Captured at our September Meet the Entrepreneur Next Door event:
Play bigger than you are
You might be working out of your basement but get a proper phone, website, and e-mail account. And if you use web-conferencing, fix-up your backdrop!
Be a good listener
After every conversation, ask yourself “what did I learn about this person today?” If nothing, it wasn’t a good call.
One thing at a time
It’s hard to start a business. Really put yourself into it.
Set benchmarks for success
Track even small milestones and keep going.
Evolve with the times
Keep relevant and keep learning.
Manage your time wisely
Ask yourself what’s a value added activity and what’s not and carefully select what you do yourself and what you get others to do for you.
Invest and believe in yourself
If you believe in yourself others will too.
Live below your means and cover your overhead
Pay yourself regularly and don’t dip into proceeds just because you feel like it.
Experiment and don’t be afraid to fail
That’s how you learn and grow.
Stay contemporary
Personally understand the latest trends and what drives your customers.
Ken Coogan, CooganPartners, shares his insights