If you are ready to experience entrepreneurial success in 2017, be prepared to work. There aren’t any eBooks or monthly programs that are going to magically eliminate or reduce the workload that is required to be successful.
The other day I overheard a business owner say, “Hopefully, luck will be on my side next year and business will take a turn for the better.” Sadly, that way of thinking isn’t going to help him one bit -- if I were to make a bet, I would let it ride on him failing again.
If you are banking on luck, you might as well hit the casino and let it all ride on red or black at the roulette wheel. Here are five very simple, yet seemingly overlooked key points you need to address if you want to experience a successful 2017.
1. Put past failures behind you.
There are far more failures than there are success stories when it comes to startups and new businesses. Most fail, and that’s just how it is. It’s very rare that you will find a successful entrepreneur that hit a home run at his or her first at bat.
In order to eventually get your win, you need to learn from your past mistakes, but also put them behind you. Don’t dwell on them or waste time looking back. focus all your energy and momentum on what’s in front of you. I had several failures before I found success with my marketing agency.
2. Show up daily ready to hustle.
The minute you start to slack or switch into cruise control mode, you immediately lose valuable momentum. Go into each day knowing you must hustle hard and take full advantage of every available minute.
My company just did a soft launch of the first of a half-dozen consumer brands we are bringing to market in 2017 and we also have a new influencer marketing agency,blerrp, launching in the new year. My plate is beyond full -- it’s overflowing, and if I don’t show up every day ready to give 100 percent it’s going to be a disaster. Commit and then hold yourself accountable -- your success depends on it.
3. Work on your business daily.
Work “on” your business, not “in” your business.
Once you understand there is a huge difference, you will experience the type of growth that is needed to succeed. Learning to delegate responsibilities was one of the reasons my marketing agency succeeded, while past ventures failed. I used to think that I could do it all -- trust was a big factor. I would rather work 18-hour days and try to do it all rather than delegate to someone capable of handling the tasks.
Hire freelancers and virtual assistants to handle simple, yet time-sucking tasks. This allows you to focus on more important tasks, like strategy and growth. Use these tips to make your freelancer hiring process as smooth as possible.
4. Learn and improve daily.
Strive to become a better entrepreneur every single day. There are several ways to learn -- industry conferences, mentors, coaches, etc. -- but there is something you can do every morning that will have a huge impact on your success -- reading.
Reading allows us to absorb information from some of the smartest people in the world who share their expertise and logic, helping us to become better entrepreneurs. While it can be difficult at first, try to dedicate a part of your morning ritual to reading, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Over time you will discover that this can be one of the most beneficial parts of your day.
5. Refuse to quit.
Giving up is for cowards -- it’s the easy way out.
It’s going to be difficult. There are going to be times that it seems impossible. When faced with obstacles, take a step back and be grateful that you have this opportunity. There is no better time to start a business than right now. You can start with very little to no capital and you don’t even need a physical office location.
Promise yourself that you will not quit, no matter how difficult the journey becomes and the odds that you succeed improve drastically.
Written by: Jonathan Long
