There seems to be a great deal of misunderstanding as to just what an entrepreneur is. So many people think that every entrepreneur is a ‘newbie’ when this couldn’t be further from the truth. In actuality, there are entrepreneurs like Warren Buffet who have made a lifelong career out of being investors and entrepreneurs, always getting involved in and/or launching new businesses in one or more industries. With that being said, if this is your first venture into the world of entrepreneurship, you may be finding it difficult to keep the fears at bay while staying positive and focused in your efforts.
Find a Mentor to Talk You Through the Dark Days
One of the hardest lessons any new entrepreneur can learn is how to take advice and criticism from those who have gone before. While you are always free to accept or ignore the advice given by a mentor, it helps to have someone with experience to be there for you on those dark days that every entrepreneur eventually experiences. If you don’t have a mentor, it’s time you started looking. You’ll know when you’ve found that person you are comfortable with, so choose wisely. According to some of the most successful entrepreneurs, they advise you to avoid choosing a stranger! Someone who knows you well works best.
Avoid Putting All Your Eggs in One Basket
Some newbie entrepreneurs invest too heavily in one area of their new business. This can be a grave error in judgment. It always pays to have a positive cash flow, so never put all your proverbial eggs in one basket. For example, if you are going to be transporting your own goods as a manufacturing concern, you don’t need to go out and buy new model rigs. Why not look for used trucks at affordable prices during those early days. Visit a site like Charter Trucks to find a trailer and a Peterbilt day cab for sale, and although used, guaranteed to be reconditioned and in excellent shape.
Accept Help Where Help Is Needed
You will likely be reluctant to delegate tasks in the very beginning. This is something almost every newbie entrepreneur has issues with, but each will tell you that life would have been a whole lot easier if they’d have learned to share some of the tasks with others. No one can do everything and do it well, so unless you are looking to wear yourself out trying, it’s better to accept the fact that you’ll need a team, especially during these initial days.
Every Setback Is an Opportunity for Growth
Finally, understand that every entrepreneur old and new experiences the occasional setback. If you look at these bumps in the road as a learning experience, as an opportunity for growth, you’ll be so much better for it. Not only will you learn to do things better or net a larger profit in the future, but you will feel less stress when confronted with an expected obstacle. Remember, everyone faces challenges in life and being an entrepreneur is no different. That is the key to staying positive in the early days. Expect the unexpected and you’ll do just fine!
