So much noise in the world. So much chatter.
Most of it sounds like the adults speaking on Charlie Brown:
“mwa
mwa-mwa mwa mwa”
But sometimes between all the mumbo-jumbo comes ear piercing wisdom. Yes —
pure unfiltered advice in search of a landing pad in the brain of startup
entrepreneurs.
And so my question when having an audience of rock star entrepreneurs is
always this:
“If I were a 20 year old just starting my first business; and you could give
me
only one piece of advice or wisdom; what would it
be?”
Having landed smack dab in the middle of a ton of smart, well heeled
entrepreneurs at a recent live event in Scottsdale, Arizona — I asked my
question.
Low and behold, 18 entrepreneurs fired off 20 bits of wickedly good advice
for all of us.
Let the wisdom begin…
1.) The Power of Connections
“Network! Make connections and keep a record on each person you meet. Ask
for their advice and help. Keep in touch with them along the way and build your
network before you need it! Quality relationships are the keys to the kingdom.”
–
Clare Dreyer
2.) Focus, Focus and Focus
“Focus on ONE NICHE! And become the expert guru in that niche with your
brand. Don’t get greedy! It’s the reason most quit by spreading themselves too
thin.” – George Shepherd
3.) You Will Fail at Times
“Look forward to failure. This is how you learn to succeed. There is plenty
of time to get it right — so go ahead and just do it — and get it wrong.”
–
Graham Phoenix
4.) Let Your Passion Drive You
“Find what you’re truly passionate about and go for it head on. Your
passion driving you on your entrepreneurial journey. And understand there is NO
Such THING AS BALANCE when you’re building your empire. There are things
entrepreneurs do that others will not.” –
Katerina Gasset
5.) Stop Thinking of Your Own Wallet
“Be of service; give value. Rather than thinking “how can I make a living
and make money”; think ”how can I serve and truly add value to people’s
lives? How can I make a difference?” This is what Oprah and Deepak Chopra say
is their driving mission.” –
Rena Hedeman
6.) Successful Entrepreneurs
Have Mentors, Coaches or Masterminds
“Surround yourself with great mentors. They help when you reach a plateau in
your business cycle and can shave years off your business development and
growth through advising from their mistakes and successes.” –
Thalej Vasishta
7.) Stop Thinking of Your Own Wallet Part II
“Approach your business from a place of service; how can I help my audience
be more successful at what they’re doing. Before you write a blog, write a
newsletter, shoot a video, present a proposal be still for a moment and ask for
the knowledge of what your audience needs from you right now rather than to
look for a way to “win someone over.” Come from a place of how to fill someone
else’s cup rather than your own. Oh yeah and build a freaking list!” –
Susan Garrett
8.) Leaders Lead Through Service to Others
“Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and never ignore the reality of
your situation. Always be honest with yourself before you criticize others. If
you can’t truthfully manage yourself — you don’t have a chance of effectively
managing others.” –
Jason M. Aubrey
9.) Finished Beats Perfect
“Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you make your first step.
Dive in and learn as you go!” –
Chris
Beatty
10.) Bend to the Market
“Learn to pivot. Resist falling in love with your initial idea so you can
discover what the market actually wants and is willing to pay for – and then
give it to them!” –
Cherylanne
Skolnicki
11.) Core Values Last — Quick Buck Artists Don’t
“Remain authentic to yourself and your values as you build your business.
Stand for something — never sell out for a quick buck.” –
Cherylanne Skolnicki
12.) Stop Thinking of Your Own Wallet Part III
“Help people. Help when you’re happy. Help when you’re tired, and even help
without attachment to getting anything in return. Keep on helping people
towards a better life, straight through to your marketing. If you do this,
you’ll create a marketing approach that’s based on “help marketing,” and you’ll
have a business that’s never short on customers.” –
Forest Linden
13.) Today is Your Day
“I love this from Og Mandino and wish I had learned this at age 20: “I will
act now. I will act now. I will act now. This is the time. This is the place. I
am the person.” –
Julie Samford
14.) Being an Entrepreneur is a Journey — Not a Destination
“Learn to love the journey. Enjoy the slow steady movements toward what you
dream of. And take refuge in the simple comforts of loving relationships, dear
friends and your creative vision. Remember to smell the flowers often, listen
to the birds, befriend fear. I’ll say that one again, befriend fear because it
will likely be a constant companion. Nothing wrong with that, as a teacher told
me, fear means: Prepare to Grow!” –
Ahava
Shira
15.) Unique Positioning is Everything
“Sell what people are already buying – in your own voice.” –
Barry Friedman
16.) Negative People Can Bring You Down
“Do not let the naysayers and dream stealers turn your dream into a
nightmare. There are so many people that will tell you no — you can’t do this.
If you are surrounded by those who do, then it is time to make new friends.” –
Katerina Gasset
17.) Okay — You Can Think About Your Own Wallet Now
“Stop doing anything else until you can say you’ve mastered the ability to
sell what you offer. Everything is easier when you develop the ability to find
a need; fill it and then be paid well to do so.” –
Ken Foody
18.) Test + Action = Success
“Take small and medium size risks consistently. Test your results and
focus on what works. Taking action will make you feel alive. It’s where you
personally grow.” –
Justin Krane
19.) Live By: “Just Watch Me”
“Ignore everyone who says you’re crazy and it will never work. Adopt the
stance, “oh yeah, just watch me.” –
Debra
Gould
20.) Expand Your Mind: Forever
“One thing? Never stop learning!” –
James L. Pearson
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