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Tag: Entrepreneur Mindset

  • Why Going All In Is the Only Option for Entrepreneurs Who Want to Win | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    If you know anything about me, you know I’m all in. On music memorabilia. On people. On my work. On whatever’s in front of me.

    I don’t know another speed. I’ve never been great at “halfway.” I either care enough to give something everything I’ve got, or I don’t touch it at all. For me, that’s the essence of entrepreneurship. You can’t dabble your way into building something meaningful. You have to decide. You’re either in or out.

    That’s why, when I meet founders, I’ll usually ask them one simple question: “What would make you quit?” If they pause or start listing reasons, I already know they’re not there yet. But when someone looks me straight in the eye and says, “Nothing,” that’s when I know I’m talking to someone who’s built for this. That answer tells me they’ve already done the hard part — mentally closing every exit door before they even walk in.

    Being all in doesn’t mean they’re fearless. It means they’ve already accepted the rollercoaster that comes with the territory. They’ve decided in advance that no rejection, no slow month, no investor passing on them is going to be the thing that takes them out.

    Related: Want a Promotion? Start Saying This

    For me, going all in has never felt like a strategy. It’s felt like survival. When I started in real estate, I didn’t have a backup plan. I didn’t have a cushion to land on. I didn’t even have a clear playbook. I had urgency. I had hunger. I had no other option but to figure it out. That’s the art of being all in. You don’t wait for perfect conditions. You move forward because you’ve already eliminated quitting as an option.

    I always say, “burn the ships.” If you’re going to do something, do it in a way where there’s no going back. That mindset forces you to figure it out. It forces you to get creative. It forces you to commit in a way you never would if you kept a safety net.

    Here’s the funny thing about fear…it usually shows up dressed as logic. It says things like, “Wait until you’re more prepared.” Or, “Play it safe for now.” Or, “Test it before you commit.” Those sound smart, but they’re really just hesitation in disguise. I’ve learned that if you give that voice too much airtime, you’ll talk yourself right out of the shot that could’ve changed your life.

    The other truth is this: people want to follow commitment. Nobody gets inspired by a halfway effort. Your team feels it. Your family feels it. Clients and investors feel it. When you’re all in, it shows. Energy is contagious, and commitment is the best way to spread it.

    Being all in doesn’t mean you bet the farm on every idea. It means you show up fully present in whatever lane you’re in. For me, that’s my family, my faith and my businesses. For you, it might be something else. The specifics don’t matter. What matters is the posture. All in doesn’t mean you’re doing everything at once. It means you’re giving the important stuff your full weight.

    I’ve had plenty of days when the odds weren’t in my favor. That’s part of the game. If you’re not willing to risk being misunderstood, you’re probably not going all in.

    ADHD and dyslexia have been huge parts of my story. For some people, that sounds like a disadvantage. For me, it’s been an edge. I can’t fake interest. If I don’t care, I won’t last. But if I do care, I’m locked in. I’ll get obsessed. I’ll get urgent. I’ll get creative. That’s a gift, not a curse. And it’s one more reason being ‘all in’ comes naturally to me.

    Related: How to Quit Your Job and Go All In on Your Side Hustle

    Even outside of work, I see it. My music wall didn’t build itself overnight. Every record, every signed album, every piece of memorabilia — I hunted for it, collected it, protected it. Why? Because I was all in. It’s not a hobby, it’s a passion. That’s the same energy I’ve always brought to business and to life.

    The older I get, the more I see this isn’t just about business. It’s about how you live. It’s about who you love. It’s about how you spend your time. If something matters, give it everything. That’s where the good stuff happens.

    The people I admire most don’t always have the best pitch deck or the biggest bankroll. They’re the ones who decided early on that nothing could make them quit. That mindset is the difference.

    So if you’re sitting there wondering whether to go for it, ask yourself the same question I ask every founder: “What would make me quit?” If your honest answer is nothing, then congratulations. You’re already all in.

    Nobody’s going to save you. You have to save yourself. And the best way I know to do that? Burn the ships. Be all in.

    If you know anything about me, you know I’m all in. On music memorabilia. On people. On my work. On whatever’s in front of me.

    I don’t know another speed. I’ve never been great at “halfway.” I either care enough to give something everything I’ve got, or I don’t touch it at all. For me, that’s the essence of entrepreneurship. You can’t dabble your way into building something meaningful. You have to decide. You’re either in or out.

    That’s why, when I meet founders, I’ll usually ask them one simple question: “What would make you quit?” If they pause or start listing reasons, I already know they’re not there yet. But when someone looks me straight in the eye and says, “Nothing,” that’s when I know I’m talking to someone who’s built for this. That answer tells me they’ve already done the hard part — mentally closing every exit door before they even walk in.

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    Rogers Healy

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  • Don’t Run From Failure — Run Toward It. Here’s Why. | Entrepreneur

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    We’re trained to avoid failure like it’s a contagious disease.

    At school, failing wasn’t just about getting a bad grade — it was about getting labeled. If you didn’t pass, you weren’t just “behind,” you were branded. Pulled into extra classes, singled out in front of your peers and whispered about in the hallways. It can feel like public shame dressed up as education.

    When you grow up in that kind of system, what you learn fast is: Don’t mess up. Don’t take risks. Don’t give anyone a reason to think less of you. And the biggest lesson? Stay in your lane.

    The problem is that that mindset doesn’t prepare you for the real world — especially if you want to lead, build or create anything meaningful. Because here’s the truth: If you’re afraid to fail, you’ll never truly succeed.

    Related: Want to Be a Successful Entrepreneur? Fail.

    The fear that holds us back

    Fear of failure isn’t just about the actual mistake — it’s about the imagined fallout.

    • What will people think?
    • Will they see me as incompetent? Reckless? Stupid?
    • Will this cost me my reputation, my relationships, my livelihood?

    And because those fears feel heavy and real, we avoid taking the shot. We stay where it’s “safe,” never realizing that “safe” is just a slow, quiet way to fail anyway.

    As leaders, that fear can be deadly. It keeps us from innovating, from hiring bold talent, from experimenting with new products or ideas. It makes us reactive instead of proactive. And when the market shifts — as it always does — the leaders who’ve been too scared to risk anything are the ones left scrambling.

    How I learned to get comfortable with losing

    The real turning point for me wasn’t some massive success — it was being okay with losing. But that didn’t happen overnight.

    When I started my business, I brought that school-based fear of failure right along with me. I worried about how my decisions would look. I avoided risks that felt “too visible.” I overworked myself trying to make sure nothing went wrong — and when something inevitably did, I beat myself up for weeks.

    But here’s what changed everything: I realized failure without feedback is just a loss. But failure with insight? That’s an investment.

    When you stop seeing failure as a verdict and start treating it as raw material, it becomes the most valuable thing you have.

    Over the last eight years, I’ve:

    • Mismanaged people and learned how to lead better.
    • Made bad hires and learned how to recruit with sharper instincts.
    • Invested in projects that flopped and learned where my market actually is.
    • Lost more money (and time) than I’d like to admit — and learned exactly how to make it back (and more).

    None of those lessons came from the times things went perfectly. Every single one was purchased with the currency of failure.

    Related: 4 Key Strategies to Help Entrepreneurs Cope With Failure

    How school got it wrong

    Part of why this mindset is so hard to adopt is that it’s almost the opposite of what we were trained to believe.

    Our education system rewards perfection and punishes missteps. You’re graded on what you got right, not on how many creative attempts you made. You’re celebrated for the A, not for the questions you dared to ask or the risks you took to get there.

    And that’s fine if your career goal is “ace tests forever.” But in real life, success is about trying, adapting and trying again — fast. It’s about iteration, not immaculate execution on the first go.

    If you’ve ever wondered why so many talented people never reach their potential, this is it. They’ve been conditioned to fear the first step because they’ve been conditioned to fear the stumble.

    The leader’s advantage: Failing faster

    Here’s the mindset shift that’s changed everything for me: Don’t run from failure — run toward it.

    When you take a calculated risk and it doesn’t work out, you gain information your competitors don’t have. You see where the potholes are. You understand the dynamics of your market or your team in a way you simply can’t from the sidelines.

    Failure speeds up your feedback loop. And in business, speed of learning is a competitive advantage.

    When I stopped worrying about how failure looked and started focusing on what it taught, I moved faster. My team moved faster. We became more willing to experiment, to test ideas, to pivot quickly.

    And here’s the irony: The more comfortable I got with failing, the less I actually failed in ways that mattered. Why? Because the lessons compound. The insight you gain from one mistake prevents five more down the line.

    Turning failure into fuel

    If you’re looking for practical ways to reframe failure, here’s what’s worked for me:

    1. Separate the event from your identity. Failing at something doesn’t make you a failure. It makes you a human who’s gathering data.
    2. Ask better post-mortem questions. Instead of “Why did I mess up?” ask “What specifically did I learn, and how will I apply it next time?”
    3. Take the hit, then take the action. Feel the sting, but don’t camp there. Apply the lesson as quickly as possible so it becomes forward motion.
    4. Make it visible for your team. When leaders are open about their own missteps, it gives everyone else permission to try without fear.

    Related: How to Turn Failures Into Wins As an Entrepreneur

    The real goal

    At the end of the day, the point isn’t to fail for failure’s sake. The point is to strip failure of its power over you so you can move without hesitation.

    If there’s one mindset that’s been critical to my success, it’s this: Be okay with failing — because the lesson you learn is worth more than the hit you take.

    The faster you embrace that truth, the faster you’ll grow — not just as a leader, but as a human being who’s willing to show up, take the shot and trust that even if you miss, you’re still moving forward.

    We’re trained to avoid failure like it’s a contagious disease.

    At school, failing wasn’t just about getting a bad grade — it was about getting labeled. If you didn’t pass, you weren’t just “behind,” you were branded. Pulled into extra classes, singled out in front of your peers and whispered about in the hallways. It can feel like public shame dressed up as education.

    When you grow up in that kind of system, what you learn fast is: Don’t mess up. Don’t take risks. Don’t give anyone a reason to think less of you. And the biggest lesson? Stay in your lane.

    The rest of this article is locked.

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    Ginni Saraswati

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  • Why Steve Aoki is Backing Brain-Boosting Gum Brand | Entrepreneur

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    For the world’s busiest DJ, staying energized is essential. That’s why Grammy-nominated artist Steve Aoki partnered with Neuro, a functional gum and mints company founded in 2015 that helps boost energy, focus, calm and even sleep.

    For Aoki, Neuro has been a game-changer, offering a more natural alternative to endless shots of espresso.

