So you want to be an entrepreneur, huh? Do you know what the definition of entrepreneur is?
Webster's definition is, "a person or persons who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so". The word 'entrepreneur' is an early 19th century French term meaning to 'undertake'. Another translation defines entrepreneur as "a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk".
Employee vs Independent Contractor
If you are currently a W2 employee and work for another company do you know what distinguishes you from a 1099 indenpendent contractor? The difference is "control". If you work for another company, person, institution, etc., if they pay you then they control you. Control is defined as "to exercise restraint or direction over".
If you are seeking a better way of life and in control of your destination the biggest challenge you will face is YOU. You see, most people are a product of their environment. You were given direction as a child, provided for and told to get a job. You trade your time for money. That is just the way the world operates for the most part.
So, to change from the way the majority of the world operates, we must first change YOU. If you change the way you think, you can change YOU. Here's how do it.
1 - Make a Firm Decision. The first step in any substantial change is making a firm decision. A firm decision is not just any decision. When I say firm, I mean that in the face of challenges, obstacles and occassional setbacks you will not waiver. Put your blinders on, stay focused on that decision and move forward. You will make mistakes but continue to move toward where you want to go.
2 - Have a Plan. The 'ole saying, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" holds true in today's world. Having a plan doesn't necessarily mean having a perfect plan. After all, how would you know its perfect anyway. A plan is an act yet to be carried out. So have a plan, expect to learn and tweak as you go, but take action. A plan without action is a dream.
3 - Find a Mentor. It's imperative that you find a mentor you can learn from. You may already have one. Your mentor could be a parent, a colleague, a friend, a business acquaintance, etc. But make sure you find a mentor. A mentor is a Greek word and the noun is defined as, "A wise and trusted counselor or teacher".
Depending on the niche industry you are seeking to get involved in, I would find out who the most influential or biggest player is in that industry and learn from them. In the internet world, there are several reliable, honest, trusted mentors online today.
4 - Believe in Yourself. When you begin your entrepreneur quest, you will face opposition. That opposition will come from friends, family, co-workers, etc. But if you decision is firm enough in step 1, don't let the naysayers dissuade you. Follow your dreams.
5 - Test, Test, Test. As mentioned earlier you will face obstacles. Learn from them, tweak your processess and procedures as necessary, and keep plowing forward (Remember Edison and his 10,000 tries to make light?).
6 - Never Give Up. With a firm decision and never give up attitude you will get there. Don't give upFree Reprint Articles, don't ever give up.
Your mindset will change as you continue to earn for yourself. You will no longer be dependent on that former employer. You learn to depend on YOU.
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