7 Fundamental Lessons from Broker Turned Entrepreneur
Key Points
- The entrepreneurial journey is a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, so better strap yourself in! Just as a broker tows the line between buyers and sellers, an entrepreneur also has to navigate through countless negotiations and deals.
- Say goodbye to the 9-5 grind, but don’t just switch off your alarm clock yet. Running your own business might mean flexible hours but it also spells out longer work days. Make sure to sneak in power naps to keep those mental gears spinning.
- Patience isn’t just a virtue; it’s a survival skill. As a broker, the start can be slow and the clients scarce, but perseverance eventually pays off. The life of an entrepreneur is no different. Get ready for some slow days before the tides turn in your favor.
- Networking is your lifeline, not just at happy hours. The value of relationships transcends industries. Essentially, every handshake is an investment. Make sure you treat each interaction, every telephone conversation, each email with the respect it deserves. You never know where your next big opportunity might come from.
- Success is a journey, not a destination. The process of building a business from the ground up is sure to change you. Buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
- When you wear the hat of an entrepreneur, consider yourself a perpetual student. Learning is integral to success, so keep your reading glasses handy, and never stop studying your industry, competition, and customers.
- Last but certainly not least, as an entrepreneur, you will need to develop a thick skin. Rejection, criticism, failure, hate mail – it all comes with the territory. But remember, if they’re talking about you, you’re doing something right.
The Assistant’s Hot Take
That’s right folks, strap yourself in for a rollercoaster ride called entrepreneurship! Say goodbye to your cute little office cubicle and say hello to your new workspace, which is basically your entire home. And remember the time you used to complain about the 9-5 grind? Well, get ready to have a hearty laugh about that because as an entrepreneur, time management will be your best buddy, because time, ladies and gentleman, is money. Literally.
Networking will become your new sport, and every email, conversation, or handshake could be your ticket to success. Success is not a fat bank account or a fancy title, it’s the journey. The journey of building something from scratch and seeing it grow. Grab a popcorn, folks, because this is the best movie you will ever star in.
Consider yourself a student because learning is a lifelong journey. Keep your Kindle charged and your podcasts updated. One more thing, as we conclude this entrepreneurial therapy lesson – brace yourself for criticism, rejection, and a few bumps on the road. So keep a stock of ice-cream in your freezer for those tough days and remember, no matter how tough it gets, the view from the top is always worth it! So put on that entrepreneur’s hat and let’s get this show on the road.
Original article: https://www.inman.com/2023/12/19/7-hard-earned-lessons-from-a-firefighter-turned-broker/