    “It’s about being mindful of staying healthy while still maximizing my output, especially when I’m in my creative zone,” Aoki tells Entrepreneur. “You want to bring high energy so you can create high impact in whatever you do. If you’re moving through the day like a zombie, just giving the bare minimum, it’s embarrassing when you look back on it.”

    He continues, “Nobody wants to give a weak interview, a half-hearted answer or put out a song they didn’t fully commit to. You have to give 1000%. That’s why I believe the highest quality of life is tied to your energy level.”

    Related: How This Grammy-Nominated DJ and Entrepreneur Draws Inspiration from Every Day Life

    Potential in a plastic bag

    Aoki first met the Neuro founders nearly a decade before he started working with them.

    “I still remember when they came into the office and presented this caffeine gum to me”, he recalls. “They brought it in a plain plastic bag — no branding, no packaging. Just, ‘here’s this stuff that works.’

    He laughs. “You look at it and think, what is this, some kind of drug?“

    Luckily for Neuro, Aoki loved it.

    “It’s more exciting for me to see indie startups with brilliant ideas than something incubated by a big company with a huge team behind it,” he shares. ” I’d rather see two guys in their college dorm saying, ‘Hey, this is a great idea that could really help people or become something a lot of people will actually use.’”

    Still, the shrewd DJ wasn’t ready to commit right away. He and his team took their time with due diligence while keeping a friendly relationship with the founders.

    “It’s important for me to see that this works before I get involved,” Aoki explains.

    For Neuro, working means giving consumers the caffeine boost they need without triggering their anxiety — or their bladders.

    “I’m a big coffee drinker, and I love energy drinks,” Aoki admits. “But you can’t be pounding beverages all the time.”

    Neuro products, on the other hand, are designed for consistent use throughout the day and are formulated to mitigate side effects while providing a crucial boost.

    “Over the years, it’s become one of my staples,” Aoki professes. “I always have it in my pocket or backpack. If I’m doing a long set, it’s right there with my earplugs. After a couple of hours, if I start to feel tired, I just pop a piece, and I get that little boost I need.”

    Related: Elon Musk Lost His World’s Richest Title, But Only for a Few Hours. Here’s Who Took His Spot.

    Every drop needs a story

    Steve Aoki has never been the type to just slap his name on something and walk away. He throws himself into every project, obsessing over the details until it feels true to him. He had a hand in everything with Neuro. He helped pick out flavors, shape the vibe of the brand and even found a way to work in one of his personal passions, HiROQUEST, the trading card project he’s been building.

    Instead of a standard product launch, Aoki wanted it to feel like an experience. That’s why certain Neuro releases come with collectible cards, turning an everyday item into something fans can get excited about.

    “I’m a card guy,” Aoki says. “I love ripping open packs, chasing the rare hit. I wanted to bring that same feeling to something you’d never expect — like a tin of Neuro mints.”

    By adding in HiROQUEST, Aoki boosts awareness for his own brand and adds an experiential layer to the Neuro collaboration. This has long been central to his success.

    “I’m always thinking about how we can create a better, more unique experience,” Aoki says. “Something that gets people excited for the next drop or the next collaboration, and helps build the story within the world we’re creating. That’s why I love caking people. Whether you’re the one getting cake in your face or watching it happen, you’ll never forget that moment.”

    For the world’s busiest DJ, staying energized is essential. That’s why Grammy-nominated artist Steve Aoki partnered with Neuro, a functional gum and mints company founded in 2015 that helps boost energy, focus, calm and even sleep.

    For Aoki, Neuro has been a game-changer, offering a more natural alternative to endless shots of espresso.

    “It’s about being mindful of staying healthy while still maximizing my output, especially when I’m in my creative zone,” Aoki tells Entrepreneur. “You want to bring high energy so you can create high impact in whatever you do. If you’re moving through the day like a zombie, just giving the bare minimum, it’s embarrassing when you look back on it.”

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    Leo Zevin

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  • I Blew an Audition with Robert De Niro — But the Surprising Lesson Now Helps Me Crush Every High-Stakes Moment | Entrepreneur

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    I’ll never forget the moment I got the call: an audition for a movie with Robert De Niro.

    My brain short-circuited as soon as I heard his name. De Niro. The Godfather. Heat. Goodfellas. How could I not get distracted?

    As the big day drew near, I spiraled. This wasn’t just another audition. This was the audition.

    • What if this is my big break? What if I blow it?
    • What should I wear? Do I look the part?
    • What if I forget my lines? What if I forget how to speak?
    • Maybe I’m not ready. Maybe I’m not good enough.
    • But what if I am?

    The pressure was electric. Hope and fear did a wild dance in my chest and no matter how hard I tried, my imagination kept racing ahead.

    This was the moment that could change the trajectory of my life and career — and I blew it.

    But the lessons I took from that failed audition turned out to be more valuable than any role. They completely reframed how I walk into a room, command a stage and coach others to show up with presence and power in their own high-stakes moments.

    Here’s what that moment taught me — and how you can use it to pitch, present or perform with confidence and clarity.

    Related: 10 Ways to Build Your Entrepreneurial Confidence

    1. Mindset shapes everything

    My first mistake happened before I even entered the room. In my head, the stakes were massive: This is life-changing. Don’t mess this up. You have to nail it.

    I had already lost. I wasn’t grounded or focused. I was spiraling. What I didn’t know then — but now teach every client — is this: your mindset is your foundation. Walk into any room thinking, I’ve earned this. That shift alone changes how you speak and how others respond.

    2. Focus on the moment, not the outcome

    The second I started fantasizing about starring in a De Niro film, I stopped being present. I was thinking about my future, not the two pages of script in front of me.

    When you obsess over the outcome — the deal, the yes, the applause — you miss the only thing that matters: this moment. Ask yourself: What does this person need from me right now? Then deliver.

    3. Take it one step at a time

    I was so focused on the future, I skipped the first step: the first impression.

    In auditions, pitches and presentations, there’s no warm-up act. The first 10 seconds — how you walk in, how you greet, how you connect — set the tone for everything else. You don’t always get a second chance. Nail the first one.

    4. Walk in like you belong

    I came in with what I now call “please pick me” energy. Instead of owning the space, I shrank into it — grateful but almost apologetic for being there. Gratitude is powerful. But not when it makes you small.

    If you were invited into the room, you’re there for a reason. Don’t ask for permission to take up space. Stand in your value.

    5. Stop trying to impress — start trying to connect

    I overperformed. I tried so hard to be impressive that I tripped over my words and cluttered my delivery. More isn’t better. It’s just more.

    What makes your message land is simplicity, emotional truth and connection. Ask: If this were my last chance to speak, what do I want them to feel?

    6. Prepare like a performer

    I knew my lines. But I didn’t rehearse. I didn’t ground myself or prepare my body for the moment. Clients often tell me they’ve “practiced” — but what they really mean is they edited their slides or memorized content.

    But presence is physical. Stand up. Breathe. Visualize the room. Your voice, posture, and energy are part of your message. Rehearse with them, not around them.

    Related: How to Turn Self-Doubt Into Success and Build Your Confidence in 3 Steps

    7. Learn to reset in real time

    I knew it wasn’t going well, but I didn’t know how to recover. I was stuck in my head. Now, I teach people to build an internal reset button. A breath. A pause. A shift in stance. Anything that brings you back to center.

    Things go off-script all the time. Power doesn’t come from being flawless. It comes from knowing how to find your footing again.

    8. Don’t stay stuck in the past

    The car ride home was brutal. I replayed the audition on a loop — every fumble, every flub. Reflection is important. But wallowing isn’t. Take the lesson. Leave the rest.

    You might never audition for a De Niro film, but you will have high-stakes moments — on a stage, in a boardroom, across from someone who could change the trajectory of your business or life.

    When you get there, remember: the secret to owning the room isn’t being perfect. It’s being present, prepared and fully yourself.

    That’s what people remember. That’s what wins the room.

    I’ll never forget the moment I got the call: an audition for a movie with Robert De Niro.

    My brain short-circuited as soon as I heard his name. De Niro. The Godfather. Heat. Goodfellas. How could I not get distracted?

    As the big day drew near, I spiraled. This wasn’t just another audition. This was the audition.

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    LaQuita Cleare

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  • 5 Work Ethic Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Elite Athletes | Entrepreneur

    5 Work Ethic Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Elite Athletes | Entrepreneur

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    Anyone who has found success as an athlete will tell you that sport teaches lessons that go far beyond the playing field. If you’re looking to succeed in the competitive business environment, there may be no better models than champion athletes. What is it that allows these individuals to achieve greatness? What makes someone a winner? There’s not a single answer. Rather, it’s a combination of things. We’re sharing five of them here. If you follow these lessons, you’ll be poised for a championship in the business world.

    Related: 4 Productivity Tips from Extreme Athletes That Will Make Your Business Stronger

    Show supreme confidence

    Champions have a robust belief in themselves and their ability to succeed. Importantly, this does not mean they expect the journey to be easy. Most things worth having require tremendous effort. Champion athletes devote “blood, sweat and tears” in pursuit of excellence, and they’re willing to make the sacrifice because they know it will pay off. Self-doubters abandon the journey when it gets too hard or when they encounter a few obstacles. Champions persevere because they believe in themselves to the core. This stout self-confidence becomes self-fulfilling. When you fully believe you’ll win if you keep on grinding, you’ll out-grind your less confident competitors. Supreme confidence leads to supreme effort, and supreme effort leads to success.

    Like a champion athlete, a winning entrepreneur stays committed when things are tough. Tomorrow’s industry leaders are those who will continue to refine their current pitches and marketing strategies as many times as it takes to reach a breakthrough. They will not be deterred by rejection but rather will learn from it, make adjustments, and come back stronger. This willingness to learn and improve, in fact, is another defining feature of champions.

    Always look to improve

    Champion athletes, while supremely confident, also possess enough humility to know they always have room to learn and grow. When they take a loss, they review the game film to identify the mistakes they’ve made and see where they need to adjust for the next time. Even when they win, they look at what they could have done better. They also seek input from others. When a coach points out a flaw in their technique, they’re receptive to the feedback and incorporate it into their training. They also look to teammates and even to opponents to learn what others are doing well.

    As an entrepreneur, if you lose out on a deal or find a competitor holding a larger share of your targeted market, then look at what they are doing to succeed. Be open to learning and humble enough to seek help from others. Champions are usually their own harshest critics, and their high standards drive them to keep improving. So even when you have some successes, continue looking to level up.

