When I took the step from working in corporate America and joined my husband in starting our own business, I needed to change my mindset from being an employee to become an entrepreneur! A very big step, and a very necessary step.
You and I may be in different, but similar businesses … yet we are both entrepreneurs with some of the same challenges and problems along the way. Life and business can become frustrating at times and most of our friends and family just don’t understand what we are doing why we are doing!!
One of the first books that I have read this year is Start Small, Finish Big by Fred Deluca. Fred is the co-founder of the Subway restaurant. Huge company now, but, as you will find out when you read the book, had very humble beginnings.
Fred shares his story about Subway and then relates other inspiring business start-ups — most businesses who are well known today. In his book, he emphasizes fifteen key lessons (with examples for each) to start and run your own successful business:
1. Start Small. It’s better than never starting at all.
2. Earn a Few Pennies. It’s good practice before you earn those dollars.
3. Begin With an Idea. There’s probably a good one right under your nose.
4. Think Like a Visionary. Always look for the Big Picture.
5. Keep the Faith. Believe in yourself and your business, even when others don’t.
6. Ready, Fire, Aim! If you think too much about it, you may never start.
7. Profit or Perish. Increase sales, decrease costs. Anything less and your business will perish.
8. Be Positive. The School of Hard Knocks will beat you down, but not if you keep a positive attitude.
9. Continuously Improve Your Business. It’s the best way to attract customers, and generate sales and profits.
10. Believe in Your People. Or they may get even with you!
11. Never Run Out of Money. It’s the most important lesson in business.
12. Attract New Customers Every Day. Awareness, Trail, and Usage work every time.
13. Be Persistent: Don’t Give Up. You only fail if you quit.
14. Build a Brand Name! Earn your reputation.
15. Opportunity Waits for No One. Good or bad, breaks are what you make them.
If you are looking for inspiration, this book will inspire you to FINISH BIG!
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