Being an entrepreneur is about more than just starting a business; it’s a lifestyle choice. No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey you’ve already realized that. The entrepreneurial grind is different than any grind, it’s all on you. We’ve composed the following tips to help you be the best entrepreneur no matter where you are in your journey.
These are the things they will never teach you in business school. You might even think some of them seem out there but trust me… they’ve built one kick-ass marketing agency.
Tip #1 Get Gritty
Being an entrepreneur is all about long nights, going the extra mile, and putting in the work. Everything an entrepreneur does takes grit. Websters defines grit as “showing courage or resolve.” This is not an easy journey. If it was, everyone would own a business. Just like in boxing when you get knocked down, get up and say “That’s all you got, bitch?” Take that mentality into everything you do. Client cancels on you, close two deals that day. Three days until the rent is due and you ain’t got no money? Pound the pavement until it happens.
Tip #2 Be your brand
For your business to be something bigger than you, you have to be bigger than it. You should be sharing your businesses’ posts on your personal page, posting independently to your personal social media profiles, and inserting yourself into everything you can within your community. People do business with people they like, they have to know you to like you, you have to make yourself know. It’s a simple principle.
Tip #3 Respond when you’re ready
You are going to get emails that make you want to throw your phone against a wall. You’re going to get outlandish requests. You’re going to get angry emails. Don’t be reactionary and send a reply right back, take some time to think about your goals and how to maximize this situation to meet them. You can’t wait more than 12 business hours, but you also don’t need to jump on something in the first 10 minutes. Take an hour and think about it, and I’m sure the response will be more powerful.
Tip #4 Find ways to save time on repeat tasks
No one wants to send that weekly statistics update, or create monthly invoices. There are so many small things that go into running your business. Take the things that you do most frequently, and make them automatable. This will save you time and allow you to focus on the things you care about. Check out our blog on the 5 best apps to help you save time in 2020.
Tip #5 Write drunk, edit sober
There is this stigma that you can’t work and have a beverage. Let me tell you when you’re pulling an all-nighter, bourbon will keep you awake better than any coffee ever could. Chances are you are running around putting out fires all day, and after 5 you get to do your job. This is a great time to pull out the booze and fuel your creative self. I do all my writing and our marketing in the wee hours of the morning after several cocktails. Honestly, it makes my work stronger. Just don’t forget to edit when you’re sober!
Tip #6 Go over the details
The devil is in the details. From contracting to process implementation and work product you have to check the details. For example, we lost an account due to someone (an intern) misspelled the client’s name on something. We’ve caught contracts amended after being sent for approval, and someone showed semi-nude pictures to the staff on Zoom because they broadcasted the wrong screen.
Tip #7 Dress for the job you want
Yes, the world is getting more casual, but there are still standards and expectations on how you should present yourself. Luckily, most business interactions are turning toward business casual so you can get by with not wearing the 3-piece suit. Navigating the business casual wardrobe is hard. Luckily we got you. Check out our blog on navigating the new business casual here. Pro-tip, it’s all about the third piece.
Tip #8 Schedule all your meetings for one day
Yes, 6-7 meetings in one day is not the most ideal, especially in times of Zoom. But consolidating all your meetings into a couple of days will allow you time to focus on producing for your clients and customers on your non-meeting days. The best days to do this are Monday and Wednesday/Thursday.
Tip #9 Get a workplace that inspires you
You can’t just put a desk in the corner and call it a day. For your business to flourish, you have to be in the right environment. Take time to invest in where you are working and it will pay off. Find a desk that works with your workflow. Think about the depth of the desk and how it correlates to your monitors. Get a chair you can sit in for hours. Find artwork and desk swag that represents your values and beliefs and makes you want to get shit done.
Tip #10 Eat, Hanger is a Bish.
This is so simple, but oftentimes entrepreneurs get so consumed in what they are working on, they forget to eat! I am guilty of this, especially on my meeting days. That’s why I keep snacks in the drawers next to my desk— no one likes a hangry person. In addition to your mood, food is fuel. You won’t be as productive if you aren’t properly fueled. Spend that extra 10-15 min on breakfast and you’ll get it back in improved efficiency. The same goes for lunch.
Tip #11 Use a meeting scheduler
Check out Calendly, it will change your life. Seriously, don’t spend countless hours going back and forth in email scheduling a meeting. Just send a link.
Tip #12 Set personal and professional goals
So many of us operate with a roadmap for our business in our head. We know where we want to go, but how do you get there? The most important part of being an entrepreneur is coming up with goals so you can measure your success and crush your goals. You must set goals for your personal life and your business. This will help you with your work-life balance and ensure you’re a well-rounded entrepreneur.
Tip #13 Have a creative outlet outside of work
It’s so important that you have a hobby outside of your work. Chances are your new business is what you used to do for fun. If that’s the case, this is especially important. You can not be all work and no play. If you don’t have outlets to recharge your batteries and refocus your brain you will burnout and that is the last thing you want as an entrepreneur. This also lets you work on that second start-up idea, you know you have one.
Tip #14 Have a drink or two
We’re very pro-drinking at D.M. Burton. The best thing you can do to build a relationship with someone is to have a break bread with someone or have a drink with them. Next time you’re on a Zoom networking call, have a glass of wine ready! Drink it on camera, you’ll be a champ. Just make sure you put it into a fancy glass, don’t drink your wine out of a highball, people will judge you. Take it from my experience.
Tip #15 Know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em
This is key, not everything is going to go in your favor. You have to know when to walk away from a situation that is not serving you. Have a bad client, fire them. Employee not working out, let ‘em go. Don’t want to argue about a design, don’t. Business not working, close it. You have to know when to walk away and put your hands up.