    Focus on what you can control

    Champions do everything they can to control the variables involved in their sport. Knowing that they can’t fully control the outcome, they go all-in on what they can control, including attitude, effort, and preparation. Entrepreneurs ought to do the same by analyzing their markets, rehearsing presentations multiple times, and scouting both their competition and their potential customers. If you’re meeting with a client, study them ahead of time so you can anticipate the questions they may ask and have impressive answers prepared. Be obsessive about your preparation.

    A corollary to this lesson is focusing your post-hoc explanations on what you can – or could have – controlled. After a tough loss, champions do not blame the referee. Instead, they look at what they could have done differently so the referee’s calls would not have mattered. As an entrepreneur, be cautious of attributing bad results to luck or of claiming things weren’t fair. When you do so, you lose motivation to make adjustments for next time. Instead, follow a champion’s lead and know there’s always something you could have done better.

    Improvise when needed

    Even as champions focus on what they can control, they also recognize that they can’t control everything. Rarely does something go exactly as planned, and the best performers adapt and improvise. Something can always go wrong, and rather than panicking when it does, winners stay confident and make the needed adjustments. Thus, even as you work to control what you can embrace the uncertainty of your sport – or your business, as the case may be.

    Related: 5 Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Pro Sports Teams

    Be flexible

    You may have noticed that the lessons described above hold some contradictions. Champions have supreme confidence yet also believe they need to get better. They also focus on what they can control while accepting they can’t control everything. Thus, another key to success is adapting your mindset based on the situation at hand. Champions have the mental flexibility to do so seamlessly. Rather than looking for a recipe to follow every time, they embrace the fluidity required to succeed consistently.

    This willingness to adapt – to possess an unfixed mindset – is the main premise of the book Extreme Balance: Paradoxical Principles That Make You a Champion, published by Entrepreneur Press. This volume, which I have co-authored with champion athlete and coach Ben Askren and successful business leader Joe De Sena, describes how various champions balance contradictory principles to succeed in their respective sports. It includes chapters such as “Thinking You’re Good Enough and Thinking You’re Never Good Enough,” and “Preparing for Everything and Expecting the Unexpected.” These sections expand upon the lessons described here – and many others – in greater depth. If you want to be a champion entrepreneur, it’s a great resource to help get you there.

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    David Sacks

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  • How to React to Stressful Situations with Calmness | Entrepreneur

    How to React to Stressful Situations with Calmness | Entrepreneur

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    Lyndon B. Johnson was known for his histrionics — his customary reaction to minor pain or illness was “frantic” and “hysterical,” wrote Robert Caro for the New Yorker in 2012. But when under pressure — real pressure, as he was the day he became president after John F. Kennedy was assassinated — Johnson assumed a near preternatural calm.

    As Caro writes, “Johnson’s aides and allies knew that, for all his rages and his bellowing, his gloating and his groaning, his endless monologues, his demeanor was very different in moments of crisis, in moments when there were decisions — tough decisions, crucial decisions — to be made; that in those moments he became, as his secretary Mary Rather recalled, ‘quiet and still.’”

    Certain people seem designed to perform well under moments of intense pressure. As an entrepreneur, it’s certainly a skill you’d do well to develop. Research conducted by TalentSmart found that 90% of top performers can manage their emotions in times of stress and remain calm and in control.

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    Aytekin Tank

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  • 7 Strategies to Secure Business from Fellow Entrepreneurs | Entrepreneur

    7 Strategies to Secure Business from Fellow Entrepreneurs | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    This article focuses on strategies to assist in the growth of business-to-business (B2B). Growth includes actions that can be taken that can lead to an increase in sales. Although these strategies will typically only increase sales after some time, when implemented, they will be valuable and helpful in growing your brand and ultimately increasing your revenue.

    1. Provide value first

    Value is a huge buzzword in the business realm. My take on value is to know your audience. For example, in my world of commercial real estate, lease comps take work. Although sales comps are documented, lease comps are typically kept close to the chest. Thus, lease comps are very valuable in the commercial real estate world. If you want to provide value, first, you need to figure out what is beneficial to your potential clients. Once you understand what is valuable, you will be better positioned to collect and share useful data.

    Related: Your Value Proposition Is Crucial. Here Are 5 Steps to Ensure It Resonates.

    2. Build genuine relationships

    Referring a business is one of the highest forms of compliments. Anytime I make a referral, I am incredibly cautious. The first thought in my mind is a “what if?” What if the person I referred does not do a good job? To move past this, I need to know the referee well. I must have a genuine relationship with the person I refer. I recommend that you do not try to rush relationships. It takes time to build a real relationship. Being aware of the fact that it takes time to build relationships and putting in the work to build relationships will lead to relationships that result in productive referrals.

    3. Utilize online platforms

    Many online platforms can be used in the B2B world. One I like to use is Yelp. Business owners appreciate good Yelp reviews. If I have a good experience at a business, I will go on Yelp and leave a nice review. I will then share this review with the owner when I reach out to introduce myself. In addition to Yelp, I also often use LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a powerful online B2B platform. Make a solid effort to build your LinkedIn network and post relevant content regularly.

    Related: 6 Ways to Ace Social Media Branding for Your Startup

    4. Attend industry events and networking functions

    Almost every industry has a trade association related to it. No matter what you do, I highly recommend researching associations related to your trade. Find out when their conferences are. Often, trade associations will have national events and regional events. If the national conference is near your location for your first year in business, I recommend you go. If it is not, then I would attend a regional meeting. Regional conferences are often cheaper than national conferences. Additionally, your travel expenses should be less for a regional conference.

    5. Prospecting protocol

    The B2B world often involves canvassing. When canvassing, it is essential to be careful of your approach. The best way to canvas is to be straightforward and summarize your business and intent. You should not ask for the owner’s contact information initially. I will casually ask who the person at your company is that handles that. Then, once I get an answer, I will ask for a business card. The owner often has their cell phone number and email on the card.

    Related: 5 Decisions All Responsible Entrepreneurs Make En Route to Financial Security

    6. Become the go-to

    No matter what you do, you want to be the top person in people’s minds when your business is mentioned. Becoming the go-to is accomplished over time. When people see your successes, it helps you become the go-to. You will want to post on social media about your achievements. This was difficult for me at first since I had a mental block on social media when I first started in business. However, I learned to grow past that, and now I understand the power of social media. In addition to posting about your successes, I also recommend having a blog where you can share valuable information with others. Sharing is caring, and it also assists in helping you become the go-to.

    7. Strength in unity

    I recently watched a YouTube video on Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. The video did a great job showing how both companies partnered with each other and their partnership assisted in success. All businesses have complementary businesses. If you want to utilize the strength in unity strategy, identify companies in your industry or related sectors. Make a list, then approach the businesses on your list. I recommend you start small. Approach one company first and see if they are on board before approaching another. Also, I recommend you thoroughly vet the business first. You do not want unity with another company that does not have the same values as your own business.

    I wish you much success in growing your business and expanding your network. Please remember that it does not happen overnight. No matter what strategies you use, I recommend that you commit to the strategies and work diligently on using them to achieve success.

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    Roxanne Klein

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  • I took my daughter to Daymond John’s Black Entrepreneurs Day. Here’s what we learned. | Entrepreneur

    I took my daughter to Daymond John’s Black Entrepreneurs Day. Here’s what we learned. | Entrepreneur

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    Have you experienced “Take Your Child to Work Day” as a kid or parent? It wasn’t really a thing when I was a kid. But now, as a parent with a flexible schedule, I can often find opportunities to share a glimpse of what I do for work with my children.

    Most recently, I brought my 7-year-old daughter to Black Entrepreneur’s Day, an event curated by Daymond John. A few weeks earlier I told Daymond how she was inspired to start her own business after reading his children’s book, Little Daymond Learns to Earn.

    To my surprise, he made a personalized video to congratulate my daughter on her new business and invited her to attend Black Entrpreneur’s Day at the Apollo here in New York City.

    Founded in 2020 by Daymond John, Black Entrepreneurs Day is the ultimate celebration of Black business and entrepreneurship.

    This year’s event was highlighted by insightful conversations with Black business icons including Cedric the Entertainer, Whoopi Goldberg, SHAQ, Anthony Anderson, Cari Champion, Sloane Stephens, and many more.

    Here are three lessons anyone – including my daughter – can learn from the experience.

    Failure isn’t devastating, it’s just annoying

    Growing up, my wife’s favorite movie was Sister Act. This might be due to the fact that she went to Catholic school. Anyway, my daughter and I were able to meet Whoopi Goldberg, the star of my wife’s favorite movie.

    I asked Whoopi what advice she would give to anyone – entrepreneurs included – who suffered a setback. Her reply was short but powerful: “Failure isn’t devastating, it’s just annoying.”

    As a stoic with a high level of resilience, this resonated with me. Sure, I do get annoyed when things go wrong. I’m not going to deny that emotion and pretend like nothing is wrong. In fact, avoiding that emotion makes things even harder on me.

    Research from the National Library of Medicine supports this belief.

    “Avoidance is typically considered a maladaptive behavioral response to excessive fear and anxiety, leading to the maintenance of anxiety disorders.”

    In other words, if you avoid acknowledging a setback, things may continue to spiral out of control.

    But while recognizing the impact of this failure is crucial, it’s also important to not get stuck.

    Instead, make a decision to acknowledge, adapt, and then advance. Like Whoopi said, it’s not devastating – it’s just annoying.

    Failure is data, so long as you learn from it

    My daughter and I also met Cedric The Entertainer, a comedian and actor known for wearing unique, fashionable hats.

    Like many entrepreneurs, he decided to turn his passion into a business. And although he has experienced some success, he admitted his line of hats haven’t achieved the success he hoped for. Reason being, it’s very expensive to produce the type hats he likes at scale.

    Fortunately, he didn’t let that prevent him from taking on new challenges. And for his next venture he partnered up with Anthony Anderson, a fellow comedian and actor. Together they launched AC Barbeque, a line of premium barbeque and seasoning rubs. Their new business is growing at a steady pace as a result of their commitment to delivering a quality product that can be developed and delivered at an affordable price.

    What can you learn from this? You might fail in some of your business ventures too, but failure is a great teacher, so long as you learn from it.

    You only fail if you don’t try

    We were also able to see Carli Champion, a journalist and television personality who currently hosts The Cari Champion Show on Amazon Prime Video Sports Talk. If you’re an ESPN fan you may also recognize her from her days as an anchor on the network.

    In 2012 she joined ESPN as the new host of ESPN2’s live debate show First Take. As the show’s host, she moderated debates between sports pundits Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith. But she wanted to do more than just moderate, she wanted to be a journalist.

