Be True to Yourself...

I read a quote in an article about action sport agent Steve Astephen that struck a chord with me, and I think that it will with you as well...

"Be true to yourself, sleep really well at night and surround yourself with smarter people."

Most people will assume that their problems are caused by someone else, a result of a bad economy or any other number of things. After having read this, I looked back on the failures and successes I have been a part of in my life and realize that this nugget of truth stands out. But some may wonder how this is helpful with their small business? Here are my thoughts on how:

Sleep Well at Night--Whether you require 2 or 10 hours of sleep, be sure that you are clear headed and ready for the next challenge. While this clearly requires more than just sleep, if you are distracted by the things that keep all small business people "up at night", you will miss that one opportunity that could turn your ideas into reality.

Surround Yourself With Smarter People--As entrepreneurs, we can easily get caught up in the world of we are the very best at what we do and that is why we are successful...and that is true. Don't forget that. But when it comes to making your genius a fully functional and successful business, know when to find the right people to move it forward with you. The guys at Google would definitely agree with this thought. Bring in people that can help you create a solid business foundation and that can provide the business stability needed for you to continue to be an entrepreneur. Your entrepreneurial leadership will be the growth engine for your business, but you need to have the others around to help you steer it in the right direction.

Be True To Yourself--You know you best. What is important, your strengths/weaknesses and what makes your small business click. The success that you have had initially is because of you, so don't let Corporate America change that. Many future investors are looking at what makes your company worth the investment. Keep doing what has gotten you where you are and they will see your passion and dedication to your product/service...you being you will get you through.