Think Like an Entrepreneur

Whether you work for a multinational corporation or are a struggling self-employed business owner – we all can achieve success and be more successful when we think like an entrepreneur. 

What does it mean to think like an entrepreneur? Perhaps it means different things for different people. I define it as (1) embracing every opportunity to the fullest in hopes of generating more opportunities down the road; (2) wearing many hats, doing every part of the business, as you figure out the “how” along the way; and (3) being a visionary and seeing “opportunity” (i.e., an unmet or untapped need) when everyone else sees “nothing.”

Follow us this week on social for my advice to create more business and career opportunities. Embracing not just a positive mentality but also an entrepreneurial one may help you actually create the career advancement or transition that you seek. Remember, dreams don’t expire.  However, your will (and/or willingness) to follow and pursue your dreams doesn’t last forever.  

Embrace Failure and New Paths to Create Lasting Career, Life, and Business Change

This week we’re heading to social to share some advice on failure, embracing change, and expanding your experience and reach. This week do three (3) simple changes to help jumpstart your Spring 2021 and Summer into something bigger and brighter.

Seven Straight “No Chaser” Career Advice About Making Career Moves

We all have our “go-to” moves for various life situations and experiences.  But do you feel comfortable when you have to break the ice in an awkward conversation or introduce yourself on a first Zoom, date, or get-together? You may have your life “go-to’s” locked down, but what about your career moves?

Here are seven go-to career moves that you should have at the ready to help you maximize real life opportunities.  

1.    Introducing yourself to strangers at work meetings:  Strike a balance between taking over the conversation and being the person who no one remembers. If you want to BE memorable say or do something that will help people remember you, mix things up and begin your intro with “greetings, I used to work with XYZ and today is my one-year anniversary here.” Don’t wait for your boss or co-worker to introduce you. Take the initiative and share one fun fact about you, such as: you sit in the cubicle next to the bathroom (sorry but one day you won’t); work on a particular company-wide project; or with someone who almost everyone in attendance would surely know or want to know.     

2.    Standing out from the crowd at a networking event:  First doing your homework about the keynote speaker or panel members before the event.  Then do what most people won’t like sharing a real “relatable” feeling.  “These events sometimes make me nervous -- do you have suggestions on how to successfully work a room?” Share commonalities such as: attending the same school, working for the same previous employer, or simply loving the same genre of music. A final word of advice when it comes to sharing things -- tread wisely and think before you speak. Many years ago when I met the Mayor of a major city, I introduced myself by saying that I knew their ex-spouse. I knew it was a bad judgment call the moment I said “I.” Needless to say the response was not warm and fuzzy. A person has an ex-spouse for good reason.  

3.     Making your proposal memorable: Whether you are submitting a structured response for a Request For a Proposal (RFP) or sending an email to a potential pro bono client, find a unique way to share who you are and what you can do.  You can accomplish this by finding a way to weave in a hobby or interest into your core skills or services. Find a way to let others see a glimpse of your personal side and what makes you tick will enable you to better connect with others.

4.    Initiating a “cold call” regarding a position or work opportunity: Be proactive. DM, or even reach out to a complete stranger on LinkedIn. Try a proven advertising and media strategy, by posing an interrogative headline. Ask a rhetorical question that you know almost anyone and that specific person would answer “yes” to.  Do you remember being 25 years old and having your eye set on your ideal dream job… well that’s me? And, that dream job is working at your organization.

5.    Giving an apology: There are times in your professional life when you need to clear up a misunderstanding.  When this happens, take a “less is more” approach. You don’t rehash everything that happened or what was said in order to move on. Focus on the three A’s: Acknowledge what happened or what you said was wrong; Apologize for your role in what occurred; and Acquiesce, meaning make some effort to right the wrong and try to ensure it won’t happen again. A go-to phrase to use in almost any situation is “I hope you take/took this in the spirit of what I meant and not as a criticism or attack …”   

 6.    Telling people what they don’t want to hear: This is tough for many people, but you sometimes have to give others feedback they won’t like.  Take a constructive criticism approach and begin with something positive and then focus on one (1) way that that person could try a different approach.  Give a brief example of what they could do next time, change the topic (unless they ask for more info), and keep the conversation light.

7.    Breaking the ice: Take note of social cues and observe when someone’s body language may have been impacted by someone’s words or actions.  Be the “peacemaker” and say something to lighten the mood and bring everyone back to the objective of what you are trying to do. 

It’s said that success happens when preparation meets opportunity.  Develop some go-to career moves that will enable you to be prepared and “shine” when one of these or other situations occur.

