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Jul 24, 2012
"1. Have fun
2. learn something every day
3. dream big." from Gary Mann my best friend's husband
Jul 24, 2012
1. Be honest with customers
2. Be honest with employees
3. Be honest with YOURSELF!
Jul 24, 2012
1. First...innovate a way to expand 3 rules into 9 (see below):
a. adopt an innovative mindset
b. practice innovative thinking and behavior
c. use your own, and others', feedback to ensure you remain innovative.
2. Get in touch with your own, and others', values -- they drive everything, ultimately
a. Become a reflective thinker: connect your mind with your heart.
b. Empathize: learn/practice understanding the values, needs, feelings of others
c. Remain conscious of these as frequently as possible, and re-focus often.
3. Become a meta-manager of your own self and progress
a. Independence: Pursue and build your orientation of self-efficacy
b. Equilibrium: Remain balanced between/among the (too) many challenges you'll face
c. Perseverance: Never give up on your original commitment to purpose and mission
Ok...so I "cheated" (a.k.a. innovated a way around the rules).
Jul 24, 2012
Besides what's already been posted by Phil, Nevil and Mary-Alice, I would add
- consistency
- client/vendor relationship
- self-confidence
Consistency goes for how you present yourself, your business, your product/service. Be consistent with the product/service quality, as well as brand messaging.
Whether you are still searching for clients or have a waiting list, threat them all with respect and as they are your most important client. Well, obviously if one client spends $10,000 on your service/product and the other one $40, you will naturally make some difference. But what I find it very likable and personal is a follow up (especially after meeting with someone new), sending out personalized note (for a birthday or some other special occasion), those little things that set you apart.
- it all starts and ends with self-confidence and your mindset. You have to believe in yourself and your product/service before you can expect anyone else to do so.
Jul 21, 2012
1. Focus - on your value proposition
2. Focus - focus on your message
3. Focus - focus on being persistent
Jul 19, 2012
- Think Different
- Stick to your goals
- Don't worry, things will work out eventually after banging your head against a few walls.. (because you are able to see the negatives and face them which makes you stronger and wiser)
Jul 19, 2012
1. Be passionate about what you are doing
2. Set priorities
3. Set expectations
On being passionate, you need to choose a product or service you are passionate about. Being an entrepreneur is hard and requires long hours, as well as a strong emotional commitment. It's hard not to get burned out quickly, so you need to at least being really passionate about what you are doing to persevere through the tough times.
On setting priorities, you should set daily, weekly and then longer term priorities. You will need to adjust along the way, but there are so many "urgent" things every day, that if you don't set priorities, you will never get to the important strategic things that will take your business to the next level. Also, there is no structure imposed on you as an entrepreneur, you need to create structure. Otherwise, you'll get through a day and wonder why it wasn't as productive as you needed it to be.
On setting expectations, most likely, you're business is not going to be an overnight hit. Starting and running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. While working hard and moving fast is often very important, you also need some balance. If you sprint too hard in the beginning you will get burned out quickly.
And to throw in a number 4...remember to have some fun!