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It’s a great time to be an entrepreneur—in the last decade, technology has leveled the playing field and propelled an entrepreneurial revolution. As an entrepreneur, you now have more access to information that enables you to make intelligent choices quickly. You have an advantage over big businesses in that you’re lighter, more flexible, and faster on your feet. You can target new markets more quickly, and you can turn on a dime.


But being a successful entrepreneur requires that you look at the big picture and follow a plan through from beginning to end. Here are some practical guidelines that can help you when beginning your own enterprise:


Don’t Quit Your Day Job Just Yet


Consider starting your business part-time, especially if it’s online, while you’re working and have a steady income. It usually takes six months to a year to get a business going and you don’t want your ability to make your house payment to hinge upon your company being an overnight success. Start with what you can manage, financially and time-wise, and scale up as your business grows.


Find Your Niche


The days of general stores are over. Particularly online, consumers are looking for stores that specialize. You have to find a need—something a specific group of people want, but can’t get at the big chain stores—and fill it. You can’t compete with the big guys, so you have to find where the big guys aren’t and go into your niches.


Have an Online Presence


Even if you’re not planning to start an online retail business, consider that the internet can still play a valuable role in your company. Having an online presence eliminates the limitations of physical location and broadens your customer base by, literally, millions. It’s also a great tool for promoting yourself and letting people, even in your own area, know that you’re there, and what you’re doing.


Refuse to Quit


Successful entrepreneurship requires creativity, energy, and a drive to keep going when you fail. Few people realize that before Bill Gates created the extremely successful Microsoft 3.0, he created a Microsoft 1.0 and 2.0, both of which flopped—but he kept at it. And that determination and refusal to give up is what will separate successful entrepreneurs from unsuccessful ones. Arm yourself with optimism to get beyond the ‘No’ or the trouble. There’s nothing wrong with failure—just don’t repeat the same mistake!


Would you like a copy of my new guide?

Written for women over 40 who are considering going into business for themselves but truly have a fear of how to make that leap to reinvent themselves as entrepreneurs without going insane or broke in the process!

Click the picture to get the guide!

Just go here and tell me where to send the download link: https://lnkd.in/e2y7Gtd

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A story about the benefits of an open mind

Melvin Marsh Wren argued against new ideas until his friends found great success by embracing a satisfying new adventure while he just went hungry

Bonnie and Benny, Blue Herons, liked to explore new things and places. They recently heard about how cattail plants were growing in Mellow Marsh. They decided to invite their friends, Molly and Melvin—both Marsh Wrens—to accompany them to the Marsh.

Molly squealed, “I’d love to go, especially when cattails are in bloom!”

Melvin looked suspiciously at his friends. “It’s great right here at Paradise Pond. Why go all the way over to the Marsh? We’ve got plenty of mosquitos to eat in our own backyard.”

“It’ll be fun and I want to enjoy the weather and chat along the way. I’m sure we’ll find something to eat at the Marsh,” explained Molly encouragingly.

“I agree,” Benny replied. “Who knows what we’ll find on such an adventure?”

Molly said, “Come on, Melvin. It’ll be fantastic!”

Melvin harrumphed. “No thanks, I’m staying here where the water’s nice and lunch is nearby.” Bonnie, Benny, and Molly headed for Mellow Marsh. Upon arrival, they couldn’t believe their eyes! The mosquitoes swarmed everywhere and marsh grasses clumped perfectly for perching. They stuffed themselves and then perched to watch the world go by. They made several new friends, too. It was heavenly!

When they got home, Melvin asked, “What took so long?”

“Oh, Melvin, Mellow Marsh was wonderful!” Molly gasped. “We ate and watched the Marsh activity and then we ate again. Millions of tender mosquitos surrounded us! We made new friends, too!”

Melvin sighed. “I only caught 3 mosquitoes the whole time! I’m going on the next adventure,” Melvin said as his stomach growled.

Reflection

Melvin the Marsh Wren wasn’t open to new places and things. He wasn’t interested in visiting Mellow Marsh. But his friends, Bonnie and Bennie, the Blue Herons, loved to explore. Melvin’s friend, Molly the Marsh Wren was excited to experience an adventure to Mellow Marsh.

Bonnie, Benny, and Molly delighted in the unknown possibilities of a trip to the Marsh. They were open-minded and looked forward excitedly to the prospects the Marsh might offer. As expected, they found an adventure that lived up to its possibilities.

Even when his friends encouraged him, Melvin refused to accompany them. Melvin believed that what he had at home was better than what he would find at Mellow Marsh. He thought it was a hassle to travel to the Marsh. Melvin’s mind was closed to new adventures.

Melvin was quite disappointed when he heard Molly’s stories of plentiful food at the Marsh. He saw their full bellies and heard interesting tales about their adventure.

Maybe you’re like Melvin and aren’t comfortable with new situations. You may typically choose not to venture out of your comfort zone. However, such a closed mind drastically limits your possibilities!

Perhaps you’re more like Molly, and easily embrace the opportunities in life that come along. You have an open mind. And because you’re willing to try new things, you find that your life is thriving. When your mind is open to novel experiences, you’re more likely to enjoy a thriving, fascinating life full of adventure!

Self-Reflection Questions:

  1. Do you have an open mind?

  2. How do you feel when a new opportunity comes along?

  3. What more can you do to take full advantage of all that life offers?

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