The
road to being a true-blue entrepreneur is paved with spectacular stories of
crash-and-burn. It requires a certain type of stamina that few possess and an
insatiable desire to do better than the day before. Such a demanding lifestyle
has no boundaries in place, except for those self-imposed. This alone can prove
deadly for the half-serious startup hopeful.
Mastering
the daily hustle is something that will either make or break any hopes for
success. If you’re not serious about upgrading your skill set, than prepare to
be beaten by those who make it their mission.
Succeeding
today calls for a jack-of-all-trades-like approach. Here are the qualities that
future success stories in business need to possess:
1. A scholarly research ability. People
don't simply buy things anymore. There's a winning mix of brand interactions,
advertisements and recommendations that go into every significant purchase
we make.
Getting
this recipe to truly click involves not only knowing the history of your
industry and competitors, but also knowing where and when to go for the latest
updates and insights. Don't pick up a copy of The New York
Times, read through, and call it a day. Find those bloggers and
influencers leading the way, peruse every trade publication for your
industry and learn where to go for real answers.
Having
an edge in the form of information is what will help you win those customers
who are still on the fence.
2. A strong social media presence. If
your LinkedIn profile looks like a phone book listing, we have a serious
problem. If your indecent Facebook photos show up in an online search for your
company, we might have a catastrophe. Tighten up your presentation to the world
to leverage the free online assets we know as social media.
Designers
are using Instagram to showcase their portfolios. Business owners are using
Facebook to adjust their product offerings. Twitter breaks news, Tumblr shows
trends and Pinterest uncovers customer buying habits. Find the channels best
suited to your industry and start making them work for you. Just make sure to
tie up any loose ends first.
3. An actively updated blog or website. If
you are so much as selling lemonade, you need a website. Unless you don’t like
making money, you need a blog. If you’re not actively engaging potential
customers online, showcasing your expertise and properly updating your channels
and site, you’re losing to someone who is. Get in a weekly rhythm of
updating your digital properties.
Websites
drive conversions and blogs drive search traffic. Both can become bottomless
pits when it comes to managing your time. It helps to have a set of resources
or a resident expert in your corner. Wordpress sites, and the like, make
updating your content painless but consider teaming-up with an outside
firm or consultant. Their insights and strategies can save hours of
frustration.
4. A professional look and feel to everything you do. Even
if you're not in the fashion industry, every entrepreneur needs to work on
perfecting their own personal style.
There’s
a certain beauty to a freshly-minted business card or fine-pressed uniform.
Clean, appropriate, smart design is what drives the professional world.
Even for multi-colored or explosively creative big-league companies, there is a
certain order and form that exists in their business materials that simply
screams professional.
If you
want to succeed, you will eventually need to develop an eye (or at least an
appreciation) for the power of superior branding. Because superior branding is
enough to turn a “maybe” into a “yes, please!”
5. A knack for storytelling. This
is an often untapped asset in the business world, an escape from being perceived
as just another vendor. While a great many might feel like they don't have one,
rest assured: every business has a story worth telling. It may take some soul
searching, but once you lock in to that narrative, greater opportunities will
begin to present themselves.
The
world is filled with truly special individuals and great stories just waiting
to be told. Recognize where your products or services come into that story and
align yourself with it.
When
it comes to keeping things fresh, it helps to keep a journal to recount all of
your awesomeness. At a company, it’s about creating the story of a
best-in-class service or product that makes life better. And don’t forget: a
great story needs great characters!
6. A way to put it all together. Keeping
an ear to the online grindstone is a full-time job. A limitless smorgasbord of
productivity apps and software services can leave many anxious and distraught.
Turn these feelings into fuel and recognize that anything is possible. Use
sites like IFTTT.com to automate certain processes and services like Evernote
to keep tabs on your daily readings.
Be
sure to take a step back from it all every day. Find time to reflect, with
family or through fitness. Keep yourself motivated by seeking out mentors,
video tutorials and new information. You don't need to back yourself into
a corner, but you do need a strong focal point to help guide you through
hardships the that will inevitably come about. The stronger your focus, the
better chance you have of coming out victorious.
In today’s
world, it’s never been easier to make your mark in business. The challenge lies
in saying something meaningful and relevant. Take part in the global economy,
find the balance that best suits you and get ready for big things to happen.
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