Category Archives: Motivation Techniques

Enrepreneurs need motivation techniques that work for them. The techniques which work will depend on many factors, so we have presnted a set of expert techniques from the upcoming book. The Motivated Entrepreneur.

Ideation, Motivation Techniques

Leveraging Summer’s Arrival: Tips for Entrepreneurs to Shine Brighter

Ah, summer! It’s not just about flip-flops and lemonade stands; it’s a season bustling with untapped potential for the savvy entrepreneur. As the first day of summer rolls in, bringing longer days and a promise of new beginnings, it’s the perfect time to re-energize your business approach. Let’s explore how you, as an entrepreneur, can make the most of this vibrant season.

Harnessing the Sunshine: Boost Your Productivity

Who says summer days are just for relaxation? For entrepreneurs, the extra hours of daylight are like a bonus pack of time. Here’s a hot tip: start your day earlier to catch that serene morning vibe. The calmness of early hours, combined with the fresh summer air, can be incredibly conducive to focus and productivity. Remember, an early start can lead to an early wrap-up, giving you more time to enjoy those lovely summer evenings.

Creative Brainstorming: Let the Sun Ignite Your Ideas

Summer is synonymous with creativity and inspiration. Take your brainstorming sessions outdoors! Ever thought about holding a meeting at a park or a casual café patio? Nature and new environments can spark unique ideas that you might not stumble upon in a traditional office setting. Let the sunshine and summer breeze be your brainstorming buddies.

Networking: Summer Style

Say goodbye to stiff, formal networking events – summer is about being laid-back yet effective. Whether it’s a casual golf game, a barbecue, or a beach-side gathering, summer offers numerous opportunities to network in a more relaxed setting. These laid-back environments can foster genuine connections, making them a perfect backdrop for building your entrepreneurial network.

Balancing Work and Well-Being

While summer can be a productivity booster, don’t forget the essence of the season – rejuvenation. Work-life balance is crucial. Maybe integrate a quick swim, a short hike, or a family picnic into your week. Remember, a relaxed mind can lead to a more productive work life. And hey, don’t shy away from a short summer getaway; sometimes, a small break is all you need to come back stronger.

Embracing Digital Tools: Streamline for the Season

Utilize digital tools and apps to streamline your work process. Automating certain tasks gives you more freedom to enjoy the summer days. For instance, scheduling social media posts, using project management software, or automating customer emails can save you tons of time – time that can be spent soaking up some sun!

Summer Marketing: Seasonal Strategies

Summer isn’t just a season; it’s a vibe. Inject this vibe into your marketing strategies. Why not run a summer-themed promotion or use summer-centric visuals in your marketing materials? It’s a fantastic way to connect with your customers and bring a fresh, seasonal touch to your brand.

Health is Wealth: Staying Energized

Don’t forget, staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet is especially important during the warmer months. These are not just wellness tips but entrepreneur tips too! After all, your health directly impacts your business performance.

Conclusion: Seize the Summer!

As we wrap up (or should we say, as the sun sets on this post?), remember, summer is a unique blend of relaxation and activity. It’s the perfect season to push your entrepreneurial boundaries while also taking time to recharge. Use these tips to make the most out of these sun-kissed days, and let your business shine as brightly as the summer sun!

Just in case you need further motivation

  1. “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer. As the warmth of summer energizes us, remember that finding joy in what you do is the real cornerstone of success.
  2. “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates. This summer, channel your energy into creating and evolving, just like the vibrant season around you.
  3. “Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs. Summer’s longer days are a reminder of how precious time is. Use them to forge your unique path and live your truth.
  4. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt. Summer is the perfect time to start. You don’t need to wait for perfect conditions; start with what you have right now.
  5. “Every morning you have two choices: continue to sleep with your dreams, or wake up and chase them.” – Unknown. Let the sunrise of each summer day be your call to action, to chase and realize your dreams.
Blog, Mentorship and Networking, Motivation Techniques, Social Entrepreneurship, Technology Integration

Starting a New Year Startup and being a Successful Entrepreneur

In January, entrepreneurs face business and personal well-being challenges due to slow sales and cold, dark weather. A business strategy should include market analysis, introducing seasonally relevant products, boosting digital marketing, careful financial planning, and seeking networking opportunities. For personal well-being, it’s crucial to maintain physical health through regular exercise and a balanced diet, prioritize mental health with mindfulness practices, establish a work-life balance, stay socially connected, and invest in personal development through learning and skill enhancement. These strategies help navigate January’s unique challenges, ensuring business success and personal well-being.

