How to become a successful entrepreneur?
Do it yourself. You have to take the responsibility, be persistent, do the hard work, be humble, learn, make mistakes but above all bite the bullet. There is no shortcuts or easy fixes.
Often we prefer to look solutions and let others to do the thinking and the hard labour instead of doing it ourselves. No matter whether it is the selling, putting the business case together or raising funds.
Various consultants, sales agents and outsourcing help you only as much as you are capable of utilising them. Getting external aid does not mean that one do not have to be in control and understanding the objectives and means to get there. Who do you think is making sure that your business targets are reached the optimal way? The external consultant, agent or your trusted business partner? It is pure naivism to expect others to do your your job and do the thinking for you.
Do it yourself does not mean that one should not get help and support from others. On the contrary - one cannot become successful alone. The pitfall is to rely on others on matters one has to understand and do oneself. The one who has the main interest and the most at stake is also responsible of the business. The hard fact is that it is a tough place to be and one is never enough. And there is always things to learn and more homework to do. There are always plenty of excuses not to do something or be aware of some issues. Mostly it is just pure ignorance and often pure arrogance. No one told making it to the top would be easy. That's what it takes - definitely not a journey for everyone.
There are no miracles or rainmakers. The successful people have earned their reputation and experience by hard work. They simply do more and are not afraid to put themselves at stake. Being vulnerable and humble does not make one less successful - often that's the only way to the top.
Posted at March 3, 2005 11:21 AM | TrackBack
I wholeheartedly agree, this is well said. I think that part of this is that no matter how many people tell you not to touch the hot stove, you have to touch it yourself to learn that it's better not to. Action and introspective learning from the results are everything.
Posted by: James Parsons at March 6, 2005 10:06 PM