Successful entrepreneurs learn to seize opportunities when they arise, avoid the pitfalls that punctuate their career, and encourage employees to get involved in order to achieve their company’s goals. Apparently, some people naturally have these skills, but in reality, most of the methods that lead to success can be learned and developed with time and practice.
However, some entrepreneurs run a one-man business and they also need to have certain habits to enable them to excel in their business. Being independent means working hard, and often also alone. For this reason, you have to put up with great habits that will help you survive daily and keep you in the game for a long time.
Here are ten habits of successful entrepreneurs that are sure to boost your productivity; whether you are working alone or leading a scale-up.
1. Stay informed
As an entrepreneur, you know who your competition is. To stay ahead of the game, it is important to stay on top of what is happening in your industry. Try to set aside an hour a day to stay informed. Have you come across interesting information? Share it with your team or via social media, so you won’t miss any trends or innovations.
2. Disconnect when necessary
Digital follows us everywhere, whether via laptop or smartphone. Taking a break from time to time works wonders for your productivity and overall well-being. So sometimes go play sports or sleep without your phone. Give yourself the rest you need.
3. Take the problems head-on
Entrepreneurship is daring and tasking. It is a jump that involves a lot of risks. And once in a while, a problem may surface. Rather than bypassing it, break it up into parts and fix it step by step. Are you still failing? Then try another approach or look for an experienced partner who will offer you a “mirror”. But whatever you do, don’t give up.
4. Surround yourself with positive people
People who complain or have a negative state of mind are everywhere, and it’s easy to get caught up in a downward spiral by these people. So try to surround yourself as much as possible with positive, ambitious, and inspiring people.
5. Organize your work
Making lists and setting daily goals will help you stay focused on a daily basis. When you run a business, there is often so much tension to deal with that you lose sight of the big picture. Use US President Eisenhower’s method to quickly distinguish the trivial from the essential. This will keep you focused on the right goals.
6. Preserve your work-life balance
As a self-employed person, the line between work and private life is very thin. Your passion becomes your job and often demands your space and time. Keep your limits in mind and give yourself time to recharge your batteries. Also, set aside enough time for your family, friends and for your hobbies and sports activities. This free time and these distractions are extremely refreshing and absolutely essential.
The work continues to pile up and you run up against your own limits? Maybe it’s time to hire a collaborator. Are you facing a temporary spike in activity? There are solutions. Are these busy periods taking too long? Then consider recruiting a first employee.
7. Set yourself three priorities per day
Running a business can be very tasking because the job is never really done. If your schedule is overflowing, choose three tasks each day that you absolutely must and want to complete. These will be your priorities for the day . Once these tasks are completed, you will feel like you have achieved a victory and you can approach the rest of your daily tasks positively.
8. Move regularly and get up from time to time
During the working day, you are often seated: in your office chair, at the table, or in the car when you go to meetings. Sitting for more than six hours a day is bad for your health and productivity. So try to stand or walk regularly. Avoid sitting still when you call; park your car a little further away, and take a breath of fresh air during the lunch break. These are little habits that will improve your daily life.
9. Talk and think like your customer
To fully understand and serve your customers, you need to speak to them regularly. It helps you think from their point of view. So start a dialogue with a customer every day and also regularly review customer reviews.
10. Test a productivity tool
Every day sees the launch of digital tools that make your life as an entrepreneur easier. Regularly test one and profit from it!
There are only 24 hours in a day, and that goes for everyone. Make the most of your available time by adopting efficient habits and a smart way of working.