Running a business is no mean feat, and I really mean that.
It can sometimes be difficult to get this point across to people because at this stage of my career, for instance, people will see me running several companies with multiple locations across the nation, arriving at the office in a nice car and think ‘he’s lucky’ or something similar, and this couldn’t be further from the truth.
I have put blood, sweat, tears and everything in between in to making my business ventures successful, profitable, high-yielding, long-lasting companies that provide opportunities for staff and great results for clients. This sort of thing just doesn’t happen overnight.
I went solo as an entrepreneur over ten years ago and started my initial business, The Interactive Team, with a credit card. I had nothing other than debt at this point. Obviously now people don’t see that because it was over a decade ago, but that’s how it started, and it’s been a journey ever since. In fact, although business is good just now, it could certainly be better, it can ALWAYS be better, which is why I keep pushing.
Over the last ten years or so, it’s become clear to me that at every step of the way, 5 key factors have remained consistent for me which have enabled me to succeed:
Passion
Since day one, no, minute one, I have had an absolute burning passion to succeed at what I do. My passion for my business, my people, my product is undeniable and my belief is stronger than anything. My passion keeps me motivated and on track and always has done. Without passion, the fire dies out. Keep it burning and you’re onto a winner.
Perseverance
Failure was simply not an option. I would work 20 hours a day, I went into debt, I travelled, I tried, I got knocked down, I got up, I won clients, I lost clients, I did EVERYTHING to make it happen – and it did. I have the thickest skin of anyone I know and that is the result of sheer perseverance.
Resilience
Running a business as an entrepreneur is not smooth sailing and you will fall at many, many hurdles. If you refuse to get up and keep going and accept failings, you’re going to stay exactly where you are or even worse, get left behind. If you develop a strong resilience to any and every situation, you are given the room to move forward.
Proactiveness
You can’t just sit and wait for things to happen; you’ve got to make sh*t happen. A reactive approach allows for mistakes to occur or opportunities to go missed and when growing a business, you simply can’t afford for this to happen. If you’re proactive in everything, you’re prepared for anything.
Attitude
Every day, you need to start off with a positive attitude. Every night, you need to go to sleep with a positive attitude. Positivity is arguably the most important factor to succeed in a business. A negative mindset will inevitably create negative outcomes and you can’t risk your business failing as the result of your negative mindset! Train your brain to be and become positive in every situation.