    After proposing ideas for stories to ESPN, she made her journalistic debut for the network in 2014. But she didn’t stop there. Instead, she spent the next six months petitioning ESPN to become an anchor on SportsCenter, ESPN’s flagship program. In 2015 Champion was promoted to this prestigious position.

    So how can you apply this to your own pursuits? Fiercely advocate for the recognition and rewards you deserve. If you ask, the answer will be yes or no. If you don’t ask, the answer will definitely be no.

    So start making bolder asks, and remember the only way to truly fail is not to try.

    Ready to learn more?

    You can watch the full replay of Black Entrepreneur’s Day on demand. And while you’re at it, check out my interview with Daymond on how you can help your kids foster entrepreneurial skills.

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    Terry Rice

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  • 5 Entrepreneurial Mindset Principles That Empower Financial Literacy | Entrepreneur

    5 Entrepreneurial Mindset Principles That Empower Financial Literacy | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    An entrepreneurial mindset encourages individuals to view their personal finances as an opportunity for wealth creation and growth. This mindset emphasizes the importance of investing, whether in stocks, real estate, or other assets, to generate passive income and build wealth over time. That being said, developing your own foundational belief systems around your relationship with money is just as important as the financial vehicles themselves.

    One should remember that financial literacy is a journey, and it requires consistent effort, practice and application of these foundational principles to enhance your understanding and improve your financial wellbeing. When it comes to money, adopting certain mindset philosophies can help shape your relationship with wealth creation and guide your decision-making. Here are five imperative viewpoints to consider:

    1. View money as you would view a current

    While the term “currency” is derived from the Latin word “currere,” which means “to run” or “to flow,” the concept of money flowing like a current is metaphorical rather than a literal representation. The term “currency” primarily refers to a system of money that is used as a medium of exchange for goods and services.

    However, the metaphor of money flowing like a current can be used to describe the dynamic nature of money and its movement within an economy. Money circulates through various transactions, changing hands from one individual or entity to another. It flows through the economy, enabling economic activity and facilitating trade.

    Similar to a current in a river, money is constantly in motion, connecting different participants in the economy. It can be earned, spent, invested, and transferred, creating a continuous cycle of transactions and economic interactions.

    This metaphor highlights the importance of understanding and managing the flow of money. Just as currents in a river can be strong or weak, money can fluctuate in terms of its availability, value, and the speed at which it circulates. By being aware of this flow and managing their finances effectively, individuals and businesses can navigate the economic currents and make the most of their financial resources.

    Related: We Need a Real Commitment to Mental Health at Work. Here’s How (and Why).

    2- Don’t allow the limits of your past to have any bearing on your future

    Embracing an abundance mindset involves believing that there are plentiful opportunities for wealth and success. It is about focusing on possibilities rather than limitations. With this mindset, you approach money with a positive and optimistic outlook, recognizing that there is enough for everyone and that your financial situation can improve through hard work, smart choices and abundance mindset-based actions.

    Many emerging thought leaders have recently endorsed the ideology of “mindset monetization.” With these new, but logical shifts, countless case studies across the nation validate that financial empowerment begins with shifting your paradigm. And thus, by challenging the rigid, conservative “work, spend, save” 9-5 mindset and evolving from thinking like an entrepreneur rather than an employee, one can drastically uplevel their monetary milestones.

    3. Pivot — don’t pause

    The philosophy of financial independence centers around achieving freedom and control over your finances. It involves building a solid financial foundation that allows you to support yourself and pursue your desired lifestyle without being reliant on others. This mindset encourages you to take ownership of your financial situation, prioritize saving and investing, and develop multiple streams of income.

    Take the pandemic, for example; leaders who adopted remote skills, studied macroeconomics and understood what sectors were poised for growth not only weathered the pandemic but significantly improved their business and personal growth.

    4. Continuous learning to stay updated on the latest financial trends

    An entrepreneurial mindset prioritizes continuous learning and improvement. When it comes to financial literacy, this means actively seeking out resources, courses, and information to enhance your understanding of financial concepts, investment strategies and personal finance management. The post-Covid era has democratized online certifications from individual subject matter experts to academic institutions, so there is now a level playing field regardless of your geographical standpoint. Engaging in lifelong learning allows you to stay updated with the latest financial trends and adapt your financial strategies accordingly.

    The philosophy of delayed gratification, in tandem with a commitment to learning, involves prioritizing long-term goals over immediate satisfaction. It requires resisting impulsive spending and prioritizing saving and investing for future financial security and goals. By delaying gratification, you can make wiser financial choices, avoid unnecessary debt, and accumulate wealth over time.

    Related: The Financial Literacy Basics Entrepreneurs Need to Know

    5. Practice mindful spending and asset allocation

    Mindful spending involves being intentional and conscious about how you allocate your financial resources. It means aligning your spending with your values and priorities as well as the emerging, lucrative sectors that require attention. With this mindset, you take the time to evaluate your needs versus wants, track your expenses, and make deliberate decisions that reflect your financial goals. Mindful spending helps you avoid impulsive purchases, stay within your budget and make more conscious choices with your money.

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    Ben Sever

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  • Entrepreneur Magazine: Finding Motivation In The Face of Setbacks | Entrepreneur

    Entrepreneur Magazine: Finding Motivation In The Face of Setbacks | Entrepreneur

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    You’re trying to get somewhere. But you’re not there yet.

    That is frustrating. And worse, it’s embarrassing. You’ve worked hard. You’ve traveled far. And you think: I should be there by now — so why am I not?

    I feel this too, and I’ve concluded that it isn’t just about anxiety or impatience. It’s about something more fundamental: This is what happens when we are on a path, and what’s ahead is unseeable.

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    Jason Feifer

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  • 6 Mindset Strategies I Wish I’d Known Earlier in My Career | Entrepreneur

    6 Mindset Strategies I Wish I’d Known Earlier in My Career | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    During my 12-year journey as an entrepreneur, I’ve unearthed some game-changing mindset strategies and practices that I wish I’d known earlier. These shifts have the power to breathe new life into your business and personal journey once you start to practice them. And most of them are simple. I feel that if I’d known them sooner, I would have had more success and peace of mind.

    Below, I’ll share these mindset shifts with you:

    Related: 8 Mindset Shifts Entrepreneurs Must Make to Achieve Their Ultimate Goal

    1. Creating momentum

    What most people just accept as reality is that success begins in your mind and thoughts, and “thoughts are things.” However, real traction happens when you pair that mental attitude with some real-world action. It’s not just about thinking positively — you’ve got to match those thoughts with tangible action. The secret is keeping that momentum going even when obstacles arise. Believe me, I’ve been caught in this trap too, finding myself overthinking.

    The myth we often buy into is that having a meticulously planned roadmap is the only way forward. Sure, it’s important, but the real magic happens when you dare to do new things with no safety net.

    Movement is the name of the game, initiation is key, and keeping up the rhythm is everything. Breaking the habit of perfectionism is vital — doubts are normal, but feeling somewhat foolish doesn’t mean you are.

    For instance, your online content doesn’t have to be internet-breaking. Just the fact you’re putting yourself out there is a big deal (lots of folks never even muster the courage to start — don’t be one of them.)

    My very first marketing video was downright embarrassing. The sound was awful, I was stiff, and I cringed when I watched it. Actually, everyone cringed. But I did it anyway. Then I did the next.

    And when we think back to Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak building their first computers in a garage, they didn’t wait for anything to be perfect. They just did stuff. It’s a reminder that even the biggest names started from zero.

    The results you want might seem like they’re far away. However, they’re achieved by taking one step after the other.

    2. Going above and beyond

    According to The Law of Reciprocity, whatever you put energy into creates a situation where something is brought back to you. And according to Napoleon Hill’s Law of Success, you need to go above and beyond what you’re paid for — a mindset that often is missing these days. There’s something magical about helping others without expecting something immediately or at all. And sometimes, as a bonus, that goodwill comes back to you tenfold. But then again, that isn’t the reason to serve at your highest level or to help someone out.

    This isn’t to be confused with working for free. Nobody should work for free unless you’ve allotted some of your hours as Pro Bono and it’s part of your model.

    3. Fear busting

    Fear has a way of acting like our friend because it’s always there — but ends up stifling us. And its cousins Anxiety, Vulnerability, Frustration and Overwhelm are all part of this bundle. However, worthwhile endeavors and pursuits are never going to be a cakewalk. In entrepreneurship, you’ll need some serious determination, drive and motivation. And you will need to be able to sustain it. You need to remember WHY you started your business in the first place. Whether it’s about changing lives through coaching, combating diseases, chasing financial freedom or even creating a groundbreaking tech app or product, you need to sustain your energy and find ways to bust through the fear.

    One way of doing this is breathing into the fear as you feel it in your body instead of avoiding it and then exhaling that space that holds the fear into the air around you.

    Related: The Simple Mindset Shift That Can Change How You Think About Entrepreneurial Setbacks

    4. Taking action

    I mentioned action before, but I want to delve deeper into how to make things happen. Open up your calendar, block the times when you will do specific tasks, and stick to the plan. If it’s on the calendar, it will happen.

    Then come up with some Huge Audacious Goals for your business. The more you imagine big things happening, the more they WILL.

    A concrete practice for this is something called Creative Visualization, which I initially learned from the book Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz.

    You close your eyes for 15 minutes and play out the scene of what you want to happen in your life. Your mind cannot tell the difference between those Mind Movies and reality, which makes it all naturally happen.

    5. Being accountable as a true entrepreneur

    We all have a bit of laziness wired into us. It’s human. So, we need to find a coach or accountability partner and set up commitments that are non-negotiable. When I recently started my podcasting journey, I had very little bandwidth left for that new project, but knowing my producer is waiting for the shows makes it happen. And the enjoyment of speaking with amazing people keeps me accountable. So, find something that will keep you on track and push you when the going gets tough. All of us have flirted with the idea of throwing in the towel when things seem hard, so it’s important to have a sounding board. Another great way of staying accountable is to join a mastermind with other like-minded people. Group motivation is unmatched.

    6. Being kind to yourself and practicing self-love

    Entrepreneurs are high achievers who are very hard on themselves and have high expectations. Entrepreneurship demands a unique mindset that keeps us going. That’s what’s needed to succeed. However, if we don’t celebrate our successes or just be kind to ourselves, we can fall into self-loathing and blame when things don’t work — or even when things are working out and we keep moving the finish line.

    Results are important, and our businesses are our babies. Developing an optimal mindset is a lifelong practice that’s completely worth it. You will trip and fall behind sometimes. That is par for the course. Just learn from the journey and see your quality of life expand.

