Becoming a successful entrepreneur isn’t the most straightforward of paths, or at least it rarely is. The path to success is abundant with mistakes made and lessons learned, and more often than not will result in entrepreneurs questioning whether their business idea has what it takes to make it. In these times of doubt, the difference between quitting and persisting through can be as a result of some simple advice from someone whose been in your shoes before. From following your heart to reconnecting with your “why”, we’ve put together our favourite pieces of advice from some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs:
- Lululemon founder Chip Wilson: It’s ok to ask for help
“It took me a long time to understand it, but [the advice was] to ask for help and that I don’t know it all,”. “People love to help. I don’t have to be insecure and know it all.”
- ClassPass co-founder Payal Kadakia: Reconnect with your “Why”
“It’s easy to get sucked into the minutia of the day-to-day tasks of building a business, so take the time to get back to your inspiration and reconnect with your mission and vision. Going back to your ‘why’ can help shift your mindset since it’s the only thing that matters.”
- Apple co-founder Steve Jobs: Follow Your Heart
“Do not be trapped by dogma, which is living the result of other people’s thinking. Do not let the noise of other opinions drown your own inner voice. Most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
- OnPrem Solution Partners founder, Candice Lu: Don’t Sell Yourself Short
“I once asked my mom how she was able to rise above the fact that she was a minority and a woman to achieve her accomplishments. She told me that it was because she never once thought about the fact that she was a minority or a woman, but that she was just the best doctor there. So basically do not negotiate with yourself, sell yourself short or compromise your approach before you even walk into a room. “
- Huffington Post co-founder Arianna Huffington: Love and believe in your business idea
“If you’re going to start a business, you need to really love it, because not everybody is going to love it.” “When you really believe in your product, you are willing to deal with all the naysayers and persevere.”
While there is such value and insight to this advice, actually listening to it and taking it on board is what proves to be most difficult for people! Here at the Entrepreneurs Academy, we understand this and so offer a number of courses to help entrepreneurs at the various stages of their business development. If you are still struggling at the beginning, check out our range of Ignite courses, specifically designed with start-ups in mind. Or for any other additional information you may need, get in contact with us, we’d be happy to help.