by Patricia Gilliam

Created on: January 08, 2009

Becoming a successful entrepreneur is often not something that happens to you overnight. Some people have a tendency toward entrepreneurial thinking from a young age, while others make decisions in adulthood that lead them into becoming entrepreneurs out of necessity. In either situation, there are steps you can take that can increase your chances of success and ensure that success becomes stable long-term. Here are some tips that can help you:

1) Your thought process plays a major role in your success as an entrepreneur.

It impacts your confidence, how and when you take risks, and how you direct your career or business. How you change your though process for the better can include things like college (if the teaching is entrepreneurial-based), business books and resources, and mentoring under other entrepreneurs. Think of it as building a mental filing cabinet of information. An unprepared person is going to run into an issue and have nothing to help them. You want to learn how to not only handle hard situations but how to keep a level-head while they're happening. This won't happen for you by accident.

2) Remember that you are not a "one-man" or "one-woman" show.

Even if you're the most independent person you know, talent and stubbornness alone will not help you succeed to the fullest extent that you can. Mentors and good friends provide you a net of support that will not only help you succeed but make success worth having.

3) Failure is "secret" form of learning that you should accept instead of fear.

Many of us have been conditioned to believe that failure is a horrible thing, and the fear people have over failure keeps them from trying new things. You get over that, and you may surprise yourself on what you can accomplish.

4) Integrity does pay off.

Never let yourself get so frustrated for results that you start cutting corners because it will come back to bite you. The entrepreneurs I know that have been in their industries for 30+ years got there and stayed there because they treated people right and provided a valuable service.

5) Expect some criticism for anything you do that's significant.

Negative people are out there and are more than willing to cut you down if you let them. You have to make the decision to treat your gifts and abilities for what they are and not worry if your success is going to offend somebody. You're setting yourself up for a lot of hassle and heartache if you try to please everyone.

6) Enjoy what you do.

I have done things that have made me a good income but made me personally miserable. The better thing to do is find something that you enjoy and brainstorm on ways to make it profitable. It can be done and just takes some time and effort.

I hope you've found these tips helpful. Good luck and best wishes to you!

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