New Year Resolutions

January indeed presents unique challenges for entrepreneurs, both in terms of business operations and personal well-being. Here’s a tailored strategy to address these challenges:

Business Strategy for January

  1. Market Analysis & Adjustments:
    • Review the performance of products or services from the previous year, especially during the holiday season.
    • Conduct customer feedback surveys to understand their needs and preferences in the new year.
    • Identify any seasonal trends that can influence your product offerings.
  2. Introducing New Products:
    • Launch products that are aligned with New Year resolutions or winter needs.
    • Offer special promotions or limited-time offers to attract attention.
  3. Digital Marketing Boost:
    • Increase your digital marketing efforts, as people spend more time indoors and online.
    • Utilize social media platforms to engage with your audience and promote products.
    • Consider email marketing campaigns to keep your brand on top of mind.
  4. Financial Planning:
    • Prepare a budget that accommodates the post-holiday slowdown.
    • Explore cost-saving measures without compromising on quality.
  5. Networking and Collaborations:
    • Attend industry events (online or in-person) to network and find potential collaboration opportunities.
    • Partner with other businesses for cross-promotion or bundled offerings.

Wellbeing Plan for Entrepreneurs in January

  1. Physical Health:
    • Maintain a regular exercise routine. Indoor activities like yoga or gym workouts can be effective.
    • Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins to combat the lack of sunlight.
  2. Mental Health:
    • Practice mindfulness and meditation to manage stress.
    • Allocate time for hobbies or activities that you enjoy.
  3. Work-Life Balance:
    • Set clear boundaries between work and personal life.
    • Ensure to take breaks and avoid overworking.
  4. Social Connections:
    • Stay connected with friends and family, even if it’s virtually.
    • Join local clubs or groups to meet new people and maintain social interactions.
  5. Personal Development:
    • Invest time in learning new skills or hobbies that can contribute to your personal growth.
    • Attend workshops or webinars relevant to your field to stay updated and inspired.

By implementing these strategies, an entrepreneur can effectively navigate the challenges of January, keeping their business on track while also taking care of their personal well-being.

Entrepreneurial Wellbeing Tips for 2024

Here are 10 tips:

  1. Structured Schedule: Establish a consistent daily routine to balance work and personal life. This helps manage time effectively and reduces stress.
  2. Regular Exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your routine. Exercise boosts energy levels and improves mental clarity, which is essential for decision-making and creativity.
  3. Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness exercises like meditation or yoga. These practices help in managing stress and enhancing focus.
  4. Healthy Eating: Prioritize a nutritious diet. Good nutrition is vital for maintaining energy levels and overall health.
  5. Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough rest. Quality sleep is critical for cognitive function and emotional well-being.
  6. Social Connections: Maintain a healthy social life. Regular interaction with friends and family provides emotional support and helps in stress reduction.
  7. Time for Hobbies: Allocate time for activities you enjoy outside of work. Hobbies can be a great source of relaxation and joy.
  8. Continuous Learning: Invest in personal and professional development. Learning new skills or pursuing interests can be fulfilling and beneficial for your business.
  9. Tech-Free Time: Schedule regular breaks from technology. Disconnecting from screens and digital notifications helps in mental rejuvenation.
  10. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Talking to a therapist or a coach can provide valuable perspectives and coping strategies.

By integrating these well-being tips into their lifestyle, entrepreneurs can maintain a healthy work-life balance, leading to better productivity and overall happiness.

Entrepreneurship is a team sport

As an entrepreneur, you are not alone; you may have a spouse or partner. So here’s a 10-point plan to effectively support your entrepreneurial partner:

