According to Dictionary.com, an entrepreneur is “a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.” (Dictionary.com). However, this individual, or group of individuals, who creatively embark upon this entrepreneurial journey will potentially receive great benefits if goals are successfully reached.
Entrepreneurs are expected to be creative and inventive, with a passion to travel this road to success while assuming the associated risk. If, however, being creative and inventive are not among your strong points, here are some things to consider that might help.
Think Outside The Box: Too many people are “limited thinkers.” They have their world placed squarely in a box and nothing can exist outside of that. If the newspaper reports something, then it must be right. If those who make up that trustworthy group known as “THEY” says that something is impossible, then “THEY” must be right. As a small business owner, you cannot afford to be a “limited thinker.” Get into the habit of seeing no boundaries; decide that there are no taboos. Have the belief that with a bit of focus you can find a creative solution to all your problems. This is the foundation for a creative thought process.
Focus On The Potential that Lies Ahead: Creative ideas invariably come when you “look” into the future. The feeling of propelling yourself forward and seeing the problem solved is a great motivator. Do you think you could achieve the same result if you were backward focused? I don’t think so! Train yourself to be future-focused, always looking ahead, not a traditional thinker who tries to find answers in today’s world.
Write Down Your Thoughts: Once you open your mind to the joys of creativity the ideas will quickly start flowing, as if someone has opened the floodgates! Just like flood water, unless you catch it, the ideas are lost forever. Capture all your ideas by carrying a small pocket notebook with you. As soon as an idea pops into your mind, write it down. It doesn’t matter how outlandish it is, you can look at it in the cold light of day later. The fact you are responding to the ideas by noting them will further encourage you to be even more creative – good deeds encourage more good deeds!
Unclutter Your Life: If you are naturally an untidy person, then get out of the habit! A cluttered office will lead to a cluttered mind. You cannot expect your brain to work efficiently when all it’s doing is constantly reminding you how untidy your office is. To be creative remove all the clutter from your life and free your mind.
Take Specific Action: All of these points are great, but if you don’t take any action with your ideas, then you may as well not have bothered. An idea is nothing but a thought unless you take a specific action to help bring it to life. Periodically review your notebook and see if there are any hidden gems, or ideas which can be quickly actioned. A lot of your ideas may not suit at all but in there somewhere is probably an idea, which if acted upon, could change you or your business. Commit fully to move forward on as many of your ideas as you can.
Consider the following questions asked by John C. Maxwell: “Are you an initiator? Are you constantly on the lookout for opportunity, or do you wait for it to come to you? Are you willing to take steps based on your best instincts? Or do you endlessly analyze everything? Former Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca said, ‘Even the right decision is the wrong decision if it is made too late.’”
Maxwell goes on to say:
To improve your initiative, do the following: Change your mind-set. If you lack initiative, recognize that the problem comes from the inside, not from others. Determine why you hesitate to take action. Does risk scare you? Are you discouraged by past failures? Do you not see the potential that opportunity offers? Find the source of your hesitation, and address it. You won’t be able to move forward on the outside until you can move forward on the inside.
(John C. Maxwell, The Maxwell Daily Reader: 365 Days of Insight to Develop the Leader Within You and Influence Those Around You [Nashville, TN: HarperCollins Leadership, 2011]).
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not presented by a professional/legal entity and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional or legal advice. Always seek the advice of a legal professional with any questions or help you need regarding any of the topics provided. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
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specializing in Ministry to Ministry and Business to Business consulting services.
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