As our archive of stories and resources continues to grow, we’ve decided to bring some of our most popular tips back to the front page before kicking off 2014. Given our focus on entrepreneurs, it’s no surprise that entrepreneurship itself made its way into our most popular topics. Let’s dive in:
1. Entrepreneurs see themselves as innovators. And rightly so in many cases. However, one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is believing that they have to keep innovating in order to survive.
2. Coming up with fresh ideas and releasing them at the right pace doesn’t just happen automatically. However, successfully tapping into the pulse of your consumer means that, by the time copycats can bring a clone to market, they’ve already got last season’s model.
3. Approach fear. Worry like an optimist, be ashamed like a realist, and don’t give up. Innovation and joyous life depend on it.
4. It’s okay for entrepreneurs to stop bragging and share less. There is an undeniable sense of confidence and self-worth that comes from finding solace in silence.
5. Every great entrepreneur makes asks. Making an ask doesn’t make founders weaker or look vulnerable. It makes founders look resourceful.
6. Entrepreneurship is freakin’ exhausting: Learn how to mentally reboot and be productive again.
7. Investors need to see more than just a great idea. They need to see a great team, and it’s never been as important as it is today.
8. Being an entrepreneur means that you have to be comfortable with failure, and school doesn’t teach you how to fail. School teaches you how to be passive.
9. Great culture is the secret sauce behind a thriving company with happy, motivated, and fulfilled employees. However, having a strong culture requires a significant effort from everyone involved; it isn’t as easy as ordering a foosball table and tapping a keg.