If you are thinking of starting a business or have already started one, it is crucial for you to figure out how to be a successful leader. Having a good idea and effectively developing it are two very different things, the latter requiring focus, resources, and lots of determination. And, although there is no set path to success, coupled with the fact that there are inherent risks in starting a new business, it is important to look inward for what you can do to make your new business a success. Below we discuss the best-kept secrets for startup entrepreneurs.
- Articulate your Mission
So you have a good idea of what you believe in, but aren’t sure exactly what it is that you are looking to accomplish. At the outset of your business, it is essential to articulate your mission, note why it is important, and determine what you hope to accomplish. This does not mean that you need a comprehensive business plan right away, but you should feel comfortable expressing these things either to yourself, select confidantes, or even to the public at large. Articulating your goals and obtaining initial feedback from others will give you the direction and confidence you need to establish a clearer vision for your startup and to be a more effective leader.
- Retain an Independent Vision
Although it is important to learn from others either directly or indirectly based on their mistakes and successes, it is also essential to keep the independent vision that got you started in the first place. Often, other people want to tell you what will and will not work. But as you begin to grow, it is necessary to keep the focus on what is important to your business and your customers specifically, and not rely on what has or has not worked for others.
Additionally, when starting any new endeavor, it is often difficult to keep everything streamlined and not be influenced by outside sources to expand on your ideas unnecessarily. As the leader, it’s particularly important to keep your focus narrow so that you can effectively relay your vision to your team. Otherwise, if you are constantly laying down new and even unrelated tracks, you will be less able to effectively steer your team towards your true goals.
- Education
The most successful leaders never stop learning and never feel like they know all there is to know about…well, anything. Continuing your education is not only essential in a formal setting, but is something that every leader should do constantly and on a day-to-day basis. Whether it is attending conferences, reading books and articles or talking with your customers, peers, and competition. The desire to learn should always be as fervent as the desire for success.
- Focus and Determination
Although seemingly obvious, possessing laser sharp focus and relentless determination are traits that cannot be dismissed as standard for entrepreneurs in any industry. As the leader of your business, it is easy to become disheartened in the process of getting your business off the ground. There are many statistics that seek to indicate that your business will likely fail. There are also forces outside your control that can play a large part in whether you succeed or not, such as the economy and competitors. However, it is essential to remain unfailingly positive and focused not only on what you are hoping to achieve, but expanding on what you have already accomplished.
- Find ways to set yourself apart
It’s important to make sure that you and your business do not become white noise in the sea of new ventures started every day. One way to successfully distinguish yourself and your business from the competition is to seek out new ways to differentiate your business in a way that will add to its value and open new doors. For example, if you are a minority with 51% or more ownership in your business, certifying your business as a minority-owned business can open the door to government contracting, which can be very profitable. There are different minority certifications that are available to women, veterans, Hispanics, African-Americans, Asian-American and Native American. Of course, this is not the only way to distinguish your business from others, but as a minority-certified business itself, Ser & Associates understands what it’s like to search for new and inventive ways to set your new business apart from your competitors.
Ser & Associates thrives on helping entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground. From identifying the proper corporate entity and structure, preparing required contracts, leasing/purchasing of real estate to providing legal assistance with employment contracts, supplier agreements, supplier contracts and minority certifications. If you are thinking of starting a business or are already the owner of a new venture, contact Ser & Associates at 305-222-7282 and let us be part of your team.