  1. Emotional Support: Be a reliable source of encouragement and understanding. Listen actively to their concerns and celebrate their successes.
  2. Respect Their Work Schedule: Understand that an entrepreneur’s work hours can be irregular and demanding. Be flexible and accommodating to their schedule.
  3. Help with Work-Life Balance: Encourage and help them to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Suggest breaks, vacations, and leisure activities to unwind.
  4. Offer Constructive Feedback: Provide honest but supportive feedback on their ideas and decisions. Your perspective can be valuable in helping them see things differently.
  5. Manage Household Responsibilities: Share household responsibilities equitably. This reduces their domestic burden, allowing them to focus more on their business.
  6. Be Patient with Financial Ups and Downs: Entrepreneurship often involves financial instability, especially in the early stages. Be understanding and patient during these times.
  7. Support Their Networking: Encourage them to network and offer to accompany them to events if appropriate. Networking is crucial for business growth.
  8. Encourage Self-Care: Remind them of the importance of self-care, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, and enough sleep.
  9. Learn About Their Business: Show interest in their business. Understanding their business helps in providing more relevant support and advice.
  10. Seek External Support When Needed: Recognize when external help, like a business coach or therapist, might be beneficial for them and encourage them to seek it.

In conclusion, the journey of an entrepreneur is as challenging as it is rewarding, marked by highs of innovation and lows of uncertainty. Yet, it’s this very journey that shapes the world’s most inspiring success stories. Remember, the path of entrepreneurship is not walked alone; it’s a shared journey with fellow dreamers, supporters, and mentors. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth, celebrate each victory, no matter how small, and never lose sight of your vision. As you continue to push the boundaries of possibility, know that your resilience, creativity, and passion are the driving forces that transform today’s dreams into tomorrow’s reality. So, dear entrepreneurs, keep innovating, keep striving, and most importantly, keep believing – the future is yours to create.

Enterprise Creation, Enterprise Education, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Motivation Techniques, Skills Development, Sustainable Business Practices, Venture Capital and Funding

7 personality traits of a successful entrepreneur

Introduction

Entrepreneurship, often hailed as the backbone of innovation and economic growth, requires a unique blend of personality traits. While the entrepreneurial journey varies for each individual, there are certain characteristics that consistently emerge as essential for success. These traits don’t just define the capability to launch a business but also to navigate the unpredictable waters of the entrepreneurial sea, adapting to failures and capitalizing on opportunities.

From the unwavering determination of Colonel Harland Sanders, who faced over a thousand rejections, to the visionary prowess of Elon Musk, the stories of renowned entrepreneurs serve as a testament to these qualities. While it’s tempting to attribute entrepreneurial successes to market conditions or groundbreaking ideas alone, it’s often the individual’s character that plays a pivotal role.

In examining the journeys of some of the world’s most iconic business figures, we can identify seven indispensable personality traits that budding entrepreneurs should cultivate.

The 7 successful entrepreneur personality traits

  1. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep going in the face of adversity.
    • Example: Howard Schultz of Starbucks encountered numerous bank rejections before finally securing funding.
    • Reference: Schultz, H. (1997). Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time. Hyperion.
  2. Adaptability: The skill to pivot and change direction based on market feedback or new insights.
    • Example: Reed Hastings’ Netflix transitioned from a DVD-by-mail service to streaming, revolutionizing entertainment.
    • Reference: Keating, G. (2012). Netflixed: The Epic Battle for America’s Eyeballs. Portfolio.
  3. Vision: A forward-thinking perspective, seeing beyond the present and anticipating future trends.
    • Example: Elon Musk’s ventures, such as Tesla and SpaceX, stem from his forward-looking perspective on energy and space.
    • Reference: Vance, A. (2015). Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future. Ecco.
  4. Determination: Unyielding commitment to one’s goals, even when faced with obstacles.
    • Example: Colonel Harland Sanders pitched his chicken recipe over 1,000 times before it was accepted.
    • Reference: Ozersky, J. (2012). Colonel Sanders and the American Dream. University of Texas Press.
  5. Risk-Management: Courage to take calculated leaps, even when the outcome is uncertain.
    • Example: Richard Branson’s diverse ventures, from airlines to space travel, epitomize his risk-taking spirit.
    • Reference: Branson, R. (1998). Losing My Virginity: How I Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way. Crown Business.
  6. Perseverance: Consistency in efforts, undeterred by failures or slow progress.
    • Example: Thomas Edison’s countless experiments before perfecting the light bulb highlight his perseverance.
    • Reference: Baldwin, N. (2001). Edison: Inventing the Century. University of Chicago Press.
  7. Networking Ability: The talent to connect, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships in the business ecosystem.
    • Example: Oprah Winfrey’s vast network of influencers and experts across fields showcases her networking acumen.
    • Reference: Kelley, K. (2010). Oprah: A Biography. Crown Archetype.

