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Aug 24, 2014
Integrity is #1 #2 & #3
If you really want to succeed I can not express this stronger, everything will come back to bite you if you don’t
Of course there a a hundred other things after those.
David Chalk
Jan 21, 2013
You must have fun in what you are doing
Integrity in work
Your employees must think what you think
Dec 11, 2012
1. Be honest with yourself, understand your limitations- and fill the gaps with the right people.
2. Listen more
3. Failure is another word for education. Don't let your education go to waste, learn from it.
Dec 1, 2012
1. make a WRITTEN business plan, with a solid VISION (modify details of the business plan as you go along, keep the vision)
2. ask yourself if you have PASSION (if no, abort!)
3. implement with FIRE in your belly!
Nov 17, 2012
• Never let one customer give you more than 25% of your business volume.
• When you set prices for your services (your time), remember that is is very difficult, even impossible, to increase your pricing with a long time customer; plan ahead and be firm.
• It is the client that you make the least margin with that will require from you the most unbillable time; people who pay full price tend to respect your time and it becomes a pleasure to give them complimentary hours, here and there, to show your appreciation of the value of the relationship.
Nov 2, 2012
1. Take risks and don't be afraid to fail. Entrepreneurs must make lots of mistakes to learn and discover new approaches, opportunities, or business models.
2. Don't go at it alone. Find one or more partners in whom you believe. Your partner(s) will help you get through the tough times, offer advice, and help you celebrate the little wins. Also, new partners add new ideas to the mix.
3. Embrace your passion and don't lose determination. Entrepreneurship is 10% idea and 90% execution. Those who devote themselves fully and consistently to their new business idea to move it forward are already ahead of most other entrepreneurs.
Oct 22, 2012
1) Know what you don't know
2) Be willing to find the person/resource that does
3) Give credit where credit is due
Oct 12, 2012
Just one rule, as my grandfather once told me:
"Do what you gotta do."
If you are a true entrepreneur you'll know what to do, and find out what you need to know to do it.
Sep 26, 2012
Here are mine:
Always do what you say you will (meet deadlines, follow through on promises, be reliable and dependable)
Be honest in all dealings
Own your mistakes - accept that the future is yours as was the past and that all problems are reflective of your shortcomings because you can only affect your own behaviours.
Sep 18, 2012
Learn to say NO, Don't run out of cash, Don't reinvent the wheel just change the spokes
Aug 25, 2012
Hi Jen ~
This piece I wrote for a client's blog focuses on how clarifying your life purpose informs every aspect of your work: http://www.reversefortunes.com/reverse-mortgage-news/your-business-purpose-sales-training
Aug 10, 2012
Entrepreneurs just don't play the game, they win!
Stay true to yourself ;)
Aug 3, 2012
Research everything know your strengths and weaknesses.
Never ever ever give up. Find a way around or over an obstacle.
Less Hype the better
Jul 28, 2012
1. Have a mentor or seasoned business advisor (someone who knows your particular business, or knowledge thereof and can provide value added insight)
2. Strong fiscal discipline. Watch every penny, as it is finite and goes quickly
3. Invest in some type of advertising (be economical, but learn to promote yourself through networking (such as BNI), social media, and, of course, spheres of influence.
Jul 27, 2012
Hey Jen,
I would challenge that the question isn't specific enough and that the top 3 rules will vary based on the type of entrepreneur in question and the specific mission they aim to achieve.
A serial entrepreneur will view business and it's risks very different from someone who simply wants to create a consistent income for himself and his family.
However, If I had to pick 3 foundational things i'd choose...
1. Why - get really clear about why and confirm that you have no internal conflict about it. A man who is not in conflict with himself cannot be stopped.
2. Count the costs and be certain you and anyone else involved are willing to pay whatever price is asked along the way. Accept that it will cost you 2, 3, 10, 50 times more than you can calculate in the beginning.
3. Identify your targets and keep your eye locked on them as you put one foot in front of the next day after day trusting that you will find the resources you need to navigate the obstacles and barriers you will encounter along the way.
3.5 Pray
Sep 23, 2012
Very fine words Les! And a daily prayer definitely helps. I know...
Paul DeCouto
Jul 25, 2012
I like to think of it as a mindset rather than rules. The mindset I've found most valuable as an entrepreneur is:
"Assume that everything you do is a learning opportunity, but that the lesson may not be the one that you want or intend to learn." David B. Peterson and Mary Dee Hicks
Jul 24, 2012
Know your purpose
Know your values
Get the right people on board
Make sure that everyone in your business is aligned to your purpose, vision and values
Jul 24, 2012
Jen, I wrote a blog post some time ago that talk about the competencies of entrepreneurs vs small business owners that might be insightful...
http://yoursmallbusinessgrowth.com/2011/11/5-competencies-of-an-entrepreneur-vs-small-business-owner/
Jul 24, 2012
I can only think of one rule: Don't have rules. They are useless and get in the way.
Good advice all around, Rob. in many ways points out how open minded and multi-disciplined an entrepreneur must be.