    Related: It’s All in Your Head: How to Shift Your Mindset for Serious Success

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    Jeanne Omlor

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  • You Need This Mindset to Unlock Your Business’ Full Potential | Entrepreneur

    You Need This Mindset to Unlock Your Business’ Full Potential | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    There are several steps in personal growth that go along with growing a successful business. From self-awareness to risk tolerance, many of the buzzwords in entrepreneurship actually come from popular psychology. Having a working knowledge of how an entrepreneurial mind processes information is a good start to figuring out whether — and how — starting a business is best for you. Perhaps the biggest step is going from being an employee at someone else’s business, to deciding that you truly want to lead your own.

    Crossing the bridge to business ownership requires an entrepreneurial, adaptable mindset. First, understand that you’ll be going from a 9-5 mindset to one that is on 24/7, 365 days a year. It may feel overwhelming, but it’s something every successful business leader cultivates. Second, you’ll be going from following orders to leading other people, which requires another shift in perception. Third and most importantly: To grow a business, you need a growth mindset.

    Related: 5 Reasons Why Personal Growth Also Boosts Business Achievement

    Know yourself

    Self-awareness is the most basic and essential attribute for an entrepreneur, which is why it’s become a business buzzword. Surprisingly, a study reported in the Harvard Business Journal found that “even though most people believe they are self-aware, self-awareness is a truly rare quality,” and estimate that only 10% to 15% of the people surveyed actually have the self-awareness necessary for a managerial position.

    To gain self-awareness and determine a path to successful entrepreneurship, take an honest look in the mirror. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What motivates you? Looking inward leads to decision-making about whether being an employee is the best fit or if you have the core mindset to be an entrepreneur — and, for an entrepreneur, self-awareness is also the power for cultivating a great team.

    Leaving the comfort of an organization to start a new venture requires overcoming fear, building fortitude and taking a leap of faith. Going from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one may be the biggest emotional jump — but it will be the first of many.

    Related: Why Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness Are Vital Skills for Any Entrepreneur

    Creating an adaptable mindset

    Having an adaptable mindset is one of the key elements of creating and growing a business. What is an adaptable mindset? It’s what the brain does behind the scenes to help us learn from mistakes and overcome setbacks to find solutions and move ahead, instead of accepting failure.

    This resilience can’t be underestimated in entrepreneurship. Not only does business survival depend on the ability to learn and overcome difficulties, but it allows a business owner to seek and leverage new opportunities.

    There was a groundbreaking book on this very subject published in 2006 by psychologist Carol Dweck titled Mindset: The New Psychology of Success that explores the concept of growth and fixed mindsets, terms that the author coined. Examining brain processing activity, her team measured brain activity as students reviewed their mistakes on a test. They found some students had more brain activity, demonstrating a growth mindset, and others had none — a fixed mindset. She postulated that a fixed mindset prevents you from learning from mistakes, while a growth mindset can empower you to perceive mistakes as learning opportunities.

    Is it possible to train oneself to create a growth mindset? Absolutely. It’s a matter of transforming thinking from a one-size-fits-all to an adaptable mindset. Here are a few tips:

    1. Be human: Humans are flawed by nature. Accept imperfection in yourself and those around you and embrace the uniqueness that makes you, you.
    2. Be brave: Overcome fear by seeing new challenges as opportunities. Fear is a natural emotion, and having the ability to forge ahead with a can-do attitude will take you through many crises and allow you to operate in a high-pressure environment. Think of business as an adventure and achieving success as a climb along a rocky, winding trail to the mountain top.
    3. Be mindful: Give consideration to what you’re thinking and saying. There’s an old song recorded by crooner Johnny Mercer in 1944 titled Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive that allows us to, as the lyrics go, “eliminate the negative,” which holds true. Self-censor the negative thoughts in your head, and don’t let them exit your mouth. The more you focus on the good, the less the bad will concern you and the results will be self-respect, ethical behavior and the ability to reach higher to achieve loftier goals.
    4. Be creative: If you can dream it, you can do it. Your brainstorm needs a clear vision about what it is, and the need it fills. Envision what success will look like and create a detailed business plan to achieve it. When we started our food truck business our goal was to offer amazing fresh Mexican food in a casual atmosphere. We knew that success for us would be an escalation to more trucks, then brick-and-mortar locations and finally a franchised business model.
    5. Be real and realistic: Take a deep dive into what you want to achieve in business. Is it fame or fortune? Is it a dollar amount? A number of locations? Goals are essential, but just as important is a realistic plan to reach any objective. Time, funding and knowledge each contribute to the capability to reach any goal.

    Related: Success Is the Biggest Benefit of Being Adaptable

    The need to know

    Establishing an adaptable, growth mindset is a core element of entrepreneurship. But what you fill that same mind with is just as essential. Being familiar with the ins and outs of business and acquiring top leadership skills are the basics. Business knowledge will help to create a better employee environment provide a better chance of success in business, greater personal development, more adaptability and enhances communication skills in the workplace

    One of the best places to begin when seeking financial literacy for starting a business is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This government organization is dedicated to bringing “financial literacy not only to America as a whole, but specifically to small businesses and future entrepreneurs.” They offer a Money Smart for Small Business toolkit that provides an introduction to small business management topics.

    Transforming from an employee to an employer, overcoming fear and gaining knowledge all contribute to developing a growth mindset. With adaptability and a positive outlook, anything is possible, especially business growth and success.

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    Mohammad Farraj

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  • The Surprising Entrepreneurial Lesson I Learned After My 5 Year Old Cut My Hair Against My Will | Entrepreneur

    The Surprising Entrepreneurial Lesson I Learned After My 5 Year Old Cut My Hair Against My Will | Entrepreneur

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    When my 5-year-old daughter and I got hit with a virus, I moved my clients and we kept her home from camp. With canceled appointments and a mini-me to entertain, I decided to turn our now-free afternoon into a “pretend” trip to the beach. I packed the essentials — towels, books, snacks and drinks for our excursion, which was really a trip to our backyard. My daughter packed books, markers, paper, detangler, brushes, hair clips, ponytail holders and whatever else she could fit into her backpack. Our “pretend” beach day quickly transitioned into a full-blown salon extravaganza.

    Now, before I go any further, I have to say this kiddo has an uncanny knack for hair styling. Her colorful and innovative creations with accessories would make any fashionista proud. One time, she managed to arrange her hair clips in such a way that it looked like she was wearing a headband. Only upon closer inspection, could you see her clever assortment of tiny clips. Over the past year, doing her hair, and my own, has become one of her most cherished creative outlets.

    Related: How Employers Can Help Working Parents Navigate Back-to-School Season

    So there we were, enjoying the fresh air, reading books and eating ice pops, when she wanted to play salon and style my hair. She used several hair ties to complete my look and took a picture of her masterpiece on my phone. I was in the middle of telling her how hard I could see she worked on my ponytail, and complimenting her photography skills, when out of nowhere, I heard snip.

    My heart skipped a beat, and I slowly turned around to face the aftermath.

    “Love, did you just cut mommy’s hair?

    I saw my hair in her hand and watched it fall off the scissors as she said, “yes.”

    I could have interrogated her, demanding an explanation for this unexpected haircut, but I thought about the prompts I’ve learned to use from the child psychologists I follow on Instagram. Instead of asking why she did what she did, I simply asked “What were you thinking when you cut mommy’s hair?” in a genuinely curious tone.

    Without missing a beat she said, “I was thinking your hair would look better one inch shorter!” Talk about a phenomenal answer.

    I had to hold back my laughter because while I appreciated her artistic flair and her opinions about my hair length, we needed to have a meaningful conversation about the incident and why we couldn’t repeat it. One day when she’s older, I’ll gladly share my own bang-cutting escapades from when I was her age, but I left out those details, so she doesn’t go after her baby sister’s curls anytime soon.

    We packed up our things and went back into the house. As I reflected on the incident, this unexpected curveball got me thinking about the way we handle mistakes in our professional lives.

    How often do we find ourselves exclaiming, “Why did you do that?” after someone has made a mistake? What if he swapped that with, “What were you thinking?”

    No, this isn’t an invitation to engage in a berating monologue. It’s an invitation to reflect. Just as I’ve learned from the child psychologists I follow on Instagram (I’m looking at you Dr. Becky), the reflective sense of the question, “What were you thinking?” can provide valuable insights into someone’s intentions and decision-making processes.

    In my role as a media trainer, I coach from this place often. When I review my clients’ media clips before our first session, I don’t focus on the “why” behind their choices and shame them when we meet. Instead, I urge them to share what they were thinking at the time of their interview, which allows me to understand what they were trying to achieve. This information helps me provide guidance and support, enabling them to make better choices in the future. It’s that simple shift from harsh interrogation to inquisitive that opens up a world of possibilities.

    So, the next time someone in your world makes a mistake, resist the temptation to blurt out a frustrated “Why did you do that?” Instead, approach the situation with genuine curiosity and see what revelations unfold.

    Every mishap holds the potential for growth and improvement. The “snips” and the unexpected turns are often invitations for us to grow. So the next time you’re in this situation, keep in mind that curiosity can pave the way to our next big breakthrough — and always remember, every “haircut” has a story to tell.

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    Jessica Abo

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  • The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Crafting a Successful Future | Entrepreneur

    The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Crafting a Successful Future | Entrepreneur

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    I’m going to tell you a quick story.

    And although it starts off with my experiences, if you stick around I’ll teach you how you can apply the same process to achieving your highest ambitions. I know, that sounds lofty, but you’d be surprised how many successful people use the exact same approach.

    So, here’s my story. A friend of mine recently asked a simple question that led me to an unexpected revelation: “Why do you always wear black clothing?”

    My first response wasn’t too eloquent. I simply said, “I dunno, that’s just my thing.”

    But then it made me wonder, why is that my thing? That caused me to go down a rabbit hole to the moment it all began. It was 2007 and I was working out at Crunch Gym in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

    I was always in good shape during my college years, but I started to fall off once I moved to New York City. So, I decided to get back in the gym and shake the rust off. Like most guys, the first thing I wanted to do was hit the bench press, which meant I had to wait.

    And while I was waiting this guy walked by me and he immediately made an impression. He was around my height, 6’4″, and had similar features to me as well. But, there were two big differences. He was at least 15 years older than me, and the dude was in great shape. I’m still impressed just thinking about it. You could tell he took his fitness seriously and had dedicated years to building himself up.

