Entrepreneurs have the gift of seeing opportunities to make money when few others can. The opportunity is like a seed that produces every business that grows in the garden of the planet. This is an exciting stage of the business process, because it is easy and fun to dream of what an idea could become one day!
When they begin, entrepreneurs don’t know how they are going to succeed in making their dream a reality. This is normal. Its also normal for entrepreneurs to say it was much more difficult than they ever imagined. There are more challenges, obstacles, setbacks, and tears than they thought was possible. This strange mixture of a big and exciting dream and deep uncertainty is what every business person lives with. There are often times when there is a daily battle to keep fighting for the business dream when it feels like nothing is really working and there is no clear way forward. At this point the excitement has disappeared and it has become plain hard work, often with very little progress. This is part of the job description of entrepreneurs, and it is not avoidable. This is a big reason why most people quit, and only 5% of businesses last beyond five years.
What is the secret to keep going when you face failure, loss, confusion, disappointment, and pain? How do you endure the constant demand for more courage and risk than you imagined? The truth is that the desire to make money is not a strong enough reason for most entrepreneurs to survive. Successful entrepreneurs have a reason that is deeper and stronger than getting rich. Their business success is tied to a dream to make the world a better place in some way. It is a dream that is much bigger than themselves and is related to how others can benefit from their hard work and success.
Why do you want to start a business? It turns out that the answer to this question will most likely determine whether or not you will succeed. Does your business idea help someone other than yourself? Will it help solve a problem that will bring benefit to your community? Will it make the world a better place in some way? You will find that the desire to make the interests of others your priority will help you push through almost any difficulty! Not only that, you will find that many others will become inspired to help you. Your example will not only help your business succeed, but it will become an unstoppable influence to change the culture of your community.
Successful entrepreneurs might not know how they will succeed, but they must know why they are doing it.