Small business is about success. The success of the American dream. The success of the
entrepreneur who believes he or she can make a new business idea a thriving reality. Sure,
there is power in positive thinking. Don’t discount it. Whether a solo entrepreneur
or a small business owner with a staff of 50, your attitude toward business will affect
the success of your business. The moment you become a business owner, you represent
yourself, the business and expectations for success. Your attitude and manner convey your
confidence and commitment to small business. Be sure both embody a can do outlook.
So many entrepreneurs have told me they get a charge from the challenge. They have that
adrenaline rush that keeps them going. The inner desire to succeed combined with the hard
work of the real world makes all the difference. As an entrepreneur, you never
underestimate the competition and you never underestimate your ability to rise to the
occasion. Small business is dynamic and your energy level both real and perceived by
others, influences how successful you will be in the marketplace. In the small business
world of modest profit margins, fierce competition and time constraints—don’t be
guilty of the four cardinal can’t do it ways of thinking.
- I can’t. I have no time—I’m busy handling what I have now.
- I can’t. There is just not enough money to do everything.
- I can’t. My competitors are making the market too tough.
- I can’t. Technology will only complicate my business.
Successful entrepreneurs are people of endless possibilities. Not every opportunity
is seized. No, an unending supply of funds are not available. No, competitors don’t
go away. And no, technology doesn’t arrive without a learning curve. Yet, those
people you most admire in business, look not at obstacles but at opportunities. That
spirit of can do—what can we do today, what will we do tomorrow and how we will
succeed is the essence of success.
Successful business people know where their businesses are going. They have a plan that
they are willing to follow to the letter, in order to achieve their clear goals. Mentally
prepare for success. Develop the can do outlook. Be the motivator, the dreamer and the
real world implementer. Commit yourself to the balancing act of the world of possibilities
and the business realities. You set the tone for your business. Customers, colleagues,
employees and lenders all look to you to gauge the value and strength of your business.
Your positive attitude and energy signal the vitality of this small business.
Every entrepreneur should have a sounding board outside the business—be it a
colleague, friend or business counselor. All three would be just fine. Get different
perspectives. Gain energy from other’s ideas, as well as your own. Contact the SCORE
Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and request free and confidential small
business counseling. SCORE is a nonprofit organization with 12,400 volunteer, business
counselors who donate their time and talent to help entrepreneurs. SCORE counselors help
entrepreneurs develop business strategies, prepare business plans and brainstorm new
ideas. Call 1 (800) 634-0245 for a referral to the SCORE chapter nearest you.
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