    At the time I was 29 years old and it was great to have a real example of how I could look at his age if I just stuck with it. So, I used him as a blueprint to copy. I would secretly study his workouts and then do the exact same routine the next day. I also noticed that he was constantly chewing gum as he worked out so I picked up that habit too.

    Oh, and one last thing: He only wore black clothing.

    As you may have guessed, I started buying black workout clothes too. Eventually everything from my shoes to my wristbands were black. It was like a uniform I would put on, and it would instantly get me in the zone to do my best work in the gym.

    Around the same time I started working at tech companies with a more relaxed dress code. Since I was able to wear t-shirts and hoodies to work it made sense to put on clothes I could wear at the gym too.

    I could change more quickly when it was time to work out, and I wouldn’t need to buy as many outfits. Fast forward to today, and that’s why I still primarily wear black clothing. But there’s more to the story.

    Fifteen years later, I’m not just dressing like the guy I saw in the gym. I look like him too. I’m the same age he was back then and have a very similar build.

    So, why am I telling you this story? It’s because I wanted to highlight how important it is to have a vision for your life. Part of my vision was to look like that guy, and I put in the work to make it happen. But what is a vision? Your vision is a mission statement of what you want to accomplish in your life, both personally and professionally.

    This statement can be used as a guide when determining the career to pursue, making important life decisions, planning how you’ll accomplish goals, and realizing your life dreams. If you don’t have a vision yet, check out this handy guide that will walk you through the process.

    Need an example of how a vision can help with your professional life? Take a look at the image below (I posted this on Facebook and declared my intention to write for a well-known business publication).

    My first Entrepreneur article was published just seven months later.

    Right now you could be seven months or fifteen years away from living in the vision you want for your life, but it all starts today.

    How to get started

    Block off time to complete your vision exercise and share it with someone you trust for encouragement and accountability. And I know this may sound like fluff, but you’ll be amazed at how many successful people got to where they are simply by having a clear vision of who they wanted to be, then putting in the work to make it happen. But if you can tolerate more fluff, here’s one of my favorite quotes.

    “Everything is created twice, first in the mind and then in reality.” ― Robin Sharma

    So don’t miss out on this opportunity to document the vision for your life. If you block off just 30 minutes to write it down, you can radically shift and improve the next 30 years of your life.

    And if you like these exercises check out my free LinkedIn Learning course, Developing a High-Performance Entrepreneur Mindset. It’s only six minutes long and provides additional activities for you to try out.

    Don’t wait to build a better future, get started today.

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    Terry Rice

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  • Why an Entrepreneurial Mindset Is Essential for Success in Today’s Knowledge Economy | Entrepreneur

    Why an Entrepreneurial Mindset Is Essential for Success in Today’s Knowledge Economy | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Creating an entrepreneurial mindset is a critical component for academics looking to become successful business owners, leaders or entrepreneurs — whom I refer to as academipreneurs. By using digital platforms, innovative technologies, massive open online tools (e.g., MOOCs) and proven business practices to establish and promote their own unique brand, entrepreneurial intellectuals can stand out in a crowded academic labor market, attract new funding and partnerships, seize new opportunities and boost their credibility as subject matter experts in their respective field.

    Countless examples of successful academipreneurs abound. In fact, there’s a long history of this kind of activity in some fields like medicine, law, nursing and counseling, where academic faculty in specialized professions taught courses at not-for-profit universities while simultaneously running successful for-profit clinics, law firms and private practices. Medical experts have founded pharmaceutical companies, specializing in the development of experimental drugs, vaccine therapies and new cancer treatments. Law faculty have leveraged their expertise to launch enterprising, revenue-generating legal clinics, consulting firms and even technology startups that help people draft legal documents using artificial intelligence.

    There are other scholars and intellectuals who have successfully turned their academic knowledge and expertise into profitable businesses. For instance, Neil deGrasse Tyson is a highly-regarded astrophysicist who leveraged his personality and scientific mastery to become a media guru hosting popular shows like StarTalk Radio. Angela Duckworth, a well-known psychologist who studied grit, wrote a bestselling book, founded Character Lab, monetized educational interventions and co-hosts a podcast, all contributing to an estimated net worth of $15 million, according to sources. Though not taught in most graduate programs or emphasized in faculty job announcements, an entrepreneurial mindset can go a long way in academe.

    Related: 5 Critical Questions You Must Ask Yourself to Master an Entrepreneurial Mindset

    Entrepreneurial mindset

    According to sources, an entrepreneurial mindset (EM) is defined as the inclination to discover, evaluate, and exploit (or make use of) opportunities. It has five defining characteristics that include:

    1. Passionately seeking new opportunities

    2. Pursuing opportunities with enormous discipline

    3. Pursuing only the very best opportunities with intentionality and focus

    4. Focusing on execution amid realities of change and uncertainty

    5. Engaging the energies of everyone in their domain

    EM comprises a set of skills and interrelated beliefs that enable people, including academipreneurs, to be future-focused, resilient, resourceful and solution-oriented, making the most of a situation regardless of the prevailing conditions. To this end, authors have come to explain EM as mental habits tied to three key elements, known as the 3 Cs: curiosity, connections and creating value. Spotting and seizing possible opportunities despite resource constraints (curiosity), assessing financial and psychological risks (connections) and taking calculated action(s) that create value for others are all positive attributes of an entrepreneurial mindset.

    Admittedly, there are some drawbacks or potential challenges that must be managed when operating according to this framework, including self-serving bias, overcommitment and taking new opportunities without attention to associated risks, to name a few.

    Calls for an entrepreneurial mindset abound in academe. The term appears in over 2,000 job postings at HigherEdJobs at the time of this writing. For example, a private, 4-year, co-educational university in New Jersey seeks a chief executive officer who will provide strategic vision and “entrepreneurial leadership” to ensure the sustainability of the institution’s remarkable success in academic and operational excellence. As a former chief academic officer, I, too, have noticed an uptick in the number of schools looking for entrepreneurial academic leaders who present a proven track record in building market-driven degree programs, incentivizing faculty productivity and monetizing intellectual innovations, all while respecting time-honored traditions like academic freedom and shared governance.

    Related: 5 Ways to Cultivate an Entrepreneurial Mindset

    Ways academics can use entrepreneurial mindsets

    Indeed, bringing an EM to the work gives a competitive advantage to executive leadership job candidates. It can also be essential for enterprising academic faculty. Faculty who aspire to connect their scholarship to broader audiences, monetize research tools (e.g., surveys) or generate revenue from curriculum materials and research products benefit from adopting an entrepreneurial mindset. Here are four tips on how academic entrepreneurs can use EM to enhance their success:

    1. Think outside the box:

    Successful academic entrepreneurs are often those who are able to find unique solutions to problems and challenge the status quo. By thinking outside the box, academipreneurs can bring fresh perspectives to their industry and develop innovative, evidence-based solutions that set them apart from competitors outside of academe. For example, as previously mentioned, faculty in law and counseling overcame challenges of physical distance presented by the Covid-19 pandemic by launching new startups with technology experts to offer telehealth, legal aid and counseling services online or via smart devices.

    2. Network with intention:

    Developing a robust professional network is critical for entrepreneurial success. By building relationships with people who have experience and expertise both within and outside their industry, academic entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights, advice, capital and support. Interindustry networking can also provide exciting opportunities for collaboration and scalable partnerships, which can help to accelerate growth, improve operational efficiencies and attract big funders.

    3. Embrace failure:

    Failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey, not to mention the scientific method that’s so essential to research discovery. Rather than seeing failure as a setback, academipreneurs should view it as an opportunity to learn, grow and get better. It’s important to take time to reflect on what went wrong, the lessons learned and identify areas for future improvement, a process that I refer to as “failing forward.”

    As one of my supervisors would say: “Go ahead. Succeed or fail. If you fail, just fail toward the future and learn something useful from it.” By embracing failure and reframing it as instructive, academic entrepreneurs can become more resilient business leaders, less risk-averse and better equipped to handle challenges down the road.

    4. Be persistent:

    Persistence is key for entrepreneurial success, regardless of your industry. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but the most successful entrepreneurs are those who don’t give up in the face of adversity. Instead, they use setbacks as fuel to keep moving forward and pursuing their goals. Persistence also means being willing to adapt and pivot when necessary to stay on track toward success.

    Related: 4 Lessons on Making the Leap from Academia to Entrepreneurship

    One personal example drawn from my own experience relates to the near-universal shutdown of in-person conferences due to the imminent threat of Covid-19. The end of in-person conferences drastically curtailed my invitations to keynote meetings. I quickly restructured the company to hire more remote workers, monetize intellectual property, digitize popular presentations, and offer on-demand research consulting and fee-based online trainings.

    By incorporating these tips into an entrepreneurial mindset, academics can develop the skills and mindset needed for success in the world of entrepreneurship. With a willingness to take risks and a future-focused perspective on innovation, academipreneurs can achieve their goals and impact bigger and broader audiences while making a difference in the world.

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    Terrell Strayhorn, PhD

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  • What New Aviation Trends Can Teach Us Running a Business | Entrepreneur

    What New Aviation Trends Can Teach Us Running a Business | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    The aviation industry is transforming thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals and companies launching their own MRO services in Europe. These entrepreneurs are disrupting traditional norms and bringing fresh perspectives to the industry. With a focus on innovation, specialized services and customer-centric approaches, they drive growth, deliver value and shape the future of aviation in Europe.

    MRO services, or Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services, refer to a range of activities involved in the maintenance and upkeep of aircraft, ensuring their safe and efficient operation. These services encompass inspections, repairs, upgrades and overhauls of various components and systems within a plane. MRO services cover both routine maintenance tasks and more complex repairs or modifications.

    MRO services are critical for maintaining the airworthiness and reliability of aircraft throughout their operational lifespan. They involve comprehensive checks and inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, identify potential issues and address required repairs or replacements. Additionally, MRO services encompass the management and sourcing of spare parts and the implementation of safety and performance enhancements.

    In this article, we will explore the advantages these entrepreneurs bring to the MRO sector, their innovative approaches and what they can teach us about collaboration and innovation.

    Related: Why the Drone Startup Market Holds Real Economic Potential

    Identifying niche markets and specialized services

    One of the key advantages that entrepreneurs bring to the MRO sector is their ability to identify untapped niche markets and offer specialized services tailored to specific aircraft types, customer segments, or regional needs. By conducting thorough market research and understanding the unique demands of these niche markets, entrepreneurs can position themselves as experts in their respective domains. This allows them to provide highly specialized and targeted services that meet the specific requirements of their clients.