(7) Seven Secret Tips to a Cultivate a Successful Career

1.    Have a mentor: Mentors help you find and navigate the path.  People who have already accomplished what you are trying to do can make the best mentors. Ask someone you respect and admire to help you with a specific task or goal. You don’t ask someone, “will you be my mentor?” Instead, request if they could review your resume and offer suggestions to improve it.  A mentor can mean the difference between having a series of dead-end jobs and a strategic career of diverse opportunities.     

2.   Learn sales strategies and tactics: If you think sales means having to be a sleazy, used car salesman – think again.  Sales (and marketing) are two of the most important ingredients of a successful career. Having strong “sales” skills means that you are able to persuade others to see the value and take action. If you want to excel in any field, it starts with the ability to understand and deliver what people want.

3.   Bring added value: It is possible for ordinary people to do extraordinary things.  However, it is much more likely for extraordinary people to consistently go above and beyond the average person. No matter your profession or field, create ways to bring added value to every project you work on and over-deliver on each aspect of your job.

4.   Take calculated risks: Success comes from assessing your environment, creating a plan, and then taking a risk.  Great things in life, career, and business happen when you see what others can’t envision. You create change when you weigh the pros and cons and take a chance.

5.   Be persistent: Most things in life require you to try your best, and then to adjust your game plan, as needed. 

Even when you find your dream job or a smart business venture, you may need time and persistence for things to work out. If you apply for a job but don’t get hired or pitch a new client who decides to hire someone else, never give up.  Remember, “no” is the start, not the end to any conversation. Life requires persistence to achieve your goals.

6.   Improve your negotiation skills: One of the keys to a successful career depends on your ability to negotiate.  Begin this process by adopting the belief that EVERYTHING in life is negotiable. Learn how to know what is important to others and how to leverage the things that you want.  Whether it’s your new salary, title, or office space, remember it’s best to negotiate the most favorable terms BEFORE and not after you take the position or opportunity.

7.   Find your passion and follow it: The saying, “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” is more than just words; it’s an essential way to cultivate a successful career. The hardest part is first identifying what you love and what you do well. After you uncover what you want to do, turn to mentors and a professional support network of former coworkers, current colleagues and perhaps even a career counselor or coach to figure out ways to pursue it.

Finding success in your professional life starts with developing these core skills and abilities.  This week pick one of these suggestions and work on cultivating a successful career, one skill and experience at a time.

Recognizing What You Are Great At

We are all great at something. What’s that thing that you do better than anyone else? This week is about tooting your own horn and recognizing the many things that you are great at doing. In case you need some help in getting started - here are seven (7) things to consider when determining where you excel. 

1.   Are you passionate about a group of people or a cause? Something matters to all of us - what’s the cause that you believe in? I am committed to people who want to find a way to live life doing what they love. I believe we would all be much happier – and the world a better place – if we could spend our time and talents on what interests us.

2.   Did you take a risk that paid off?  20 years ago, I created a course called Turning Your Passion into Your Profession. I sent the proposal to the Learning Annex, a professional development organization in NYC. When they turned down my course, I took a chance and sent it to NYU, Columbia, AND Baruch College. Even though I had zero prior teaching experience, I took a risk. Lucky I did. NYU ran the course for more than 10 years, and Baruch College hired me to teach 5 courses over 5 years. Teaching became a new part of my multi-faceted career. Whether you bought a one-way ticket to NYC, quit your job to travel the world, or just found a new job and no longer have to sleep on a friend’s couch – celebrate your big and small risks that paid off.

3.   Are you really good at your job? What’s the one job or aspect of your professional life that you do better than others? I am great at motivating people to believe in themselves.  I make a point to continually let others know how much I appreciate them and value what they do. I pride myself on being a great supervisor, mentor, and coworker. What do you pride yourself on?

4.   Are you a go-getter who goes after what you want? Sometimes life is simply about trying new things. Pat yourself on the back for trying new things and pushing yourself and others out of your comfort zone. Next time you decide you are going to “go for it” no matter what happens – celebrate your ability to venture into something new.

 5.    Are you a great friend or coworker? Perhaps you are that person at work who makes anything seem better. There are some people who make work “work” because they are pleasant, positive, and flexible people.

6.   Do people turn to you when they need encouragement or support? You may be a great cheerleader in your personal life. That person who motivates and inspires your family, friends, and others to work towards and achieve their goals.

7.   Are you organized and able to help others organize their life and/or goals? Some people are really good at creating organization, structure, and discipline for others. Maybe you are a kick-ass personal trainer or life coach. Or perhaps you are simply that friend who helps others organize, declutter and simplify their homes, businesses, or lives.

This week identify and remind yourself of at least one thing that you do very well. Pat yourself on the back and celebrate this one thing that makes you uniquely special and one-of-a-kind.