It is these ideas we consider valuable that causes our minds to generate reasonable grounds for belief, which in turn stirs the exceptional intellect or creative powers that reside with in each one of us.
What's Really Needed to be an Entrepreneur
Age is of no consequence when looking at becoming an entrepreneur. Dreams and the burning desire to achieve them are the main traits needed. Yet there are two other entrepreneurial traits that should not be left out that are just as vital as dreams: persistence and failure.
It's easy to understand that dreams, desires and persistence would be traits needed to be a successful entrepreneur. But how in the world can failures be helpful to the entrepreneur's success?
Entrepreneurs Learn from Failure
Failure may seem to be out of place as a trait that successful entrepreneurs need, but it may be the most important trait of all for entrepreneurship after our dreams.
Let me explain by providing some insight on a few great entrepreneurs of our past and present who were not afraid of failure:
- From Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies. "The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it."
- From Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. "When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner, or you can allow it to over come you and be a loser. The choice is yours and yours alone. Refuse to throw in the towel. Go that extra mile that failures refuse to travel. It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure."
Albert Einstein clashed with authorities and resented the school regimen. He later wrote that the spirit of learning and creative thought were lost in strict educational situations. He wrote his first scientific work, The Investigation of the State of Aether in Magnetic Fields at the age of 15. He once stated, "I never allow myself to become discouraged under any circumstances. The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are first, hard work. Second, stick-to-ittiveness. Third, common sense."
Einstein believed that the human race acts as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about.
- Thomas A. Edison is known for the invention of the light bulb. He made over 10,000 attempts before he discovered a carbonized bamboo filament that could last over 1200 hours.
When asked about the frustration of all his failures he responded, "I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward...I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." And, one of his most recognized quotes of all attributed to Edison is, "Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration." Edison is credited with 1,093 U.S. patents to his name.
These individuals had no more or no less than what you possess right now beyond their courage to take risks and fail.
Fear of failure and the lack of perceived security and stability are the primary reasons some would rather live in mediocrity than embark on an exciting entrepreneurship adventure and be their own boss. It's what drives many away from their dreams of entrepreneurship.
Today's Job Security - Or Lack Thereof
According to the US Department of Labor, 10.3 million workers in the U.S. are freelancers and independent. That translates to more than 7.4% of the U.S. workforce.
In the past three years the reason for the rapid growth in these areas is that companies want to generate more profit, so they have outsourced 22% of their jobs rather than pay benefits, pensions and medical costs.
So where is the security in being employed by someone else?
How You Can Become an Information Entrepreneur
The Internet makes it possible to become an entrepreneur by providing information. I'm sure you have knowledge, skills and talents in which you excel and from which others would love to benefit. People today want information and services that make their lives easier and more productive.
Take this knowledge and stick to a single theme that you know and love. Focus most of your energy on becoming the "expert" in that field -- the source of credible, helpful information that people need and want. People buy from and listen to others if they feel they know what they are talking about and are successful. What you are doing by giving these prospects useful information is pre-selling your products or services.
Quality, relevant content is what people are searching for and what they want: Provide lots of it and you, too, can prosper in entrepreneurship.
Getting Targeted Traffic Means Success
No matter what type of business you decide to own, you will need to draw attention to it from those you are targeting. Targeted traffic consists of those people who are looking for what you have to offer, regardless of what that may be.
Once your your targeted traffic arrives, the next step is that you want your prospects to take the desired action - whether that's to buy something, sign up, click an affiliate link, or whatever action that will result in your entrepreneurial success.
If you are trying to get your visitors to join your network, let them know how successful and happy and you are. Even though they may not have found you with the intent of trying to locate this type of information, it will benefit you nonetheless.
Dreams are More Important than Age to Entrepreneurs
Remember the traits of the entrepreneur I discussed earlier? None of them mentioned age. That's because anyone has the ability to start a business and become an entrepreneur. But not everyone has the burning desire to try and accomplish the dreams that are filling their minds with hope and excitement. You can do it!
Entrepreneurial dreams do come true for those who take action and are willing to learn from their mistakes!