    For example, entrepreneurs may focus on servicing particular aircraft models, such as regional or business jets and develop deep expertise in maintaining and repairing these aircraft. By concentrating their efforts on a specific market segment, they can differentiate themselves from larger MRO providers and offer their clients a more personalized and tailored experience. Furthermore, entrepreneurs may also identify regional needs, such as specialized maintenance services for aircraft operating in harsh climates or remote locations, and develop capabilities to address these specific requirements.

    Embracing technological advancements for efficiency

    Entrepreneur-led MRO services prioritize technology adoption to optimize operations, reduce downtime and improve maintenance processes. They understand that leveraging technology is crucial to staying competitive and providing efficient and cost-effective client services.

    One area where technology has made a significant impact is advanced analytics. By harnessing the power of data, entrepreneurs can analyze historical maintenance records, track performance trends and predict potential issues before they become critical. This proactive approach to maintenance allows for preventive measures to be taken, reducing the risk of unexpected failures and minimizing costly downtime. Predictive maintenance solutions enable entrepreneurs to schedule maintenance tasks based on actual equipment conditions, optimizing resource allocation and streamlining operations.

    Additionally, entrepreneurs are exploring using automation and robotics. Robotic systems can perform repetitive tasks with precision and speed, freeing up skilled technicians to focus on more complex and critical activities. Automation not only enhances efficiency but also improves safety by reducing human error.

    Furthermore, entrepreneurs invest in digital platforms and cloud-based systems to streamline communication, documentation and workflow management. These technologies enable seamless collaboration among team members, enhance data accessibility and facilitate real-time information sharing with clients. By embracing these technological advancements, entrepreneurs are able to deliver faster services and provide a higher level of transparency to their clients.

    Related: Where Did Go First Go Wrong & What Should Airlines Learn From It?

    Customer-centric approaches and enhanced service

    Entrepreneurs in the MRO sector prioritize customer satisfaction by offering personalized services, quick turnarounds and customized solutions. They understand that each client has unique needs and requirements, and they strive to provide a tailored experience that goes beyond the standard MRO services.

    Entrepreneurs foster close relationships with their clients, taking the time to understand their business objectives and aligning their services accordingly. They act as partners rather than just service providers, working collaboratively with clients to develop innovative solutions that address their specific challenges and goals. By actively listening to their clients, entrepreneurs can anticipate their needs and provide tailored recommendations and strategies to optimize their fleet’s performance and minimize operational disruptions.

    In addition to personalized services, entrepreneurs in the MRO sector are known for their quick turnaround times. They understand the importance of minimizing aircraft downtime, as it directly impacts their clients’ profitability and operational efficiency. Through streamlined processes, efficient resource allocation and effective project management, entrepreneurs are able to complete maintenance and repair tasks in a timely manner, getting their clients’ aircraft back in the air swiftly.

    Fostering collaboration and driving innovation

    Entrepreneurs understand the power of collaboration and actively seek partnerships with industry stakeholders to foster innovation and drive continuous improvement. By connecting with aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, regulatory bodies and other MRO service providers, entrepreneurs create an ecosystem of knowledge sharing and collaboration.

    Through these collaborations, entrepreneurs gain access to the latest industry trends, emerging technologies and best practices. This enables them to stay at the forefront of innovation and offer cutting-edge solutions to their clients. By challenging traditional practices and exploring synergies with their partners, entrepreneurs push boundaries and create novel solutions to address industry challenges.

    Furthermore, entrepreneurs often invest in research and development initiatives to drive innovation within their own organizations. They allocate resources to experiment with new technologies, test alternative maintenance methods and explore novel approaches to optimize MRO processes. This commitment to innovation allows them to constantly evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the aviation industry.

    Entrepreneurs launching MRO services are reshaping the aviation industry through their innovative approaches, specialized services and customer-centric focus. By identifying niche markets, embracing technological advancements and fostering collaboration, these entrepreneurs drive growth and shape the future of MRO services. Their ability to offer specialized services tailored to unique market segments, leverage technology for efficiency and cost savings, provide personalized and timely solutions and foster collaboration for innovation sets them apart from their competition.

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    Henri Al Helaly

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  • Why a Marine’s Mindset Can Help You Skyrocket Your Company’s Success | Entrepreneur

    Why a Marine’s Mindset Can Help You Skyrocket Your Company’s Success | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Maybe you’ve never considered how the philosophy behind military boot camps could bring tremendous success to your business — but you should. Marines must survive a brutal test to prove they can hold their own, and many of the lessons they learn can easily be applied to an entrepreneurial setting. Leadership, discipline, perseverance and loyalty are all qualities of a great Marine — and entrepreneur. The mindset of a Marine is not all that different from the mindset of a great entrepreneur — a realization I came to in the backseat of an Uber where I met Frank, my Uber driver — and former Marine.

    He took me on a 45-minute drive to the Miami airport, so we had plenty of time to talk. “I’m retired military,” he said. “Marines.” In what little I know about the military, I know the Marines are some of the toughest. Aside from making me feel slightly safer on the ride, I was curious. “Is boot camp as hard as they make it seem in the movies?” I asked. “Worse,” he replied. “But it’s getting easier. I’m glad I’m retired.” That piqued my curiosity, and I wanted to know more, so I asked him to explain.

    He told me that he had served three tours in combat and saw the strongest men break down. His fellow Marines were together, supporting, encouraging and having each other’s backs. The reality is that their lives depended on the ability and strength of the guy next to them in the trenches.

    We’ve seen how boot camps are portrayed in the movies — An Office and a Gentleman with Richard Gere, Full Metal Jacket, or G.I. Jane come to mind but movies often play into the cliche storyline — how the recruit must dig deep and overcome their past or physical and mental hardships to spite their training officer and prove they can do it. They all win in the end. Of course, they do. It’s Hollywood!

    But in real life, there’s a lot more to it than that. The mental stamina Marines must have to endure and withstand pain, fatigue, stress and hardship is unmatched — something all entrepreneurs could benefit to learn from when dealing with the day-to-day stressors of the job.

    Related: Five Ways To Develop Your Mental Toughness For Startup Success

    When you approach an investor, for example, they evaluate you and your business based on their due diligence – examining every corner of you, your business, and what you claim to deliver. They’re judging your ability and strength in business. Your ability to do what’s needed to get the return you’re promising.

    When you seek a partnership with another person or entity, they, too, want to make sure they’re willing to ‘marry’ you. They want to make sure you will support and encourage each other and have each other’s back — let alone make sure you can deliver what you promise.

    When you want a promotion, your boss or superior must ensure you’re worthy of the investment – financially, physically and emotionally. They need to make sure you’re tough.

    See the pattern here? What distinguishes great entrepreneurs from the rest is their ability to navigate the job with the following traits — traits that are integral to Marines:

    Resilient
    Strong
    Able
    Supportive
    Encouraging
    Reliable, and so on.

    The question is, how does one develop these traits? We certainly aren’t born with them. Just as Marines must endure boot camp, entrepreneurs must also endure the perils of the job. For military personnel and entrepreneurs, it comes from adversity. It comes from rejection, unfairness and failure — over and over and over again.

    You’ll lose out if you look at rejection as the ultimate failure, a hindrance, or something personal to you. If you look at rejection as the end of the line, you’ll never achieve the heights you may have been born to reach. Just ask the likes of Oprah Winfrey, J.K Rowling, and Steven Spielberg. They’ve all experienced their fair share of adversity and failure, but ultimately, they can attribute these experiences to their success.

    If you instead look at failure as a stepping stone for future success, you won’t be held back from realizing your greatest potential. As the saying goes, adversity is one of life’s greatest teachers, but what if the ride wasn’t as tough?

    Related: 4 Mental Tactics to Increase Your Odds of Staying Alive, According to This Green Beret

    Well, according to my Marine-tuned-Uber driver, being a Marine today is not as tough as it used to be. “Why is it getting easier, and why does that worry you so much?” I asked. Maybe he was a little biased, but I still wanted to know his take.

    “What’s happening now is that the military has to change its process because of societal pressures, and that means people can’t be yelled at in the same way or pushed to the point of breaking.”

    I thought about business as he continued, “If the toughest guys who went through the toughest, most grueling boot camp can reach a breaking point in combat, what happens to the person treated more gently in boot camp? To the person who isn’t pushed to the point of unfair or unacceptable language and directive?”

    He continued to reveal how he would certainly not feel safe on a battlefield with people who didn’t survive the worst of boot camps – the unfair, the abusive, the crushing. There is no sense of fair in battle, and people are out to win at any cost. In that situation, he wanted the strongest, toughest, most resilient person next to him in combat. It isn’t about gender, sexual preferences, religious beliefs or other societal or personal choices. It’s about who can withstand the brutality of a boot camp — one in which the instructors are not yelling for pleasure but to ensure you’re tough enough to survive the battle.

    While we’re fortunate not to face life-or-death decisions in a conference room, we are encountering a similar sense of evaluation and judgment. Are we worthy of the decision-maker’s funding, partnership, or promotion if we have yet to be deep into rejection and failure? Can we handle the stress and pressure of high-stakes decisions that involve a lot of money or thousands of employees?

    No matter how much you fear or loathe rejection and failure, it nonetheless gives you the skills and the gift of being worthy of every decision-maker’s choice.

    Failure is inevitable.
    Failure breeds resilience.
    Failure offers a great learning experience if you examine it.
    Failure can lead to unexpected innovation.
    Failure builds character.
    Failure is a sign of progress (and it’s usually not personal).

    If you think of a pebble in the middle of a free-flowing river, you’ll know that it may cause a ripple in the water, but it doesn’t stop it. It just forces the water to take a slightly different path downstream.

    Think of rejection and failure as pebbles in the journey of your success. And with that mindset, you’ll open your arms to rejection, failure and unfair decisions because you know it will toughen you up for business battles.

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    Lauren Hirsch Williams

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  • 10 Tips for Building a Successful Entrepreneurial Mindset | Entrepreneur

    10 Tips for Building a Successful Entrepreneurial Mindset | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Are you an entrepreneur who is struggling with self-doubt? Do you sometimes feel like you’re not cut out to be an entrepreneur and that you’re not going to succeed? Well, let me tell you something — every successful entrepreneur has faced self-doubt at one point or another. But what sets them apart is their capability to overcome it and persevere.

    I will share some techniques and strategies for building a successful entrepreneurial mindset in this article. These are the same key strategies I’ve used to build my successful business, and I’m confident that they will work for you too.

    Related: 11 Mindset Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

    1. The power of positive thinking

    The first step in building a successful entrepreneurial mindset is to adopt a positive attitude. It’s all about the power of positive thinking — if you believe you can achieve something, you’re more likely to do it.

