7 Lessons for Every Entrepreneur and Advice from Those Who Came Before Us
7 Lessons for Every Entrepreneur and Advice from Those Who Came Before Us
The path of entrepreneurship is one that can be riddled with many successes, many failures, many moments of self-doubt and many moments of personal satisfaction. It’s a roller-coaster that only the brave will typically buy a ticket for, but that also provides incredible exhilaration and, once you reach the end, a high that matches no other.
Here are seven lessons that every entrepreneur who has bought their ticket for the ride should learn and advice from those who’ve come before us that is worth heeding.
#1: Find Your Passion and Follow It
One thing you’ll hear over and over from successful entrepreneurs is that it’s all about the passion you have for what you do that makes you successful. If you don’t enjoy what you are doing, you’ll never be fully invested and find success. As Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, famously said: “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day of your life.”
– Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon
#2: Never Stop Learning
Smart entrepreneurs understand the value in continually educating themselves. Whether it’s your industry, business practices, or just general knowledge, make sure you leave time in your schedule to keep reading and learning.
– Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group
#3: Expect Failure
The ride is not going to be easy and if you set out knowing that along the way you will encounter failure, the better off you’ll be. The one thing to remember is that failure is not the end-all, but the chance at a new beginning. It’s just another lesson and readjustment putting you back on the path of success.
– Thomas Edison
#4: Trust Yourself
This one is simple. If you don’t trust yourself…no one else will. Trust in yourself and your gut feelings and be true to yourself, even when it seems impossible.
– Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple
#5: Build a Great Team
Hire only the best team and take time doing that. Find people smarter than you are and who have strengths that compliment yours and take your time doing it. People will be one of your greatest investments and the right ones will help propel you to success, but the wrong ones can take you down… quickly.
–Sheila Johnson, CEO of Salamander Hospitality and governor of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics
#6: Just Do It
There is never going to be the perfect time to follow your dream. Life will inevitably throw some obstacle in your way and fear will force you to think long and hard. If you allow yourself, you’ll certainly find an excuse why “now” just isn’t the right time. Put that all aside… and Just Do It!
– Anonymous submission from a student of Warren G. Tracy
#7: Always Look Forward
It’s very easy to get lost in a new business and focus so closely on what you are doing that you lose sight of what’s happening around you and in your industry. Use the past as lessons and keep your focus on the future. This will allow you to build a company that won’t get left behind.
– – John C. Maxwell
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