Summary

Entrepreneurs often exhibit a set of distinctive personality traits that greatly contribute to their success. These traits — resilience, adaptability, vision, determination, risk-taking, perseverance, and networking ability — serve as foundational pillars in the realm of business. Resilience ensures they bounce back from failures, while adaptability allows them to navigate the ever-evolving market dynamics. Possessing vision equips them with a roadmap for the future, whereas determination ensures they remain focused on their goals. Risk-management emboldens them to explore uncharted territories, perseverance ensures tenacity during challenges, and networking ability helps in building strategic relationships.

These traits, when harnessed effectively, not only lead to prosperous careers and thriving businesses but also positively influence personal aspects of life. For instance, resilience can teach family members the value of perseverance; adaptability can promote a flexible mindset in the face of life’s uncertainties; and determination can inspire loved ones to pursue their passions with unwavering commitment. In essence, these entrepreneurial traits not only chart the course for business success but also foster an environment of growth, adaptability, and resilience in personal life, cultivating stronger family bonds and life satisfaction.

Blog, Enterprise Education, Motivation Techniques, Resources

5 places to run your startup business, on the cheap

What places to run your startup business?

When starting out, you only seem to have costs and they keep coming in. The five set of fees are:

  1. Office space
  2. Utilities
  3. Incorporating and legal fees
  4. Accounting costs for the first year in business
  5. Payroll for employees

So one of the main costs is office space and if we can reduce that we can survive for longer and hopefully last until we start making more money than we spend.

  1. Run your startup business from home. This won’t work for every business, but if it will work for yours it can save you a pile of cash on utilities and rent.
  2. Coffee Shop’s are happy to have you and have good wifi. You also get to meet like minded people and can invite people for meetings in the coffee shop.
  3.  Look out for a business incubator which helps startups by providing them space, mentors and events. These are normally free for a set period.
  4. Spare desk in someone else’s office. A lot of businesses have space and if you can use one or two desks in return for some form of payment, even your manpower it will be cheaper and more flexible.
  5. Find a co-working space where you can rent space as-needed for much less than the cost of a traditional commercial office which is normally looking for 3-5 years.

Just remember when looking for office space its “Location, location, location.” , which drives home just how important location is when choosing a space for your startup business.

Blog, Motivation Techniques

The Guitarist Entrepreneurs

What if I tell you that, there are more than five British people who have made more than $1.1 Billion dollars between them by just using one (maybe the greatest) entrepreneurial tool, the guitar.

If there was a group of people who have a way of making money using a simple formula, you would imagine that there would seminars on how to do it, the internet would be full of adverts stating this get rich scheme. Every school would tell young people that this is a career option, but no, because its rock n’ roll.

There are lots of these people around the world but I wanted to focus on just five, so selected these five, who past retirement and still making money, just to emphasis the long term viability of this global self employment opportunity.

This group of people found a secret formula in the 1960s and created such an incredible demand for their services that the world continues to consume it decades later. They made so much money that some governments created special taxes, just to try and get into the act.

Below I have shown you, just five “Guitarists”, each very successful from the same age 67-71 years old.

So what’s ‘secret’ formula and how can five people be worth $1.150 Billion?

Jimmy Page

Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven Live
Aged 71
Net worth: $170 million
PRACTICE – While still a student, Jimmy Page worked as a session musician and doing a lot of busking. He states “I had to come to grips with it and it was a good schooling”, and this practice provided an opportunity to get feedback from real customers and also build a solid product which could then be taken to mass market.

Eric Clapton

The Yardbirds / Cream – Cocaine
Aged 70
Net worth: $250 million
INDUSTRY INFLUENCE – Eric Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time. This is why successful people still go on TV or write blogs, you can never underestimate how this influence can provide limitless opportunities.

Pete Townshend

The Who – Quadrophenia
Net worth: $105 million
SIGNATURE MOVE – If there was a move which every person knows, its the windmill swing when playing the guitar. On stage, Pete Townshend developed a signature move in which he would swing his right arm against the guitar strings in a style reminiscent of the vanes of a windmill. Others have followed since, e.g. Michael Jackson with his backward walk, that signature move is the most powerful marketing tool available.

Keith Richards

The Rolling Stones – Out Of Control
Aged 71
Net worth: $340 million
LUCK – If there is one person on this planet would has luck on their sides, it’s Keith Richards. Every entrepreneur knows if you have some luck then it makes a big difference.