    When faced with a challenge, instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” try reframing your thoughts to “What can I do to make this happen?” Instead of your weaknesses, focus on your strengths and what you can bring.

    2. Embrace failure

    One of the biggest fears for entrepreneurs is failure. But the truth is that failure is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. Every entrepreneur has failed at some point or another — it’s how you react to failure that matters.

    Instead of dwelling on your failures, use them as learning experiences. Take the time to reflect on what went wrong, and use those lessons to improve and do things differently next time. As Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

    3. Surround yourself with positive people

    Your mindset is heavily influenced by the people you surround yourself with. Surrounding yourself with negative people who constantly bring you down will not help you build a successful entrepreneurial mindset.

    Instead, surround yourself with positive, like-minded individuals who inspire you to improve. Join entrepreneurial groups, and attend networking events to meet other entrepreneurs on a similar journey.

    4. Stay motivated with goal-setting

    Setting goals is an amazing way to stay motivated and focused on what you want to achieve. Start by setting long-term goals — where do you want to be in 5, 10 or even 20 years? Break those long-term goals down into smaller, achievable milestones, and set deadlines for when you want to achieve them.

    Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements along the way. This will help keep you motivated and focused on your end goals.

    5. Take action and be resilient

    One of the key differences between successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs is taking action. Successful entrepreneurs don’t wait for opportunities to come — they create them.

    But taking action isn’t always easy. It requires a lot of hard work and resilience. You’re going to face obstacles, setbacks and failures along the way. But it’s very important to keep pushing forward and not give up in the face of adversity.

    Related: 5 Easy Ways You Can Turn Self-Doubt Into Success

    6. Embrace risk with a calculated approach

    Entrepreneurship is inherently risky. You’re building something from scratch, and there’s no guarantee it will work out. But successful entrepreneurs don’t shy away from risk — they embrace it with a calculated approach.

    Before taking any risks, it’s important to research and weigh the pros and cons. Identify potential risks, and plan for how you’re going to mitigate them. This will surely help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of success.

    7. Adopt a growth mindset

    To build a successful entrepreneurial mindset, you need to adopt a growth mindset. This means believing that you can grow and improve rather than thinking that your abilities are set in stone.

    With a growth mindset, you’re more likely to take risks, embrace failure and be resilient in the face of challenges. You’ll also be more open to feedback and continuously learning and improving yourself and your business.

    8. The importance of self-care

    Entrepreneurship can be incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally. It’s important to take care of yourself if you want to build a successful business. This means getting good enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

    Don’t ever forget to take time for yourself and do things you enjoy. Burnout is a real risk for entrepreneurs; regular breaks can help prevent it.

    9. Overcoming imposter syndrome

    Imposter syndrome is a common feeling among entrepreneurs. It’s the feeling that you don’t deserve success and will be exposed as a fraud. But the truth is that most successful entrepreneurs have felt this way at some point in their journey.

    One way to overcome imposter syndrome is to focus on your achievements and the value you bring to your business. Take the time to acknowledge your successes and the efforts you’ve put in to get there.

    It’s very helpful to remember that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on building your skills and knowledge.

    10. Building a support system

    As an entrepreneur, you’re going to face challenges and setbacks. Having a support system can make a huge difference in your ability to overcome those challenges.

    Whether it’s a mentor, a coach or a group of like-minded entrepreneurs, having people to turn to for advice and support can be incredibly helpful. Don’t be scared to reach out to others and ask for help when needed.

    Related: 5 Critical Questions You Must Ask Yourself to Master an Entrepreneurial Mindset

    Building a successful entrepreneurial mindset requires a lot of hard work, dedication and resilience. But by adopting a positive attitude, embracing failure, surrounding yourself with positive people, setting goals, taking action, embracing risk with a calculated approach, adopting a growth mindset, practicing self-care, overcoming imposter syndrome and building a support system, you’ll be very well on your way to building a business empire.

    Remember, every successful entrepreneur has faced self-doubt at one point or another. But it’s how you overcome that self-doubt that sets you apart from the rest. So, keep pushing forward, stay motivated, and never give up on your entrepreneurial dreams. You’ve got this!

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    Chris Kille

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  • What if Women Entrepreneurs Actually Got Funding for Their Businesses? | Entrepreneur

    What if Women Entrepreneurs Actually Got Funding for Their Businesses? | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    We all have read dozens of articles on the lack of funding, support and resources for women entrepreneurs. And this year, the UN is reporting that the anticipated time to reach gender parity has increased to 300 years — partly due to the high toll the pandemic took on women in the workplace. From wages to leadership, the progress toward equality is going in the wrong direction.

    At the same time, there is a lot of excitement around the recent increase in the number of women investors who have entered the market and created funds dedicated to providing capital to women-led ventures. On the surface, this is excellent news. Looking more closely at the data shows that within this time timeframe, women entrepreneurs received less funding in 2022 than in 2021. It makes you wonder where all those new, women-led investment funds are putting their money.

    In addition to capital, women entrepreneurs need other resources. They need strong mentors. They need technology, active and influential networks and advocates, media coverage and supportive government policies.

    Imagine what a thriving community of women and men-led businesses our economy would have if we all had the same starting line. Imagine the economic engine we could unleash if women were given access to capital without bias. It has been proven repeatedly that women-owned or led businesses outperform the market. The first result of women’s businesses getting funded would be a significant increase in returns on investments by VC, banks, and other funding sources. Why do these financial institutions continue to invest 98% of their funds in underperforming businesses — those owned and controlled by all male structures?

    Related: Why Women Entrepreneurs Have a Harder Time Finding Funding

    Imagine if women-owned businesses had real access to government contracts without the thousand-and-one hoops we have to jump through just to be “qualified.” As a small sample: to be eligible to apply for federal contracts, women-owned businesses must complete a comprehensive certification process to prove that they are at least 51% women-owned. The certification process is time intensive and costs thousands of dollars annually. Yes, you need to pay to prove you are at a disadvantage. There is no process for men-led businesses to be considered for federal contracts. Therefore there is no cost to apply.

    The goal for government contracts awarded to certified women-owned businesses is 5% of total contracts. In the past three decades, that seemingly achievable goal has been reached only TWICE! Having BILLIONS of dollars in federal contract revenue would change the face of women-led businesses and allow them to reinvest in growing their companies, increasing their workforce, providing health and childcare to their employees, expanding their investment in current technology and untold other benefits to our economy and their lives.

    In 2021, the US government spent $637 billion on contracts. If we could even reach five percent of that, it would inject almost $32 billion into women-owned businesses — and re-energize the fastest-growing segment of small business in the US.

    Related: Women Entrepreneurs Need More Than Capital to Succeed. Here’s What They Also Want

    What if women-owned businesses had other resources that typically are leveraged by their male counterparts? Mentors, business networks and referrals play enormous roles in the success of a business. Consistent feedback from women business owners is that they struggle to find mentors and that many networks established for women entrepreneurs end up being costly to join. They also can be insular, with the group members trying to sell to one another rather than collaborating and expanding the overall customer base.

    Women are experts at building community. We couldn’t juggle our lives as deftly as we do without it. Expanding the number of strong, connected, active business networks to intentionally focus on bringing in women leaders would open the field. Let’s look at how networks operate and serve women business owners rather than the model of individualized coaching women to fit into established systems and processes. Coaching is great. We can all use it sometimes. But it won’t expand business networks and unleash amazing, creative and inclusive businesses.

    With a supportive structure, more women-owned or led businesses would grow and become visible in the larger economy, rather than being the “unicorn” everyone points to as proof that women have “arrived,” despite the ugly stats that undermine that argument every single time.

    What if corporations that pledged to set diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals followed through and spent those funds on products and services procured from women-owned businesses? In 2019, 56% of Fortune 500 companies set DEI goals following the publicity of the #metoo movement. But less than 7% created a plan to follow through with those pledges. And there is no report on the actual dollars invested or progress made toward their goals.

    Today, women-owned businesses (after achieving the difficult and expensive required certifications) are invited to list their businesses on these large company vendor portals. Still, there is no tangible measurement of how much business is transacted with these certified companies. Corporations spend millions of dollars each year on gifting alone. If even a small percentage of that spend was directed toward women-owned businesses, it could have a meaningful impact on the health and longevity of those businesses with a real impact on their local communities.

    Related: The Top 10 Mistakes That Keep Women Entrepreneurs From Scaling to $1 Million

    Enough imagining. Let’s look at the data. The question posed is: What if capital and resources were directed to women-owned businesses? The answer is simple. Data for over 20 years illustrates that women-owned or led businesses outperform the market (AKA men-owned businesses). There is plenty of evidence that women-owned businesses invest more heavily back into their communities and their families, resulting in better community health and education for their children and families and more prosperity in their communities.

    Like many places in the world, the United States is facing a challenging economy. If we were to simply support the businesses that data tells us to outperform the overall market, it could jump-start a new cycle of growth and prosperity – and start moving us back in the right direction: toward equality.

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    Kate Isler

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  • Free Webinar | April 18: 5 Tips to Develop a Take-Action Mindset & Healthier Life | Entrepreneur

    Free Webinar | April 18: 5 Tips to Develop a Take-Action Mindset & Healthier Life | Entrepreneur

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    Transformation coach and nutrition expert Charles D’Angelo will fire you up, and help you develop an empowered mindset that leads to a healthier life. Pulling tips from decades of his inspirational talks and books, Think and Grow Thin and Inner Guru, this high-energy and informative webinar will help you learn how to get the best out of yourself in.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Moving on from the past
    • Setting goals
    • Making daily healthy choices to improve your future self
    • Finding a mentor to help your health journey
    • Empower yourself to take control of your life’s trajectory

    Discover the habits you need for a healthy life. Register now and join us on April 18th at 3:00 PM ET.

    About the Speaker:

    Charles is a sought-after personal coach and public speaker. He frequently provides keynotes for events and appears as a guest on TV, radio and Internet programs. He is the author of two bestselling books: Think and Grow Thin (2011) and Inner Guru (2017). He’s been endorsed by many notable individuals including President Bill Clinton, Tony Robbins, Larry King, Richard Simmons, Angela Bassett and Dr. Mark Hyman as well as notable Missouri locals including Senator Claire McCaskill, David Steward, Chairman and Founder of World Wide Technology, and Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop. He resides in St. Louis, Missouri with his greatest inspiration – his wife, Crystal – and their two cats, Leo and Theo.

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    Entrepreneur Staff

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