeed.

Before you start a business, it’s important to have a strong support system in place.

You’ll be forced to make many important decisions, especially in the first months of opening your business. If you do not have a support network of people to help you, consider finding a business mentor.

BUSINESS CUSTOMER

L IL W ND W A ISE ?

O H GE RT SS A VE E AN AD SIN IM BU Y

M

01 Comfortable with taking risks

Being your own boss also means you’re the one making tough decisions. Entrepreneurship involves uncertainty. Do you avoid uncertainty in life at all costs? If yes, then entrepreneurship may not be the best fit for you. Do you enjoy the thrill of taking calculated risks? Then read on.

Independent

Entrepreneurs have to make a lot of decisions on their own. If you find you can trust your instincts and you’re not afraid of rejection every now and then you could be on your way to being an entrepreneur.

Before you start a business, it’s important to have a strong support system in place.

You’ll be forced to make many important decisions, especially in the first months of opening your business. If you do not have a support network of people to help you, consider finding a business mentor.

A business mentor is someone who is experienced, successful and willing to provide advice and guidance.

If you have insights on how to take advantage of new opportunities, entrepreneurship may be a good fit.

Persuasive

You may have the greatest idea in the world, but if you cannot persuade customers, employees and potential lenders or partners, you may find entrepreneurship to be challenging. If you enjoy public speaking, engage new people with ease and find you make compelling arguments grounded in facts, it’s likely you’re poised to make your idea succeed.

Able to negotiate

As a small business owner, you will need to negotiate everything from leases to contract terms to rates.

Polished negotiation skills will help you save money and keep your business running smoothly.

LET’S FIND A MENTOR

Finding a mentor in business might be easier than you think. It also does not have to be an intimidating experience.

Get Clarity Before you start your search, get clear with yourself—so that you can be clear with your mentor—on your needs, your goals, your strengths, your weaknesses, etc. After all, you are not just looking for any business person that has been around the corporate block a few times. You are looking for someone that can help you in your weak spots, keep you encouraged, and propel those strengths into your first million. Pull out that notepad and write some things down.

No Limits While you may think we are suggesting you not limit your own thinking or goals (and we are!). We are also suggesting that you not limit where you search for a mentor. While it may be helpful, he does not have to

be in the same professional field as you. It might actually be beneficial to learn leadership from someone who leads in a totally different area. Do not limit yourself to age, or gender, to profession, or location. Open your mind to every possibility and talk to many people that you admire from afar and think you would like to learn from.

SET UP A MEETING After you have gotten clear on what you need and want and visited with many business leaders, then it is time to go for it and set up a meeting. Since you are requesting the meeting, come with clear thoughts and a notepad.

Let them know what you see in them that could possibly help you and what your expectations are.

Talk at length about core values and ideals as well as the practical business advice and leadership you are seeking.

Finally, enjoy the process.

Appreciate their time by taking them to lunch or dinner. Be respectful of their time by bringing an agenda, being prompt, and leaving within an agreed upon time frame.

More than likely, they will enjoy the process as much as you.

“Before you start your search, get clear with yourself