The Stubborn Entrepreneur

By Sharon • October 6th, 2009

CB048898 How many stories have you read about famous entrepreneurs who faced multiple rejections and set-backs before finally getting that big break or that first client that served to set their business in motion?

Probably many and there’s a reason for that – success in most cases is not immediate. It takes sweat and perseverance 99% of the time. You have to be an advocate for your business especially in those early days if not throughout the life of your company.

This bit of advice is particularly important for the new breed of entrepreneur coming out of America’s downsized (or shut down) corporations and those “return-to-work” parents (mostly moms) who now need to find a way to boost the family income.

This “new breed” is coming from a position of relative stability. Many are accustomed to regular paychecks (or a partner with a regular pay check), nice health care benefit plans, paid vacations and the security of knowing that they have a nice pension developing for their “retirement” years.

Of course the economic recession of 2009 burst that bubble. Now we have thousands of skilled men and women, probably many of you reading this, examining ways in which to channel that tremendous experience and talent into a business that will provide them with the personal satisfaction and financial security.

The one trait that you may not have (yet) is the stubborn streak of an advocate.

Once you’ve done your research and consulted with peers and professionals ideally in the field where you’ll be doing business, create a business plan based on the facts. Refer to this prior post on this topic for more information. Once you’ve got the confidence in your business strategy and goals you have to defend it and be persistent at it.

You’ve likely heard before that it takes 3-5 years for many businesses to start turning a profit, but that doesn’t always sink in the way it should. So many small business owners quit after 6 months because they let doubt and unsubstantiated criticism from folks who may know less about their market than they do, affect them.

It took Abby Widmer, a Pilates Studio owner, 22 meetings with different banks before she finally found one willing to loan her the funds for the studio she wanted to open. That’s the kind of persistence that will keep you afloat as a new entrepreneur.

Your well researched and prepared business is “your baby” and you’re going to have to be vigilant and stubborn in your focus on your special venture. Make minor adjustments as necessary but don’t lose focus on the goal you’ve hopefully spent a lot of time and research in developing.

Yesterday I spoke about dreams and how the new mindset is not about wistful thinking but practical “stepping” towards our dreams as the new breed entrepreneur. Keeping sight of that dream will help keep you on track and persistent in achieving your goals.

Are you an advocate for your business?

To your success,

Sharon