Courage

Recipe for an entrepreneur:

Mix:
2 cups of commitment
1 cup of high energy
6 tablespoons of focus

Toss with:
1 cup of tenacity
½ cup self control

Serve with self confidence, and a tall glass of courage.

Whether born and bred, or taking a new and exciting plunge, being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. The world of business is full of unexpected twists and turns, and there is only one guarantee: even the most organized and prepared entrepreneur can expect the unexpected. But tell any entrepreneur “it can’t be done” and you can be sure to hear this answer: “Watch me!”

Courage is tackling new business challenges and taking on the risks of running your own business. Investing your life’s or a loved one’s savings or acquiring a large loan for the business, are just some risks for entrepreneurs. Confidence in your planning and making crucial business decisions is courageous. You may have (what you think) is the greatest new idea, and work hard to prove your passion to the world. Establishing rapport with suppliers and customers, creating a sought-after product or a desirable service, and maintaining a positive attitude are attributes of a brave sole.

Courage cannot be bought or taken in a multivitamin, but it can be borrowed. Mentors in your community can provide support to concerns you have about your new business. Like you, your mentor has experienced the trials and tribulations of small business ownership and can offer guidance in difficult times. Turn to a mentor and borrow their courage in times of need.

It takes a courageous someone to remove themselves from their business and determine if their business is still a lucrative venture. If after a year of business you determine that the idea you’ve become so passionate about and invested in, is not profitable you must decide whether to close your doors or to change your business’ direction. Courage is closing your doors, and saying, “this is not the time or location for this idea’. Courage is redirecting your business’ goals for a more successful endeavour.

Courage takes its place in each stage of your business’ lifecycle; the embryonic stage, growth, maturity, and decline Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk, uncertainty, or intimidation. Courage is an entrepreneur.