- Take Purposeful Action
- Embrace Your Mistakes
- Networking
- Resist the Negativity of Nay-Sayers
- Give Without Expecting Anything in Return
Easy right?
So if the above actions lead to success why isn’t everyone doing them? Why do so many
entrepreneurs struggle to succeed? Let’s look at them closer.
Take Purposeful Action
When you’re a busy entrepreneur with multiple visions dancing through your mind, it can be difficult to choose which one to act on. Staying true to your core vision and purpose should be your filter for prioritizing ideas for action. However finding the space and clarity to think this through is the tough part, it’s important to have someone you trust to bounce ideas off of. Regular meetings with someone who’s able to help you clear the brain clutter is crucial to determining which of your biggest ideas should be acted on and when.
Embrace Your Mistakes
Well no problem right? Ha! Seeing as how most entrepreneurs have perfectionism as part of their DNA even the word mistakes makes one cringe. The reason perfectionism slows us down is that even though we know learning from our mistakes is important we rarely have the time, space and clarity of mind to sort through the mistake for the all-important lessons.
Having a group of trusted advisors who will dissect mistakes with you will give you much needed perspective in much less time, saving you from further mistakes and wasted time (money).
Networking
I know ahhhhhhhhhh, right? Just the thought can make an entrepreneur say “No way.” while rolling their eyes. I understand, being myself a non-lover of networking it took me a while to integrate this onto my “important actions” list. Let’s try to remember that this is where we will meet the trusted advisors who will provide us with clarity and short cuts through all of our great ideas and time sucking mistakes. The right advisors can save our sanity as well as our money, so maybe this should be number one on this list.
Resist the Negativity of Nay-Sayers
Easier said than done when some of the nay-sayers are your friends and family; you know, the ones trying to save you from yourself. Believe me I slogged my way through my share of “this will never work’s” and “wouldn’t there be a better time to do this?” To be fair, I was nine months pregnant when I started my business, but still…Don’t underestimate the value of other entrepreneurs, they get it, and it’s nice to have someone in your corner through the tough stuff.
Give Without Expecting Anything in Return
There are many ways you can help other business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Sharing your experience, knowledge and resources builds trust and expands your network of trusted advisors. Remember, “Life is an echo, what you send out comes back to you.”
How does a busy entrepreneur find the time to put these 5 Must Do’s to work?
YOU MAKE TIME. Think through the people in your life and come up with a list of those with experience whose opinions you value. If you find you have a shortage of trusted advisors who can help you hold yourself accountable to the above actions then get 
networking. Seek people with experience in areas you’re not strong in and ask them to coffee. Create an advisory board and schedule quarterly meetings. Join an entrepreneurs peer group, most meet monthly and provide a variety of business experience and support. Find someone who’s able to help you clear the brain clutter and prioritize all your “Must Do’s” then make the time to meet with them weekly. Will you take the necessary actions to make your business a success?
How can I help?
Suzanne Lyon
612.801.9320
Suzanne@lyon-sfocus.com
From Vision to Reality 