~ My Top 10 Tips ~
Every person in this world has a unique and distinctive talent that comes naturally to them. Recognize that gift, exercise it, coddle it, and find ways to use it. Equally, each of us has a love deep in our heart for something we want to pursue. When these two traits are combined—talent and passion—very serious successes in life can be accomplished. Actually, I like to say those successes are “guaranteed!”
You are reading this because you have an idea for an invention or a new business. The following tips will help you in either endeavor.
1. Think positive.
To start, it’s all about attitude. You can choose to focus on what can go wrong, or what you can do to make it go right. Our actions respond and begin, with our thoughts. As Zig Ziggler said, “No stink’n think’n.” Don’t poison your mind with negative thoughts. Focus on what you can accomplish right now with the next step to success. A pilot facing mid- air crisis, a potential crash incident, or other serious problem, does not focus on what could happen if he can’t rectify the problem. The pilot focuses on what has to be done right now to get this plane safely landed.
2. Build a creative mind.
Don’t accept anything the way it is. Look at all things as a nice attempt but not the only way. The wheel is hard to beat—but who says a vehicle even needs a wheel? Rotors and jet engines are one example. Perhaps a new propulsion system can replace a wheel. Think outside of the box or even eliminate the box. Think big. Two books by Roger von Oech that I can’t recommend enough about learning creativity, A Whack on the Side of the Head and A Kick in the Seat of the Pants will open your creative mind in ways you’ve never imagined. Read them. You will never look at things the same and will always be open minded for a better way.
3. Hard work is the shortcut.
Know that hard work is the norm for successful entrepreneurs. Don’t expect anything to be “easy.” Whether you work for someone else or work for yourself, expect to work hard. The question is: do you want to work hard for someone else at $20 to $50 per hour or work for yourself and a (potentially) unlimited income? You will work hard either way.
4. Do what you love and the money will follow.
Know that chasing the buck can be futile. Don’t make it all about making money. Yes,
making profits is critical for any successful business and must be accomplished. You’ll learn, however, when you set out to operate as the best in the business for the love of running the business, the money becomes a by-product. As I look back at all the businesses I started, grew and sold, I don’t remember the dollars they made; what I remember is the confidence, satisfaction and lessons I learned. The money? Wonderful, but secondary to the sense of self-worth.
5. Seek quality help.
Don’t ask, “Who can help me?” Ask, “Who are the top three in the field that I need help with?” Incompetence can set you back in time and money. Whether it’s for employees, manufacturers, vendors or sales reps, shop for top quality.
6. Don’t think you know it all.
When you think you know it all, you are missing out on things that you don’t even realize are possible. Period. Surround yourself with people smarter than you. Be open minded. Most importantly, keep learning. Ask questions. Be a sponge.
7. Be professional.
Don’t write letters, send text messages, or speak while emotional. Emotions can get in the way of professionalism. A true professional conducts himself with kindness and empathy, seriousness and knowledge—along with twist of humor—while always asking for the sale.
8. Learn salesmanship.
From your childhood on, you have been learning the art of salesmanship. Remember arguing your point with your mother or father as to why you should be able to stay up for 15 more minutes before bedtime? As a teenager, you continued attempting to sell your parents the merits of why you are responsible enough to stay out an1 hour later than their rules allowed. As an adult, there a lots of ways to perfect your skills as a salesman. Here’s one: Try selling cars for 1 year. There, you learn to control the sale in the shortest time possible. It’s not easy but if you end up being a top salesman at a dealership, you can sell anything. You will have mastered the art of the sale.
9. Know that America is behind the entrepreneur and has your back.
The American Dream is alive and well. Know you can accomplish anything you set your mind to in this unique country. America has much to offer the entrepreneur. A perfect example is the Small Business Administrations SCORE program of retired executives willing to coach anyone through their dream to make it a reality. Best part, it’s free! The popular show “Shark Tank” can provide you with invaluable knowledge about how to prepare yourself and your business prior to asking for money and help. Entrepreneur magazine is my favorites monthly subscriptions. It is focused on exactly what any entrepreneur wants to know.
10. Keep moving toward your goal, one step at a time.
It can be as simple as spending $50.00 on professionally created business cards and passing them out to whomever you think can help your business or use your product or service. Even when you are still in the idea phase, a simple business card can open unlimited doors with vendors, manufacturers, potential customers or sales representatives. They can answer so many questions—from the costs it will take to build your product or service, to the prices people will be willing to pay, to what a sales force will be willing to sell. Like a true fisherman, throw it out there and see what happens. For you gardeners, plant a seed.
Persevere! (I know, this tip is number 11—a bonus tip!)
Don’t give up on your idea!
~ ~ ~
Godspeed!
Your fellow-dreamer and doer,
Bruce D. Clark
If I can do it, anyone can!