My Top 4 for Entrepreneurs
Over the past couple years of my life I have accomplished a lot. I bought two houses, started a company, grew and expanded my farm, finished my Master’s degree, moved up the proverbial corporate ladder, worked on development of two new companies, ran for a public office (and won!), got appointed to the board of a non-profit and at not even thirty years old – I’m just getting started.
People often ask me my advice on how to start a company or what makes an entrepreneur successful. While I don’t have all the answers, here are my top four words of advice for any entrepreneur in any industry.
Make mistakes – People will tell you not to invest in that or that you have to do this. If you don’t follow what you want to do and make your own mistakes, you will never learn. It’s better to say “I tried and it didn’t work,” rather than “I didn’t try at all.” Make your own mistakes.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – diversification is key. Always have a back-up plan, an exit strategy, and something to fall back on. Take risks but be smart.
You are not “self-made”- There is no such thing as a “self-made” millionaire, entrepreneur, etc. There have been people along the way to help you get where you are today. It could be your parents and a $50 loan, a teacher that believed in you or a friend who spent hours on your crazy idea. Whether you’re on the top of the world or climbing the ladder, don’t forget the ones who helped you get there.
You don’t know everything – There will always be someone bigger, stronger and smarter than you in this world. Be humble, ask questions and never stop learning.
The High Heeled Farmer 