9/23/18 5 Keys to business success
“If you don’t know what you want, the chances that you’ll get it are extremely low.”
― Ben Horowitz
You'd better have a vision. As you grow a business it is important to know where you want to go, why you want to get there and how you should arrive. Then, throw that all out and learn how to be adaptable. Understand that all avenues of business can change, and it is the vision will carry you to the destination.
As I continue to study entrepreneurial success, I have noticed some common themes. While I don't personally claim to be a great entrepreneur, I think that it is important to study great business leaders to learn from their experiences.
1) Among all of the trials and tribulations, the pivots and the challenges, the ups and the downs, great entrepreneurs and great leaders have one thing in common - they never give up. They make mistakes, they learn, they grow, they challenge, and they succeed. They may not even be in the same business as when they started, but they keep moving forward.
2) The path to success is never a straight line up. Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, made no money, missed payroll, lived in his office, etc. for years before Nike ever evolved into the company that is seen today. Being a business owner, especially in the beginning, is a grind and a little dirty. You have to wear many hats and be willing to work many jobs.
3) Focus and sacrifice are a must. To build a great business, requires great attention. You must be borderline obsessed. Bill Gates never took a day off in his 20's. Commitment to social obligations, fitness, family life, and entertainment may fall off (especially in the beginning). You have to realize that you can't do it all, you also have to understand that your friends will tell you that you can't do it. What they don't realize is that it is something that you must do, and you can.
4) Growth is a must. You must be willing to learn and be vulnerable. You must learn what you've done right, what you've done wrong and still be willing to ask why. You must read books, go to conferences, listen to successful people in other industries, review market trends, improve your processes, improve your services, etc. Complacency is the death of business.
5) Be comfortable being uncomfortable. A while ago I realized that the feeling of being uncomfortable, that pit in your stomach, is actually a signal that you are doing something right. When you are outside of your comfort zone, you are extending a skill set, making a new contact, helping an employee to become better and ultimately making yourself better. When you embrace an uncomfortable situation, it will be much easier to address the next time.
A great entrepreneur realizes that they are building something bigger than themselves, that their vision is the ultimate destination. Although it may seem selfish in the moment, and it is often hard to articulate, that is the purpose of having a vision - to stay on track and not stray when the going gets tough. Go get em!
- Sean Garvey
Dwell Inspect Arizona
(480) 867 - 4599