Your Mirror Image
The choice to open or expand your own business is an important one. It will likely be one of the most self-defining decisions in your professional livelihood. As you embark upon this journey, it is important to note who is in your mirror? Do you see determination, perseverance, and creativity? You will need all of these attributes to make your business the success you believe it can be.
Determination is critical in your path forward. Without the underlying motivation to make your journey a successful one, it may be challenging to overcome the obstacles that invariably will come your way. Set yourself up for success by believing in yourself, your vision, and your product or service. People will feel that innate sense of drive as you discuss and present your new business. Even if you are not a naturally talented salesperson, which many are not, the power of believing that your new business can and will make a difference in someone’s life, will go a long way. Ultimately, we are all selling something, and it starts with you.
Perseverance is the cornerstone of your pathway to success. Enter your new quest with the understanding that you will have to scale obstacles and find solutions out of the box. You should be able to find the support to overcome administrative challenges, financial constraints, and marketing concerns by relying on those around you who have inspired and encouraged your new journey. Remember there is no “I in Team” as they so often say, and it applies when starting or expanding your business as well. Take stock in the person you see in your mirror now, that driven entrepreneur. It is the face of entrepreneurship and it is one you will need to come back to at times throughout the process of achieving your goals.
Creativity will take many forms with your new venture. Just the fact that you find yourself drawn to forming or expanding a new business tells you that there is creativity within. You will have many advisors who can provide assistance on this element from defining your Brand to the formation of services or products you may add along the way. Never stop creating, it is the gas that fuels your Brand and will certainly help differentiate you from your competition.
The person in the mirror that looks back at you now is someone you should visit periodically during the life cycle of your business. Reflecting upon where you are, where you'd hope to be, and where you will take yourself and your business are critical components of the trajectory of your firm. Once you start on this path, fueled by your determination, perseverance, and creativity your journey can be a long and fulfilling one. But, remember to check back with yourself, it is a soulful reminder of why you call yourself an Entrepreneur.
Be like Cisco in our photo of the week, know where you are headed and make sure your are your journey’s driver. The opportunities can be endless on the road of life. Driving forward with determination, perseverance, and creativity can be the fuel to help you arrive at your next destination.
