Dealing With EmailWe always read about things you SHOULD do to succeed as an entrepreneur, right? What about the things you SHOULD NOT be doing?

I am constantly watching and listening to successful entrepreneurs for clues about what they do in business.  For those of you who know me, you know that I am an avid fan of the TV shows Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank. I also watch Undercover Boss and take some great tips away from there, too. I’ve learned how important it is to know your numbers. I’ve learned to stay focused on people first – and the profits will come.

I am also a voracious reader of biographies! I love to learn about people’s stories and read about their journey to success. Everyone has a story. There is so much to learn from other people’s stories when we pay attention and when we apply the lessons.

There are also some things that we should NOT be doing as entrepreneurs if we want to succeed in business. These clues are all around us too but, based on my observations, not always picked up by people. Here are a few things I’ve learned in this regard.

  1. AVOID SHARING YOUR DREAMS AND GOALS

Not everyone wants to see you succeed. Some people in your circle (and that includes family) don’t want to see you succeed – they don’t want to see you change in any way. They want you to stay just as you are because that is in THEIR comfort zone.

Tip: Your dreams and goals should only be shared with people who know, love and support you and truly want you to succeed.

  1. AVOID NEGATIVITY IN EVERY FORM

One of the habits I’ve developed is to avoid watching the news before going to bed. It’s all negative anyway and I don’t want to have that information floating around in my head while I sleep. I also avoid negative people – and they are everywhere. I figure they should go and form their own club. It takes a lot of energy to reach your goals and your dreams. Negativity, in any form, will suck the life out of you. You must avoid that at all costs – and that includes your own negative self-talk.

Tip: Your mind can only focus on one thing at a time – ensure that your thoughts (and your surroundings) are positive and up-lifting! You have the power so take control over this and watch the difference that it makes.

  1. AVOID PROCRASTINATION

This is such a bad habit that many entrepreneurs have. Putting things off for another day won’t get you anywhere. As Brian Tracey says, ‘eat the big frogs first’ – in other words, start your day by dealing with the biggest and toughest item on your list. Get it done. Move on. Procrastination will kill you and your business! Typically, people procrastinate because of a lack of information, that’s all – and we build things up in our minds to be much larger than they are in reality. This is one thing to get a handle on and watch the difference it makes in your business.

Tip: Make a list of things you are procrastinating about – take a good look at each item. What is the ‘why’ behind your putting it off? Get the information you need to simply get this item handled and off the list. This will change everything for you once you make this a daily habit!

There are always many things to DO to succeed as an entrepreneur, that’s for certain. I fully believe in reviewing the list of things you are doing on a regular basis and make some changes as you identify things you should STOP doing.

Watch the difference this makes in your business!

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WILL CHANGE THIS WEEK?

Please share your thoughts!

Author: Pat Mussieux

Pat has built the new business she's dreamed of, without compromise. She has been nominated, for the past 4 years, for the Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award and have won 4 STEVIE Awards for Women in Business. Pat has also hosted her own local radio show for 4 years and now hosts a live talk show on local TV interviewing successful women entrepreneurs and sharing their stories. She has written 3 books – the latest of which is ‘Stop Compromising and Make All the Money You Want! A Do-It-Yourself Guide for Starting Up and Starting Over.’

4 Comments

  1. I have been very bad for continuing to do admin work when I have an assistant who is completely capable of doing it. Sometimes it is easy to “just do it” and get it done.
    This week every time I started an admin project, I have slapped my hand, and passed the job on to her. Because of this I have cleared a lot of backlog I had built up and next week should be able to start doing more of the work that actually makes money.

    • Nancy…..time to let go of that nasty habit. ‘Let it go, let it go….” – let your assistant do the work she is hired and capable to do. You should be able to delegate 80% of your ‘list’ each week …..and it does get easier. Keep up the good work!

      Pat

  2. Brilliant post Pat. I especially resonate with your comment about avoiding negativity. A good friend of mine calls negative people the “nattering nabobs of negativity” and yes she avoids them like the dickens.

    The one thing that I will change this week: I will plan next week on Saturday to schedule my tasks for the week. And following your point to avoid procrastination, I will do it Saturday morning. Thanks for a meaningful post that I could implement immediately.

    Blessings!

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