4 Practical & Spiritual Tips for Entrepreneurs

Once you are an entrepreneur more times than not it’s difficult to imagine being ’employed’ by anyone ever again. Some people claim they are “unemployable (I know I have used that term before) or even a “serial entrepreneur”!

Not everyone is cut out to successfully “be their own boss” but for those who are, the rewards are tremendous.

I believe you have to be self-motivated, self-driven, have a strong work ethic and be able to handle changes peacefully.

I say that because changes and disappointments will come that you did not anticipate or plan for. You may not reach your goal or have business be what you imagined on paper…but don’t fret. You are the creator of your life and as an entrepreneur you’ll continue to get ‘up to bat’ until you create what you set out to have and create. Simply put- that is what true entrepreneurs do!

I consider my self more of a ‘Social’ Entrepreneur than a traditional entrepreneur… which to me means I do what I do not just for time freedom, freedom of creative expression, but also to make the world a better place. By social entrepreneur it does not mean I am ‘not for profit’- far from it, I simply choose to create my business out of passion that I have burning in my soul.

I don’t and won’t compromise my reputation or sell anything to simply make the proverbial ‘buck’…. I must feel confident that what I am offering (product, opportunity or service) will actually HELP the person whom I am speaking to.

I was not born with an entrepreneur spirit nor did I grow up desiring to have my own business- it “found me” and perhaps if you have your own business now, it may have found YOU too!

Many people ask “How do I begin?”

I think it is imperative to discover your TRUE MOTIVATION! Why do you want to have your own business or be an entrepreneur?

One of the fastest way entrepreneurs get burnt out is when they do things for the wrong reasons, such as money, fame or to impress others.

While this strategy can be OK in the short term, in the long term it can harm your reputation and pull you off track on what truly motivated you in the first place.

If you are only motivated by money or fame, very quickly you are going to find yourself burnt out and feeling empty. It is far more satisfying to do things for yourself and to do things for the right reasons, whatever that means for you.

Honor Your Failures

It is easy to get side tracked by your failures as an entrepreneur and to blame or beat yourself for your mistakes, but a simple shift in perspective can make all the difference. Instead of viewing your failures as disasters and things you should be embarrassed about, consider looking at them as valuable learning opportunities. Some of the biggest failures often also lead to the greatest successes, and by thinking positively it allows you to see the truth in this.

(If you are an entrepreneur who joins a network marketing company, sometimes this can be difficult when the company makes false promises, runs out of inventory, or eliminates the products that have been your highest selling product with the company- but hang in there- chances are if you don’t give up and if you keep a positive outlook- it will lead you to the right company or opportunity in time. It certainly did for us).

Being grateful for every experience, without judging it or judging yourself, can help you to focus on the positives of the situation. Failure can be part of the process and when if and when it does happen, embracing it and honoring yourself, rather than fighting against it can make it far more manageable…. even if the reason was not in your control!

Learn to Trust Your Instincts

One of the best recipes for a successful business is learning to trust your instincts….and I know you know that feeling! It’s that GUT feeling that you get when you clearly know something is a strong YES or a strong NO! While it is necessary to look at the facts and figures as well, using your intuition to guide you can help you to make decisions quicker and with less mental strain.

We all have an intuition; we just need to learn to train it like a muscle. Practices like meditation and stilling your mind and tuning into that inner voice can help you connect to that intuition we all have.

Many great entrepreneurs have used their intuition to make some of the most radical and life changing moves for their business. While strengthening your intuition won’t happen overnight, in time it could become one of your most valuable assets.

Feel Successful Right Now

Most entrepreneurs get caught chasing success, (I certainly have) but the reality is that success is more of a state of mind than something that is tangible. While most of us equate success to money, this is actually a false belief.

If we have the attitude of “chasing” success, we will forever find ourselves stuck in the chase. When I say to feel successful right now I don’t mean FAKE IT until you MAKE IT- I mean having that vision of success in your mind each and every day and living FROM that feeling & vision!

Even when you reach a goal or milestone, you are most likely going to simply want more and more. This is just the way the human mind is programmed, unless we can change the pattern. Instead of believing you will be successful when you reach a particular milestone, start feeling successful right now.

Focus on all the things that make you feel successful now and in turn, this will help you to create more success. When you feel successful with what you have right now, your life also becomes far more enjoyable and less about the “pursuit” and more about the ‘having'”. Practice the attitude of gratitude daily!

So, while these 4 tips may be different to the ones you are used to hearing, try applying them to your entrepreneurial tool belt and even to your life, and I believe they can help you to truly thrive on every level.

Are you looking for the perfect business to start or to join? Are you an entrepreneur or looking to be? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Both Dave and I are coaches and entrepreneurs and look forward to working with and even mentoring other entrepreneurs.

You can reach us at 802-846-7530 or info@DaveandJoy.com. Our business is www.DaveandJoy.com

Right in Front of You…..

Right in Front of You- A Case of the Obvious!

Have you ever realized that often times (if not all the times) what you need or want is right in front of you? You may have missed the clue or sign… and perhaps it was even presented many times.

Begin to stop and listen and be aware that the Universe DOES indeed provide what we desire, need or focus on that is for our highest good!

I love this story that was dated July 27th…in Alan Cohen’s book “A Deep Breath of LIFE”.

While Frank Baum was writing his classic series of children’s fantasy books, he had not yet chosen a name of the kingdom in which his characters would play out their adventures. As Baum was sitting with a friend in his office, the fellow asked, “What is the name of the land that will be the setting for your books?” The author shifted his eyes as he pondered, and his vision fell upon his file cabinet, in particular the drawer labeled “O-Z.”

While we may search high and low for an answer to our need, sometimes it is right in front of us. Hilda used to say, “Take whatcha got and make whatcha want.” Life is not a mystery to be solved; it is a game to be played. Rather than spending a lot of energy hunting and pecking, we sometimes do better to just take what is before us and use it to our advantage.

Many of us have been taught that the best solution is the most complicated one. We believe that we must strive and strain and pay a high cost for what we want. But often the reverse is the case: The simplest answer is the one that will work best. God does not play hide-and-seek. The truth is simple, it is obvious, and it works.

Bless the simple things in your world. Appreciate your friends for the simple gifts they offer you. Rather than seeking to replace what you have, look for ways that you may more fully tap into the gifts that you have been given. You are already rich.

“Show me the good I already possess.”

Everything I need comes to me at the perfect time in the perfect way! Alan Cohen- from his book “A Deep Breath of LIFE”

I was inspired by this ‘passage’ that I read today and can certainly apply it to my life. Eight months ago we were presented with a business opportunity- it was obvious, right in front of us and thankfully we were open, ready and had just prayed that very day for GOD to show us the next thing. How could we say NO when it was the absolute obvious move for our lives and business?

Since that time, Dave and I remind one another to always walk through the next open and obvious door.

What are you hoping for? What is your next step in fulfilling your life dreams? Pay attention to all clues, signs and people….it may just lead you to your dream life.

In our case it was being led to TAVALA.

We’d love to hear from you and if you love daily inspirations, check out Alan Cohen’s book.

Dave and Joy 802-846-7530 info@DaveandJoy.com www.DaveandJoy.com