Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Have you always wondered what it would be like to be your own boss? Well, it isn’t always easy BUT it is always fun and rewarding! How to tell if you’re an entrepreneur is something we want to explore — some are tongue in cheek!
Here are some ways you can tell if you’re an entrepreneur.
You have a passion for something. If you’re passionate, that will filter into everything you do when you become an entrepreneur.
You have a unique outlook on the way things can be done. If something doesn’t work the first time you will look for a different way to look at it.
You want to work from home or from a co-working office and give up the daily commute.
You’re just not a great employee. You’re always trying something new and looking at new ways to do things and that tweaks your employer!
You’re competitive.
You’re resilient
You are able to pick up the phone and sell yourself and your services
You know all of the local coffee shops that have the best lattes, where the strongest wifi is and where all the outlets are!
You not only see the big picture, but also the small steps necessary to get there.
You are a people person. Yes, you may be an introvert, but you can be an extrovert for your business then you can just go to your home office and recharge.
You don’t break out in a cold sweat at the idea of cold calling
You were the kid with the lemonade stand
You know your strengths and hire for the deficits you have in those business strengths – accounting anyone?!
Your family supports your dream
You know who your competitors are and how you are different
If you dream of being an entrepreneur but aren’t sure where to start or how to build your team, contact us — we can help!
Many entrepreneurs are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. If you have weathered the coronavirus pandemic you are on the road back to success — we hope. Business owners surviving COVID-19 deserve a gold star because it has been difficult. We know so many businesses will fail and that economic recovery will take months, perhaps years.
If you’re still plugging along, we applaud you. If you were one of the new entrepreneurs who came out of the pandemic, then come along for the ride!
Business Owners Surviving COVID-19 Deserve A Gold Star
What is the hallmark of a surviving business owner who should get the star? They survived! They are thriving. They have pivoted in their businesses and are still here — months later. Here are some other qualitties that deserve recognition.
Creators. Business owners are the ultimate creator — that doesn’t necessarily mean they are artists or designers — although it could! A creator means that a person looked at a problem and created a solution!
You love being your own boss. You have mastered productivity, time management and a work life balance. Congratulations!
You uncovered your hidden talents and turned them into a business opportunity.
You’re much better at being your own boss than you were at being an employee — we know many entrepreneurs who “failed” at being an employee but are incredible at being a boss!
You took the leap of faith. Jumping into business ownership takes faith in yourself and courage. You’ve shown both!
Don’t you deserve those gold stars? Take time today — right now and think about all that you’ve done that sets you apart. What makes you the entrepreneur that you’ve become? Shout out your successes on social media!
The excitement of going into business for yourself cannot be denied. You are looking at all the great things you want to do, the customers you want to find and a myriad of other actions that need to be taken when you’re getting off the ground. We have a list of 4 things entrepreneurs need to avoid when just starting out.
4 Things Entrepreneurs Need To Avoid
Take a deep breath, grab a pen and paper or open a document on your computer and ponder these tips we’re offering.
Don’t think you need to immediately, or ever, bring on a partner. Do you truly need a business partner? Is your business something that was launched by more than one of you? Are you thinking, “I need a partner” just because you don’t want to go it alone? Stop and think about the reasons you went into business for yourself. Say that out loud, “for yourself.” If you’re excited about being a business owner chances are you want to do it on your own — if that’s the case, don’t rush into getting a partner.
Keep moving forward even when disappointments arise. Know that disappointments and setbacks will happen. Entrepreneurs have to have the will power to move forward and learn from mistakes.
Know what you’re good at and what you need to outsource. If managing your money or your social media isn’t within your wheelhouse, outsource that and focus on your core competencies.
Remember why you wanted to be an entrepreneur and shout it from the rooftops! Tell anyone and everyone you meet that you’re a business owner. You truly don’t know when or where you will find a new customer. You don’t need to be obnoxious or a boor, but you can certainly say, “I just started my XYZ business.. if you need what I do, please let’s talk!
Congratulations on being an entrepreneur. Go forth and be successful! If you’re struggling with working alone, remember you don’t have to go it alone. Find a coach or join a mastermind group. Talk with us and let’s help you be a success!
Your office surroundings have a lot to do with your state of mind as well as your productivity. This is the same whether you work in an office, a cube or your home office. We have some tips on how to kick off 2020 more productively by starting with your office setting.
We know there are those individuals who will say they can work in a mess because they know where everything is. That simply isn’t true. When you’re working in a chaotic environment — even if you can find everything — you’re still adding to your stress and that can unwittingly decrease your productivity.
Here are some ways to boost productivity by starting with your office.
Add foilage. Whether you’re adding live plants, air plants or artificial plants, greenery enhances your mood and just makes you feel better. Adding plant life gives you a break from staring at the office walls or computer screen and if you concentrate on the plant you just might feel yourself relax.
Get rid of the clutter. This goes for your physical as well as your virtual desktop. Set up filing systems. Put stuff in drawers or folders. Keep out what you need to use regularly. Put items away that are used infrequently. Don’t let clutter roll around the desk because it’s distracting.
Lighting matters. You don’t have to replace the ceiling lights to enhance the lighting in your space, but add a table or desk lamp to brighten up the work space.
How inspired are you by your office decor? If you have any say in the matter, update and upgrade the decor. Add a coat of paint or hang photos. Add a few personal items or motivational quotes.
How is the flooring in your office? If you’re working on hardwood floors or linoleum and the floors are cold or loud or dark, install new flooring or at least add a few throw rugs to dampen the sound and brighten up the space. If you already have carpet that is worn and dingy, add throw rugs or a mat to help your chair roll easier.
Take some time before the new year gets too far into its cycle and give your office a once over and see if it’s helping, or hindering, your productivity.
There are business growth myths that abound and I’d like to take some time to bust some of those myths before the new year kicks in. Jump into 2017 with a renewed focus on business growth and cultivate a great year from day one!
Bigger is better. This isn’t always true. Bigger isn’t better when you’re not ready for growth. You need to have systems and procedures in place to accommodate growth. If you’re not ready to handle an influx in business it’s best to take it slow than to have to scramble to hire new people who may not be the right people. Moving to a bigger office isn’t better if you don’t have the cash flow for to pay the increased expenses.
All growth is good growth. Too much growth when you’re not prepared isn’t good. Too little growth when you’d planned and budgeted for more is, at the opposite end of the spectrum, not good either. If growth is putting strain on your resources, you may need to scale back until you aren’t stretched at the seams. In some cases, growth that you’re not prepared for can actually lead to your business going under.
Grow or die. There is nothing wrong with being a “mom and pop” operation. No one says you have to take on and take over the world. Work in a business space in which you’re comfortable and at which you’re excelling. Slow and steady does win most races.
What can you do to be prepared for a business growth spurt?
Make sure you are always meeting and exceeding customer expectation. Don’t let that foundation be shaken by business growth.
Always seek operational excellence. Make continual improvements.
Document strategies and procedures. Learn from your mistakes.
Keep employees engaged so they are ready and able to deal with a business growth spurt.
What are you looking for in your business for 2017?
