- Yes we can! Mindset
- Problem first, not product.
- Think narrow, not broad.
- Ask for cash, ride the float.
- Beg, borrow (but never steal)
- Instead of asking permission, ask for forgiveness.
1. Yes we can! Mindset
Starting your own thing is awesome, but let’s be real: it’s not always sunshine and rainbows.
You’ll hit some roadblocks, take wrong turns, and maybe even question your whole life plan.
So, what makes the difference between those who crush it and those who throw in the towel?
The secret sauce is a can-do attitude we can call your “Heck Yeah!” mindset.
It’s all about believing in yourself and your idea, NO MATTER WHAT. Successful entrepreneurs, as [Source 3] says, know that setbacks are gonna happen, but they see them as chances to learn and level up.
Here’s where this “growth mindset” thing comes in. Basically, it means believing you can get smarter and better through hard work. This is the opposite of a “fixed mindset,” which thinks you’re stuck with the skills you have.
For entrepreneurs, a growth mindset is gold. It lets you see every bump in the road as a lesson, adapt to new situations on the fly, and keep getting better at what you do.
Think of it like this: every challenge you overcome makes you a stronger entrepreneur. You learn from your mistakes, tweak your approach, and come out the other side ready to tackle the next thing.
Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, said it perfectly: “Dreams are cool, but they’re just dreams. Goals take work. But hard work totally pays off!”
Remember, being an entrepreneur is a long-distance race, not a quick dash.
By building your “Heck Yeah!” mindset and embracing a growth mentality, you’ll be unstoppable.
So believe in yourself, believe in your idea, and get ready to conquer the world, one challenge at a time!
2. Problem First, Not Product: Solving Itch, Not Making Stuff
Ever get that itch you just gotta scratch? That’s what successful entrepreneurs look for — problems people have that need solving.
They don’t just create random products and hope someone wants them.
Think about it: would you rather invent a new type of spoon or solve the problem of dirty dishes piling up?
Exactly! Find a real pain point and build a solution that makes people say, “YES! Finally!”
3. Think Narrow, Not Broad: Going Deep, Not Wide
Imagine trying to cast a net so wide it catches everything in the ocean. Not gonna happen, right?
Same goes for your business. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, successful entrepreneurs focus on a specific niche.
This lets them understand their customers deeply, target their marketing better, and become the go-to solution for a particular problem. Think of it like this: a sharp knife cuts better than a butter knife, even though it can’t spread butter.
4. Ask for Cash, Ride the Bootstrapped Wave
Bootstrapping basically means building your business with your own money and resources.
It gives you complete control and ownership, but it can also mean starting small.
While VC funding (venture capital) sounds fancy, it often comes with strings attached.
So, successful entrepreneurs often choose to “ride the float” by being smart with their cash and growing organically.
This might mean starting with a side hustle or finding creative ways to save money.
5. Beg, Borrow (But Never Steal!): Building Your Squad
Building a successful business isn’t a solo mission. Entrepreneurs know they need to leverage the help of others. “Beg” might sound harsh, but it’s more about seeking mentorship from experienced people or industry experts.
“Borrow” means tapping into the knowledge and connections of your network.
The key here is to build mutually beneficial relationships and surround yourself with a supportive “squad.”
Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help — it takes a village (and maybe a favor or two) to raise a successful business!
6. Instead of Asking Permission, Ask for Forgiveness: Move Fast and Break (Some) Rules
The world of business can be slow and bureaucratic.
Successful entrepreneurs know sometimes you gotta move fast and break a few (harmless) rules to get things done.
This doesn’t mean going rogue, but it does mean being adaptable and willing to experiment.
Think of it like testing the waters before diving in. By launching a minimum viable product (MVP) and getting real-world feedback, you can iterate and improve quickly, all without needing permission from everyone under the sun.
Sometimes, asking for forgiveness later is better than waiting forever for approval.
Sources:
[Source 1] How to be a successful entrepreneur: 6 steps https://contra.com/blog/eW23ZAse-how-to-start-freelancing-2024-guide-to-become-a-freelancer
[Source 2] 6 Tips on Being a Successful Entrepreneur | John Mullins | TED Talk YouTube: https://www.ted.com/speakers/john_mullins_TEDxLondonBusinessSchool20230415-52753
[Source 3] 13 Tips to Become a Successful Entrepreneur https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/how-to-become-an-entrepreneur/
[Source 4] 11 tips to become a successful entrepreneur in the UK https://esteem.nd.edu/news/8-personal-qualities-of-an-entrepreneur/ (source not very relevant, but good for background info)
[Source 5] 6 tips for becoming a successful entrepreneur https://www.wamda.com/partners-projects (source not very relevant, but good for background info)
