We live in an ever changing time, where nothing is available easily. Recession hits, jobs are lost, income goes for a toss. We see more and more young people starting up their own businesses, turning entrepreneurs, taking their destinies into their own hands, refusing to be knocked out by the uncertain economy.

The big question that arises now is: HOW DO YOU BECOME A GOOD ENTREPRENEUR?

 

1. Pen down everything.

You have an idea? Great! Write it down. You cannot expect yourself to remember each and every good idea that comes to you. Moreover, what seems useless to you right now might be just what you are looking for, a few months later. Write down three ideas every day.

 

2. Take risks.

It comes with the territory. Take risks! If you are unsure about something, try it out. It may just work. Or it may not. Either ways, either you gain something, you learn something. Learning from your mistakes will only make you stronger as a business person.  Remember,  there is no substitute for honest, hard work.

 

3. Listen to advice.

Listen like you’ve never listened before. Just listen. You don’t have to take everyone’s advice. Ten people will surround you with different advices about the same situation. What do you do? You listen. And in the end, do what your gut tells you to do.

 

Networking is important. The more you branch out, the more your start up spreads. LinkedIn is a great place to start. You can boast about your achievements and connect with like-minded people whom you can learn something from.

 

Read everything. Read newspapers, read blogs, read books. Read everything that may or may not be related to your business. The more you read, the more refined you become. Reading never goes waste. Read biographies, read fiction. Read.

 

6. Have a backup plan.

It doesn’t mean that you give up. Get a part time job. It will help fund your start up business and will ensure that you have a source of income, if your start up hasn’t yet started giving you big bucks. It will also reduce some of the stress and pressure, giving you breathing space.

 

7. Put aside your ego.

Becoming an entrepreneur is not a piece of cake. It takes research, hard work, patience and toil. Ask for help. Ask family and friends for their views. You will be surprised with the difference it makes. You might learn something new. All you need to do is ask.

 

8. Get a branding.

Brand yourself. Give yourself and your business an identity. This will be something personal and a source of encouragement and accomplishment. It is security.

 

9. Be resilient.

Sure, you will get knocked down a lot. You will face a ton of criticism from even the people close to you. Don’t let that affect you. Remember, criticism is constructive only in small doses. Distance yourself from people who pound you with negative criticism, and instead of dwelling on it, work towards your goal to prove them wrong.

 

10. Surround yourself with people you like.

We’ve all had an experience of working with people we do not like. We dread going to office and facing those people, and return home with a scowl. Not good. Surround yourself with people that make you happy – or at least do not make you want to rip out your hair. Positivity plays a big role in your life, as well as your health.

 

11. Lastly, give yourself time.

It is important to connect to people, but it is also important to disconnect.  Give yourself time. Don’t beat yourself up if you do not achieve your desired goal immediately. Good things take time. Rest adequately and eat properly.  Give yourself a break from taking on the whole world for one day a week, and notice the difference it makes in your life.