Month: January 2021

Starting a business is about more than just having a good idea. You have to work hard, face the possibility of failure every day and keep pushing forward when times are tough. Being an entrepreneur is risky, but there can be significant rewards as well. In your pursuit of success, it’s important to remember that there are certain pitfalls associated with entrepreneurship. It can be helpful to know them, to be able to recognize them and to avoid them.

One of the most common pitfalls associated with being an entrepreneur is expecting to succeed immediately. There are stories of success that seemingly comes overnight, but behind the scenes is someone putting in months or even years of hard work. If you expect immediate results, you will surely be disappointed – and you may even be more likely to give up.

Another common pitfall is to refuse to ask for help or think you may need advice. You may be a pro at what you do, but the reality is that you aren’t perfect. There is always room for growth. Take the time to listen to feedback, and ask for help when you need it. Trust others who’ve walked the same path in the past.

Entrepreneurs may make the mistake of failing to plan for the future. While you can’t predict what will happen, you can make plans that will allow you to operate through times of uncertainty. Thinking long-term can help you navigate setbacks and unexpected circumstances more effectively.

These are only a few of the pitfalls entrepreneurs may experience in their journey toward success. If you do make a mistake or find yourself a victim of one of these pitfalls, don’t panic. Simply learn from what happened, pick up the pieces and move forward. Being an entrepreneur may not be easy, but it’s worth it.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

It’s important to work hard, but it’s just as important to work efficiently. If you feel overworked and stressed, it’s likely you are working more hours than you really have to work. It may be possible to trim the number of hours you spend working by simply changing how you approach your workday and structure your schedule. Everyone has the same number of hours in the day, but how you use them plays a significant role in your success.

One way you can work smarter is to figure out how and when to multitask. There may be times when you can split your focus between two minor things, allowing you to get more things done quickly. However, there are certain tasks that deserve your entire focus. It’s a skill to know when you should be multitasking and when you should be phoned in on one thing. This helps you avoid wasted time and needless hours at your desk.

If you want to work fewer hours while still being productive and successful, you have to know what you’re doing. It’s important to seek the counsel of people ahead of you on your path and listen to constructive criticism. Honing your skills, building your knowledge and constantly learning will help you work more efficiently and avoid mistakes that can ultimately cost you valuable time.

Another thing that will help you avoid working too many hours is to evaluate where you could be losing time throughout the day. For example, if you ride the bus or the subway, could you be using that time to check emails, plan your day or do some work? Are you spending too much time on social media? Are you doing things you should be delegating? It’s possible you are losing time during the day by not getting the most out of your hours.

Working smarter means evaluating how you are currently using your time. Reclaiming your lost time can help you work more efficiently, ultimately allowing you to work fewer hours. If you want to work less, you have to start by trying to be more efficient with the time you have.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

It’s the start of a new calendar year, which means you probably have goals you want to reach over the next 12 months. Part of meeting your goals includes planning for success, and having the right strategy could play an important role in whether you accomplish your objectives. Having the right attitude is also a crucial component in achieving success in the goals you’ve set for yourself.

One attitude that you may find helpful is fearlessness. While this means moving forward with confidence, it does not mean being reckless. Fear can needlessly hold you back from chasing your goals, and you should not allow it to drive your decision making. You can still be fearless and also be prepared and knowledgeable about what you are pursuing.

Another attitude you will want to carry with you into 2021 is determination. You will face challenges and setbacks as you chase your goals, but this is part of the process. Your determination could make the difference in whether or not you are successful after you fall down, as your attitude will determine if you get back up and try again.

The mental approach you take will make as much of a difference in whether you reach your goals as your skills. Attitude can make or break your year both professionally and personally. The past year was difficult in so many ways, and 2021 will likely come with it’s own challenges. When your mind is in the right place and you have the right attitude, you can overcome whatever this next year throws your way.

As you consider your goals for 2021, think about your attitude and whether you may need to make some mental adjustments to better prepare yourself for success. How you feel about yourself, your abilities and your objectives can help you find the attitude you need to look ahead with confidence.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC